By Michael Motes

St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro has just had a face lifting and, in this case, age had nothing to do with the spruce-up project.

Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan celebrated a special Rededication Mass at the church earlier this month to mark the completion of the project, which began last November.

The entire sanctuary of St. Philip Benizi has been rebuilt, new furnishings installed, a public address system added and the parish organ finely tuned and repaired.

The project moved swiftly, according Father John Kieran, pastor, and the majority of the work was completed by Christmas. Last month marked the finish of the entire project and plans were made for the rededication of the church.

During the ceremony, Archbishop Donnellan anointed the four walls of the church with Holy Oil and consecrated the new altar. As a symbol of the eternal Light of Christ, the archbishop presented a lighted candle to Father Kieran, who then lighted candles in the four blessed areas of St. Philip Benizi.

In addition to the altar and furnishings, other new items at the church include a baptismal font and cross. Newly installed pews and chairs have added seating space for 50, bringing full seating capacity to approximately 470 in the rapidly growing parish of 850 families.

Renovation of the sacristy includes the addition of a Priest’s Room, used by the clergy for vesting before services. The original structure, where Mass was first celebrated on April 30, 1967, did not include this area.

Father Kieran is delighted that so much of the renovation work was done by parish volunteers. Following plans obtained from Gaspari Studios in Mt. Kismo, N.Y., Fred G. Sidler served as parish coordinator of the project, with Pete Hoffman working as site manager.

Alvin Schaffer and Mike Harwell were responsible for painting the entire church, the latter volunteering his time as an Eagle Scout project.

Others working on the project included electrician Steve McDowell, Jim Clemens, who installed the public address system, and Tony Haponski, who served as general contractor.

Following the rededication ceremony, a parish reception was held at which Archbishop Donnellan recognized 40 members of St. Philip Benizi for their outstanding dedication and support of the Jonesboro church.