Table of Contents

1 The church of Our Lady of the Cape: ......................................................................................3 Beauty becomes Reconciliation and Communion ........................................................3 2 Historical Profile: ..........................................................................................................................6 Our Lady of the Cape, December 8th 1961 - 2012 ........................................................6 The small chapel in East of Brewster: Immaculate Conception .........................7 The Missionaries of La Salette serving at Immaculate Conception...... ...........8 December 8th, 1961: the beginning of Our Lady of the Cape ..........................9 October 11th 2002: starting the new church.........................................................11 3 Architecture and Theology: ......................................................................................................12 Retelling the Bible through art and Architecture ............................................................12 Introduction ..............................................................................................................13 Our Lady of the Cape: a church retelling the Bible ............................................14 The Symbol of the fish ...................................................................................14 The Symbol of the la salette cross ...............................................................14 The Symbol of the scallop ............................................................................15 The Symbol of the pineapple ......................................................................15 Our Lady of the Cape: a space welcoming the quest for God .............16 Our Lady of the Cape: a space of reconciliation with God and man ..16 4 The mother church: 25 A short history of Immaculate Conception Chapel .......................................................25 Memories from the mother church ....................................................................26

2 - Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod

Preface

The church of Our Lady of the Cape:

by Fr. Flavio Gillio

Beauty becomes Reconciliation and Communion

Bible, Biblical Archaeology and Jewish Tradition in Jerusalem and Rome. He has also guided various international groups around Israel, giving biblical and archaeological sessions. In Italy he has taught Bible, Semitic Languages and Jewish Exegesis in Naples. During the last two summers Fr. Flavio was at Our Lady of the Cape for a series of biblical lectures. To know more about his activities visit the website Digbibweb at www.digbib.com

r. Flavio is an Italian Priest. He studied

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 3

Walking through the inner spaces of the church has been more than a simple contemplative exercise: it has been a journey ...
gave during the summer 2011. When Fr. Bernard Baris M.S. guided me through the church, I was amazed by its beauty and by the symbolic meaning hidden behind every detail. With pleasure I admired how architecture and art can actually become narrative texts, filled with spirituality, evoking the mystery of God and embedding the History of Salvation. hile walking inside the Church guided by Fr. Bernard Baris M.S., simply Bernie for his parishioners and friends, Fyodor Dostoevskys words kept on resounding in my mind: Beauty will save the world. Indeed, visiting the church of Our Lady of the Cape means, at once, to experience Beauty and Reconciliation. The two terms are deeply interconnected: beauty should be always reconciling, and reconciliation should always bear an aesthetic value, enabling us to see the world from a different perspective, i.e. with the eyes of God. alking through the inner spaces of the church has been, for me, more than a simple contemplative exercise; it has been a journey. A typical lighthouse in Cape Cod Well rooted in the context of Cape Cod through various decorative elehis e-booklet is basically a reworked edi- ments, the Church invites its visitors to tion of the flayer written by the Pastor reach the Sea of Galilee with the latof Our Lady of La Salette Parish, in Brewster, eral windows of the main nave and MA, Fr. Bernard Baris, M.S. then to reach the small village of La visited for the first time the Parish in occa- Salette, thanks to the two La Salette sion of a series of biblical lectures that I Windows displayed in the east and

4 - Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod

west naves that remind the good news announced by Mary to Maximin and Melanie on September 19th, 1846. journey aimed at remembering: remembering that God is the Emmanuel, the God-with-us, thanks to various artistic elements referring to the Old and the New Testament; remembering that in God there is a motherly side, witnessed by the La Salette Windows, that constantly beseeches: Come closer my children, dont be afraid; finally remembering that you and me, we are not disconnected from those who preceded us: indeed the church also displays elements that link its visitors with the members of this welcoming community that, through their faith, generosity and perseverance, made the existence of Our Lady of the Cape possible. In this sense, Beauty is, at once, Reconciliation and Communion.

