Pews in St. John Fisher Church

Fifteen years ago, on September 26, 2010, a prayer was answered at St. John Fisher Church. For many years my parents, Aldo and Anna Castellani, prayed with us that one day our church would have pews of its own. That hope became reality when we installed them in their memory, a gift that continues to welcome every person who enters our doors.

The story began in August of 2009, when word came that St. Bernard’s in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, would soon be parting with their pews. With the guidance of Fr. Reardon and the help of building manager Tom Orsi, we made the arrangements. St. Bernard’s was building a new church, and the pews that had once served their parish family would soon find a new home with ours. Because of the sale of their old property through a HUD-financed project, we had to wait nearly a year—until July 2010—before they could be released. In time, the old building was transformed into housing for the elderly and for families in need.

When at last the moment arrived, a band of parishioners drove down to Rhode Island. Together, we carefully removed the pews, loaded them up, and brought them back to Marlborough. Once they arrived at St. John Fisher, the whole congregation joined in the work. People came with tools, rags, and polish. Some cleaned, others repaired, and a few even sawed pews to fit the space just right. It was a true labor of love, done shoulder to shoulder, in service of something greater than ourselves.

On that September day, as the last pew was set in place, it felt as though we had woven together a piece of our parish history—linking the prayers of my parents, the generosity of another faith community, and the determination of our own parish family. The pews are more than wood and fabric; they are a symbol of faith, memory, and community effort. For fifteen years, they have held our prayers, our songs, our sorrows, and our joys. And they will continue to do so for generations to come.

Jim Castellani

Pews as they were originally installed at St. Bernard’s in April 2010

Original configuration of seating at St. John Fisher – Lots and lots of plastic chairs.

New Pews brought from St. Bernards to St. John Fisher. Ready to be cleaned and readied to install.

Installation of the “new” pews at St. John Fisher.

Some of the St. John Fisher installation crew.

Pews installed and ready for Mass. September 26, 2010

And the first wedding on November 20, 2010