SCOTTSDALE — A 40-year-old parish that just underwent extensive renovation now has a chapel where parishioners can adore the church’s namesake around the clock.
Parishioners purposefully chose the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated Feb. 1 this year, as the launch date for their first perpetual adoration chapel. Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares processed in with the consecrated host and placed it in the monstrance designed by parishioner John Stephens.[quote_box_right]
Blessed Sacrament Parish
Pastor: Fr. Patrick Robinson
Address: 11300 N. 64th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Info: blessedsacramentscotts.org or (480) 948-8370[/quote_box_right]
“Each and every one of us has such roots in our faith here in the temple of our Lord,” Bishop Nevares said during his homily.
The bishop celebrated Mass for a nearly full church prior to opening the 25-seat adoration chapel. He encouraged parishioners to think about the sacraments they received in the worship space and how many more there would be in the years to come.
The bishop’s visit also celebrated other milestones in the parish’s “Renew, Repair, Refresh” campaign — namely an expanded worship space.
“How beautiful that you have been able to make this an expression of your Catholic faith,” Bishop Nevares said.
He acknowledged the sacrifice, patience and coming together required to upgrade church property. Parishioners and dignitaries broke ground 10 months ago for the adoration chapel and renovated church plus other property facelifts and upgrades.
“I pray the beautiful expression of faith which built this beautiful presentation for the Lord will strengthen you and those of many generations to come,” the bishop said.
The main church now features new carpeting and pews plus an additional 400 seats thanks to a reconfiguration and a pushed out wall.
“People are so excited because we went from 675 seats to 1,088. Everybody’s comfortably seated without standing along the wall,” said Fr. Patrick Robinson, pastor.
The priest gets a little relief now, too, having to celebrate only five weekend Masses instead of six. The increased space can also accommodate additional family members for special Masses such as confirmation and First Eucharist. A new hospitality room near the sacristy offers a family gathering place before weddings and funerals. The gift shop also grew.
Other parts of the parish property got a facelift too. A portion of the parking lot now offers covered parking due to the installment of solar panels and the courtyard was re-paved.
Fr. Robinson was thrilled with the architect’s ability to transform responses from a parishioner survey into reality. He was even more impressed with the efficiency of Orcutt Winslow and D.L. Withers Construction.
“They really had to push to make this happen and they did it,” Fr. Robinson said.
The remodeled and expanded worship space opened on Christmas Eve.
