By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 5/5/05)

Parishioners at St. Ann Parish in Arlington celebrated last Saturday as their new home was blessed. After nearly six years of planning and two years of construction, the old cruciform church has been replaced with a modern church that seats 800.

"Today we come before you to dedicate to your service this house of prayer," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. The bishop described the church building as the home of the parish where the family of God comes to be nourished and strengthened.

"We are gathered here to dedicate this place to His glory … to make this space holy so we can grow in faith, hope and charity," he said. The ceremony included blessing the church walls with holy water and consecrating the altar with oil and incense.

The bishop focused on several key elements of the new church. The baptismal font, located near the entrance, will remind the faithful that they are members of God’s family.

"The altar is the table of sacrifice and the table of the paschal banquet," he said. This is the spot where the sacrifice of Christ will be perpetuated and where the parish family will be nourished by the body and blood of Christ, the bishop said.

The tabernacle was preserved from the original church and remains a proper home for the real presence.

"We perceive the real presence by faith that we accept all the holy Church teaches," Bishop Loverde said. "Faith comes by hearing and preaching the eternal word of God. This happens in this parish home, from the pulpit." These special spots within the church reveal why it is a home, he said.

"This is where you are formed, strengthened and sent forth in His name to evangelize," he said.

The bishop also pointed out the icon of Sts. Joachim and Ann, the church’s patron saint.

"They are models of a grace-filled marriage and family," he said.

At the end of the celebration, the bishop congratulated the parish and especially Father William Schardt, pastor. The bishop recalled meeting with Father Schardt about the renovation project when he first arrived in Arlington, six years ago.

"Thank you for your labor of love," he told Father Schardt, comparing the pastor of a church to a symphony director who pulls the different instruments together to make a beautiful sound. The congregation burst into applause and a standing ovation for their pastor.

"We’re all excited, but this has been Father Schardt’s baby," said Father Charles Merkle, parochial vicar, adding that the pastor has kept the project close to his heart.

Norma Pena has been a parishioner for nearly 30 years and has seen the church go through many changes. While she loved the old church, she is excited that there will now be enough seating in the new pews.

"Everything is beautiful," she said.

Parishioners Alan and Mary Ann Bosch enjoy the better lighting and acoustics, and they think the new church feels warmer.

"It’s a more welcoming setting and ambience," said Alan. "And just wait till we get our stained glass in."

"It has been such a wonderful evening and a joy for all of us," Bishop Loverde said. "Your joy will continue over and over again as you return to this church."