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Churches
Improvements to St. Malachy’s will maintain tradition and history
By: Chris Ryan, Contributing Writer
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Posted by editor
Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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Something refreshingly different took place on Aug. 8 at an all-parish meeting held at the historic St. Malachy's Catholic Church, established in 1887.
Pastor Rev. Joel Davidilla invited any and all parishioners to attend a forum to discuss potential improvements to the church. Fr. Davidilla emphasized that the parishioners would decide what if any improvements would be made.
In an age and society that considers novelty and “being on the cutting-edge” among its highest virtues, the overwhelming majority of the parishioners resonated a common desire: Maintain our Catholic identity and tradition.
Bill Brown, an accomplished architect and liturgical consultant from Colorado Springs, facilitated the meeting, which provided a public forum wherein every member of the parish was given the opportunity to voice his/her thoughts and concerns regarding future improvements to church buildings as well as the growth and future of the parish.
By an unmistakable consensus, the people reached two main conclusions.
First, we must maintain our identity as members of the Roman Catholic Church, giving deference to her centuries-old Tradition and teachings on the construction of churches. This means keeping the centrally located tabernacle, altar rails, kneelers, confessionals and crucifix.
Second, repairs to existing features are necessary, including expanding and updating bathrooms, refurbishing pews, repairing or replacing flooring where necessary and providing accommodations to the handicapped.
In addition, several parishioners suggested providing more effective outreach to the needy of the parish and town and continuing to foster authentic community in accord with our parish mission.
We would like to thank our pastor Rev. Joel Davadilla, Rev. Roger LeDuc, and Mr. Bill Brown for allowing and encouraging the parishioners to take an active role in shaping the mission and future of St. Malachy's Parish.