When Chuck Ciccia announced a month ago that the new sanctuary of St. Maximilian Kolbe Church would open before Christmas, the congregation cheered. Which is fitting, since they were in a gymnasium.

        “We've been going to Mass with basketball hoops,” says Mr. Ciccia, president of the parish council. “The place transforms into a church very well ... but it's time to move into a building that really looks like a worship center.”

        Since 1992, the congregation has worshipped in a gym/ multi-use facility they built on Hamilton-Mason Road. Before that, members met at Freedom Elementary School.

        “It's been a struggle bringing it all together,” says Father John E. Porter, 71. “But finally it's happening.”

        Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk will dedicate the $5.6 million sanctuary Sunday.

        The church is one of two totally new parishes launched in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in 20 years. St. Maximilian began in 1989 to accommodate the explosive growth of southeast Butler County.

        Today, the parish is one of the largest in the archdiocese. There are 2,100 families registered, and an average of 230 families join a year, Father Porter says.

        The 1,350-seat facility features traditional church elements. There are kneelers and pews, carpeted floors and, of course, the stained glass windows.

        Six panels depict the Last Supper. Three more windows are commissioned, including one of the parish's patron saint, Maximilian Kolbe.

        The Franciscan priest died in 1941 in a starvation bunker in the Auschwitz concentration camp after he volunteered to take the place of another prisoner.

        Dayton-based Shook Construction pushed deadlines and worked overtime so the church could open before Christmas. Some of the rooms will have dry wall and concrete floors, but the sanctuary is ready.

        There was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph, but two church groups won't turn anyone away.

        Immanuel United Church of Christ and Wilson Memorial Presbyterian Church invite the public to a free meal on Christmas Day. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian church, 4805 Sullivan Ave., St. Bernard.

        For information or to arrange free transportation, call (513) 641-1418.

        A group in College Hill hosts A Feast of Love, with a new menu featuring mostaccioli and garlic sticks from LaRosa's. Also on the menu: applesauce, green beans, desserts and drinks.

        The free meal is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Christmas Day at College Hill Presbyterian, 5742 Hamilton Ave. Other churches involved are St. Clare parish, College Hill United Methodist and Evangelical Community.

        There will be children's activities. Free transportation and meal delivery is available in College Hill.

        Donations of food, money or volunteers are appreciated.

        Information: (513) 561-5676.

        Send religion news to rthompson@enquirer.com, or contact Richelle Thompson at (513) 755-4144, or 755-4150 (fax).

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