Guests entered a darkened chapel with a bare altar and empty tabernacle, door ajar, reminiscent of Good Friday.  Even in the subdued light, the chapel interior glowed as sunlight streamed through the thirty-three amber colored stained glass windows.  Archbishop Donoghue anointed the altar with chrism oil, and Fr. Todd and Fr. Eamonn anointed the chapel walls. The altar was then dressed with linens, candles, and flowers. As the candles were lit and the lights turned on, a triumphant trumpet blast sounded.  The excitement was palpable as the assembled guests realized they were witnessing a Bride being adorned for her Bridegroom; Christ would soon be here!

As Fr. Scott placed the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle for the first time, every heart felt an immense peace and joy.  Christ was in His new home at last.

In his homily, Archbishop Donoghue remarked, “So, my dear friends, and especially my young friends of the student body, in our prayers at this Mass and throughout this special day, let us be thankful for all who have made this new chapel possible, another jewel in the crown of Pinecrest Academy, a school of Catholic excellence, dedicated to the glory of God and the good use of His loving children.”

A choir of twenty-five high school girls, directed by Pinecrest Fine Arts Director Mrs. Donna Lann, led the music for the day, accompanied by the Lullwater String Quartet, and punctuated by trumpets during the Gloria and the Alleluia. A quartet consisting of Mrs. Lann, Miss Danielle Volk, Mr. David Oshinski and Dr. Edward Mulholland sang a motet setting of the Stabat Mater as the dedication day coincided with the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  Dr. Mulholland and Mrs. Lann sang All Things New, during the communion meditation. The final hymn, Formed in Christ was written for the chapel dedication by Dr. Mulholland, and arranged by Mr. Rick Reed. Its lyrics summarize the chapel design, each side of which represents an aspect of Pinecrest's educational philosophy, forming the whole student in Christ as a person of learning and of character; a person of deep faith at the service of others.

The banquet of the Eucharistic feast was followed by a festive reception on the campus grounds.