Visiting a New Church

I apologize for the large gap in time between the last post and this one. My excuse is a combination of a hectic schedule, writers block, and pure laziness. I am sure you all understand.

Yesterday was Easter. The most important holiday on the Catholic calender. More important even than Christmas. Without Easter, there would be no heaven for us sinners, no eternal salvation for our mortal souls.

Easter is also a day when many of us celebrate mass at a church other than our own. I am one such person. Although being at college I no longer have one set "home parish" because I have a parish at home and another for school, I still always feel strange in a new church.

Every Easter I celebrate the Rising of our Lord at Holy Family Parish in Luzerne, PA, the town where my adorable grandparents live. This church is stunning. The altar and everything on it is made of solid ornate marble, the rows of pews extend further than any church i have ever been in. There are layers of stained glass windows on all four walls and each window has a beautifully depicted scene. The Stations of the cross are made of carved and painted marble and each one stands about 5 ft tall and 3 ft wide. They're awe-inspiring. The lighting is from decorative chandeliers that provide just the right amount of light. The choir sits up and behind the congregation in the balcony.

And if the layout and make up is not enough, the talent their is also exquisite. The choir is breath-taking. They remind me of something straight out of the cathedrals in Rome. They sing solos and 4 part harmonies and they have an assortment of instruments to accompany them. It's so majestic, it's easy to get caught up in the celebrating trumpets - especially on the joyous occasion of Easter Sunday.

But despite all the fanfare, magnificent music, flawless presentation, and gorgeous walls, I always prefer the simplicity of my home church. Saint Joseph's in Spring City can not compete with the ornateness of this church, but its homily warped wood pews, struggling choir, squeaky sound system, and well-worn carpeting make me feel so at home. And the same goes for the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Marist. It may only be able to fit 100 or so students compared to the hundreds Holy Family packed in on the main floor (they have a whole second set up down stairs who can watch the mass on TV), but it feels more special to me.

I think that it is because mass is about the people you share it with; the community. While it is nice to step out of your element and see new places, experience new things, going to church is something we should share with those we are comfortable with. That is why i love going to my own churches: the people.