DEDICATION MASS

On Tuesday, November 25, 2008, just two days before Thanksgiving, a select group of forty or so gathered in the Sacred Heart Chapel of Eucharistic Adoration to be present while Bishop Sartain blessed the chapel in preparation for bringing Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to his permanent residence within the Chapel.  This all occurred at the culmination of Holy Trinity Parish’s 40-Hour Devotion in honor of the Blessed Sacrament.

Following the blessing, the group processed over to the Church whereupon entering they were greeted with the hymn, “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”.   So began the Inauguration ceremonies for

The Sacred Heart Chapel of Eucharistic Adoration amidst a church filled with priests, the Knights of Columbus honor guard, and more than 900 parishioners and guests in attendance.

The Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain, Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, presided over the ceremonies and Father Joseph Siegel, Pastor of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst, served as the Bishop’s Master of Ceremonies.  The parish was honored to have the following priests present to concelebrate at this special Dedication Mass: 

Father William De Salvo – Pastor of Holy Trinity 

Father Robert Noesen – Associate at Holy Trinity

Father Gerald Tivy,

Father Augustin Kulbia, OSM,

Father Michael Boland – Director of Catholic Charities in Chicago

Father Ernie Borbeck – Pastor of St. Mary of Gostyn Church (Downers Grove)

Father Albert Heidecke – Pastor of St. Joseph Church (Manteno)

Father Damien Graziano – Pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Parish (Oak Brook Terrace)

Father Matt Pratscher – Associate at Visitation Church (Elmhurst)

Father Greg Podwysocki – Associate/St. John the Baptist (Winfield)

Father Michael Lane – Pastor of St. Jude Church (Joliet)

Seminarians Willaim Vagenas and Michael Pawlowicz, as well as Deacon Tom Jagielo and Deacon Bill Casey were also present and helped with the ceremonies.

At the conclusion of the Mass, celebrated in our church, Bishop Sartain placed the Eucharist in the Monstrance.  With the congregation on their knees, the Blessed Sacrament was incensed as a sign of reverence and honor.  The procession escorting the Blessed Sacrament to the Sacred Heart Chapel of Eucharistic Adoration then started.   Cass and Richmond Streets in Westmont were lined with the faithful holding candles providing the candlelight and voices to the hymn Pange Lingua.

Upon arrival at the Chapel the familiar song of praise and adoration began, the Tantum Ergo.  With this song filling the air, Bishop Sartain placed the monstrance with the exposed Eucharist on the Tabor – or throne – prepared in the niche of the Altar of Repose.  Jesus was finally home! The air was sweet with the scent of incense and the mingling of singing voices.

The Litany of the Sacred Heart was prayed as the Chapel was dedicated in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the symbol of God’s love for His people.

The hymn of praise, the TE DEUM (We Praise You, God), which is reserved for times of great joy and Solemnity, was then sung.  Bishop Sartain once again incensed the Blessed Sacrament while it was exposed upon the Altar of Repose.

While imparting his Pontifical Blessing to all those within and outside the chapel, Bishop Sartain temporarily covered the monstrance. This blessing is a privilege only extended to the faithful on more solemn occasions. After the blessing the Sacrament was exposed once again and the Bishop led all the faithful in the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel.

At the conclusion of the dedication, all those present prayed quietly in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  The start of perpetual adoration at Holy Trinity’s Sacred Heart Chapel of Eucharistic Adoration had begun.