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A blessing and a visit to St. Paul’s

Story and photo by LIZ QUIRIN
Messenger editor

Bishop Edward K. Braxton took the opportunity to bless the new St. Paul’s Church in Vienna on his parish pastoral visit to the parishes of St. Paul’s and St. Francis de Sales in Stonefort.

Parishioners and friends gathered for a 2 p.m. liturgy Nov. 7 with Bishop Braxton and two former pastors, Father Dan Friedman and Father Jerry Wirth.

The new church was built, trustee, Steve Widwoski, said because the parish had been using the same building for liturgies and parish gatherings.

Consequently, the space was reconfigured for whatever was required. Now, with donations, pledges and donated materials and labor, the new church is “paid for,” Widowski said.

The church has pews from the Meredith Home chapel and is using the altar that was used in the former church space. That is why, Bishop Braxton said, the new church is being blessed and not dedicated. The altar was already dedicated, and that can be done only once.

The church cost, including donations, amounted to about $260,000, pastor, Father Tom Barrett said.
The parish has about 75 families who will worship and nourish their faith in this new space with the other building being used for gatherings.