Parish has designs on Church's future

Throughout the two-year "Called to be Church" process, Catholics in the Albany Diocese have been asked to assess what the Church is now and what it can be in the future, given such circumstances as shifting demographics and the decline in the number of priests.

At St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany, parishioners have taken the process one step further by making dramatic changes to their physical plant.

By completely rearranging their worship space, they hope to be able to more deeply experience the liturgy.

New seats

"Parishioners all over the Diocese are experiencing fear and sorrow right now; all of us are grappling with the task of 'Called to be Church,'" noted Betsy Rowe-Manning, parish administrator at St. Vincent's.

She likened changes to the worship space to sitting in the same seat at Mass every week, which makes you feel comfortable. Then, one day, you sit in a different seat and your worship experience suddenly changes.

"We wanted to provide a more meaningful experience for worshippers," she said.

Designs

This isn't the first time that parishioners have changed their worship space. In 1985, the Greek Revival-style structure underwent a complete renovation and redesign after a fire nearly destroyed it. At that time, the pews were removed and replaced by chairs that faced the sanctuary.

Mrs. Rowe-Manning said that the current change has been under discussion for several years. Rev. Richard Vosko drew up plans last year. A diocesan priest, he is a well-known designer of churches and worship spaces.

In the new design, the seats are arranged in a horseshoe pattern with seating capacity remaining the same to accommodate the 750 registered families. The altar is now in the midst of the assembly on a wooden platform. The ambo, or pulpit, was moved forward on the platform where the altar once stood.

The result is a more intimate worship space where everyone faces the altar and one another.

Transformed

Father Vosko, who offers Sunday Mass at St. Vincent's, said, "The rearrangement of seats and ritual furnishings expresses the transformation that the parish is experiencing. The community is now gathered around the altar table, which is a symbol of Jesus Christ.

"In many ways, Bishop Hubbard's 'Called to be Church' process is a continuation of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council [of the 1960s]. Our participation in 'Called to be Church' helps us to appreciate that our Church is always undergoing re-formation. The rearranged worship setting at St. Vincent's serves as a reminder of our growth as Church."

Debut

The changes went into effect on Palm Sunday. "We wanted everything in place for the Triduum," Mrs. Rowe-Manning said. "All the ministers needed retraining so everyone would know where to go and what to do in the new space."

Parishioners will have an opportunity to offer their suggestions on the changes at the end of the Easter season. Their input will impact the decision to keep the changes or go back to the way it was.

"Change is difficult for everyone," Mrs. Rowe-Manning said. "In 'Called to be Church,' people have had a great opportunity to give feedback. The resolution might not be what some desire, but people will know that their opinion counted, that they have been a part of the planning process.

"Our hope is that this new arrangement will provide a lens to view the changes we are experiencing, that we will be able to continue to recognize Jesus among us in our community, especially in the breaking of the bread."

(This article concludes The Evangelist's weekly coverage of "Called to be Church." That coverage began two years ago and has included hundreds of articles. They can be read by going to www.evangelist.org and clicking on "Called to be Church." While our week-by-week coverage is ending, The Evangelist will continue to cover "Called to be Church," as it proceeds through the parish recommendations for change, coming in June, to the Bishop's decisions in the fall and the implementation of those changes next January.)

(04/24/08) [[In-content Ad]]