Fr. Flavio Gillio Our Lady of the Cape Parish, 468 Stony Brook Road, Brewster, MA

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 5

Historical Profile:

Our Lady of the Cape, December 8th 1961 - 2012

by Fr. Bernard Baris M.S. Pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish

Pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish for 15 years. Fr. Bernard is also responsible for the mission the parish community supports in Haiti, in the Dessaline region.

r. Bernard Baris, M.S., has been the

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The small chapel in East of Brewster: Immaculate Conception

t the beginning of the 20th Century, Catholics began to move to Cape Cod in greater numbers, finding work in fishing and farming. Many young Irish girls found employment as servants in the homes of sea captains. Their spiritual needs were met by the few priests in the parishes of Sandwich and Harwich. As the Catholic population grew, other Cape parishes and chapels were established. n 1908, Bishop Daniel Feehan, Bishop of Fall River, gave permission to the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Harwich to build a small chapel in East Brewster to minister to the needs of the Catholic population in this area. Permission was granted to Father George Ma-

guire to build the chapel under the condition that the cost of construction would not exceed $875. How things have changed! Property was purchased on Route 6A from Mrs. James H. Payne. The Church was built by Brewster men and was dedicated to Immaculate Conception in August 1908. In 1947, Immaculate Conception church became a mission church of the newly formed St. Joan of Arc parish in Orleans. ver the decades, priests from Harwich, Wellfleet and Orleans came to Immaculate Conception Chapel in East Brewster to celebrate Mass and to prepare the children for the sacraments.

Immaculate Conception Chapel, Brewster, MA

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 7

The Missionaries of La Salette serving at Immaculate Conception

n 1942, the Missionaries of Our Lady of LaSalette purchased Fieldstone Hall also in East Brewster. This property was the former estate of Roland C. Nickerson. Now, it is known as Ocean Edge Resort. During the many years that LaSalette Seminary operated, the Missionaries of LaSalette often served at nearby Immaculate Conception Chapel. When Bishop James L. Connolly decided to establish a parish in Brewster, the pastoral care of this new parish was entrusted to the care of the Missionaries of LaSalette. Father Joseph A. Nolin was named its first pastor. The new parish, established on April 19, 1961, included the Town of Brewster and the parts of Dennis and Harwich north of Route 6, the Mid-Cape Highway. mmediately, it became clear to Father Nolin that Immaculate Conception Chapel was not suitable for the parish church of the new parish. It was located in the east end of the parish and was not central to the greater population of the parish. A larger church was also needed with enough land for a rectory and more parking. In the early years of the parish, Sunday Masses in the summer had to be held in four different locations: Immaculate Conception Chapel in East Brewster, Worden Hall in East Dennis, Carleton Hall in Dennis, and on the front lawn of LaSalette Seminary when weather permitted. At this point, the parish was called Immaculate Conception.

When Bishop James L. Connolly decided to establish a parish in Brewster, the pastoral care of this new parish was entrusted to the care of the Missionaries of LaSalette .
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Ocean Edge today, Brewster, MA

December 8th, 1961: the beginning of Our Lady of the Cape

s consequence, Father Joseph A. Nolin set about to find a piece of property located in West Brewster or East Dennis for the new parish church. A suitable property of 28 acres was soon found on Stony Brook Road in West Brewster. The asking price was $30,000. Bishop Connolly immediately gave permission to Father Nolin over the phone to purchase the property. Ground breaking ceremonies for the new church was held on December 8, 1961. Bishop James L. Connolly assisted by Harold Ellis, Mary Walker and Radford McCormick, presided. It is at this occasion that Father Nolin suggested that the new parish and church be named Our Lady of the Cape. Bishop Connolly gave his approval enthusiastically. Services were held in the East Brewster church and Carleton Hall in Dennis until a new building was erected. The new parish consisted of Brewster, Dennis and Pleasant Lake. Work on the church began in

Aerial view of the property of the parish

The rectory of the parish today early 1962. It was built by local contractors and parishioners. As soon as the floor decking was in place, Father Nolin began saying Mass in the unfinished structure. The church was finished in March 1963; but the first official Mass was celebrated at MidOur Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 9

As the parish grew, the area became overly crowded and a parish center was considered. This dream was realized in 1989 when a beautiful, multi-purpose parish center was built...
night on Christmas 1962. Bishop James Connolly presided at the Dedication Ceremonies on July 14, 1963. The seating capacity of the church was 550. In 1965, the present rectory was built and the Parish Center was finished in 1988. he rectory was started on the hill behind the church in June 1965 and Fr. Nolin, who had been using the La Salette seminary (present Ocean Edge Building-Rt.6A) as his rectory, moved into the house on December 8, 1965. The formal dedication of the rectory by Bishop Connolly took place in August 1966. s the parish grew, the area became overly crowded and a parish center was considered. This dream was realized in 1989 when a beautiful, multi-purpose parish center was built. Bishop Daniel Cronin dedicated the new The Parish Center today building on October 29, 1989.

