Church Rejuvenation Project on Track for Christmas

When all the work inside Our Lady Star of the Sea is completed, we will be stepping into a worship space that has undergone a rejuvenation — a space that will be comfortable, welcoming and beautiful.

And “rejuvenation” is the term that describes the changes being made in our church. When we can return there again to celebrate Mass, how wonderful it will be to give glory to God!

“It’s an opportunity that only comes once in a lifetime to do a renovation like this, bringing in elements to make it a more beautiful, more worshipful space,” says Msgr. Brennan.

Work began on the rejuvenation right after Easter, and work is on track restoration work will appear upon completion. The to be complete by Christmas. Plans already are being developed to hold a blessing ceremony with our bishop.

The $6 million project has been developed to correct some longstanding problems with the church building itself. There were problems with the lighting, air conditioning, and sound system. In addition, the roof was leaking. Another issue is that of aesthetics — the ceiling had been painted brown in an apparent attempt to mask the beams. As a result, the dark space absorbed the light from the chandeliers.

“We are taking this opportunity to fix them,” Msgr. Brennan says of these issues.

The rejuvenations that are being made include moving the north and south entrances to bring them more in line with the aisles and improving traffic flow; redoing the sanctuary with a new altar and ambo; painting the ceiling a lighter color; installing new pews, floor and stained-glass windows. A crucifix will be installed, as well, something the church has not had.

When the work began, Masses were moved to the Parish Hall that itself had been freshened with new paint and carpet.

“We never anticipated social distancing, so while at Christmas time we were able to put between 700 and 800 people in the hall, now we are down to 140 people,” Msgr. Brennan says.

Baker Liturgical Arts from Connecticut is performing the work.

“They are well-known for church renovation and restoration,” Msgr. Brennan says.

Once the decision was made to proceed with the rejuvenation, a committee was formed to explore the companies to do the work. Baker Liturgical Arts had done the restoration work at our cathedral in St. Augustine.

“Fr. Tom Willis, the pastor, talked to our committee and recommended them highly,” Msgr. Brennan says. “They did a beautiful job.”

Funding for the work has been generated by the parish itself with about $4 million raised so far. We are hoping to raise an additional $2.5 million through our building fund project: A Wave of Rejuvenation: Building a Blessing Together.

“We’re trying to repeat the concept of stewardship, inviting the people to have a chance to get involved with their time, talent and treasure,” Msgr. Brennan says.

As our community has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Msgr. Brennan is looking forward to the day when we can return to the church. He has been sending emails to parishioners with updates and photos of the progress being made.

“The people are excited,” he says. “We’re encouraged by that.”