The rite for the dedication of a church and an altar is rightly considered among the most solemn liturgical services. A church is the place where the Christian community is gathered to hear the word of God, to offer intercession and praise to him, and above all to celebrate the holy mysteries. It is the place where the holy sacrament of the Eucharist is kept. (Rite of dedication of a Church and Altar)

What is a Dedication?

Dedication is a rite to ask God’s blessing for the success of the work and to remind the people that the structure built of stone will be a visible sign of the living Church, God’s building that is formed of the people themselves. In accordance with liturgical tradition, this rite consists of the blessing of the site of the church and the blessing and laying of the foundation stone. When there is to be no foundation stone because of the particular architecture of the building, the rite of the blessing of the site of the new church should still be celebrated in order to dedicate the beginning of the work of God. (Rite of dedication of a Church and Altar)

Parish Dedication is like a Baptism. Dedication reminds us that this building is for God. The Parish has its name (e.g. Our Lady of Grace Parish) but it is for God. In dedicating the Parish, we are not just dedicating the building but we are also dedicating ourselves as a community.