Bishop Rededicates St. Rose of Lima, Blesses Mausoleum

When plans to renovate St. Rose of Lima’s 130-year-old church were first discussed, parishioners knew it would be a significant undertaking. On Saturday, congregants celebrated the results of the three-year, $1.75-million project as Bishop David M. O’Connell of the diocese of Trenton rededicated the church.

“It was a total renovation,” said Gus Vang, business manager for the parish. “We put in a new slate roof, a handicap ramp, a new pulpit. All the interior walls were skim coated and painted. The pews were refinished and the baptismal font was refurbished.”

The project would not have been possible without parishioners’ support, Vang said.  He noted that many years ago, the parish had discussed the possibility of tearing down the older church building, which was in need of numerous repairs. Congregants were vocal about maintaining the structure.

“We thought if it was going to stay we needed to do the work so it could run 50 years,” Vang said.

The church launched a $5 million capital campaign and raised $1.75 million. During the course of the exterior reconstruction, Vang discovered the cornerstone, which was laid in 1881. He noted the historic nature of the building and its design has led to it being requested use at funerals and weddings.

“Brides love it,” Vang said.

Following Mass, O’Connell blessed a new mausoleum at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. The parish first discussed building the structure 10 years ago after the plots in the original mausoleum on the property were sold out, Vang said. Construction was completed $1 million building in February 2010, according Joseph Uras, owner of Joseph Uras Cemetery Management Company, which manages St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

“It gives families a choice for burial,” Uras said.

The cost of the building will be paid for by selling spaces at the mausoleum, Vang said.

For its next project, the parish may expand the gathering area in its 32-year-old chapel, according to Vang. The parish of 3,500 families will continue its work of unifying a diverse community, said Fr. James Conover, pastor of St. Rose of Lima.