St. Gregory Church Celebrates New Narthex with Blessing Ceremony

A new chapter has begun for St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church in Gray, Maine, with the recent blessing of its new Jim Morrison Memorial Narthex. On the evening of March 25, 2024, James Ruggieri, the bishop of the Diocese of Portland, officiated the ceremony, celebrating the completion of this significant addition to the church.

The newly constructed narthex, measuring 788 square feet, serves as the entrance vestibule connecting the church’s main worship area to the outside. Construction commenced in April 2023, funded through the $400,000 “Fulfillment of a Dream” campaign. This facility includes a gathering area, two ADA-compliant private bathrooms, an expanded sacristy, a soundproof confessional, and modern amenities such as new electrical service and fiber optic high-speed internet. A bell tower featuring a carillon is also prominently visible from the main road.

Designed by Callender & Delaney Architects and built by Great Falls Construction, the project saw contributions from Peter Petit Excavation, Peter Wilson Electric, and Diocesan Construction. The narthex honors the late Jim Morrison, who was the pastor at St. Gregory from 1983 to 1986 and had a profound impact on the community throughout his service in the Diocese of Portland from 1974 to 2008.

During the evening Mass, Bishop Ruggieri expressed gratitude to Rev. Steven Cartwright, the current pastor of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, which encompasses Gray, Falmouth, Freeport, and Yarmouth. Ruggieri acknowledged Cartwright’s vital role in bringing the narthex vision to fruition, along with the many supporters of the fundraising campaign. He emphasized the spiritual significance of the narthex, describing it as a threshold that transitions congregants from the world into worship and back into mission. Ruggieri articulated that the narthex serves as a welcoming entry point, affirming to every visitor, “You are welcome. You have a place.”

Rev. Steven Cartwright later reflected on the narthex’s importance, noting that it fulfills several long-term desires of the congregation, particularly the addition of bathrooms. He stated, “This beautiful new space stands as a lasting tribute to the late Father Jim Morrison, whose priestly heart, pastoral love, and joyful spirit helped shape our parish family in countless ways.”

By integrating modern facilities while honoring its historical roots, the new narthex at St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church symbolizes a commitment to both community and faith. The project not only enhances the church’s functionality but also strengthens its ties to the legacy of Father Jim Morrison, celebrating a shared history and a bright future for its members.