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October 11th 2002: starting the new church

decade later, a study to expand or rebuild Our Lady of the Cape Church which no longer met the needs of the growing parish community was launched by Father Bernard Baris M.S., soon after he completed the restoration of the Immaculate Conception Chapel even though the Chapel was expanded over the years (the east wing was added in 1923 and the west wing in 1969), it was completely restored soon after Father Bernard B. was named pastor in July 1997. Meetings of parishioners were held, an architect was selected and plans were drawn up. n October 11, 2002, the parish gathered with Bishop Sean OMalley, then the Bishop of Fall River, for the ground-breaking ceremony of the new church. The last Mass celebrated in the 1963 church was on Sunday, January 19, 2003. During construction, liturgies were celebrated in the hall of the Parish Center.

Bishop G. W. Coleman and Fr. Bernard Baris S.M., May 2, 2004 On April 7th, the first concrete was poured for the new foundations. On September 11, 2003 - the anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York - the new steeple was raised and set in place. The sun was bright and reflected radiantly on the gold cross. This glorious day and event reminded everyone of the power of the cross over evil. ver mindful that it was Gods temple being built, the whole construction process took place within a context of prayer. As Psalm 127 says: If the Lord does not build the house, in vain the builders toil. For two years, the Prayer for Rebuilding was prayed by the congregation at the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful. The parish community was well aware that a church was being built and that the parish community was also being spiritually transformed in the process. The new Our Lady of the Cape Church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop George W. Coleman on Sunday, May 2, 2004. esides, Fr. Nolin, eight La Salette priests have shepherded the parish. Fr. Henry Durand was second, followed by Fr. George Morin, Fr. Roland Bedard, Fr. Rene Gelinas, Fr. Ren Caissey, Fr. Richard Lavoie and Fr. Bernard Baris.

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 11

Architecture and Theology:

by Fr. Bernard Baris M.S. Pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish

retelling the Bible through art and Architecture

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The structure of the church reflects Cape Cod architecture in every way with its white clapboard broken with natural cedar shingles and onion lamps by the doors...

A view of Our Lady of the Cape Parish

Introduction
raveling down Stony Brook Road in West Brewster, a typical winding Cape Cod back road, you happen upon Our Lady of the Cape Church sitting on the crest of a ridge sculptured long ago by a retreating glacier. Everything on this property says Welcome. The two main staircases leading up to the church are like outstretched arms inviting us. The structure of the church reflects Cape Cod architecture in every way with its white clapboard broken with natural cedar shingles and onion lamps by the doors. efore opening the mahogany doors, you might notice the symbols painted and fired into the glass. These four symbols are actually better seen from the interior. They represent who we are as a parish. They are the parishs Mission Statement in symbols.

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 13

Our Lady of the Cape: a church retelling the Bible

ThE SyMBOL OF ThE FISh
irst, there is the FISh which is the oldest symbol for Christ. Before all else, we are a Christian Community. he Greek word for fish is ichthus representing the initials for Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Savior. his monogram is found in the catacombs and the fish symbol became the secret symbol for the early Christians during the times of great persecution. he fish is also emblematic of the apostles who were fishermen and whom Jesus would make fishers of men (Mark 1:17).

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ThE SyMBOL OF ThE LA SALETTE CROSS

he second symbol is the LASALETTE CROSS. It is through the cross of Christ that we are saved. This LaSalette cross also identifies our parish as a LaSalette Parish, founded by and entrusted to the pastoral care of the Missionaries of Our Lady of LaSalette. he cross on the doors is enveloped with swirls of light as Mary was surrounded by light during her apparition at LaSalette in 1846, September 19th. e are invited to enter into this mystery of Light. We are a Marian community called to be reconciled and to reconcile.

