Dedication for Our Lady of Guadalupe Delayed

The dedication date for Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church has been delayed and set for Saturday, June 11.

Originally, plans were set to dedicate the 1,000-seat church on April 30, but unforeseen factors prompted the change of date, according to the Rev. Msgr. Joseph P. Gentili.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control and in spite of extraordinary efforts of many dedicated individuals, it has become apparent that we will not be able to have our church and chapel dedication on Saturday, April 20, 2011, as previously planned,” said a portion of a letter sent out to parishioners Jan. 30.

The church is being built at Cold Spring Creamery Road and Route 413 in Buckingham. Masses currently are held at Holicong Middle School or Central Bucks East High School on Holicong Road.

The church website has posted weekly construction updates, complete with photos. While the latest update is a week old, it’s evident at that point that the building wouldn’t be ready by the April 30 mark.

The latest building progress report posted April 17 on the church’s website says most of the construction centers on the interior of the church. Workers continue to install drywall throughout the structure. Electrical work, including installing ceiling lights and an audio system, has been started. And placing marble facing on the altar is proceeding.

Workers are also installing roof tiles on the chapel.

A capital campaign for the construction project includes funds for the church, a 109-seat chapel, parking lots, walkways, site work and infrastructure enhancements. A Parish Ministry Center is contingent upon funding.

The capital campaign seeks to raise up to $7 million for the project. According to capital campaign information supplied on the website, the parish had raised about $4.7 million by the end of February. With the Parish Ministry Center, the entire project is estimated to be $18 million.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish formed about 11 years ago, with nearly 2,000 families.