By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Eagle River parish dedicates new church

EAGLE RIVER -- The historic bell which first called St. Peter the Fishermen parishioners to worship in 1895 proudly rang out again on May 18 to signal the beginning of the liturgy to dedicate the parish's new church--one that has been the work of hundreds of hands and hearts over the last few years.

Majestically standing on a site that a year ago saw the first shovel of dirt ceremoniously overturned, the building was designed to be in harmony with its Northwoods setting and reaches skyward with a 16-foot cross atop the bell tower. Stained glass windows in the nave will carry out the theme from Psalm 42: "As a deer longs for running streams ..."

Bishop Raphael M. Fliss presided at the well-planned dedication liturgy, which was likely an experience of a lifetime for most in attendance. With seating for 978, the church was filled to near capacity. Before entering the church, everyone gathered outside to witness the placement of a time capsule and the laying of the cornerstone. Then, processing to the spacious gathering area, the crowd stood in anticipation as Pastor Robert Koszarek accepted the keys and followed the Bishop's instruction "to open the doors to this church that all may enter to praise our God."

When all had assembled inside, the blessing and sprinkling rite began at the large baptismal font at the entrance. Designed in the form of a cross, the font has granite and cherry wood panels which blend with the altar table and ambo, reflecting the connection between the sacraments of initiation and the Eucharist

As the liturgy continued, Fliss anointed the altar with Sacred Chrism, after which the four supporting pillars of the church leading to an expansive beamed area were anointed. The entire church was then ceremoniously incensed by parishioners, led by young liturgical dancers.

Lights remained off until the Pascal Candle was brought forward, after which altar cloths, new communion vessels and bread and wine were brought to the altar for the eucharistic celebration. Following communion, a procession to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel marked the inauguration of that space. The bell tower over the chapel includes stained glass angel windows from the old church.

Dancing and song highlighted the dismissal. St. Peter School Barefoot Dancers led by Amy Decker and musicians of all ages directed by Ziggy Stardust enhanced the entire liturgy, and the closing song, "Shout With Joy," was an original composition by Stardust and pastoral associate Sister Jeanne Wiest, OP.

Before the recessional, Koszarek expressed appreciation to the many people who had dedicated so much time, talent and treasure to make the new church a reality.

As those attending the dedication enjoyed a buffet and time of fellowship following the over two-hour liturgy, there was a sense of awe and new beginning.

"I was especially delighted that everyone who came to the dedication and to our first weekend Masses seemed very excited about the new space," Koszarek said. "I think we all believe it is really going to work well for our celebration of liturgy in greater style and richness. I also think the committee chose well in following the architect's recommendation in harmonizing color and style.

Koszarek also looked forward to the first baptism in the new church the following weekend. "It is one more step in the dedication of our church to welcome a new member by immersion in our new font."

While the new church and parish office area have been completed, this is only phase one of St. Peter's "Pursuing Our Dream" building project. Yet to be constructed are a social hall and kitchen, multi-purpose gymnasium and an education center which will accommodate St. Peter School classes as well as parish religious education programs. The projected cost of the entire complex is $6,500,000.

In a booklet distributed at the dedication are listed all who served on the various committees. Jack O'Brien headed the building committee which was organized in April 1998 and since then has held more than 50 meetings. It was O'Brien who officially presented the keys and blueprints to the Bishop as part of the dedication.

Allan Birschback was the architect, with Miron Construction as general contractor. Fr. Mark Joseph Costello served as liturgical consultant. Numerous subcommittees added their support in everything from social and administration ministries to landscaping, and everyone in the parish was invited to get involved in some way. Input from parishioners was encouraged, and the parish was continually kept informed through bulletin inserts, displays and mailings as the project progressed.

Although the old downtown church is no longer a place of worship and is for sale, the memories and shared faith experiences rooted there continue in the new worship space. That church was dedicated in 1949 when a move was made from the original small, white, frame church built in 1890.

During the leave taking service at the old church on May 17, Koszarek reminded parishioners that although their place of worship has changed, "We are the church, we are God's temple, we are the living stones."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002