From Father Joe: More on the Listening Session
Dear Beloved Parishioners,
Grace and peace be with you all. As the Pastor of Guardian Angel's Catholic Church, I am looking forward to the upcoming listening session that will be crucial in shaping the future of our beloved church. This session will focus on the proposed reconfiguration of our church, and I am truly looking forward to hearing your thoughts and insights.
Change is an inevitable part of life, and as a parish, we must remain open to it while staying rooted in our theological foundations. The proposed reconfiguration includes three significant elements that hold both theological significance and potential for enhancing our worship experience.
The Wall Separating Gathering space and church:
The idea of introducing a wall to separate the gathering space from the church is not to create a physical division among us but rather to emphasize the theological distinction between these two aspects of our communal worship. It is crucial to recognize that while the gathering space is a place for fellowship, community building, and interaction, the church is where we encounter the divine presence in the Eucharist and the liturgy.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical narrative, the act of separation can be seen in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The inner sanctuary, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, was set apart from the outer courts, signifying the sacredness of God's presence. Similarly, the proposed wall signifies the reverence we hold for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, inviting a sense of awe and humility as we approach the altar.
Moving the Crucifix to the Center of the Sanctuary:
The proposed reconfiguration also entails moving the crucifix from the side wall to the center of the sanctuary. This change is not merely a matter of aesthetics but has deep theological significance. Placing the crucifix at the center of the sanctuary symbolizes the centrality of Christ in our lives and our community.
Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the core of our faith, and having the crucifix at the center serves as a powerful reminder of His love, mercy, and redemptive sacrifice for us. This visual representation will draw our attention to the heart of the liturgy, focusing our minds and hearts on the ultimate sacrifice that brings us together as a community of believers.
Removing the Projector Screen:
As we move the crucifix to the center of the sanctuary, it becomes necessary to remove the projector screen. Though the screen has served us well in displaying hymns, and announcements, its removal is not a detriment but rather a step towards a more authentic and immersive worship experience.
Without the projector screen, we are encouraged to engage more deeply with the liturgy, the sacred readings, and the celebration of the Eucharist. By following along in our missals and hymnals, we can cultivate a sense of communal participation and devotion, further uniting us as a congregation.
Dear friends, this proposed reconfiguration is not about forsaking tradition or disregarding the past but rather about embracing our rich theological heritage and inviting the Spirit to guide us into a renewed spiritual experience. During the listening session, I encourage each of you to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes for the future of Guardian Angel's Catholic Church.
Let us come together as one body in Christ, discerning the path that God calls us to take, as we continue to grow in faith, love, and community.
May God bless you all abundantly.
In Christ,
Fr. Joe Connelly