WOONSOCKET – Members of Sacred Heart parish have been given the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on their church as it undergoes renovation.
The church's leaky roof is being fixed, and in the process the unique Spanish tiles that date back to 1926 are being replaced with new, but comparable tiles.
The parish is selling the “naming rights” of the 10-by-13-inch tiles for $10 each. People can inscribe their own name, the name of a family member or any other message in permanent marker on the underside of the tile they purchase.
So far, 55 of the tiles have been sold and inscribed by parishioners. All sorts of messages are welcome. To date, most have chosen to memorialize deceased loved ones, or even themselves, for posterity.
Father Ronald J. Bengford, the pastor at Sacred Heart, said the project is a way for people to connect on a new level with the church. "It makes the parish feel like a community and it's something good," he said.
The messages that are being inscribed on the backs of the tiles are also written down and will eventually be compiled as a paper record for the church's archives.
The tiles will serve almost like a time capsule, when someday this new roof is replaced. The original lasted more than 80 years, and with the new roof, a new generation of people will be connected to today's parishioners.
Parishioners love the idea of leaving their mark on the church, Father Bengford said. "The response is great. It helps people be more of a community and they're really participating."
Parishioners are all invited to leave their mark on a tile. Tiles are being sold after the Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. Masses. Also, they can be purchased during parish office hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Anyone else who is not currently a member of the parish but feels a connection to the church is also invited to inscribe a tile; those will be placed in their own special section of the roof.
Father Bengford expects tiles to be on sale through Monday, January 28.
For more information, call 766-3150.
From the author: “I believe what inspired me... was just being in Mass and remembering everything about Mass – as well as the white dove that is painted on the ceiling of our church right above the altar. Ever since it was put there, I always make sure I get a seat in church where I can see it. It represents the Holy Spirt but it also symbolizes for me that all our loved ones are watching over us.”
