Immaculate Heart ready for unveiling
By DIANE GASPER O'BRIEN
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Hays expects a full house at Sunday's dedication of its new church at 500 E. 19th.
The Mass is set for 3 p.m., and people are to meet in the old church at 1805 Vine, then march in procession together to the new church.
The 25,000-square-foot structure will seat about 1,000 people and can accommodate many more with folding chairs in back of the pews in the semi-circular floor plan.
Paul Coakley, bishop of the Diocese of Salina, will concelebrate the dedication Mass with numerous local and area priests, including the Immaculate Heart of Mary pastors, Father Kevin Weber and Father Joshua Werth.
A reception will follow the Mass at the activity center at Holy Family Elementary School.
The new Immaculate Heart of Mary marks the building of a second new Catholic church in Hays in the past 25 years.
St. Nicholas of Myra Church was completed on the east edge of the city in 1985.