Padre’s Points to Ponder – 10/24/25
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
WELCOME BACK TO THE CHURCH! I want to use this week’s bulletin article to highlight some of the changes you’ll notice as you come back to Mass in the church this weekend.
First, on entering, you’ll notice the narthex has received a tremendous facelift. The tired wallpaper has been completely removed, and a soft white paint brings the walls new life. We have relocated some of the art, portraits, and other decorations to create a more intentional use of the wall spaces. The door wall that leads into the sanctuary has also been painted, where it had been primarily untreated wood. Areas of damaged dry wall have been demolished, sanitized, and rebuilt. The difference is noticeable and amazing!
Then, entering the sanctuary, you’ll likely notice the vibrance of the re-done ceiling. I’d describe the old stain as “light mahogany,” that had burn marks, leak damage, condensation issues, and other blemishes. That has all been removed, sanded down to the original wood, and restrained in a significantly lighter color, then coated with a polyurethane sealant. Even with our on-going lighting struggles, the brightness in the church has improved.
On your first confession back in the confessionals in the church, I invite you to look up and appreciate the ceiling. An industrious member of the American Heritage Girls from Mary Our Queen Parish, Miss Rebecca Miller, turned the standard drop-ceiling tiles into a marvelous and celestial “sky of stars”.
And don’t forget the new kneelers that were installed just before all this began!
As I write this, a professional cleaning team has descended upon the church to bring it back up to operational standards…before they began it looked like a snowmageddon of sawdust, amidst a plastic dropcloth fantasyland.
A million thank yous to all of you for your great patience through this Renew and Restore project. There is more to come as we tackle the list day by day. Your support, your prayers, your passion for this Oasis in Dunwoody is the engine that keeps it all moving. It’s such a joy to be your pastor!
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor