Cover Story
St. Bridget Church in Schriever goes through a major renovation for the first time Church was dedicated over 66 years ago Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Upon entering St. Bridget Church in Schriever for the first time after a seven-month long renovation process was undertaken, one is almost overwhelmed by the striking difference and how much brighter and grander the church looks, thanks to a much lighter, more elegant color palette throughout. St. Bridget Church recently went through a major renovation for the first time in its history. The parish was established Dec. 16, 1911, at the corner of Highway 24 and Highway 311. The current church, built in a “country gothic” architectural style, was dedicated over 66 years ago on Sept. 8, 1955. Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G., administrator of the parish since February 2017 and pastor since February 2018, says he felt the renovations, which began April 19, 2021, were necessary because the pews and the floors were worn out from decades of use, and the confessional area had not been used for a long time. 30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2022
Success of the Capital Campaign A capital campaign, Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future, raised a total of $308,000 for the renovations. Thus far, the total cost for the renovations is $289,000. Father Engurait notes that the cost would have been much higher had it not been for some of the services being rendered pro bono. “The success of this renovation project is a miracle and a manifestation of the commitment of the people to God and the church,” says Father Engurait. “It was undertaken in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a downturn in the economy. Some advised that it was ‘too big’ a project for the St. Bridget community and that the timing was bad. In spite of all that, people were very generous and gave of their time, treasure and talent to make the renovation a reality.” The Transformation The key focus of the renovation, says Father Engurait, was on installing new pews and new flooring in the main
a
