By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
VINTON –– The Most Reverend Glen John Provost dedicated the new altar in the sanctuary at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, November 16, during the 4:00 p.m. Anticipated Sunday Mass. As the congregation sang “Gather the People” during the entrance procession, they had much to celebrate as they gathered in their newly restored church.
Concelebrating with Bishop Provost was Reverend Carlos Garcia, Pastor. They were joined by the Very Reverend Joseph Caraway, Master of Ceremonies, and Deacon Jesse Menard.
In remarking on the beauty of the 94-year-old church, Bishop Provost said, “I have always thought this church was among the prettiest in the Diocese of Lake Charles. I am glad to see that the restoration is in keeping with the lovely architecture of the building.”
“The sanctuary is meant to have a permanency to it, and I think that is what this restoration has achieved,” the bishop continued, offering his congratulations to Father Garcia and all the parishioners who helped make it possible.
Features of the church’s restoration include a new main Altar and High Altar, communion rail, new ambo, statues on both sides of the High altar, new flooring, and a new roof.
The project began on April 10, 2023, and was nearly complete by September 21, 2023. Father Garcia said he is still waiting on the stained-glass windows and the front windows to be repaired.
The bishop sprinkled the people with holy water that was also used during the Rite of Dedication of the Altar.
“All the ancient duties of the temple priests, the actions of offering, the slaying of the sacrificial victim, and the renewal of an eternal covenant reach fulfillment in Christ, here on this altar that I will consecrate,” Bishop Provost said moments before the consecration.
“God’s new gift is the eternal making that itself is present here and now on this altar, here in this church of St. Joseph in Vinton,” he continued.
“Every important sacrament of the church is accompanied by an anointing with blessed Chrism, reminding us that this is set aside for one purpose and one purpose alone –– that is to re-present the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ to us,” said the bishop.
Following the solemn Litany of Saints, Bishop Provost poured sacred Chrism in the middle of the altar and on each corner spreading it with his hand as he completely covered the surface.
He then lit a fire on the altar and walked around the altar using incense to serve as reminder that the sacred space is now consecrated and ready for worship.
Father Garcia, who has served as pastor since July 1, 2014, expressed his gratitude at the end of the liturgy.
“I think everybody agrees with me that this was a beautiful, beautiful rite,” he said. “Thank you, His Excellency, for being here with us today to celebrate this special occasion.” Father Garcia also extended his appreciation to Father Joseph Caraway for his role as Master of Ceremonies.
Following the nearly two-hour liturgy and Rite of Dedication, parishioners gathered for a meal in the parish hall.
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