| 5/25/2010 2:52:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Archbishop Donald Wuerl celebrates Mass on Pentecost Sunday at St. Joseph Church in Morganza. During the Mass, the archbishop blessed the church's new altar. At right, concelebrating with the archbishop is Father Keith Woods, pastor of the parish. Assisting at the Mass (in the back row) are Deacons James Somerville (left) and his brother, Deacon John Somerville. |
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Archbishop blesses new altar at St. Joseph Church in Morganza
LYNNEA PRUZINSKY MUMOLA
Special to the Standard
In blessing blessing a brand new altar, the archbishop of Washington reminded parishioners at St. Joseph Parish in Morganza of the power of Jesus' sacrifice.
"That Eucharist is what transforms us," Archbishop Donald Wuerl said. "It makes us one with Christ in His death and resurrection."
Archbishop Wuerl dedicated the marble altar during a liturgy offered on Pentecost Sunday. He told parishioners they were anointed by the same spirit as the Apostles in order to help them face the challenges of living in this world. "You have the power to change the world," Archbishop Wuerl said, "to transform this place into a place of peace, justice and compassion."
The Mass culminated a period of restoration inside the red brick church overlooking from the highest hill in St. Mary's County lush farmlands. Parishioners, some of whom could date their ancestors back to the first settlers, also commemorated the 150th anniversary of the church building.
"This sacred space," the archbishop said, has seen "150 years of celebration." Celebration which included two essential elements, the proclamation of God's Word and the outpouring of God's grace through the sacraments, the prelate added.
Through hearing God's word and receiving the sacraments the faithful come to realize they are part of God's family, the archbishop said."May the church building always be a place where the faithful come together to celebrate, to pray, to gather to hear God's word - to share in the mystery of the redemption," Archbishop Wuerl said.
Later Archbishop Wuerl placed into the altar a metal container with the relics of St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Lawrence, St. Peter Claver and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, who is often referred to as St. Thrse of Lisieux or The "Little Flower."
The table was sealed and the archbishop completed the rites of anointing, incensing, covering and lighting the altar. These visual signs serve as reminders of God's work accomplished during the celebration of Mass.
By anointing the altar with chrism, the altar becomes a symbol of Christ whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit. The incense represents Christ's sacrifice as it rises to God as well as the lifting of the people's prayers. The altar is covered with linen to represent a banquet for all of God's people to joyously gather together. And the lighting of the altar reminds the faithful of Jesus' light to all.
For many at St. Joseph Church, the new altar ensures the continuation of faith for the next century. "Just as they are restoring the inside of the building, parishioners are welcoming newcomers," said Father Keith Woods, pastor of the parish and native of Southern Maryland.
In June, Father Woods will celebrate six years leading the parish - ministering to his own neighbors, many of whom he knew while growing up in nearby Hollywood.
"It's a beautiful building that's solid and rooted," Father Woods said, "and so are the people. They are good people who are solid and rooted in their faith."
Parishioner Rosie Myers said the church's restoration helped preserve the community of faith for future generations. In addition to being married at St. Joseph Church, her husband completed RCIA and was received into the Catholic faith during last month's Easter Vigil. "It's been a wonderful time frame for us," Myers said adding that the church "is a beautiful place to gather."
Teresa and Charles Wood have been coming to St. Joseph Church for half of their more than 40 years of married life. The couple said they have seen many changes in the county and at the church, but are happy to see new parishioners. "It's the best looking church in the whole county," Charles Wood added.
Lifetime parishioner Thelma Jordan Strickland said St. Joseph Parish has served her family for as long as she could remember. "The altar is solid now," she said. "This is real - this is permanent." Strickland said she looks forward to the future when perhaps her daughter will get married there.
Deacon Joseph Lloyd was married at St. Joseph nearly 10 years ago and grew up in the parish. He recalled his mother taking care of the sanctuary for over 30 years and growing flowers for the decorations. The parish building is an "edifice for the almighty Glory of God," Deacon Lloyd said. The deacon said that the bricks for the church were produced locally and the building purposefully situated on the highest hill in St. Mary's County. "I hope the faith can grow and continue," Deacon Lloyd said.
One of the parish's youngest members, Katrina Walcutt, 9, sings in the church choir and was excited to see the archbishop at her parish. Walcutt said her faith is important to her because she learns about God "plus I want to go to heaven."
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