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THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH
 
 
 
In 1977, Father Perreault attended a meeting with Bishop Guilfoyle during which he heard the Bishop say "What the devil are we going to do about a Church in Sea Isle City, New Jersey? Little did Father realize the part he would play in resolving that dilemma. On Sunday, December 18 at 11:30am the much anticipated new Church of our parish was dedicated and consecrated. The most Reverend Joseph Galante, Bishop of the Diocese of Camden led the Consecration. The ceremony was mesmerizing. It was meticulously timed and majestically orchestrated.
The procession was led into a dark Church by the Knights of Columbus in full uniform. Father Perreault explained, "that you come in darkness and song. The process includes the blessing of the building and the consecration of the altar. Bishop Galante anointed the altar and four members of the parish, Kathy Custer, Lori Larkin, JB Flora and Mike Jargowsky helped to spread the sacred oils. The symbolism of the water and oil go back to Baptism.
After the Consecration, a fire was lit in an urn and incense was burned. This symbolized the rising of prayers to heaven.
Once the altar was consecrated, the lights in the Church were turned on and the beautiful Church was magnificently illuminated for its first Mass. It was a breathtaking moment. Assisting Bishop Galante were nine other priests on the altar for Mass including our pastor Father Perreault and former pastors Father Kileen and Father Gramigna. Also in attendance were Msgr. Fitzsimmons, Msgr. Rock, Father Jones, Father Battisti and Msgr. Frey, Pastor of St. Brendan the Navigator. Joining the priests on the altar were Deacons Liam O'Clisham and Joseph Murphy.
The choir, led by Lisa DiBruno, filled the building with inspirational songs. The music was just beautiful. I think it was St. Augustine who said, "he who sings, prays twice".
The precision with which the entire service was carried out was amazing. The attention to every detail was not lost on anyone. Most people in attendance had never seen a church dedication before and will never forget that day.
The drive to build this Church began in September, 2009. Father Perreault and the Committee were focused since the first day of the drive. Meeting, fundraising and planning every detail so that this day would be "Just Perfect". That is the best way to describe it. Everything was "Just Perfect".
The Parish came together by contributing $2.25 million. The goal was reached on the morning of the Dedication. Year round parishioners, summer parishioners and friends of St. Joseph, all played a part in building this Church.
But the fact of the matter is that, it wouldn't have happened without our Pastor, Father Perreault. He oversaw every part of the process. He would not allow for this Church Dedication to be one day later than was planned. The tears in so many of the parishioners eyes as they watched the Dedication Mass prove how much this means to us and how grateful we are to him. Well, Bishop Guilfoyle's question has finally been answered. Father, how can we ever thank you!!!!!!
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