Cross Monument at St. Joseph Catholic Church Blessed by Bishop Edward M. Lohse
BLESSING OF THE CROSS… Mass was held Saturday, Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Watervliet to celebrate the blessing of the 130-year-old cross and its newly built monument. Bishop Edward M. Lohse of Kalamazoo celebrated with Fr. Patrick Craig. Following Mass, the congregation, along with the Knights of Columbus and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard Knights from Kalamazoo, walked with the Bishop to the cross monument on Lucinda Lane, where Bishop Lohse led the blessing.
After the blessing, Ray Warmoth led the evening events at a dinner reception for 70 invited guests held in Thelen Hall. He discussed the history of the old church cross and the sequence of events through restoration of the cross, reconstruction of the inner frame and the eventual building of the monument. Warmoth thanked many, including parishioners, professionals, community and committee members for coming together and contributing in countless ways to help make the cross monument a reality.
The hall featured tables displaying interesting exhibits, artifacts and articles dedicated to the cross’s history. A time capsule will be added to the monument with items and articles, including this issue of the Tri City Record.
