Groundbreaking for the new worship center at St. Catherine’s Sunday brought over 400 people including Tennessee’s bishop to the McMinnville church. The attendees celebrated outdoors with a bilingual service including a bilingual musical mass accompaniment.
The occasion also marked the 34th ordination anniversary for Father Bala Showraiah, in his fourth year at St. Catherine's. Bishop J. Mark Spalding traveled from Nashville to present a homily to mass goers and was the first to help break ground alongside Fr. Bala after the service. He praised Fr. Bala and his tenacity in raising the funds for the new facility and his dedication to his parish.
In his homily, he reminded mass goers to be extra cautious during the political season. Reminding listeners that the word “devil,” which is “diablo” in Spanish, comes from the Greek root “diabolos,” meaning “to slander or to speak dishonestly.” “There are some who would hope to see us more divided than united in order to win votes. We must stay united and not divided and do what is good for the whole,” he urged listeners.
St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish has been growing exponentially over the last ten or so years with over 300 families. They currently offer over five Sunday Masses and there simply is no room to house all the churchgoers at certain masses. The new building will be able to encompass the bigger crowds, including ones like Sunday’s where the congregation would have been in big trouble if the weather had not cooperated. It will also house several classrooms.
“I thank Mr. Tom Moore who was instrumental to help us think big and encouraged us in many ways. Most of the money was raised by Mr. Eugene Gillespie with his untiring effort and great love for this parish,” said Fr. Bala, who also thanked McMinnville City officials for their support and understanding as well as the parish and the Diocese.
After church officials broke ground, several families also helped break ground and posed with hard hats and shiny shovels.
Parishioners celebrated with two big cakes to honor Fr. Bala’s fourth year here.
A solemn procession of First Communion and Confirmation first-timers also made their way into the Sanctuary to honor the May Queen with flowers and prayers.
The day was spent with much festivities, called “Kermes,” where homemade food, games and activities were presented to help raise funds for the new worship center.
