St. Thomas University’s chapel held its first mass in its new location on Sunday. Faith community members are excited about their new beginning.
“It’s a new chapter. We’ve been moved and that’s okay,” said Michael Pallotto, Campus ministry student liaison. “We have a new place. Will make it our new home. Will make it a vibrant place for people to gather.”
Last winter, the faith community received word the chapel would be moving from its George Martin Hall location to Holy Cross House. This was done to accomidate the new Great Hall, which opened earlier in the week. Some parishioners were upset at first.
“The departure from the old chapel was rough. It wasn’t a pleasant passage,” said Bruce Judah, a member of the congregation for 20 plus years. “But by and large we’ve gotten over the worry and the concern.”
Judah said while construction in Holy Cross House was still taking place, service was held in Brian Mulroney Hall and Sainte-Anne-Des-Pays-Bas (Paroisse). He was glad the core group of about 30 members stayed together during the transition, and Sunday’s service will mean a lot to him.
“We’re happy that the dislocation is coming to an end,” said Judah.
Pallotto is looking forward to writing a new history. The second year said he was surprised when he heard about the move, but he likes the smaller space of the new chapel.
“It’s going to be a smaller space, community oriented,” said Pallotto. “Because the space is smaller more people will talk to each other and develop better relationships because of it.”
He said the faith community has always been together, but he remembers a commune service in BMH. The small space led to a service where it felt everyone was involved said Pallotto. He’s also relieved to just have a space of their own.
“It will make campus ministries life a little easier. We have a location where we can operate from,” said Pallotto. “We have a place where we can direct people to.”
He was glad that students have another place to celebrate their faith and another quiet place. Pallotto said the campus food bank will remain in the same location in GMH. But Pallotto and Judah are just glad to come together in faith.
“That is the core of our faith that we are together,” said Judah.
