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Rescued century-old altar transforms a New Jersey parish.
Bishop David O’Connell of the Diocese of Trenton (right) stands beside Father Brian Woodrow on March 30, 2023, during a Mass at which the new altar was consecrated at St. Dominic Church in Brick, New Jersey. (photo: John Batkowsk / Diocese of Trenton)
BRICK, N.J. — The way Father Brian Woodrow imagines it, Jesus’ resurrection didn’t happen instantaneously, in a bang or a flash, but slowly, like a sunrise.
That’s the dramatic effect he wanted for the unveiling of St. Dominic Church’s new marble sanctuary at last year’s Easter vigil Mass.
With the church in darkness at the beginning of the liturgy, except for the candles the congregation held in the pews, the two side altars, one for the Blessed Mother and the other for St. Joseph, were illuminated first.
Then, while the choir sang the Gloria and the brass altar bells rang out loudly, the lights gradually brightened around the main, multitiered altar area until its brilliant beauty was on full display.
Eyes popped. Jaws dropped. Tears fell.
It was a moment St. Dominic’s parishioners wouldn’t soon forget. (You can watch the altar being illuminated at the 58:15 mark of the livestream video.)
One year later, Catholics in this part of the Jersey Shore are still buzzing about it. “Have you seen St. Dominic’s?” they’ll ask.
The novelty of walking into the church hasn’t worn off. Those who remember the former spare, contemporary sanctuary are half-tempted to reach across the new altar rail and wave their hand around, just to make sure it’s not a hologram.
Detail of the altar rail at St. Dominic Church, Brick, New Jersey. (Photo: Jeffrey Bruno)CNA/Jeffrey Bruno
Continued below.
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BRICK, N.J. — The way Father Brian Woodrow imagines it, Jesus’ resurrection didn’t happen instantaneously, in a bang or a flash, but slowly, like a sunrise.
That’s the dramatic effect he wanted for the unveiling of St. Dominic Church’s new marble sanctuary at last year’s Easter vigil Mass.
With the church in darkness at the beginning of the liturgy, except for the candles the congregation held in the pews, the two side altars, one for the Blessed Mother and the other for St. Joseph, were illuminated first.
Then, while the choir sang the Gloria and the brass altar bells rang out loudly, the lights gradually brightened around the main, multitiered altar area until its brilliant beauty was on full display.
Eyes popped. Jaws dropped. Tears fell.
It was a moment St. Dominic’s parishioners wouldn’t soon forget. (You can watch the altar being illuminated at the 58:15 mark of the livestream video.)
One year later, Catholics in this part of the Jersey Shore are still buzzing about it. “Have you seen St. Dominic’s?” they’ll ask.
The novelty of walking into the church hasn’t worn off. Those who remember the former spare, contemporary sanctuary are half-tempted to reach across the new altar rail and wave their hand around, just to make sure it’s not a hologram.
The Mother Church
Continued below.
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