Dedication Mass marks opening of St. Joseph’s Chapel in Jamestown

The chanting of a sacred hymn from a lone cantor filled the chapel space as Bishop John Folda poured the chrism oil, consecrating the new altar at St. Joseph’s Chapel at St. John’s Academy in Jamestown. Those who worked over the past six years to make the new addition to St. John’s Academy a reality attended the Mass on Oct. 7 to dedicate the chapel.

The $1 million chapel is part of a $7.5 million upgrade to St. John’s and includes expanded classrooms, a commons/lunch area, a childcare facility to expand early childhood and afterschool programs, first and second floor renovations to the existing school, and new administrative offices.

In his homily during the Mass, Bishop Folda referred to the importance of the chapel in a child’s daily education at St. John’s Academy.

“This chapel really will be the heart of your school, because here you will always find Christ,” said Bishop Folda. “He is the reason for all that we are doing here today and every day.  He will allow St. John’s to grow and thrive, to be a place where every child can learn of God’s love and the beautiful call we have all received to be with him in heaven. I pray that our Lord will always bless this historic school, this place where the faith can be handed on to many more generations of young people.”

St. Joseph’s Chapel is named in honor of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who founded the academy in 1890.