By the turn of the century, Holy Family had been transformed.
A large wall-size rear screen was set up behind the altar, surmounted by an equally wall-size image of Jesus with outstretched, welcoming arms. The church now became a little darker, so that projected imagery – slides, film clips, recorded testimonies – could be viewed more easily and the Lord’s lessons, gleaned from the Liturgy of the Word, be thoughtfully received and acted upon.
A Wall of Respect was created on the north wall. A Shrine of the Sacred Word was set up on the south wall, with the New Testament and the Torah central, surrounded by religious texts from several world religions.
A theme wall was set up in the former choir area. Resident artist Ray Murphy regularly designs sets, similar to the display windows that once graced department stores, to depict the various liturgical themes and Gospel dictums.
As the sanctuary moved further into the nave, spaces were created in the rear of the sanctuary for Sweat Lodges, replete with artificial fire pits, to evoke an atmosphere of trust, sharing, honesty and mutual respect. These were used extensively in youth ministry both with the altar servers and the youth retreats, while also serving as a quiet meditation corner or confessional for the parishioners.
Although some activities have been progressively reduced – the troop of altar servers like the choir and CWL no longer exists and the Friday-evening floor-hockey program is a shadow of what it once was – the congregation remains relatively stable.
For the last quarter century, the congregation has numbered about 300 members and an average Sunday attendance of 175. Although the vast majority are senior citizens, there’s a steady influx of middle-age members and former parishioners to fill the pews of those who have been called Home to the Father.
There were 61 baptisms celebrated over the past five years and 10 marriages.
Sunday collections and personal donations are sufficient to meet the day-to-day needs of the parish. The parish has a healthy reserve to ensure that any unexpected repair or need can be covered.
During its long history, at least nine of its sons and daughters have answered the call to serve God’s People as priests and religious, most vocations originating during the parish’s golden era.
The enormous contribution, vitality and tenacity of its many wardens, parish organizations and volunteers over the years have created the legacy for which Holy Family is known today. While their names might not be mentioned here, they are the glue that has kept Holy Family rock solid for a century.
“It’s a vibrant community,” said Deacon Richard Brisebois and his wife Brenda, who have been associated with the parish since 1991. It’s not vibrant in the sense of many organizations, but in its “community” sense, “members regard themselves as family where everyone pitches in,” Brenda underlined.