April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
GLENS FALLS
Construction creates ecumenical partners
For instance, on Ash Wednesday, the two congregations will come together to begin the Lenten season, receive ashes and renew their call to repentance.
"We had a working relationship already from the ecumenical association here, but this is a wonderful opportunity to step out of the box and participate together," said Rev. Joseph Manerowski, pastor of St. Mary's.
He noted: "Since the [Ash Wednesday Scripture] readings are the same, why shouldn't we celebrate together?"
As for the shared space, that came about when St. Mary's began its major renovation project, which is expected to be completed by Holy Week.
In addition to new Stations of the Cross and a permanent baptismal font, the walls are being repainted and the floors, lighting, windows and altar are all being redone.
In the meantime, St. Mary's is using its school hall for Sunday Masses, and the Baptist worship space for Saturday vigil and weekday Masses.
Father Manerowski acknowledged that parishioners are still adjusting, but said both the Catholic and Baptist faithful are enthusiastic to work together.
St. Mary's had initially looked at various halls around town. When Rev. Caspar Greene, pastor of First Baptist, heard about the search, he was happy to help.
"They have been incredibly welcoming and the worship space is working out very well," Father Manerowski reported. "It's smaller than St. Mary's, so that's an adjustment, but that makes the liturgy more intimate. I can look out, see [parishioners'] faces, and look into their eyes while I'm celebrating.
"Plus, they have cushions on their pews now."
In gratitude, St. Mary's parishioners have invited their Baptist hosts to a weekly dinner held after the Saturday vigil Mass.
"Our people are happy and so grateful to Rev. Greene and the people that allow us to use their worship space," Father Manerowski explained. "Even though we are anxious to return to our parish, this has worked out so well."[[In-content Ad]]
MORE NEWS STORIES
VIDEOS
SOCIAL MEDIA
OSV NEWS
- Florida bishop appeals for end to death penalty, calls it ‘a failure of mercy’
- Inspired by millennial soon-to-be-saint, Irish teens create animated Lego-Carlo Acutis film
- Anxiety, uncertainty follow Trump travel ban
- Supreme Court rules in favor of Wisconsin Catholic agency over religious exemption
- Analysts: Trump’s action on Harvard, Columbia could have implications for religious groups
- Commission tells pope universal safeguarding guidelines almost ready
- Council of Nicaea anniversary is call to Christian unity, speakers say
- Vatican office must be place of faith, charity, not ambition, pope says
- Pope Leo XIV names Uganda-born priest as bishop of Houma-Thibodaux
- Report: Immigration data ‘much lower’ than Trump administration claims
Comments:
You must login to comment.