Swap of building a win-win

Earlier this week, Catholics from St. Francis de Sales parish in Loudonville and the Holy Family Korean Catholic Community marked the end of one era and the beginning of another when the keys to St. Francis de Sales' Exchange Street building were turned over to the Korean community.

Rev. David Noone, pastor of St. Francis, said that while there is some sadness in leaving the building, there is also gratitude that the building will be used by another Catholic community.

"There is sadness for the transition," he said, "but also appreciation that the church isn't going to close."

The celebration "marked the next phase of this old and sacred building's ministry to yet another generation of Catholics."

Both communities have been using the building since 1993 with St. Francis de Sales maintaining it. However, St. Francis has another building, known as the "new church," constructed in 1972 on Maria Drive in Loudonville.

According to Father Noone, it was becoming a challenge for the parish to maintain two facilities. While the parish has 1,200 families, fewer than 200 attended Mass at the Exchange Street building each weekend.

"We are now one parish under one roof instead of one parish under two roofs," Father Noone said. "All of our efforts can focus on one facility."

According to Lydia Stone-Kang, a member of the Korean Apostolate, there are approximately 100 parishioners in the Holy Family Korean Catholic Community. The community is led by Rev. Joseph Park, who offers Mass in Korean.

(11/29/07) [[In-content Ad]]