2009

The Renovation Projects, The Year for Priests

The annual parish Lenten mission was conducted by the Most Reverend Jose Sorra, Bishop Emeritus of Legazpi (Philippines). The annual Lenten Work of Charity Power to Save Lives again benefitted the needs of Ugandans. The parish contributed to the installation of solar panels at the medical clinic.

A large part of the year was taken up with preparation and execution of the renovations at both campuses. At Saint Anthony Campus, it was determined that a full service elevator be added to the church and hall. This work was entrusted to CUH2A Architects, Lawrenceville, NJ and Scozzari Construction, Pennington, NJ Moreover; the church hall was to be enhanced by plaster repairs, painting, and new lighting. This was undertaken by Harry Holt Painting, Trenton as well as a number of volunteers under the watchful eye of Lewis Gryzwicz.

Our Lady of Sorrows Church would undergo an extensive interior renovation along with the replacement of its roof and church air conditioning system. Those engaged for this work were: Caryn Wohn of InterArc, Robbinsville, NJ, and Storcella-Nocera Contracting, Hamilton. The new liturgical furnishings were provided by various firms: Bodnar and Sons Marble and Granite, Trenton, NJ; Hans Martini Woodworking, Hamilton, NJ; Adrian Hamers, Larchmont, NY; DeMetz Studios, Ortisei, Italy; and Serpone Studios, Rome, Italy.

Both projects were executed simultaneously during the summer. This was rather involved since the churches remained open for services throughout the project’s execution. At Our Lady of Sorrows, three additional Masses were added to the weekend schedule. These Masses were celebrated in a provisional chapel in the basement hall. By Christmas Day the work had progressed to the point that the entire church was available for the celebration of Mass. A number of finishing touches would be required before the church would be solemnly dedicated.

In the realm of the spiritual, the parish sought to strengthen the vocation of marriage by sponsoring An Evening for the Married. Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta, Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, Marlton was homilist at a special marriage liturgy which was followed by a buffet dinner in the church hall.

Following upon the recommendations of the Holy See, the parish observed the Year for Priests proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, Patron of all Priests. A monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour was held on the first Thursday of each month (June 2009-July 2010) which was preceded by the opportunity for sacramental confession. In addition, the bulletin carried a weekly prayer for priests, a quote of St. Jean Marie Vianney and a listing of diocesan priests commended to ones prayer.