St. Anastasia Catholic Church has nearly completed a remodel of the interior of their church, and they’re excited to share their progress with the community!
Planning for the project began before the COVID pandemic as a part of the “Called to Renew” capital campaign initiated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. St. Anastasia committed to raise $1.3 million as their portion of the overarching Diocesan goal, of which half was to be directed back to help with the remodel, deferred maintenance and various projects for the school as well.
The physical renovation began in the late fall of 2022 starting in the sanctuary of the church. The first part was to remove the existing platform and altar to make way for the new marble flooring and custom-built retablo and altar. The retablo and altar were created with inspiration from liturgical studies around the world to create the center of the liturgical celebrations. The beautiful wood-crafted retablo stands from floor to ceiling and was hand painted, inch by inch, creating details to resemble actual marble. The same marbling technique was used to capture the similar details on the altar and ambo.
The flooring was removed from the nave of the church, in preparation for specially designed terrazzo and porcelain tile flooring to be installed. The walls and ceiling received a fresh coat of paint just in time to allow the parish to celebrate Christmas in the newly refreshed space. While awaiting the new oak pews to arrive, the team took the opportunity to reengineer the sound quality with new speakers, wireless microphones and custom-made acoustic panels installed in the ceiling. St. Anastasia was also able to celebrate First Holy Communion and Confirmation, welcoming the new regional Bishop Rev. Matt Elshoff for their Confirmation.
St. Anastasia has been a pillar in the Westchester and Playa del Rey community for more than 70 years. The school and parish partner for numerous events throughout the year including their Parish Picnic each fall and the Parish Ball in March. They also collaborate on service projects such as the annual Turkey Drive (supporting St. Margaret’s Center), “Blessing Bags” for the unhoused and Adopt-a-Family, each Christmas.
This month, the community is invited to join St. Anastasia for a Bazaar and Parking Lot sale on July 20! Applications for vendors are being accepted through July 11.
This summer, they will also celebrate an Alumni Mass to congratulate all students as they head off to college (July 29), as the school prepares to welcome more than 300 students to their classrooms in August 28!
St. Anastasia is so delighted to share their beautiful remodel and invites all to see it for themselves!
Masses are celebrated each Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Faith Formation classes will be starting in the fall for Sunday School, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, for those that are interested.
For more information on St. Anastasia Catholic Parish, please visit their website at st-anastasia.org, or visit their parish office during regular business hours at 7390 W. Manchester Blvd. in Westchester.