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ThE SyMBOL OF ThE SCALLOP

he SCALLOP ShELL, the third symbol, is a sign of our Baptism. The theme of water is predominant throughout the church. It is through baptismal water that we find LIFE. scallop shell is often used in baptismal ceremonies today to pour water over the head of the baptized. n the Middle Ages, it was also a symbol of pilgrims walking to Jerusalem, Rome or to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We are a pilgrim people walking lifes journey in faith.

ThE SyMBOL OF ThE PInEAPPLE

he fourth symbol is the Cape Cod symbol for welcome and hospitality. n the 18th & 19th centuries, sea captains from Brewster and Dennis traveled the world. When they returned home, they would bring exotic gifts to relatives and neighbors. mong these gifts was the newly discovered delicacy - the PInEAPPLE. As returning captains shared this fruit with others, it soon became the local symbol of friendship and hospitality. he pineapple is often seen today in architectural decorative designs and appointments although its meaning is often forgotten. he pineapple also decorates the door pulls on the church doors.

Before opening the mahogany doors, you might notice the symbols painted and fired into the glass. These four symbols are actually better seen from the interior. They represent who we are as a parish . They are the parishs Mission Statement in symbols...

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Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 15

OuR LAdy OF ThE CAPE: A SPACE WELCOMInG ThE quEST FOR GOd
t Our Lady of the Cape, we welcome all. Here at Our Lady of the Cape Parish, our doors are open to all who seek God, Community and Reconciling Love. There is no cry room in the church. We believe that the place for children is within the assembly. In the east and west naves, there is a rocking chair for parents with infants. These rockers in the church speak boldly of the place of children and families in our parish. n the seating area, there are several open places which can accommodate wheel chairs, and there is a row of arm chairs in the naves for those needing help to rise from their seat. Behind the Presiders Chair, there is a ramp enabling people who cannot climb steps to enter the sanctuary. All these design innovations were incorporated to welcome all to our parish.

OuR LAdy OF ThE CAPE: A SPACE OF RECOnCILIATIOn WITh GOd And MAn
he narthex or main vestibule is the gathering place. Off of this space is found the Vestry where priests vest for weekend liturgies. This is also a room where bridal parties can assemble before weddings. Two restrooms, which are also handicapped accessible, are found off of this area as well as the stairs and elevator leading to the lower level of the church. n the west wall of the narthex is the Memorial Book of donors who have made this new church a reality through their generosity. The names found in this book represent much sacrifice, dedication and love on the part of hundreds of parishioners and friends. Also on this wall is the Cross of Blessing bringing the blessing of Christ Jesus to all who enter this sacred space.

At Our Lady of the Cape , we welcome all . Here at Our Lady of the Cape Parish , our doors are open to all who seek God , Community and Reconciling Love ...

Our parish is firmly rooted in the past... We build on the vision and faith of those who precede us

ur parish is firmly rooted in the past. In the east and west vestibules will be found historical items: an altar crucifix (circa 1908) from Immaculate Conception Chapel; a candle holder in the shape of an anchor from the 1963 church; a Memorial Book in the east vestibule includes the names of donors and founding members of the first church; and finally, the list of all Missionaries of Our Lady of LaSalette and permanent Deacons who have served our parish since 1961 is part of the commemoration plaque of the 50th Anniversary of the parishs founding (1961-2011). The altar stone placed in our main altar is from the original altar of Immaculate Conception Chapel. We build on the vision and faith of those who precede us.

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s we enter the main body of the church or the nave, we immediately face a unique double-sided crucifix. This crucifix was carved of linden wood in Italy in 1962 for the old church. It is said that the carver was so emotionally taken up with his work that when it was time to nail the body of Christ to the cross he could not do it. He had an assistant nail the corpora. hy is this crucifix hanging in the aisle and not over the altar? This marks the exact spot where the altar was located in the old church. But more importantly, the main aisle is the processional way to the altar. It is there, at the altar, that we celebrate the living and resurrected Christ in the Eucharist and in the other sacraments. But before we can enter into Christs resurrection, we all must first walk through Calvary. The placement of this historical crucifix is a reminder of that reality. There can be no Easter unless there is a Good Friday. If we want to follow Christ and be his disciples, we must also bear the weight of his cross (Mt 10:38). eyond the crucifix is the sanctuary and a magnificent stained glass window. The theme of this dynamic window is taken from Psalm 31: The Lord is my rock. To the right in the window is the rock representing Christ which is just above the tabernacle and the sanctuary lamp. The rock represents the presence and strength of Christ battered by wind, gale,

