It was the first time I had participated in a dedication Mass at a new Catholic Church (Blessed Sacrament in Jonosboro, AR) last Sunday. I could spend an entire pastor's column describing the beautiful Mass and the consecration of the altar (as the center of the liturgy). Instead, I want to comment about what I saw when I first walked into the new church.
I was impressed by the large gathering area, the narthex, that is so much larger than the small area of the previous Blessed Sacrament Church. Such a large area before one walks into the body of the church speaks of the importance of the "Faithful" connecting in fellowship before and/or after Mass is celebrated. We may come to the church individually (or as a family) for Mass, but it is good and important that we grow in our relationship with brothers and sisters in the Lord along with growing in our relationship with the Lord once we go into the body of the CHurch in our quiet time before Mass and together with others during Mass. I must say, I was taken back when I first walked into the "body of the church" and heard so many people talking to one another. I then realized that since the church was being dedicated at the upcoming Mass, the tabernacle was empty and would only be occupied by the Lord after Communion had been distributed. Since in almost every instance (at least in Arkansas), the tabernacle contains the Eucharist when we walk into church (except on Holy Thursday evening and Good Friday), it is a good thing to be reminded that the "House of God" which is the body of the church is a "house of prayer" and should be respected when we are in it by silence or quiet talk if we need to say something to someone close to us. The narthex or outside (if the weather allows it) is the place that we can, and I say SHOULD visit with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, both those we know and visitors in our midst.
PLEASE remember this when you enter and while you are in the body of this or any Catholic Church and recognize the reality that our time in church is primarily to deepen our relationship with the Lord through private prayer and public worship.
I was impressed by the large gathering area, the narthex, that is so much larger than the small area of the previous Blessed Sacrament Church. Such a large area before one walks into the body of the church speaks of the importance of the "Faithful" connecting in fellowship before and/or after Mass is celebrated. We may come to the church individually (or as a family) for Mass, but it is good and important that we grow in our relationship with brothers and sisters in the Lord along with growing in our relationship with the Lord once we go into the body of the CHurch in our quiet time before Mass and together with others during Mass. I must say, I was taken back when I first walked into the "body of the church" and heard so many people talking to one another. I then realized that since the church was being dedicated at the upcoming Mass, the tabernacle was empty and would only be occupied by the Lord after Communion had been distributed. Since in almost every instance (at least in Arkansas), the tabernacle contains the Eucharist when we walk into church (except on Holy Thursday evening and Good Friday), it is a good thing to be reminded that the "House of God" which is the body of the church is a "house of prayer" and should be respected when we are in it by silence or quiet talk if we need to say something to someone close to us. The narthex or outside (if the weather allows it) is the place that we can, and I say SHOULD visit with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, both those we know and visitors in our midst.
PLEASE remember this when you enter and while you are in the body of this or any Catholic Church and recognize the reality that our time in church is primarily to deepen our relationship with the Lord through private prayer and public worship.