June 18, 2010
New altar consecrated at St. Thomas the Apostle
Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger anoints the altar with Holy Chrism. Two video clips may be seen at the Message Facebook page. Go to www.themessageonline.org, click on the Facebook icon and follow the prompts. (Message photo by Paul R. Leingang) Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
The new altar at St. Thomas the Apostle Church features an emblem of Jesus as the Lamb of God, carefully placed there from its original position on the high altar, now where everyone can see it.
The new altar was consecrated by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger June 13.
The altar was the latest element in restoration and repair at the church, according to Deacon Earl Ruppel, pastoral life coordinator.
The altar was built by Fehrenbacher Cabinets in Evansville. A new ambo was built by Paul Keller, “a neighbor and a good carpenter,” according to Deacon Earl.
Recent work has included organ repair, a new roof, repair and painting of the steeple, painting inside and new carpeting and flooring.
As part of the restoration Deacon Earl and George Halter removed the top level of the altar platform, to allow for more room for the celebrant.
At the June 13 Mass Bishop Gettelfinger pointed out that the altar — not the tabernacle — is the central feature of a “church house.”
The altar links Catholics with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “We don’t consecrate the tabernacle, we consecrate the altar.”
Bishop Gettelfinger then anointed the altar with Holy Chrism, and placed a container of incense on the altar, sending plumes of white, sweet smoke through the building.
St. Thomas, just south of Vincennes in Knox County, was established in 1843. There are currently 89 families in the parish. Father John Schipp, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church in Vincennes, is the sacramental minister.
Whenever there was a need for anthing to be done, Deacon Earl said, “the people came forward.” People have responded with something like “a pure acceptance of things,” he said. “It is almost like a dream.”