Fullerton church begins renovations

FULLERTON – Renovation work is well underway at St. Joseph Church in Fullerton, where a sweeping interior transformation of its more than 50-year-old sanctuary began in early June. Pews have been removed, carpeting torn up and construction crews are preparing the space for an upgrade parish leaders say reflects both practical needs and a renewed spiritual focus.

Over the remainder of the summer, the sanctuary will receive a comprehensive facelift: interior and exterior painting, new flooring, energy-efficient LED lighting and protective Plexiglass coverings for the church’s stained-glass windows. It’s all part of the second phase of the parish’s $2.5 million capital improvement campaign, “Building on the Past with Hope to the Future.”

The first phase wrapped up last fall with the installation of a new $1.25 million HVAC system.

“It lived twice as long as it should have,” said Father Jesse Bolger, pastor of St. Joseph, referring to the old unit. He also noted the deteriorating state of the sanctuary: cracked pews, worn carpeting and lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Another incentive was returning from COVID,” he said. “It is another sense of new life.”

In spring 2023, parish leaders made the decision to move forward with sanctuary renovations. A capital campaign committee was formed, and a parishioner contributed architectural services pro bono. While there were varying opinions on some elements, Father Bolger said the parish ultimately reached a shared vision.

One of the most significant changes will be the replacement of the wooden altar, ambo and tabernacle stand with new fixtures made of Jerusalem limestone.

“We think it is going to create a focus in the sanctuary in more of a direct way than in the past,” Father Bolger said. “It was quarried where our Lord walked. It is a beautiful continuity with our salvation.”

The altar will also be repositioned closer to the center of the church’s circular layout, allowing space for a small reredos behind the tabernacle.

“It will give some permanence,” Father Bolger explained. “As Catholics, we can hold multiple realities in our hands. The focus on the altar and Jesus’ presence in the tabernacle. Every one of us carries the Trinity within us.”

The parish’s vibrant and diverse music program – which includes classical, Filipino, African, contemporary and youth choirs – also played a role in the sanctuary’s redesign. An expanded area for musicians and the installation of risers aim to enhance both visibility and acoustics. The church organ has been returned to its original pit.

“They used to have not a lot of space and sing in front of the first pew,” Father Bolger said. “Now it is a nice configuration.”

Generous support from a core group of families enabled the first phase of the campaign to reach $1 million by fall 2023. So far, the parish has raised $2.1 million in pledges toward its total $2.5 million goal.

While construction continues, Mass is being celebrated in the parish center, where a temporary sanctuary has been created on the stage. Father Bolger hopes to return to the church in time to celebrate Mass in the renovated sanctuary on September 28.

St. Joseph has also welcomed new members in recent months, including families from parishes closed during the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Seek the City to Come planning initiative. Father Bolger hopes the renewed worship space will meet their needs.

“We are very excited,” he said. The updated sanctuary, he added, is intended to serve “as a place of renewal, grace and purpose” for both long-standing parishioners and new arrivals.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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