Pews packed in O'Fallon church for dedication Mass

“It's nice to be able to house everybody and more. I think it's going to bring us closer and hopefully get new members.”

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O'FALLON--St. Clare Catholic Church parishioners were all smiles on Sunday after celebrating Mass in their new building in O'Fallon for the first time.

'We could not have hoped for a more beautiful day, a more beautiful ceremony and a more beautiful church, said church spokeswoman Kathy Sjoquist. 'I think it has exceeded every parishioner's expectations.'

The Rev. Jim Deiters, pastor of St. Clare parish, said it is the congregation that makes the church what it is.

'We believe the people are the church of God and the people built this,' said Deiters. 'The building stands as a witness of our faith in God, and stands to be a place of welcome, prayer and outreach to the poor and evangelists of the church.' Read more