The completion of the new sanctuary at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward shows the strength of a community inspired by a common goal.
On Easter weekend earlier this month, parishioners gathered for mass for the first time with the sanctuary serving as the backdrop to the altar. The stone structure built with nods to European and Roman architecture provided a refreshed setting that coincided with one of the first masses with a complete congregation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was amazing seeing their reaction,” Monsignor Robert Tucker said. “Some of these people have been waiting for this for so long.”
Tucker said the design was vetted and ultimately approved by congregation members and is meant to pay homage to significant Catholic landmarks and monuments.
“It reminds me of going to the Holy Land and looking at the structures there,” he said.
Tucker said the path for the new sanctuary began in 2019 with a fundraiser through the annual auction and dinner. The effort raised $40,000 and while the financial goal for the new sanctuary was still well beyond that mark, Tucker said it showed that this was a project that would receive support.
“That wasn't enough to cover, but it showed there was interest,” he said.
Efforts ramped up in 2020 but were threatened by the pandemic because of the inability to have large in-person events and activities. However, the cause still generated overwhelming support to the tune of $65,000 through its annual fundraiser in August and an additional $100,000 private donation from a parishioner.
Tucker said the support for the project financially and the support shown in other ways towards the parish throughout a difficult year showed the collective heart of the parishioners.
“It's amazing given everything that was going on this last year,” he said.
Construction began early this year and progressed to the point where it could be unveiled on Easter. While some finishing touches needed to be applied, Tucker said that Easter was an appropriate time to celebrate the new sanctuary.
“With the Easter message of the resurrection and new life, new beginning, it's all bundled up in all this,” he said. “It gives a message of hope that we can make it through this and we're going forward.”
