Building Dedication

As I have been buzzing, on here and over on Facebook, last night we had the dedication of our newly renovated and expanded space at Sacred Heart.  The Bishop came down to bless the new “Sacred Heart Pastoral Center,” and the parish community gathered to celebrate.  In his remarks, the Bishop commented how the new building reminded him of the before and after shows you see on HGTV.  The building is gorgeous, and we are going to be able to do so much more with the new space.    Here are some pictures of the evening:

 

 

This window, featuring the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is the original window that was over the altar of the first Sacred Heart Chapel in Downtown Norfolk when Sacred Heart was still a chapel of St. Mary’s Basilica.  It dates back to at least 1894.  Once completed, the window will once again be over the altar, but in the new daily mass chapel.

 

Looking from Commons entrance into 520 Graydon. 

Library

Nursery

Remember that tile wall fundraiser I did my first year at Sacred Heart?  Here are the tiles that were painted by parishioners at that event.  The contractors actually built the wall up so it appears that the tiles are a part of the wall. 

This is the new entrance to the Pastoral Center. 

 

Staff of Sacred Heart Church—missing Jim

From original 520 Graydon entrance.

The office that Amy and I used to share.  Now it is just Amy’s office.

Fr. Dan’s office

My Beautiful Office

 

Adult Formation Room (Just ONE of the many new classrooms we gained in the renovation!)

Me in my “Big Girl” office….

I usually don’t get all “preachy” on here, but after last night, I feel that it is only appropriate:  Thank you Father, for your blessings upon the new Sacred Heart Pastoral Center.  Bless the work that will be done there in Your name, as well as those who do it.  Thank you for the generosity of those who made its construction possible, and for the hard work and dedication of the hands that built it.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.