On Saturday, April 10, 2010, the new church of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish was dedicated to God in a solemn rite. The Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana presided over the Mass of Dedication, which lasted approximately two hours.

Parishioners gathered outside the new church at 5:00 p.m. for introductory rites. After processing into the church, the bishop blessed the water with which the people were sprinkled as a sign of repentance and as a reminder of their baptism, and to purify the walls and altar of the new church. Prayers for God's assistance in the works of the church were offered and the altar was anointed with chrism; this marked the altar as a primary symbol of Christ, the Anointed One. All that gathered were blessed and the new church was consecrated for worship.

The incense that were used symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. With special care, the altar was cleaned and prepared with a white altar cloth. Reflecting the rituals of Baptism — sprinkling, anointing, clothing in white garments, and lighting candles — the Church was initiated for use by the people of God for the celebration of the Lord's sacrifice.

Father Daniel Powell and the parishioners of St. Margaret Mary invite you to learn about our parish, where faith and life meet to praise God.

Please join with me in celebrating our new church, which honors those who have gone before us and represents a special gift to ourselves and to future generations of St. Margaret Mary Parish families.

As faithful parishioners, you know we have much to be grateful for here at St. Margaret Mary Parish. You and your family have celebrated many rites of passage by the sacraments in our original church. Some have shared in the educational experience of St. Margaret Mary’s School. Some have intensely met the presence of God at the altar or confessional. Some have professed their love in lifetime commitment or buried a loved one. St. Margaret Mary has been a gathering place of prayer and community for sixty-two years and we celebrate that heritage.

I deeply appreciate the tremendous support you have given to St. Margaret Mary Parish. I am gratified and inspired by all who have come together to achieve our vision for a new church. Let us go forward with memories of our past and hope for our new future.

Gratefully in Christ,
Rev. Daniel F.X. Powell
Pastor