As crowds poured out of the new Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Church in Clinton, Iowa, which combines parishioners from five consolidated parishes, many
expressed happiness and even joy at their new environment.
"It's wonderful. I think it's the best thing they did in a long time. It needed to be done, not everyone agrees with it, but it needed to be done," parishioner Jack Wenzel told WQAD.
The new church combines 5 parishes that were consolidated in the 90's, but worshipped in separate buildings until now. Though some parishioners say they miss their old church, they agree being under one roof has its advantages.
"I'll miss our old churches because I loved them, but yes, probably, because of the economy and how much things cost. We'll have one church to support," says Theresa Barr, church member.
The new church is energy efficient and means only one utility bill for the Clinton Diocese. Pieces of each of the 5 churches members left have been incorporated into the new church design.
"As we come into our new space, this becomes our home where we celebrate the sacraments so there's a mix of sadness as well as great, great joy," says Fr Thomas Hennen.
It also helps with the problem of fewer priests, Fr Hennen says.
Fr Hennen says when he sees the number of children at Mass, he sees a bright future for the Clinton Diocese. Parishioners who say they think the church is losing young people, hope this new church can turn things around.
SOURCE
Catholic Church in Clinton consolidates under new roof (WQAD)
LINKS
Jesus Christ Prince of Peace parish
Davenport diocese