Sept 22 2019 English

Dear Sisters and Brothers at St. Jude’s,

It took a long time. Many parishioners expressed the urgent need for renovation of the sanctuary, and finally it is almost complete. We were able to acquire the altar and ambo from the Belford Chapel in England through the generosity of a family in the parish. This was over $11,000 plus refurbishing. These are carved oak pieces.

The altar has three bas-reliefs in front: the birth of Jesus, Jesus the Good Shepherd, and Jesus being taken down form the cross. The ambo bas-relief is about Jesus restoring sight to a blind person, which conveys the message that the word of God opens the eyes of the soul.  The altar and ambo are the most significant items in the church, because the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian living.
The tabernacle was moved from the side altar to the center. A matching new altar of reservation was created. The Code of Canon Law prescribes that the tabernacle “should be placed in a part of the Church that is prominent, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer” (938). It is normal for an average parish church to have the tabernacle at the center of the building, which for us is the center of the sanctuary, unless the church setting is huge with various functions and numerous visitors such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York,
    
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy reminds us that the Holy Eucharist is “a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us” (#46). It shows why the celebration of the Eucharist is the most important thing we do. It is most fitting that the tabernacle of the Blessed Sacrament is at the most prominent and conspicuous location. Being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is being in the divine presence of our Lord and Savior.
   
The main cross was cleaned and refinished, including the body of Jesus.
    
The newly created baptistery will be placed on a platform which formerly held the altar of reservation for the tabernacle. From now on the celebration of baptism will be a lot easier. In the past it was behind the organ and very restrictive for people to gather.
    
For better collaboration, the organ also needed to be relocated. Now the organist, the choir, and the people can see and communicate with each other much more easily. The ‘organ transplant’ is good for everyone. The huge organ speakers, which used to be located behind the sanctuary wall, also were moved to the rear of the church, which will afford better sound throughout the church.
    
The entire ceiling needed to be painted. The central highest parts had the old dark color while side ceilings were covered with glossy paint, which was an eyesore indeed. Finally, the whole ceiling is consistent and bright. By the way, this was a project which was not originally planned but necessary.
    
I am grateful to all those who have contributed toward the renovation project. In particular, I would like you to remember in your prayers a couple of families who made substantial donations which made everything possible.
    
St. Augustine famously referred to God as “Beauty”: “Oh Beauty, ever ancient, ever new!” Hopefully the beautification of the church may help us to get closer to our God, ever loving and ever merciful!
 
Fr. Paul D. Lee