The new church from the back. File photo

By Roberta Cianciosi

“When I first visited the church it felt like home,” said AJ Napolitano, who, along with many other parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, gets ready to move into the new church off Adam’s Way this month.

The Rite of Dedication of the new Our Lady of Grace will take place Feb. 13 at noon, with Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson officiating.

Fund-raising for the new church began when the parish was originally known as the St. Francis de Sales Mission, and a Sunday second collection was instituted for a new church building fund.

Our Lady of Grace parish was established in 2007 by Kicanas.

“I remember the linoleum tiles that had cracks in them, the four pews, and the rusty metal chairs, yet it still felt like the house of God,” Napolitano said.

In 2008, Rev. Marcos Velásquez and his parishioners began a capital campaign to raise funds for the new church, showcasing a “can-do” spirit of talent and generosity.

“When I arrived in August of 2005, it made me feel very welcome,” parish secretary Patti Coutré said, “yet my fondest memories will be here at the old site.”

Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Diocese of Tucson
Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Diocese of Tucson

Lenten Fish Fries, the Gala, the Paver Brick Campaign and the yearly Carnival, as well as pledges of support have made the impossible possible. “This has been a long time coming and I’m very excited to go into the new church,” Coutré said.
[quote_box_right]If You Go
What: Dedication of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Where: 40929 W. Santi Road
When: Feb. 13, noon[/quote_box_right]
“For me, it has been a privilege to see it from the architect’s rendering to become one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen, and a blessing to serve the Lord on this incredible journey,” Napolitano said.

The events will begin with a Friday vigil at 6 p.m. on Feb. 12, and the Mass of Rite of Dedication will begin at noon on Saturday, followed by a reception at 3 p.m. The day will end with Solemn Vespers and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

This story appeared in the February issue of InMaricopa News.