By Kathy Tretter
Editor, The Ferdinand News
Special to The Message
On Dec. 9, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated Mass at Mary, Help of Christians Church in Mariah Hill. The occasion was the dedication and blessing of a newly designed and crafted altar, created by local artisans Eric Boeglin and Deacon Jim Woebkenberg.
Solemnity and pageantry often highlight ceremonies in the Church, and the dedication and blessing of a new altar is no exception.
During the Introductory Rites, Bishop Siegel sprinkled holy water on the altar and on those in attendance. Bishop Siegel then dedicated the altar and anointed the mensa (altar top) with sacred Chrism. Burning incense wafted from the thurible and was placed on the altar, which was then dressed and prepared by parishioners for the remainder of Mass.
During the altar dedication, parishioners removed the sacred Chrism after Bishop Siegel’s blessing. The altar was then dressed, candles were placed on it and flowers were placed in front.
Around this altar, we become who we are as Catholics, Bishop Siegel said during the blessing and dedication. He referenced the German immigrants who brought Catholicism to the area and who built this church, and all the generations who followed and continued to worship there, noting Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is a powerful patron.
A reception was held in the parish hall following the ceremony.
About the new altar
In a Dec. 3 church bulletin, Deacon Jim Woebkenberg of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dale, wrote that an altar dedication is a “one time unique liturgical celebration.” Bishop Siegel “poured Holy Chrism oil over the top of the altar to dedicate it to the one God.”
The creation of the new altar began a decade ago, Deacon Jim explained, when it became known that the old altar was in need of repairs and light in weight. That altar was installed after Vatican II (1962-1965) decreed that the priest was to face the people in the Eucharistic celebration of the Mass.
“It served the people well for over 55 years,” Deacon Jim wrote. “The altar, of its very nature, is the principal place in the church and should be dignified and nobly beautiful. This is the place of sacrifice.
“Because there was a need to have access to the floor under the altar, a design in the shape of a chalice supporting the altar top was recommended. From a distance, this will be clearly visible. Corner pillars were added to give the altar a regal nature. Underneath the altar table, a sacrificial lamb carved from maple lays in the middle of the chalice legs. In keeping with the sacrificial design, clusters of grapes were carved and are laid around the entire edge of the altar table. The choice of wood was red oak because of its wide grains, hardness, and similarity to existing furniture in the sanctuary.”
Wood for the altar was donated by American Woodland Enterprises. Local artisans carved and constructed the altar and lamb. Eric Boeglin completed the altar top with the grape clusters, while Deacon Jim, assisted by Dick Mohr, completed the bottom portion of the altar.
“We thank the bishop for coming up to dedicate this new altar,” Deacon Jim wrote. “And may it serve us well for many years to come.”