GIBBSBORO — Unveiling the refinished, padded pews; shiny porcelain tiled floor; and state-of-the-art video and sound system, a grateful Msgr. Louis Marucci addressed the packed 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass crowd here at Saint Andrew the Apostle Church on the last day of February. “You have given your best for the Lord,” the pastor said.
Since Dec. 30, 2019, the church had been closed for renovations, and Masses were moved to the parish hall across the parking lot. Two months later, thanks to the contributions of the Saint Andrew’s faithful during the Catholic Strong campaign, the church was open for worship once more, its restoration and new beauty evident to all.
Throughout the Diocese of Camden, parishes are receiving back 70% of the money raised for the diocesan-wide Catholic Strong campaign for their own projects and ministries. Thirty percent of the funds raised will go toward the diocese’s own coordination and support of various ministries.
Saint Andrew Parish has raised more than $1.6 million toward the campaign, thanks to its 1,500 families.
In addition to improvements in the church interior, campaign monies have gone to past projects, including the new Senior Ministry center in the revamped second floor parish hall, and new Saint Andrew statue outside the church. In addition, funds are being set aside for future projects, such as improved lighting inside the church.
“Our parishioners are proud of their church,” Msgr. Marucci said. “They do it all for the love of the Lord.”
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