By Katie Vasquez
EAST FLATBUSH — Parishioners at St. Vincent Ferrer Church are celebrating the completion of a five-year renovation project that transformed the church’s sanctuary while preserving its sacred character.
As Jean Guy attended Friday morning Mass, she took in the updates to her home parish.
“I’m really happy with it. I have no complaints,” Guy said.
The renovation included the installation of new wood paneling and flooring, along with upgrades to the church’s sound system and lighting.
Father Michael Bruno, pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, said the improvements have dramatically changed the worship space.
“The brightness of the space, the colors, the attention, even, to the color scheme connecting, for instance, the sanctuary to the body of the church, using especially that beautiful red wallpaper that runs throughout,” Bruno said.
The changes are a dramatic contrast to the church’s previous appearance.
“Everything’s changed,” Guy said. “The paint was green. Green carpeting. The pews — ehhh.”
Bruno, who became pastor in October, credited his predecessor, Father Gopaul, now serving at St. Matthew Church in Crown Heights, with leading much of the renovation effort.
He said that work, along with the generous donations of parishioners, has helped position the more than 100-year-old church for the future.
“His attention to detail and his leadership allowed the parish to really be set for the next hundred years,” Bruno said.
Parishioner Claudia Elizabeth Hooper said some of the renovations, including the new wallpaper, carry a deeper spiritual meaning.
“It represents Jesus as a link of all our church members and family. So we expect to continue to grow in strength,” Hooper said.
The renovation also intentionally preserved one of the church’s most important features — the altar, where Catholics believe bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
“This shows that indeed there is space for the Lord in East Flatbush. And indeed, how beautiful of a renovated liturgical space allows for that statement to be clear,” Bruno said.
Hooper said she has also noticed growth within the parish community.
“You haven’t seen too many full families coming to church in past years. But now, with the new people in the community, it’s beautiful to see a mother, a father and children and different ages,” she said.
“It’s just beautiful to look forward to the future, because I know it’s going to be beautiful. The Holy Spirit is thriving.”
The work at St. Vincent Ferrer is not yet complete. The parish plans to renovate the baptismal font area and make several additional minor improvements around the property.