February 25, 2014

Three years of planning, fundraising, and construction came to completion Sunday, February 16th as St. Mary's Church in Aurora, Nebraska was rededicated by Bishop Conley following a major renovation. The church floor plan was rotated 180 degrees within the existing building shell. This reorientation allowed for the parish hall to also serve as the church's narthex. The original building's narthex was too small and inadequate. The parish desired a larger room to gather but the city's ordinances did not allow for an addition to the narthex. The existing parish hall, then located behind the church, was utilized to accomplish this need. The end results proved overwhelmingly successful.

Improvements to the parish hall were also undertaken including the addition of six classrooms and a large kitchen to better serve the needs of the parish. The interior finishes of the church were updated, with the construction of new altar, tabernacle stand, and ambo.

Southern Nebraska Register: "Aurora parish to celebrate renovation with bishop"