A light rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of students and
parishioners at Church of the Nativity in Burke as they broke
ground Sept. 13 for their new parish activities center.
The memory of their late pastor, Father Richard B. Martin,
was never far from their thoughts as they welcomed back their
founding pastor, Father Frank J. Ready, for the ceremony.
Father Martin died suddenly in early May of complications
from diabetes.
Father Wilson I. Korpi, parochial vicar, and Father Cedric
Wilson, a visiting priest from St. Agnes Church, also took
part in the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Father Martin’s hope was to break ground on this project
before he retired,” said Father Robert C. Cilinski,
Nativity’s pastor. “We are filled with joy and gratitude
toward God in guiding us to this day.”
Father Cilinski called the day “a new beginning” for the
parish and recalled the many twists and turns that the
project encountered during the planning stages. “Sometimes
there are labor pains and morning sickness before a birth,”
he said.
Father Cilinski said that perhaps the Earthen Vessels, the
priests’ basketball team that he founded, will christen the
new gym when it’s completed. The new building also will house
a science lab and art room.
“Let Christ be the keystone of our new structure,” he said.
“This is a milestone in the life of our parish,” said Ron
Riggins, chairman of the parish finance council. “All of the
dreams and plans become reality today.
“We pray for the intercession of our former beloved pastor,
Father Martin,” he said.
In his homily, Father Ready recalled the founding of the
parish in 1973 and how it has grown into the second largest
parish in the diocese.
“We welcome the Holy Spirit at all times in any work that we
do,” said Father Ready, who is vicar general emeritus of the
diocese. “It gives us stability.
“You are a very beautiful people and have always been,” he
said. “You are a blessed people who never forget those in
need.
“We are here for the love of God and you will be here for
many generations to come,” he said.
The students at Nativity School decorated bricks to symbolize
the building of the center and families were invited to bring
soil from their yards to place on the site as construction
begins.
