On Monday, February 6, at St. Mary’s parish in Gainesville, the former convent chapel (once the chapel of the School Sisters of Notre Dame) was blessed and dedicated as St. John’s Chapel. The sacred furnishings that had been once in the small church of St. John’s in Valley View, Texas had been refurbished and installed in the former convent chapel. This chapel, which will be used for daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration, will be a reminder to the people of St. John’s in Valley View that the liturgical life and worship once in their parish Church (now closed) will continue in this new chapel dedicated as well to St. John.
A special thanks to Fr. Victor Cruz, pastor of St. Mary’s, the parish leadership, and the former parishioners of St. John’s for their work and dedication in accomplishing this work. This chapel furnishes, then, a sacred space for contemplative prayer, and a time to spend in conversation with the Eucharistic Lord amidst the challenges of daily life. Photos by Julie Rauschuber.
 |
| The procession into St. John's Chapel for the start of Mass |
 |
| Bishop Vann leads the procession during Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament |
 |
| Bishop Vann blesses the altar with incense |