CROWN POINT – For the first time in more than a year, members of St. Mary Catholic Church returned to worship in the newly renovated church just in time to celebrate the Easter season. An inspection of the roof caused the parish to close the building in November 2023 due to safety concerns, but with those repairs now completed, the community was welcomed back to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus.
Father Peter Muha credited the staff and parishioners for pulling the community together for the return to the church. It was the first Holy Week celebrated in the church since 2023, and being the new pastor, it was his first Holy Week at the church.
Father Muha shared that on Palm Sunday, approximately 1,400 people passed through the doors.
“It was amazing to see the church so full at every Mass,” he said.
Sheila Vaclavik, director of music, said playing the church’s powerful and majestic organ for the first time in over 500 days was an awesome feeling.
“More than one person told me they cried upon hearing our beautiful instrument accompany our voices in praise of our God once again,” she said.
Tom Ruiz, principal of St. Mary Catholic Community School, said it was great to see so many familiar faces on Sunday, including quite a few that hadn't been at the parish in a long time.
“I look forward to a bright future for St. Mary's parish and school," he said.
Director of Parish Life Suzie Hartman echoed similar thoughts related to the feeling of community at the parish.
"Sitting with volunteers who have turned into lovely friendships, I had an overwhelming feeling of joy and love,” she said. “Being back in our church is such a blessing!"
Father Muha mentioned that there will be more remodeling to the building down the road, explaining that the walls need to be painted and the carpet replaced. “But we will wait a while to do that so we can just enjoy being in the church again,” he said.
Bishop Robert J. McClory joined the congregation for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, stating it was an honor to be with the parishioners in the church that had reopened just a few days prior.
In his homily, Bishop McClory reflected on the history of Passover and how the Last Supper plays an important part of the Easter Triduum, the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, making the life of Christ more vibrant for the faithful today. He said Jesus, the son of God, lived the perfect life, and he took on the sins of the world by freely offering himself on the cross.
“So today we not just remember the Passover that our Jewish brothers and sisters experience and continue to celebrate, but we see this realized in the Last Supper and into the future in a way that gives us nourishment and meaning that allows us to appreciate the great gift of Jesus,” said the bishop.
He continued, “And then nourished by the Lord, understanding the totality of the gift of Jesus, we're called to do it again, to serve others.”
In his weekly letter to parishioners, Father Muha thanked everyone who helped “to make our Holy Week liturgies so beautiful.”
“I pray that the renewal of our worship space will also mark the beginning of a renewal of our parish,” he wrote.
For more information about St. Mary Catholic Church, visit stmarycp.org or call the parish office at (219) 663-0044.
Caption: Bishop Robert J. McClory celebrated the Mass of the Lord's Supper with parishioners at St. Mary in Crown Point. Also known as the Maundy Thursday service, the special liturgy commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and highlights the institution of the Eucharist. Foot washing, symbolizing Jesus' humility, is done as an example of Christian service to one another. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
