On Dec. 15, 2024, St. Luke Parish in Middleburg opened its doors to a breathtakingly renewed sanctuary as Bishop Erik Pohlmeier led the Mass of Dedication for its new altar. The church has undergone a comprehensive renovation for the first time in 30 years, transforming its sacred space into a Eucharist-centered masterpiece of faith and beauty.
The renovations, guided by the vision of parishioners and Father Andy Blaszkowski, were driven by the desire to place the Eucharist at the heart of the sanctuary. The tabernacle, formerly in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, now holds pride of place in a striking reredos—a magnificent structure behind the altar that emphasizes Christ’s centrality in the church’s life. Along with the reredos, the updates include a new altar of sacrifice, ambo, a custom organ, tile floors, carpet replacements and refurbished pews, all designed to create an atmosphere of reverence and renewal.
The new altar is a spiritual and artistic treasure. Its marble top (mensa) is supported by intricately carved columns and adorned with a mosaic of the Lamb of God—Agnus Dei—representing Jesus’ victory over sin and death. The design incorporates symbolic elements like the seven seals from Revelation and the chi-rho symbol, evoking the glory of heaven and the mysteries of faith celebrated on this altar. Within the altar, Bishop Pohlmeier installed a relic of St. Mother Teresa, a testament to the parish’s mission to serve the least among them.
The dedication of the altar began with Bishop Pohlmeier blessing and sprinkling the congregation and altar with holy water, symbolizing spiritual renewal. He then anointed the altar with sacred chrism, evoking Christ’s five wounds and transforming the altar into a sacred vessel for the Eucharist. As incense rose, prayers ascended to heaven, and the altar, clothed in white, had its candles solemnly lit for the first time. The dedication culminated in the celebration of the Eucharist, uniting the parish community in faith and thanksgiving.
Father Andy Blaszkowski and the parishioners of St. Luke are overjoyed to return to their sanctuary, a labor of love made possible through months of planning, generous contributions and steadfast faith. Since July, the community has celebrated Mass in the Annunciation Catholic School gym while eagerly awaiting this day. Their Enrichment Campaign has already completed the first phase of renovations, with future plans for a Marian grotto, outdoor gathering pavilion and updates to the parish hall and school.
Following the dedication Mass, a reception was held to bring the parish family together for a celebration. As the congregation gathered around the new altar for the first time, they encountered a beautifully adorned sanctuary and a profound invitation to deeper faith, unity and transformation in Christ.
For the St. Luke community, this is not merely a church restoration but a renewal of their hearts, with Christ truly at the center.
