MT. VERNON — An informal groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Wednesday.
“We appreciate the help of the city and the community and we are proud to be able to build this spectacular facility in the heart of Mt. Vernon,” construction project coordinator Jim Dolwick said.
The church has been at present location since 1921. The Rev. John Iffert said the need for upgraded facilities and space have been discussed for some time.
“This has been in the works for a while,” Iffert said. “It has been needed for a long time. Conversations were started back in the 1980s. Parishioners began discussing how more space could be created. A new building, relocation and adding on were all discussed before the parish decided to stay downtown and do new construction. It was really more of a space issue. The current building can comfortably seat 250. The new church will have a capacity of up to 600 people.”
Iffert said the new church will be more suited for the ways liturgy is celebrated today.
“We will be able to celebrate funeral rights with a casket in the center of the aisle,” Iffert explained. “It will have a larger capacity as a home for prayer, weddings, community activities and it will be connected to the parish center. It will be a much more unified campus in that way.” full story
