OCEAN CITY – Remarking that “God’s people are strengthened by what takes place here, [where] the effects of the Paschal Mystery and Resurrection are made present and available for us,” Bishop Dennis Sullivan consecrated the new altar during Mass at Saint Augustine Church, Saint Damien Parish.
His visit June 26 also included the blessing of a new church ambo, presidential chair, deacon’s chair, credence table, pews, church doors, baptismal font, organ and piano. The renovations were made possible through the Diocese’s Catholic Strong campaign, donor funds and the sale of parish property.
PHOTO GALLERY: Saint Damien Altar Consecration
“Our faith is fed … by the beauty that surrounds us in this renovated house of the Lord,” Bishop Sullivan said, urging the faithful to follow Jesus and “give honor, glory, praise and thanksgiving each time we gather here.”
For the anointing, the Bishop poured Holy Chrism upon the table five times, one for each of the wounds Christ suffered on the Cross. He then spread the oil across the surface with his hands.
Father Thomas Newton, pastor, said he was grateful for the parish community, which has “worked hard to renovate this church in the last six to eight months and [for those] who have supported us.” He said his heart was “filled with gratitude and an abundance of joy in what God has done for us.”
Katie Comerford-Rivera, Office of Development director for the Diocese of Camden, said she was pleased to see funds raised through Catholic Strong benefit the parish. Catholic Strong is the diocesan fundraising campaign with a mission to build up parishes and ministries through programs of evangelization. Seventy percent of monies raised is allocated for parish needs, with 30 percent funding the Diocese’s coordination and support of various ministries.
“We always said Catholic Strong was meant to be a campaign for the parishes, and we are so grateful for the generosity of the Ocean City faithful,” she said.
In addition to the blessings bestowed by Bishop Sullivan, Father Newton had one of his own: to thank the Bishop’s outgoing priest-secretary, Father Jason Rocks, on his new assignment as pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill. Father Rocks will continue in his role as chancellor and adjutant judicial vicar for the Tribunal.
Father Rocks, he said, has been a “tremendous source of encouragement and support” for priests around the Diocese. “We wish Father good luck.”
Video from staff photographer Dave Hernandez contributed to this report.
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