Sanctifying sacred spaces: New stone altar at St. John Neumann Church in Berlin fulfills pastor's long-time wish - The Dialog

Sanctifying sacred spaces: New stone altar at St. John Neumann Church in Berlin fulfills pastor's long-time wish - The Dialog

It’s not often that a parish replaces its altar. But at St. John Neumann Parish in Berlin, Maryland, it’s something Father Joseph MPR Cocucci had wanted to do for 14 years, ever since he was appointed pastor. Historically, altars were made of stone, and, in fact, the Church’s Code of Canon Law assumes a stone altar, though a local Bishops Conference can permit the use of any “worthy, solid material.” As Father explained, “Because the altar is a …