Are Those "Ooohs and Aahs?"

I hope you are favorably impressed with the renovations to Holy Redeemer Church. The feedback I received at last Sunday's Sneak Preview Prayer Service and Reception for those who donated to the Renovation Capital Campaign and parishioners who attended the first Mass in the new church on Tuesday was extremely positive. They like the church's openness and how light and airy it feels.

The church received all the necessary occupancy permits and elevator licenses this week. Just in time for us to freely use the church as the summer season begins. The stained glass window, the paper towel racks, signage, and many other details are in place. We'll spend the summer chasing down other minor details, but things are coming to completion around the church.

Thank you to The Rededication Planning Committee, composed of Howard and Marilyn Whelden, Carolyn Connolly, Janet Holden, as well as Mary and Ron Weishaar, for their diligent work on Sunday's reception. Thank you also to the Holy Redeemer Choir and Music Director Cheryl Durerr.

Their work has only begun! Bishop Da Cunha plans to celebrate the Mass of Rededication of the Church and Blessing of the New Altar on Sunday, July 7, at 2 p.m. So mark your calendars and invite your family to this once-in-a-generation historic event. A reception for all attendees will follow the Rededication Mass.

Early in August and again in September, we will hold Open Houses and invite the wider Chatham community to tour the renovated church. Would you like to be a docent for one of these Open Houses? We're looking for people to explain what has changed in the church, what the furnishings in a Catholic Church are, and how we use them in our worship or for devotions. We are planning an organ concert for August 11, 2024, to showcase our new Allen Organ, and on Sunday, August 25, a Parish Picnic featuring food, games, and some musical entertainment will help wind down the last days of summer. Make plans to participate in all or as many of these events as possible.

There was a little win for the renovations right off on Saturday evening. When I returned to the Rectory after the 4 p.m. Mass, I noticed the church cleaning crew was finishing. I decided to go in to turn off the lights, close the windows, and lock the doors. On the way in, I met one of the women who is part of the cleaning crew who often cleans the Rectory and Church. She is Brazilian. When she saw me, her face lit up, and she remarked about the renovations; she exclaimed how much more light and airy the church seemed. She said "I think I'll start coming here to Mass." Making Holy Redeemer more welcoming is one of the project's purposes. It looks like we are bearing fruit!