Archbishop Lori dedicates new altar at St. Andrew by the Bay

Archbishop William E. Lori dedicated a new altar and blessed completed renovations at St. Andrew by the Bay during a Mass on October 1. The Sacred Space Project, which cost $750,000 and was funded by parishioners, took three months to finish.

The renovations included new flooring, lighting, and paint, along with adjustments to the sanctuary framing and platform. Pastor Father Tyler Kline noted that the project focused on creating harmony by relocating existing items, such as moving the baptismal font and placing the church's tabernacle behind the altar. A crucifix from St. Ignatius in Hickory, where former St. Andrew priest Father Andrew DeFusco is now based, now hangs above the sanctuary.

A parishioner working as a stone carver carved and inscribed the new altar. Father Kline described this work as a profound act of prayer. During his homily, Archbishop Lori said the dedication represents the fruit of faith, hope, and love and described the renewed church as a visible sign of God's presence for future generations.