Oxford Parish to Reopen Church During Anniversary Celebration

OXFORD, CT — St. Thomas the Apostle Church will celebrate its reopening and 60th anniversary next month after a summer of renovations, while its pastor says he remains stable but is still awaiting a living donor.

Fr. Joshua Wilbur, pastor of the Oxford Road parish, said in his latest parish newsletter that no living donor has yet been found. He said he remains mobile and able to serve the community sacramentally for the most part, although he tires easily and his medical situation continues to evolve.

Wilbur said he has been surprised by the stability he is experiencing given his prognosis and thanked parishioners for their prayers and support. He is receiving care from a medical team at Yale.

Meanwhile, structural work at the church is nearing completion, including reconstruction of a cupola that had leaked for several years. Interior painting is underway, along with smaller changes intended to enhance the worship space, Wilbur said.

Parishioners are being asked not to enter the upstairs church until construction is complete because of safety and insurance concerns.

The parish will hold a reopening and rededication Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 733 Oxford Road. Archbishop Emeritus Leonard P. Blair will celebrate the Mass, followed by a light reception.

The event will also include the opening of a time capsule from 1973 that was found in the rectory garage, according to the parish announcement. St. Thomas the Apostle was established Sept. 17, 1966.

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