By Paige DeSorbo
Staff Writer
Parishioners return next month to a new worship space at St. Vincent de Paul Church after a four- month renovation project. The church invested some $500,000 in a redesign that has the altar centered, and surrounded by seating on all sides.
St. Vincent de Paul organized a capital campaign, which raised $550,000 for the renovations. St. Vincent’s is making a major change with the seating of the congregation as well as the altar.
In an era when some churches are closing, St. Vincent’s has added seating. Some 466 seats will be installed compared to the 430 before the renovation. That addition alone will bring relief for the 450 people who generally attend the weekly 11 a.m. mass on Sundays.
The new altar will be in the center of the room known as “in the round” with the seating placed in a circle all around the altar.
“I think everyone will be more engaged and create community,” said Albert Turo, a parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul for more than 35 years.
A few parishioners objected the changes, but most supported them. One supporter was Agnes Leahy, who has been attending St. Vincent de Paul for 11 years.
“I’ve been in a lot of churches over the years, and while I’m very happy at St. Vincent’s, it seemed to me that the space needed some sprucing up and updating,” said Leahy, who is also a member of the choir.
A special seating area has been designated for the choir, which can hold up to 66 people on any given Sunday.
Marie Bernadett has been the music director for 20 years. With the renovation the choir will be more visible to the congregation.
“The whole assembly, including the music ministry, will be gathered around the Table of the Lord, and as such I expect the singing to be even better than it is now as the assembly will hear themselves much better,” said Bernadett.
Father Richard Vosko has been serving St. Vincent de Paul Church off and on since 1973. For the past eight years he has been there every Sunday. Vosko is also a designer consultant for worship environments.
“I would like to think, given the expertise I have in the field, that I contributed substantially to the shaping of this church space along with the members of the committee. We tried to educate and engage the congregation all through the process. There was a high level of approval of the plans when they were shared with the congregation,” said Vosko.
The construction company responsible for the renovation is Wainschaf Associates Inc. of Rensselaer, which has renovated over five other churches including Christ Church in Albany, St John’s, and Sacred Heart Church. So far they have pulled out the concrete, framed the bathroom and expect to be finished by early October. Carpenter Shawn O’Brien of Wainschaf Associates works with 10 other men on a daily basis to finish the project.
“We are running on time and have not run into any problems,” said O’Brien.
While the building is under construction, St. Vincent de Paul is currently holding three masses on Sundays in a separate room to accommodate the renovation being done in the front of the church.
“We are very excited for the changes,” said Rowe-Manning.
