By Shirley Baker, Pastoral Council Chair

​Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16 

   Over the past several months, EDGE - our middle school youth group, has focused on the theme of “Sanctuary” as we deepen our sense of God’s love for us and widen our understanding of our place as members of our faith community and the Catholic Church as a whole. A sanctuary is a place that provides safety, protection, and peace from the outside world. It is usually serene and peaceful. It is a place where we can find rest, clarity and peace. 

   The physical sanctuary of the church is the most holy place in our worship space. So holy it is set apart, it is elevated, it is adorned. Our  eyes are drawn toward the crucifix and the altar as it is here where Father Vincent offers the sacrifice of the mass. It is in the sanctuary of the church where we capture a glimpse of heaven (Hebrews 9:24) despite our faults and failures. The sanctuary is a special place set aside for us to experience God’s love. 

  Our bodies are also a sanctuary. When we receive the Eucharist, the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, is commended to us so that we can act as a vessel of his grace and love as we go into the world. We become a walking tabernacle as we carry the presence of God into every aspect of our lives. And it is this presence that enables us to collaborate in the salvation of others and in the growth of the Body of Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2003). 

   It is through our service to others that we become a sanctuary for the people who surround us. It is through the relationships we form and sustain that Jesus’s love and acceptance becomes present to the world. 

  Particularly in this season of Advent, as we celebrate the conception of our Lord and his birth to the Holy Family, we can spread God’s love through our acts of kindness within our families and service to our communities. Our words and actions make visible the reality of our church as a sanctuary for those who feel unnoticed or unknown. 

   We know from the media and from our own experience that the days leading up to Christmas can feel isolating and lonely. In particular, our youth can feel disengaged from their faith due to the many demands on their time from schoolwork and activities. Seminarian Colby Richards has agreed to lead youth in grades 6-12 in an afternoon of reflection. This advent retreat will take place on Sunday, December 22 will conclude with vespers at 4 pm. The start time is yet to be determined. The Pastoral Council is so grateful to Colby for his willingness to share his faith with our youth with the intention of deepening their faith.

   Our parish is being transformed through our devotion to worship and discipleship, our commitment to fellowship and service, and our dedication to evangelization. As we enter the seasons of Advent and Christmas, let us share the peace and love we receive from Christ through the Eucharist as we extend the sanctuary of God’s grace into the world.