As a large white dove appeared to hover high above the intricate mosaics of the new baptismal font in the equally new narthex entry of Annandale’s Holy Spirit Church, Massgoers craning their necks to see upward into its airy cupola could be forgiven for doing a double-take. The artistry of Italian woodcarvers sustains a rather realistic optical illusion, as the graceful bird — the symbolic embodiment of the parish name — floats against a ceiling sky painted as bright a blue as the one outside.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge joined a full congregation at Holy Spirit to celebrate a June 18 Mass for the completion of renovations that began in 2021. The spacious narthex provides an area to perform baptisms — and to gather before and after Mass, safe from intemperate weather.
A new parish hall adjoins the narthex, as well as extra meeting rooms. The sanctuary features fresh light fixtures and marble flooring, and a mosaic image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus adorns the front of the new Altar of Sacrifice.
“I think it is so providential that, with this Gospel, we are also blessing the new baptismal font,” said Bishop Burbidge in his homily, referring to Jesus’ sending of his disciples (Mt 9:36-10:8). “Because dear friends, every time we bless ourselves from the water of that font, we are all reminded of our baptismal call. To be disciples of the Lord; to bring his healing love, and the truth and joy of his Gospel to all those who need it.”
Bishop Burbidge asked the congregation to consider the difficulty of living this baptismal call with zeal and confidence. He suggested two spiritual obstacles: feeling unworthy and unqualified. “The Lord says, ‘You are worthy because of my grace, and you are qualified because of my spirit living and dwelling within you.’ ”
Concluding his homily, Bishop Burbidge said, “The blessing of the narthex today is another reminder of how we can bring Christ to others. Invite others to return back to church. Assure them that those doors are always open,” he said. “And that as they walk through them into this sacred place, they will encounter a God who embraces them in loving mercy.”
After Mass, Bishop Burbidge, the concelebrants and the congregation processed to the narthex for the blessing of the baptismal font.
“Let us pray to the Lord that all who enter this church and receive new life in the font of baptism may hear the word of God and celebrate the sacraments with renewed fervor,” said Bishop Burbidge, who then sprinkled holy water on the font and the crowd.
He thanked the parishioners for “making this church such a beautiful and glorious place, with this wonderful narthex; this incredibly glorious font; the new hall — which just adds to the beauty and sacredness,” said Bishop Burbidge. “So really a great day for your parish; a great day for the diocese.”
Asked if the renovation of Holy Spirit can be seen as part of a trend of diocesan renewal, Bishop Burbidge said, “That’s what you pray. That when a building is renewed, that is a sign — an outward, external sign — of the inner renewal taking place with all of us, and thus within the church itself. That’s always the hope and prayer — that such a beautiful day like today leads to that renewal.”
Holy Spirit’s pastor, Father John O’Donohue, echoed Bishop Burbidge’s appraisal of the new narthex. “It gives a sense of welcomeness. It helps our community to be able to come together with the Lord, but also be able to come together as a parish.”
A reception followed in the new parish hall.
“We have been so excited for this new narthex,” said Alicia Steger, whose family has been parishioners for 25 years. “It’s a good way to bring unity to the parish. We have a very active, large parish, and so having more meeting space and more places for the ministries to gather; more room after Mass for people to get to know each other, and just bring the community together — it’s a tremendous blessing.”
Michael Locke, a parishioner since 1990, said his family grew up in the parish; all four of his children attended Holy Spirit School, where his wife also taught. “I only wish we had this back then,” he said, explaining that parishioners traditionally gather to chat after Mass. “What was always great about this parish is how open and welcoming it is,” Locke said. “This just makes it that much more; it adds to that.”
Heatherington is a freelancer in Alexandria.