The double-sided crucifix

The altar
Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 17

The magnificent stained glass window rain and crashing seas. In the left comer of the winn the left comer of the window is dow is the wild rose (rosa ruthe wild rose (rosa rugosa) which grows wild all over Cape Cod. It is in- gosa) which grows wild all over comprehensible how such a beauti- Cape Cod. It is incomprehensible ful fragrant rose can actually thrive in how such a beautiful fragrant sand and salt. Likewise, each one of us is challenged to bloom where the rose can actually thrive in sand and salt . Lord plants us. he sky is that of early dawn and the light in the upper left is that of the Morning Star, the last star of night which has guided sailors to safe port for millennia. This light is a clear chunk of pure crystal embedded into the window. Marys titles include Morning Star (Stella Matutinis) and Star of the Sea (Stella Maris). She guides us to the safe port of her Son. The movement of wind, color, power and peace speak to us of Gods spirit hovering over the waters of life (Genesis 1:2). This window is dynamic because no matter how often one looks at it, it will never be the same. Each hour of the

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day brings different color, movement and symbols of the sea. The base of bronze and meaning. Cranshaw granite, as well as the six Holy Wahroughout the church the themes of ter Fonts at the entrances, were sculptured water, spirit, creation - as seen on Cape and cast by a local artist in Truro. he interior architectural detail is inspired Cod - are represented in wood, sculpture, by elements of the old church which bronze, paint and glass: yes, even the carpeting. The blue carpeting of the aisles rep- included wood paneling. The original altar resents the sea lapping the golden sand-col- had fluted columns at the comers. Our new ored carpeting of the sanctuary. The ceiling church is finished in beautiful oak paneling beams and wood remind us of the ribs and which adds much warmth to the structure. planking of a great ship - the bark of Peter. The altars, reredos and shrines are accentuaux or Trompe loeil are French terms meaning false or illusion. In the old church, the ceiling which is now over the central nave was painted a blue-green. The roof over the new areas is natural wood. How to blend the two ceilings? Long hours of discussion were spent on this problem. Finally, it was decided to hire artists from Boston to paint the old ceiling planking to make it look like The ceiling of the church reminds the visitors of the ribs and planking natural wood matching of a great ship the new ceiling. What you see over the central nave is a piece of ated by fluted columns, pediments-, capiart. It is paint, not natural wood. The artists tals and cornices giving a classical dimension to the church. succeeded superbly. he Baptismal Font is a natural shell and ive statues come from the original is located just to the right of the altar. It church and were carved in Italy. Father is through the waters of baptism that we be- Nolin designed the statue of Our Lady of the come members of the Church. This shell has Cape standing on Cape Cod. Barefoot, she been used as the Baptismal Font since 1962. walks the beaches of Cape Cod with hair The base is new. The bronze casting includes and mantle blown by the wind. Father Nolin shells, horseshoe crabs, seaweed and other described our Lady as having one foot in

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 19

Dennis, the other in Brewster and a big toe in Harwich! All carved in linden wood, like the crucifix, the other statues of Saint Joseph, the Sacred Heart, the Infant Jesus and Saint Jude hold places of honor in their shrines. statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta was commissioned for the new church. She is a saint for our times and a tireless apostle for life. She stands for the values of simplicity and love. She is a prophet in our time against consumerism, secularism and total lack of human respect. Two other new statues were also commissioned and carved in Italy: Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Peter the Fisherman. he Shrine of Intercession is unique. It is decorated with a wood carving of the Pentecost event. On the shelf beneath the carving is a book in which people are invited to inscribe their prayer petitions and the community is urged to remember in prayer these petitions. he Stations of the Cross, also carved in Italy, were restored. They hang on one side of the nave windows. On the opposite side of the windows are found the Words for Life. These scriptural passages were chosen by parishioners and are done in gold leaf on marble. This is a unique addition to a Catholic Church. Christ comes to us through the Sacraments and through his Word. These Words for Life inspire us and emphasize the importance of scripture for our faith. ll the original stained glass windows of 1962 were removed, restored and even enlarged. In the The statue of Mother Teresa of Calcutta fourteen original Jesus Windows, the motif of the sea and Jesus relationship to water is ever present as New Testament accounts portray Jesus preaching by the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan. The window of Our Lady of the Cape on the front of the Church is illuminated at night inviting all passersby. The windows of Saint Joan of Arc, Holy Trinity and Saint Pius X

