Patti Schirripa is bursting with excitement about the church renovation of her beloved Holy Trinity Parish in Robinson, but not just about its physical beauty. She’s also praying for a different kind of transformation.

“I want to see all Catholics come back to Christ,” Schirripa said. “I pray the Lord puts in their hearts that they want to return. There is peace in this troubled world, and that peace is Christ.”

Bishop David Zubik this weekend rededicates Holy Trinity’s new worship space, the largest church renovation to date in the Diocese of Pittsburgh funded through Our Campaign for The Church Alive!

“We hope it will draw people in and help raise their hearts and minds, bringing them closer to God,” said Father Kenneth Keene, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish. “Sometimes evangelization isn’t just preaching.”

“I think about the cathedrals of old in Europe,” said Deacon Tim Killmeyer, who co-chaired Holy Trinity’s campaign with Schirripa. “That was the purpose of building such grand places, to help lift your mind out of your normal, everyday life, above the things of this world, toward God.

“God always reaches out—He wants us to be closer to Him,” Deacon Killmeyer said. “Our parishioners responded to that call through the campaign, joining together in the Body of Christ.”

Sacrificial gifts have turned a longtime dream into reality. Sanctuary renovations include:

• Relocating the tabernacle to the center of the sanctuary
• Building a new Reredos decorative wall with custom stained glass
• Moving the altar forward, closer to the congregation
• Suspending a crucifix over the altar
• Shifting the ambo (lectern) from the left side to the right, near the cantor
• Creating a new ambry for the sacred vessels and vestments
• Raising the sanctuary platform with ADA access and enlarging the choir platform
• Replacing the presider’s chair
• Moving the baptismal font to a prominent location left of the altar

Other improvements include a glazed glass wall separating the narthex (vestibule) from the nave (seating area), new heating and cooling in the narthex, and renovating the Holy Family alcove.

As donations continue to be received, future plans include painting the ceiling, new lighting and sound systems, acoustic paneling, refurbishing the pews and floors, new windows, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and replacing the HVAC system for the entire church.

Founded as a mission church, Holy Trinity became an independent parish in 1944. The current site on Steubenville Pike near Beaver Grade Road was purchased in 1951. A church/school building was constructed, with the current church built in 1966. The parish is now home to more than 2,500 families.

“Our Campaign for The Church Alive! helped us to ignite our parishioners and complete the next phase of our ‘Renew the Face of the Church’ drive while also evangelizing,” Schirripa said. “We had lovely visits with parishioners, introducing ourselves and talking about our faith. That excitement is infectious.”

Schirripa is inspired by the meaning behind the physical changes in the church.

“Moving the tabernacle to the center of the sanctuary, Alleluia!” Schirripa said. “That’s where Christ belongs, with the spectacular rays of the stained glass shining forth from Him.”

Dave Hess, Holy Trinity’s longtime finance council chair and campaign volunteer, also sees the big picture.

“We believe the renovated interior of our church is important to help evangelize, to draw people in from the community and make them feel welcome,” Hess said. “We want to show what’s going on here and say, ‘Come inside, see that there’s something good happening.’”

Campaign secretary Elaine Smitsky would like to invite new parishioners to join in the effort in 2015.

“It’s a joyful time here at Holy Trinity,” Smitsky said. “There is so much to be grateful for, and we will continue to communicate the success of the campaign during the pledge redemption phase.”

“Parishioners very much support what we are trying to do,” Father Keene said. “People are excited. Overall they’ve been generous.”

Father Keene’s letter to parishioners in the campaign case statement sums up the essence of The Church Alive!

“We joyfully and gratefully acknowledge the gifts God has given each of us through this beautiful church and loving parish. We thank God for the loving sacrifice of so many who make this church possible.”

All are welcome at Holy Trinity Parish. Come and see the goodness of the Lord!

More photos of Holy Trinity’s construction project can be viewed at  www.tinyurl.com/HTrenovations.