Back on March 29th of 1981 the very young parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, located near the border between Westmoreland and Allegheny counties and the border between the Greensburg and Pittsburgh Diocese , dedicated its new house of worship. The late Bishop William G. Connare officiated, along with the late Father Richard Mackiewicz, the founding pastor. They were joined by area priests and the family and friends of the new parish for the Mass of Dedication. Thus began an adventure in grace and blessings.
This morning at the 11:00 liturgy we celebrated the anniversary of that dedication event. The celebration was low keyed but celebrated with true gratitude for the sacrifices that were made to build this house of God. We recognized those present who were the pioneers thirty years ago. Some of them had already been pioneers in the founding of Saint Agnes parish. This was their third church, having been a part of the Mother Church of the area, Immaculate Conception. A number of the original choir joined the present choir in their ministry today. We blessed the newly renovated entrance to the church - the threshold of welcome to those who gather. And, after celebrating Eucharist, we went downstairs to Mack Hall for cake and coffee.
I mentioned the passage from Revelation where the temple was described with life giving waters flowing from the four gates of the temple. Those streams of water brought life and grace to all. The life and grace brought about by the proclamation of the Word of God and the Celebration of the liturgies of the Church flow from this temple of God and bring healing and life to those touched by God's love.
In preparing, I found a great expression of Faith in the Preface for the Dedication of a Church which I will share with you tomorrow (I do not have the Sacramentary with me today). For now, though, congratulations to all who are the Church of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and all who are blessed with this "House for the Church" that has served us for thirty years.
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