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honor the patrons of our neighboring parishes. The last window from the old church is that of the coat of arms of Bishop James Connolly who established the parish and dedicated the first church. everal new windows for the church were also commissioned. The main window over the altar has already been described. In the center nave, three new windows were created to make the link between the New and Old Testaments through the symbolism of water found throughout scripture. The Book of Genesis describes creation and says that land was separated from the water. The first window on the left depicts the creation of Cape Cod. This unique Cape Cod window shows how the retreating glaciers formed Cape Cod some 10,000 years ago leaving behind land, sand and those huge rocks which dot our campus. These glacial boulders originating from The La Salette window on the the east Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire were unnave portraying Mary seated on rocks earthed during the excavations. t the end of the nave over the door is the Marian Window. The predominant color is blue and includes symbols of Mary: the Fleur-delis, the Crown of Marys victory, the lily of purity, the water jars of Cana and Marys intercession, and in the middle, Marys monogram (AM- Ave Maria). t the end of the east and west naves are two beautiful LaSalette windows. The one to the east portrays the first moments of Marys apparition at LaSalette on September 19, 1846. She is seen enveloped in light, seated on rocks, her head in her hands weeping over her children - us. Mary is seen seated on a rock but the rock in this window is not of glass. The rock is actually made up of five flat stones taken from the very site of the apThe west La Salette window depicting parition in France. The stones can be better seen the final moments of the apparition with from inside the east vestibule. Marys first words at Mary, Maximin and Melanie LaSalette were: Come near, my children, be not afraid. I come to give you good news. he west LaSalette window depicts the final moments of the apparition when Mary tells Maximin and Melanie, the two shepherds of LaSalette, to make this message known to all my people. Our Lady of the Cape Parish is a LaSalette parish. Marys invitation to rec-

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Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 21

onciliation is ever present in all our ministries. Marys consoling words Come, fear not, invite all to join our parish community - a community of sinners seeking reconciliation through Marys intercession. he nave windows also include historical, theological and geographical documentation of who we are as a Catholic parish on Cape Cod. Included in the windows are illustrations of Immaculate Conception Chapel (1908), Fieldstone Hall or LaSalette Seminary (1942) and our first parish church (1963). The windows include the seals of the Towns of Brewster, Dennis, Harwich and the Diocese of Fall River. The coat of arms of Bishops OMalley and Coleman are included because through them the new church was built and dedicated to serve the people of the Fall River Diocese. Symbols for the seven sacraments are included. The character of Cape Cod is well represented: sail boats, fishing boats, seagulls, docks, ships, beach balls, sand dollars, clam diggers, cranberry rakes, Scargo Tower and Pilgrim Tower, gristmills, lighthouses, herring run, whales, lobsters, shells, fish, artists easels and the Sagamore Bridge, gateway to the Cape. These Cape Cod vignettes not only situate our parish in a definite milieu; they also define who we are - our history, our faith, our community. ear the tabernacle on the wall hangs a beautiful image of Saint Claire of Assisi. This piece of art was created by Laura Paccamiccio of Assisi, Italy, and was added to our church in 2010. The image of Saint Claire reminds us of our close relationship to our sister parish of Saint Claire in Dessalines, Haiti. For more than 25 years, Our Lady of the Cape has been twinned with Students in haiti having their lunch Saint Claires. Many parishioners have visited Dessalines over the years. Parishioners and our friends have been most generous in supporting a food lunch program that feeds more than 3,000 students daily. Two schools, a high school, three chapels and a laboratory for St. Claires Clinic have been built through the generosity of our parishioners and friends. utside the church, extensive landscaping includes two Prayer Gardens. The Peace Garden is the more formal of the two and is located directly behind the church. It features a round bed of flowering plants with a white marble statue of Our Lady of Fatima

