Q: One of our Parishes has a smaller chapel where daily Mass is celebrated. Since the parish was built (about 10 years ago), it has simply been known as the “Day Chapel.” The new pastor would like to “name” the chapel … after a saint or title of Jesus, etc.
Is there a formal process that must be followed? If so, what steps do we need to take?
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A: From the liturgical angle, you can just do it without any ceremony. There need not—and probably should not—be a rededication of the chapel or altar. You’re simply talking about a patronage, outside of a dedication.
For that reason, the date associated with whatever patron is not celebrated as a solemnity because the title of the church remains the solemnity for the complex.
You may want to consult a canon lawyer to see if I’m missing anything.