With all the pomp and circumstance befitting a new beginning, Sacred Heart Catholic Church unveiled its now completed Gathering Center to a packed house on Saturday, March 18th.

The Gathering Center adds 5,000 square feet to the century-old Sacred Heart church building. In fact, the Gathering Center’s opening came just weeks ahead of what was the 100th anniversary in April of the dedication of the church with Belgian roots. Dozens of Sacred Heart families filled the new center on the Moline campus as the Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka gave a formal blessing to the long-awaited project. “I congratulate you on completing this aspect of the campaign, Today Tomorrow Together,” he said to what was the first standing-room-only crowd to enjoy the new center.

“While we gather here today with the purpose of blessing this new gathering space, this new building, I think the Lord would certainly look at it and say ‘it’s very beautiful, it’s well-crafted, well-built, it fits in well.’ But I think the Lord wants to see what happens inside,” Bishop Tylka said. God, he said, would not “be so concerned with the four walls of the building. Just as he looks into our hearts, he looks at us from the inside out. He sees our hands, our desire to love, our desire to live out our faith and make a difference,” Bishop Tylka said.

While he said it was important to honor those whose efforts and hands led to the completion of the long-held dream of a gathering center, he added “It’s much more important how our faith and our love, and our witness to Jesus, in so many ways, will connect those that come in from the outside to see the love of Jesus.”

Prior to the dedication ceremony and blessing, Bishop Tylka also presided over the 4:00 p.m. Mass and Eucharistic Celebration. He was joined by concelebrants Father Mark DeSutter, Father Matthew Abu Cole, SMA, Monsignor Dale Wellman, Deacon Matt Martel and Deacon Mike Maynard. At the dedication, Father Mark shared his gratitude with Monsignor Wellman, crediting him with having the vision of a new gathering space more than eight years ago.

During the Mass, parish member Fred Julius provided a detailed history of Sacred Heart, describing how its architecture reflects the churches of Northern Europe, especially those in Belgium from which our original pastor, Father J.B. Culemans hailed. “For the past eight years, Father Mark led the parish in discernment, strategic planning and a multitude of planning meetings”, Julius said, adding “Surely, the Presence of the Lord is in this Place.”

The parish members who volunteered to lead the Today Tomorrow Together (TTT) fundraising effort and served on the Building Committee were recognized. Members of the committees included: Pete Murray, Tom Circello, Dave Coene, Bill Cornelis, John DeCock, Mike Drymiller, Denny Fox, Jim Harl, Fred Julius, Don Lewis, Sandy Madison, Connie Morris, Jerry O’Keeffe, Kevin Rafferty, Bob Thornton, Jesus Vargas, Bobbie Vidmar, Jim Watson, Dave Wrath, Monsignor Wellman and Father Mark. Parish member Tony Hodge of Hodge Construction also was recognized for his company’s craftsmanship in building the new center. The architect was Streamline Architects, P.L.C.

Groups in attendance at the Mass included: the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, Fr. Bader Assembly; the First Holy Communion Class of 2023; and BSA Scouts from Pack 109, Troop 109 and Troop 1109. After this recognition, the 2023 First Communion class carried roses in a procession leading the bishop into the new Gathering Center for the blessing. They were greeted by bagpipes played by Bill Sterba on the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The children signed a scroll that read “First Communion class 2023 Sacred Heart Church.” Bishop Tylka, Father Mark, and Father Matthew also signed the scroll. In addition, the bishop received a Spiritual Bouquet from all the second-grade students at Seton Catholic School and the Religious Education program at Sacred Heart Church.

On their way from the church to the Gathering Center, people were able to view the artistic work of the John The Baptist stained glass window from the original Blessings Gift Shop that was noticed by very few. This fantastic window is now facing 17th Avenue and can be seen from outside and inside the center and enjoyed by all.

A small display in the room, was the time capsule removed from our original church’s cornerstone including items from the 100th Anniversary Cornerstone Celebration held in 2019. We are adding items to it from this celebration which includes the signed scroll along with construction pictures of the Gathering Center. Following our 100th Anniversary Celebration of the church later this year, a few more items will be added to the capsule before it is buried near the front of the new Gathering Center.

During the reception following Bishop Tylka’a blessing, guests were able to view the new amenities in this building. While checking out the phenomenal historic pictures the Altar and Rosary Society provided, guests also perused the new Bridal/Family Room.

People checked out the splendid Blessings Gift Shop designed by Loretta Ceurvorst and staged by Martina Werner. What a great layout for the wide range of items again available for your personal needs or possibly a lovely gift for a special occasion. As people were viewing the new restrooms, one person could be heard exclaiming, “look how big it is!” Yes, after having to use closets built 100 years ago, the new restrooms seem extra spacious.

During the reception, people enjoyed a selection of snacks and light desserts. Everyone seemed very patient while they waited their turn to get in line for a chance to munch on these different goodies. We thank the Sacred Heart Social Committee, the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society, the Confirmation students, and the Sacred Heart Staff for their excellent hosting skills making sure all were fed well and cared for during this reception.

If you were not able to join us for the Dedication Mass and the Blessing of the Gathering Center on March 18th, we hope you stop by and check out the new facility. More importantly, if you were not able to attend Sacred Heart because you could no longer navigate the steps or other issues, please come back and see how well you will be able to get into the building again. All are welcome and encouraged to join us in worship and fellowship.

An article about our dedication ceremony, written by Jennifer Willems, was featured in the Catholic Post - click below to read:

Read the Catholic Post Article

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