Beacon church begins 150th year

Bishop visits St. Joachim's

By Maeleeke J. Lavan
Poughkeepsie Journal

 

Lori O'Toole photos/For the Journal Bishop Dominick Lagonegro shared a few jokes Monday night with the congregation of St. Joachim's Church in Beacon as he celebrated a special Mass marking renovations to the church and its 150th anniversary.

St. Joachim's Church recently underwent renovations, including painting and refinished pews.

BEACON -- After 150 years of service to the community, on Monday night St. Joachim's Church celebrated a new beginning.

More than 200 people filled the church to begin the church's 150th anniversary celebration -- and they worshiped in the church's newly renovated sanctuary, which had been closed off for months.

''Part of the joy for the Catholic community is that we've been able to serve the people, both Catholic and non-Catholic, for 150 years,'' the Rev. Joseph Bisignano, St. Joachim's administrator, said. ''That's really a blessing from God since it's our mission to serve the people.''

The yearlong list of events commemorating the church's anniversary began Monday night with a Mass led by Bishop Dominick Lagonegro.

The church will continue celebrations throughout 2003 with concerts, picnics and a trip to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. Cardinal Edward Egan and Bishop Robert Brucato will visit the church in October and December.

The official anniversary of St. Joachim's is Dec. 4, 2003.

Lagonegro, who blessed the newly renovated church and its parish, spoke of the important memories of communions, Mass and marriage the St. Joachim's community will continue to share.

''What a joyful day it is for this parish,'' Lagonegro said. ''The family of St. Joachim's will gather around this table as it has for 150 years,'' he said, speaking of the church altar.

$300,000 contributed

The church raised more than $300,000 in a renovation campaign to refurbish the sanctuary. Upgrades included freshly painted walls, new tiles and a refinished altar and pews. The church also received a new chalice and paten.

Resident Anita Ciminaro attended Monday's Mass with her daughter, Nicolle Ciminaro.

'I think the community and church have always been important to Beacon,'' said Anita Ciminaro, who has been a member of St. Joachim's for 35 years. ''I thought the Mass was beautiful.''

Bisignano said the church has been through some rough times during the past few years, particularly after the closing of the city's only Catholic elementary school, St. Joachim/St. John. The Archdiocese of New York closed the school after the 2000-01 school year.

Bisignano said he hopes this year of celebration and the renovations will breathe new life into the church.

''I'm hoping the year coming will be so culturally and religiously positive that people will come back home,'' he said.