‘Little’ St. Joachim grows bigger

Archbishop Gregory Aymond incensed the altar of the newly renovated and expanded St. Joachim Church in Marrero March 12.

Because of its wooded surroundings, the church has been known as “The Little Church in the Woods.” Archbishop Aymond praised parishioners for banding together to raise funds for the construction, which added a covered entrance so that Massgoers can be dropped off in the rain, extra seating and a reoriented altar that takes advantage of views of nature through large windows. Father G. Amaldoss, St. Joachim’s pastor, thanked Archbishop Aymond for keeping the parish open after Katrina. Archbishop Aymond anointed the altar with sacred chrism, which he poured in the shape of a cross and then rubbed into the wood. He urged parishioners to take the Word of God and Jesus in the Eucharist to the world as they leave church each Sunday.

The liturgy for the dedication of a parish church includes the moment when the lights are turned on to reveal the church in all its magnificence.
The church remains in the dark until after the homily, the litany of the saints, the prayer of dedication, the anointing of the altar and walls, the
incensation of the altar and the dressing of the altar.
Altar server Hunter Thomassie does a meticulous job lighting the altar candles for pastor, Father G. Amaldoss, above.