Christ The Redeemer Parish Blessed - Archdiocese of Regina

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Christ The Redeemer Parish Blessed

July 5, 2009

On Sunday, July 5, the Roman Catholic community of Swift Current celebrated the heartwarming event of the Blessing of Christ the Redeemer parish that truly ‘Opened a New Door.’ As chimes resounded, 700 people gathered at the new worship site. Over 400 gathered in the Worship area with an overflow of 250 in the hall and others participated in the foyer.

The Eucharistic Celebration began at 10 a.m. Ann Stewardson Chair of the Core Committee welcomed Most Rev. Daniel J. Bohan, Archbishop of Regina, Rev. Msgr. Ken Miller, Vicar General, Very Rev. Antony Dizy, Chancellor as well as the priests and seminarians present. The Eucharistic Celebration began with the solemn blessing of the people of God by Archbishop Daniel Bohan and then he proceeded to bless the building itself dedicated with the sprinkling of blessed water.

Archbishop Bohan’s homily reflected on the gospel comparing the events when Jesus returned to His home town of Nazareth to the events occurring in our parish. The people in Nazareth questioned the credentials as a Teacher, since they only knew Him as one who had grown up in the town. It was the attitude of unwillingness leading to disbelief that made it impossible for Jesus to be totally present to them therefore they missed so much of what they could have received had they had faith in Jesus. How remarkably different it was here in Swift Current. Jesus was welcomed in the hometown. It was obvious that the Spirit of God was present in this event and the result is that this parish has accomplished so much and has become united as never before. The assembly enthusiastically participated in the vitality and lively spirit of song led by the choir throughout the celebration of the Eucharist.

Fr. Sathiadas Antony, pastor acknowledged committees that worked diligently in the construction of the new parish church. He said, “It has been a wonderful experience to see miracles take place as we witnessed the faith of our people proclaimed in action.

There were 244 volunteers who generously donated 10,798 hours to the building of this church. Project Manager Ted Wallin spent 1,639 hours in this building as a volunteer. It is because of him that we were able to begin this project 2 years ago. The giving of the many hours of his time and talent to this church has been a priority to him and his family and an incredible witness of Stewardship to everyone.

All of our committees have felt the workload. It was amazing to see the results when people prayed together and collectively shared their gifts while focused on the same goal which was to build our parish home. Many of the volunteers worked on a regular basis. It became an eight to five job. This routine continued to the end. While the volunteers met together they became united as a church family. You have been a witness of how challenges can become successes in record time and space. Also, you have shown what stewardship means and how the gospel can be proclaimed and witnessed. This is a miracle community and all are members of God’s family. This is your home "you own it and you deserve it."

Archbishop Daniel thanked Fr. Antony for his leadership, genuine dedication and inspiration to his people and the building of the church. As the Eucharistic Celebration drew to a conclusion, a touching moment occurred. The vibrancy of the atmosphere heightened and moved Fr. Antony to tears. His people responded with a resounding standing ovation. The Archbishop announced the bequest of $312,000 generously donated by Lawrence and Louise Donahue which greatly blessed the parish.

All were invited to gather in the foyer for the unveiling and blessing of Christ the Redeemer, the Statue that welcomes everyone as they enter this inviting space. Many participated in the tour. A delicious hot lunch was enjoyed while fellowship continued and the story of success and excitement was shared.

The Open House for the public in the afternoon highlighted greetings brought by dignitaries of the City. Mayor Sandra Larson, and two members of the Ministerial Association Rev. Kevin Snyder, Pastor of the East Side Church of God and Kevin Johnston, United Church minister mentioned the importance of building community. Community is about spirit and every community reflects the spirit of the people which was witnessed in this church by the volunteers. God will continue to bless you and our community needs you.

'Catch the Spirit Lottery' is one of the fundraisers initiated by the Promotions Communication and Events Committee. At the closing of the event, the first draw for $1,500 was made by Fr. Antony. Ted Wallin, our project manager’s name was drawn. This truly was a great end to a wonderful day!

Vivian Bosch and Fr. Sathiadas Antony

The church is unique in that it is a recycled General Motors automobile dealership that sits on the Northeast side of the city.

The renovated facility provides a worship space for about 450 people, offices, meeting rooms, and a huge lobby overlooked by a larger than life statue of Christ the Redeemer. More than 700 attended the blessing service and official opening.

Swift Current was once served by two Roman Catholic Churches, St. Michael’s which was closed August 25, 2001 and up until the opening of Christ the Redeemer, Sacred Heart Church. The new parish now boasts a population of 918 registered families in a city with a population of 16,000.

The purchase and renovation of the new church began 18-months ago in December 2007. The total cost came to $1.9 million and with ongoing fundraising, pledges received and the sale of the old church properties, it is pretty well paid for.

There are several continuing fundraising efforts but the major ones are an adopt-a-chair campaign and a raffle for a new car. The new car will be drawn for in February with special draws on the first Sunday of each month until February, but the adopt-a-chair campaign is ongoing. “We’ll put their names on the wall each year. That is ongoing and new every year on to the future,” said Bert Leagault who looks after some of the fundraising. Another unique fundraising activity saw every parishioner receive a Husky Mohawk credit card and every time it is used to purchase fuel, the parish receives two per cent of the purchase price.

Larry Jensen is a member of the Core Committee that oversaw the entire project. “Our parish can take a sense of pride in taking on the challenge of buying an existing building that was a garage and turning it into a worship area that came to fruition with a tremendous amount of volunteerism, support and teamwork.”

There is a further benefit Jensen said. The project really brought the parish together. “Our parish is much closer. People banded together to get things done and that has made us a stronger parish.” Jensen said there was some resentment when St. Michael’s closed but starting a new parish with a new name “has started a new chapter in the Catholic community in Swift Current and I think it is a good thing in bringing together our Catholic community.”

Frank Flegel

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