News 8
Oak Cliff church rises anew from the ashes 
03:56 PM CST on Sunday, November 15, 2009
DALLAS — It's been more than two years since fire destroyed St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Oak Cliff. But in two weeks, the church will celebrate a new beginning — and the blessings that came from the ashes.
Since the fire, the lights have been on every Friday night at the church's parochial school at 1809 West Davis Street.
A holy transformation — complete with rows of colorful chairs, the chalice, the wine and an altar — turns the cafeteria into a sanctuary.
"It taught us how to be resilient, self-reliant — to continue to be vibrant despite that we don't have a regular church building," said Rev. Edmundo Paredes.
He said he'll never forget the day on August 17, 2007, when he lost his "home." Lightning struck the church, sparking a raging fire.
Families watched helplessly as firefighters battled the flames, but the church was destroyed.
"It was so emotional in the sense it was one after the other," Father Paredes said. "The loss of my mother and the loss of the church building. I knew right away that this would be a disruption."
Then Father Paredes faced the greatest challenge of his priesthood — holding onto to his congregation.
He started holding Mass in the school's cafeteria, in the gym — even in a portable church building.
Inconvinience forced some families to leave, but most remained part of the St. Cecilia family. On Sundays, more than 2,000 people have been attending services in temporary quarters.
"It's not a regular church building, but what comprises a church are the people," Father Paredes said.
Together they started a fundraising campaign; other churches pitched in.
And now, more than two years after the fire, they have raised $5 million, enough money to build a new church.
"It's a big relief," Father Paredes said. "There's a strong sense of hope that this one day this would become reality."
The tragedy revealed a community's commitment to faith and family. It's a strong foundation that will cement the future of St. Cecilia.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new church is Sunday, November 22.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
