Church’s ‘visible sign of the mystery of Christ’ blessed at Mass

EAST BRUNSWICK — Calling it “an important and unique blessing in the Church,” Bishop James F. Checchio presided and gave the homily at Mass at St. Bartholomew Church, during which its new altar of sacrifice was consecrated.

Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor, and Father James E. De Fillipps, parochial vicar, concelebrated the May 1 liturgy, marking the culmination of the parish’s $2.2 million capital campaign to mark its 60th anniversary.

Father Walsh said the genesis of the ambitious project began in October 2017 during a parish pilgrimage to California missions founded by St. Junipero Serra in the 18th century.

“We were struck both by their beauty and the overwhelming sense of the presence of God,” Father Walsh said. “Each of the missions had magnificent altars and shrines. I made a promise that I would create a chapel here in her honor in the alcove of our church.”

The initial designs, drawn by the Evergreene Design Company, Brooklyn, N.Y., included a new marble altar of sacrifice, a new ambo and an altar of repose for the tabernacle. Throughout the major undertaking, Father Walsh said, “Art, beauty and light were essential components of our vision.” Further planned church improvements and renovations were new energy-efficient church lighting, a new porcelain flooring, stained glass windows, a new confessional, and a side chapel and altar dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Plans to improve the parish school include new windows, a kindergarten wing, a computer room, two upper school classrooms and a principal’s office. As of April 28, Father Walsh reported that $1.78 million had been pledged to the campaign from 472 families.

The crème color for the altar of sacrifice’s marble was chosen to match the parish’s existing baptismal font; all furnishings mensa [table] and antependia niches are Bianco Carrara Giola marble. “IHS” is emblazoned on its face, as is the three nails — the Glorious Wounds of the Cross.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio explained the rite of blessing, noting he would use the holy chrism oil blessed at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week.