The rite for the DEDICATION of a church and an altar
is rightly considered to be among
the most solemn of liturigcal services.
A CHURCH is the place where the Christian
community is gathered to hear the WORD OF GOD,
to offer INTERCESSION and PRAISE to him,
and above all to celebrate the HOLY MYSTERIES
and it is the place where the holy sacrament
of the EUCHARIST is kept.
Thus it stands as a special kind of image of the CHURCH itself,
which is God's temple built from LIVING STONES.
And the ALTAR of a church,
around which the holy people gather
to take part in the Lord's SACRIFICE
and to be refreshed at the HEAVENLY MEAL,
stands as a sign of CHRIST himself,
who is the PRIEST, the VICTIM, and the ALTAR
of his own sacrifice.
[Decree from the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship 1977]
The Rites of Dedication were celebrated by The Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Bishop Bransfield is the former Rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. The Rev. Brian Owens is pastor of Saint James Parish. Prelude Music [as the congregation gathers in the parking lot of the neighboring Social Concerns Building]
Contents
Decree 2
Chapter One
Laying of a Foundation Stone or Commencement of Work on the Building of a Church 3Chapter Two
Dedication of a Church 5Chapter Three
Dedication of a Church Already in General Use for Sacred Celebrations 13Chapter Four
Dedication of an Altar 15Chapter Five
Blessing of a Church 23Chapter Six
Blessing of an Altar 25Chapter Seven
Blessing of a Chalice and Paten 27