By Ann Robertson, Sentinel Contributor
Last Sunday, Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport consecrated the newly renovated church of St. Michael the Archangel, Greenwich, located on North Street.
The community gathered together for “The Mass of Dedication and Consecration” where the church building is set aside purposefully for divine worship. This ancient ritual serves as the final step in the building process for any Catholic church. It was the culmination of the “We Stand with Christ Rebuilding Together Project” which began five years ago, encompassing the renovation of St Michael Church and St. Timothy Chapel, in Banksville, New York.
Msgr. Guinan, Pastor of St. Michael Parish for nearly three decades, had one strong mandate for the original church structure built in the 1970s, “It should have simplicity and dignity.” The church was meant to be a humble building for the community, rather than a showpiece.
“The architectural modesty of the posts and beams, the rugged elegance of the stone altar and sanctuary and vistas to the Parish Garden and outdoors that are the primary architectural features ensure that the worship, faith and community that are what this church is all about take center stage,” said Ryan Salvatore, architect, in his opening comments at the Mass.
Salvatore, along with fellow architect Neil Hauck, did extensive research on the original church in effort to restore the integrity of its design. A new Parish Center, complete with updated meeting rooms and new Parish offices were also added in order to provide additional space for the community to come together.
Sunday’s dedication was a joyful event, filled with song and the inspirational words of the Bishop who challenged the congregation to work, “so that all our brothers and sisters, throughout our Diocese and throughout this broken world may find what we have here.
“No Christian can ever be satisfied with the community in which he or she lives until the day comes when everyone of every race, language, orientation and way of life is together in unity and peace,” continued the Bishop.
“Throughout COVID, our Parish continued to pray together at Masses held every weekend in the parking lot. Through rain, shine, and even snow we came together spiritually, though distanced physically,” said Father Ian Jeremiah, Pastor.
“We made good use of this time to complete the construction of our new church building. You can’t imagine the joy we are experiencing at being able to be under one roof again.”
The Mass was followed by a tented reception on the church grounds, and so the parish community found themselves once again celebrating together outdoors with much joy.
