October 18, 2009
Bishop Zubik Dedicates New Parish Home
O'Hara, PA - Bishop David Zubik honored and blessed the church and congregation of the new St. Joseph Parish in O'Hara Township during their inaugural dedication Mass on October 18.
The commissioning service included a pre-mass march around the building's exterior, a candle-lighting ceremony in the sanctuary, and followed with guided tours of the building.
President of Nello Construction Company, George Leasure, as well as the architect, Charles Brown, of Brenenborg Brown Group, presented Bishop Zubik and parish officials with keys to the new facility.
After three years of fundraising and 16 months of construction, parish members were able to worship in the new space, which uniquely ties into the former church and school. "Expanding while keeping a theme of traditional Catholic touches was a desire of the parishioners," voiced Mary Ann Heneroty, President of the St. Joseph Parish Pastoral Council.
As a result, the new space features stained-glass windows and wooden entrance doors that were recycled from the former St. Peter Church in McKeesport.
In addition, the crucifix suspended over the nave and a baptismal font were found in a diocesan warehouse. Stations of the Cross, sculptures showing scenes from the crucifixion of Christ, are from the old St. Joseph Church.
"When people enter the property and feel a sense of home, that's what we're going for," said Reverend Thomas Miller, pastor for six years at the O'Hara church.
Along with a new sanctuary and fellowship hall, increased space for ministry studies, CCD, preschool, and community outreach programs were applauded during the service.
Following the service and guided tours, roughly 1,300 parishioners gathered for food and fellowship. Children broke in a new outdoor playground, paid for with a 10,000 grant from the St. Margaret Foundation.
The celebration concluded with a prayer dedication outside at a stone Grotto. Designed with a sitting area that brings prominence to a statue of the Virgin Mary, the Grotto also displays intricately placed boulders, flowers, trees, and a Koi pond.
"This is so much more than I ever thought," Reverend Miller said. "This is for anyone in the community. They can come day and night, sit, have lunch. It's absolutely beautiful."