Our Lady of Grace dedicates new sign, sound system

Our Lady of Grace Church celebrated a pair of key new additions on Feb. 17.

Nearly 600 people gathered for the day’s 10:30 a.m. Mass, which was highlighted by the blessing and dedication of a new sign and sound system. Funding for the additions was provided through the Roman Catholic parish’s record-setting annual collection, said the Rev. Peter J. Gower, the church’s pastor.

“This is yet another example of the pride our parishioners take in their church,” Gower said. “This has already been an amazing day … You could feel the enthusiasm everywhere. We were blessed to raise the funds to make these improvements. The new sign depicts loudly the love the people have for their parish; it stands out as a beacon of welcome to all who pass by.”

Gower blessed the new sound system after a short procession inside Our Lady of Grace. He then invited parishioners outside, where he blessed the sign.

“We are also happy to have written on this sign that we are a sanctuary, one of only three in the world, of Madonna della DiFesa,” the pastor said.

Gower – who is credited with building a community at Our Lady of Grace and strengthening the parish’s vitality during the past six years – said annual collection chairs Tom Kowal and Linda Corrente, their committee, and volunteers from the church’s Holy Name Society and St. Ann Sodality are directly responsible for the installation of the new sign and sound system and other capital improvements during recent years.

“We have done everything from painting the wrought iron fence and ceilings in the rectory to replacing our dishwasher through many of our church community events,” Gower said. “What a better way to celebrate our new sign and sound system and other accomplishments in conjunction with St. Valentine’s Day? It’s a wonderful way to remind folks to share the love by letting those they care about know that they love them.”