There's a particular good feeling one gets when coming to our church. From the moment you drive into the parking lot, there's a sense of "coming home". Entering the church, the ushers and greeters welcome you, and they are sincerely happy to see you. You find your "seat". Weall seem to have our own unofficially assigned seat - the special place we sit every week. You say hello to those seated around you - they've become you church family. While you may not know their name, you know them. You've heard them pray, youThere's've heard them sing. You've watched and smiled as their children becam unruly. Your heart ached when one of them cried during mass. So, while you may not know their names, they are "family" - your church family. The familiar tinkling of the bells welcome Father as our celebrant. The stances that we take - standing, sitting, kneeling - the words we reverently recite - listening to Father speaking God's Word - all these rituals bring a sense of piety and belonging. Ultimately, being strengthened when we receive the Eucharist is the highlight of the Mass. And finally, hearing Father's blessing to us: "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord," makes one realize wat a wondrous blessing Father gave us: the gift of peace. It's very good to be Catholic. It's like coming home.
There are folks around us who desire this gift of Catholicism. It may be your spouse, your neighbor, your good friend. This fall, we are having an informational meeting to discuss how one can become Catholic. If you know of a person interested, why not ask him/her? Offer to them the telephone number of our religious education office (412-221-0595) so that they can gather more information. With your help, we can watch our "family" grow.