KERNERSVILLE — A new altar top, or “mensa,” for Holy Cross Church was dedicated by Bishop Peter Jugis April 27. The new mensa, which measures 6.5 feet long, is made from North Carolina mahogany and replaces a smaller glass top that had become chipped and fractured over the years. It was placed atop the existing altar base, funded by the Columbiettes decades ago. It was manufactured by Wall Lumber Co. and finished by a parishioner, who also carved out the receptacle for the altar stone, which was repurposed from a deconsecrated altar in Cincinnati. During the altar dedication, Bishop Jugis anointed the altar with sacred chrism and then burned incense. He and Father Noah Carter, pastor, placed relics of martyrs St. Vitalis and St. Cletus inside the altar stone, and it was sealed by parishioners Bob Demmond and Allen Livelsberger. The altar was then prepared for Mass, dressed with linens and candles by parishioners Gloria Ortiz, Pascuala Velasco, Kathy Garlow and Juliann Demmond. They and others who assisted at the special liturgy were among those who are involved with the liturgical life of the Kernersville parish, including sacristans, Arts and Environment coordinators, and Facilities and Buildings members, Father Carter noted.
— Photos by John Bunyea, Catholic News Herald
