Hundreds of parishioners from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Grafton gathered with Bishop Michael Woost on Aug. 16 for Mass and the dedication of the new parish Office Center. The building is attached to the church and houses a large Queen of Peace Lobby that provides space for workshop presentations, socials, wakes and parish events along with conference rooms named after St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of Lisieux.
Also included in the new construction are six offices for parish staff, a St. Matthew work room, a staff lunchroom and additional storage space for parish records, files and technology. A patio dedicated to the soon-to-be canonized St. Carlo Acutis, offers seating for 50 people at tables under a tent. On dedication day, a large group of parish children enjoyed the grassy mounds and small hillside that borders the patio.
(See photo gallery above.)
Father John Seabold, pastor, said the project was conceived about 15 years ago to solve a shortage of office and meeting space for the growing parish, which was formed in 2006 by the merger of Assumption and Immaculate Conception parishes that served the LaGrange/Grafton areas.
In his homily, Bishop Woost asked, “What did we hear in God’s word today? ‘We are surrounded by a multitude of witnesses.’ Think of what the original founders of this parish back in the 1800s might be feeling right now, as they join us in prayer, because we believe in the communion of saints. And, I would bet there is rejoicing in heaven today amongst the founding members of this community and all of those who have come after them to this present day. They are witnessing the growth of this community and all that is being accomplished for the mission and ministry of the Church to continue. You stand on the shoulders of all the good people that came before you in faith.”
The bishop said in the second reading, we heard that when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the blessings of God become apparent, the goodness of God is revealed and a community has something to celebrate.
He said Jesus told us he came to set the earth on fire. “That fire is evident here. Christ has set this parish community on fire. I felt it when I arrived in Grafton today, and I see your faith, hope and love. The great thing about the parish Office Center is that what you as a community of faith have built upon here will further the mission and ministry of the Church and you will be better able to serve the Body of Christ in this area. You listened to God, and you know that he will continue to lead you into a future filled with hope.”
After Mass, parishioners processed to the Office Center for the dedication and blessing, which was followed by a cookout and reception.
Parish offices moved into the new space last week.