Bishop Kenneth Angell gave the blessing. It sits above a new altar made of Vermont marble, surrounded by shining white and gold walls. Work on the church, Vermont's largest, began in November and was done by EverGreene Studios of New York City, which restored the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington. The project was spearheaded by the Rev. Stephen Hornat, rector of the church. Four colors were used in the barrel vault ceiling to achieve a three-dimensional effect.
New lights provide a better view of eight woodcarvings.
As in the original construction, local artisans were employed to build the new sanctuary stairs, furniture and marble altar. In 1999, St. Joseph was designated a Co-Cathedral for the Diocese of Burlington because the diocese's principal church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is not large enough for official ceremonies. This was St. Joseph's third major renovation, the last in 1968, during which the mural of the Last Supper was removed.