Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Sun Valley officially opened its doors on Thursday, Dec. 13, with pomp, circumstance and nearly 300 people jamming its wood, stone and glass walls. The bishop of Boise, the Most Rev. Michael P. Driscoll, officiated at the Mass of dedication.
The ceremony began outside the church, in the freezing cold. A representative of the Wood River Jewish Community blew the Shofar as a call to prayer. Our Lady of the Snows Pastor Life Director Teresa Gregory introduced the building's architect, Jim McLaughlin, to Bishop Driscoll and acknowledged the co-chairs of the building's $4.5 million fundraising campaign.
Following a procession of priests, R.L. Rowsey, musical director for the Company of Fools theater group, led the choir into the new stunning sanctuary with the words, "Lead us to your kingdom."
The congregation filled the expansive space and turned to the font for the blessing and sprinkling of water. The Bishop offered words of welcome to colleagues, Rev. Shawn McCarty of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hailey, Pastor Bob Henley of the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum, and Rev. Ken Brannon of St. Thomas Episcopal, Our Lady's neighbor across Sun Valley Road.
The ceremony continued with the filling of the church font.
"Welcome everyone, to all people and other people of faith of all faith," Gregory said, as the clergy gathered around. "This is not Catholic water but water donated by our Episcopal and Presbyterian friends who will pour water into the font as part of the solemn rite of dedication."
A Mass followed that included the anointing of the altar and walls, the lighting of the altar and church, a celebration of the Eucharist and an inauguration of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Mary Poppen's children's choir sang "This Little Light of Mine" as part of the proceedings.
Among the many clergy in attendance was Father John Morgan, the retired priest who served St. Charles Catholic Church in Hailey and Our Lady of the Snows for more than 12 years.
A reception was held following the Mass downstairs in the new open and light-filled parish hall.
At the dedication of the new Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Rev. Shawn Carty, Pastor Bob Henley and Rev. Ken Brannon, from left to right, pour water into the font as a gift from their communities. Photo by David N. Seelig
