Anticipation for St. Andrew statue satisfied in Blue Grass

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By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger

BLUE GRASS — Memorial gifts left in honor of loved ones at St. Andrew Parish led to the eventual purchase of a St. Andrew statue. Bishop Martin Amos dedicated the long-awaited statue Aug. 28.

Anne Marie Amacher Bishop Martin Amos reads a blessing for a statue of St. Andrew and St. Andrew Parish in Blue Grass Aug. 18. Assisting are Dan Freeman, left, a deacon candidate, and Deacon Terry Starns, right, parish life coordinator.
Anne Marie Amacher
Bishop Martin Amos reads a blessing for a statue of St. Andrew and St. Andrew Parish in Blue Grass Aug. 18. Assisting are Dan Freeman, left, a deacon candidate, and Deacon Terry Starns, right, parish life coordinator.

Deacon Don Frericks, retired parish life coordinator, said several families made memorials to the parish but didn’t specify use for the money. So Deacon Frericks asked each family for suggestions. The idea of a statue of St. Andrew, patron of the parish, was brought up. All agreed that is where they wanted their money to go.

Deacon Frericks said the statue was ordered in 2014 through Miraculous Medal Co. in Texas, which contracted with workers in Peru to make the statue. A traditional St. Andrew statue with a cross in the shape of an “x” behind him was selected. “He was martyred on a cross which was in the shape of an x,” Deacon Frericks said.

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The parish received word earlier this year that the statue would be ready in May. Plans to set a dedication date got underway. Then the parish was notified that the statue wasn’t ready, Deacon Frericks said. The original notice with the May date had been intended for a parish in Indiana. The new date for the Blue Grass parish was August.

St. Andrew Parish in Blue Grass was established on July 4, 1976, with Masses held initially in the community center. The parish hall was built in 1978, where Masses were held until the church building was completed in 1992. Although the statue was ordered in 2014, Deacon Frericks said its arrival in 2016 ended up to be a good thing as the parish was celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Bishop Amos, during the blessing, referred to all of the faithful being a part of the body of Christ. “It is fitting to bless this statue of St. Andrew, whose name this church bears.”

Following the brief afternoon ceremony, Rosalie Schmidt said, “This was a very special day. We have been without a statue of our patron and we are proud to have this beautiful statue here.”

The statue stands outside the church near the main doors.


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