Hello, St Mary Church Restoring! Today, we have a wonderful story about a special place called St. Mary Roman Catholic Oratory in Downtown Rockford. This church, built in 1887, is getting a magical makeover just in time for Palm Sunday and Easter. Let’s dive into the exciting world of restoration and preparation! – koin303
1.St Mary Church Restoring : The Historic St. Mary Oratory:
Meet the Beautiful Church Imagine a big, old church with a rich history – that’s St. Mary Oratory! It has been standing tall in Downtown Rockford since 1887. But you know what? Just like we clean and decorate our homes, this church is getting ready for something very important – Easter!
2.St Mary Church Restoring : Lent and Spiritual Restoration:
Lent, a Special Time The person in charge of St. Mary Oratory, Canon John O’Connor, tells us about Lent. Lent is like a special time when we try to make our hearts as beautiful as possible for Easter. It’s like preparing our homes for a big celebration. Canon John says they want to glorify God by growing in virtue, which means being good and kind.
3.St Mary Church Restoring : Roof and HVAC Makeover:
Fixing the Hat and the Breathing System Just like we fix our roofs and make sure our homes are cozy, St. Mary Oratory did the same! Over the last five years, they collected funds (like saving money in a piggy bank) and fixed the roof. They also replaced something called the HVAC system – it’s like the breathing system for the church.
4. Remodeling the Main Sanctuary:
Giving the Heart a Makeover Now, imagine the main part of the church – the sanctuary – like the heart of the home. They are giving it a beautiful makeover! While they do this, the friends who visit the church are still able to worship in a special space downstairs. It’s like having a party in the backyard while the inside of the house gets pretty.
5. Restoration After a Fire:
Healing from the Past Back in 1962, something sad happened – there was a fire that damaged parts of the church. Since then, the church has been working hard to bring back its original beauty. The current renovations are like giving the church a big, warm hug and making it feel loved again. koin303
6. Painting, Stenciling, and Marble Magic:
Adding Sparkles to the Sanctuary Can you imagine painting your favorite picture or putting stickers on your toys? Well, St. Mary Oratory is doing something similar! They are painting, stenciling, and adding marble to the sanctuary, ceiling, and altar. It’s like adding sparkles and colors to make everything extra special.
7. A Mural of Our Lady:
A Beautiful Picture Story On March 4, something very exciting is happening – they are putting up a mural! A mural is like a giant picture that tells a beautiful story. This mural will show Our Lady, like a superhero, fighting with the devil. It’s a special way of telling a story about goodness and bravery.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it, little friends – the incredible journey of St. Mary Oratory in Downtown Rockford, getting ready for Easter with a lovely makeover. Just like we prepare for special days with excitement, the church is making sure it shines brightly for everyone who visits. Let’s cheer for St. Mary Oratory and hope it becomes even more magical and beautiful!
