Local

Mass on grounds of future Corpus Christi Church

Catholic Herald Staff Report

A banner with an artist’s rendering of the future Corpus Christi Catholic Church in South Riding hangs on a fence surrounding the grounds. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_01.jpg

Fr. Michael G. Taylor (left), pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in South Riding, celebrates Mass Nov. 9 on the grounds of the future church. He is assisted by Deacon Peter A. Reyda. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_12.jpg

Corpus Christi parishioners gather for an outdoor Mass Nov. 9 in South Riding. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_13.jpg

Fr. Michael G. Taylor points out the future locations of buildings on the site during his homily. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_22.jpg

Nearly 300 Corpus Christi parishioners attend an outdoor Mass at the site of a new church. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_23.jpg

Claudio Spencer (left) and Jonathan Redman bring the gifts to Fr. Taylor. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_28.jpg

Parishioners offer each other the sign of peace during Mass. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_34.jpg

Fr. Taylor distributes communion. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_38.jpg

After Mass, parishioners break off souvenir pieces of a large rock that was incorporated into the makeshift outdoor altar. During his homily, Fr. Taylor made referencees to St. Peter asthe rock upon which the church was built. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

CROP_LR_04a_-__20191109_Corpus_Christi_Outdoor_Mass_HJP_43.jpg

Father Michael G. Taylor, pastor, celebrated an outdoor Mass Nov.
9 at the recently cleared site of the new Corpus Christi Catholic Church in
South Riding.  The Mass was celebrated on
the future spot of the church’s altar. One of the many large rocks that had
been dug up during the clearing was used as a place marker and centerpiece for
the makeshift altar.

Nearly 300 parishioners braved cold, windy conditions for Mass.

The area of the altar had been raised in a stepped fashion to
emulate the final raised position of the sanctuary. The area of the nave was
also hard packed and flattened with stakes laid out to mark the boundaries of
the actual walls of the future 1,200-seat church. Placards were also placed on
the grounds indicating the locations of where the rectory, parish hall, school
and gym will be located.

Buy photos at catholicherald.smugmug.com.

 

Related Articles