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as its center. The second garden is located to the left of the rectory. The centerpiece of this rustic garden is a large bronze statue of the Good Shepherd. This statue was cast in Italy. The garden includes two carved natural stones with the words of Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. The original 18th Century farmers stone wall has an opening. The Good Shepherd invites us to enter the gate and the sheepfold beyond (John 10). Two benches are located in this peaceful setting for prayer and meditation. n commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Our Lady of the Cape Parish (1961-2011), Bishop George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, presided at a liturgy on May 15, 2011. During the mass, he dedicated and blessed the six Russian The two Prayer Gardens: The Peace Garden and the Good Shepicons found in the east herd garden (below) nave of the church. The icons were purchased in Jerusalem by Father Bernie. The theme of this commemorative shrine is taken from the opening verses of the Gospel according to Saint John: the Word made flesh...and lives with us. The two top icons depict the Archangel Gabriel and Mary at the Annunciation, when Jesus became flesh through Mary. The bottom four icons represent the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the Word that continues to feed us.

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 23

parish is not a collection of beautiful buildings. Our Lady of the Cape Parish strives to be a reflection of Gods presence in our world today. We grow and are nurtured by the Sacraments and by Scripture. We bring Gods presence and love to one another. We hear the cry of the poor as we extend our help to our brothers and sisters both near and far. We are a Community of Christian Faith, Hope and Reconciling Love.

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The mother church:

a short history of Immaculate Conception Chapel

by Fr. Bernard Baris M.S. Pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 25

Memories from the mother church

he heart and soul of a parish are the individuals who form the community of faith and worship - who raise their children in the faith from one generation to the next. One hundred years ago, a few Catholic families requested that a small chapel be constructed on the north side of Cape Cod so that they would not have to travel to Harwich for Mass each Sunday. The request was made Immaculate Conception Chapel circa: 1908 to Father George McGuire, a Priest of the Sacred Hearts, PasThe heart and soul of a tor of Holy Trinity Parish in West parish are the individuHarwich. In 1908, permission als who form the commuwas given to build a chapel by nity of faith and worship Bishop Daniel Feehan, Bishop of - who raise their children in the faith from one Fall River, under the condition generation to the next... that the cost was not to exceed $750! The central part of the chapel was built and dedicated in honor of the Immaculate Conception in August, 19081. Later on, the chapel became a mission of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans. ver the years, there have been many additions to the original structure. In 1912, the front entrance was enclosed and the belfry added. In 1931, the East Wing was added; and then in 1962 the sacristy was put on. Construction on the West Wing began in 1968. Under Father A. Joseph Nolin, From window of present Our Lady of the Cape Church the sanctuary was renovated

26 - Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod

to comply with the liturgical reforms of Vatican II. The last major renovations occurred in 1999 when Father Bernard Baris undertook the restoration of the whole interior. he 1999 renovation included the restoration of the sanctuary to the Gothic lines of the original chapel. New sanctuary furniture, altar, tabernacle, crucifix, lectern and sacred vessels were donated. The original Stations of the Cross were restored. A new sound system was installed and work was done to solidify the building itself. n 1942, the Missionaries of Our Lady of LaSalette opened a Novitiate and Seminary at Fieldstone Hall, the former estate of Roland C. Nickerson, which is now the Ocean Edge Resort. Since that time, the Missionaries of LaSalette have served the Immaculate Conception Chapel. n 1961, when Bishop James Connolly decided to establish a new parish to serve the faithful of Brewster and Dennis, this new parish was entrusted to the care of the Missionaries of LaSalette. Father Joseph A. Nolin was named the founding Pastor. ecause there was no room for expansion at the site of the Chapel in East Brewster, 30 acres of land were purchased near the Brewster-Dennis line. Construction began on a new church in 1962 and soon after, the rectory was also built. The new parish was named Our Lady of the Cape Parish. Immaculate Conception became a Mission Chapel once again; but it will always be the mother church of our parish.

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Restored interior of Immaculate Conception Chapel (1999)

Our Lady of the Cape: a Parish for Cape Cod - 27