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St. Clare of assisi church in o'fallon dedicated sept. 30

Story and photos by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Father Jim Deiters, pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Church in O’Fallon, ceremoniously opened the doors of the new building at a special Mass of Dedication beginning at 3 p.m. Sept. 30.

Bishop Edward K. Braxton was celebrant and homilist at the liturgy which lasted more than three hours.

Some of the more than 1,100 people who attended the dedication gathered outside the church early and were led into the new building by liturgical dancers.

In a letter to the people, Father Deiters said: “I pray that this building will inspire and welcome those who have no faith community, give comfort to those seeking God’s embrace and nourish the souls of all who cross her threshold.”

As people and clergy processed into the church, the choir sang, “Let us go rejoicing, rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

During the dedication, the bishop blessed the waters of the font (at left) before parishioners  took bowls of the water to all areas of the church and sprinkled those attending.

After the homily, Bishop Braxton anointed the altar with chrism, an oil symbolizing healing and strengthening. Then, Bishop Braxton and Father Deiters anointed the walls of the church in the four directions — north, south, east and west — signifying the building is dedicated to Christian worship.