July 2, 2010
Last Mass celebrated at old St. Clement Church in Boonville
Altar servers and parishioners process out the door and down the ramp at St. Clement Church in Boonville, as the last Mass was celebrated June 27. (Message photo courtesy of Donna Gish) Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Mass began in the old church building for the last time, June 27, at St. Clement Church in Boonville. It ended in temporary space in the basement parish center.
After Communion, Father Lowell Will carried the Blessed Sacrament in procession to the parish center, where the dismissal rite was held and he blessed the congregation.
The procession included removal of certain significant items from the old church building, including the altar and the ambo which had been unbolted and prepared before the last Mass. Several parishioners carried the items out the front door and across the parking lot, well in sight of the new building under construction.
Statues, Stations of the Cross and stained glass windows are among the items that will be used in the new church. The new building is expected to be complete in the fall, Father Will said, noting that the feast of St. Clement is celebrated Nov. 23.