Today I visited with the people I used to work with at a parish. First I went to Mass and heard the priest I know speak and I was so happy that he sang. I enjoyed seeing several people I know who also went to Mass. We went to lunch and got caught up on the latest happenings. One of the churches in the parish was recently sold to a company who is making condominiums from the structure. When I was at Mass, I noticed many of the items from the closed church had found a new home there. At lunch, my friend explained how the stained glass windows were being removed and packed up to be sold to other churches. I thought of one of my favorite windows of St. Bernadette. I couldn’t imagine these beautiful works of art being taken out. After lunch, we went over to the church and I could see for myself how some items were already gone and how others were being packed away. The workers were obviously using extreme care with the pieces. I have such wonderful memories of events that happened in the church – from feeling peaceful praying alone to teaching groups of youth about faith and celebrating first Holy Communions with dozens of families. It was a bittersweet visit. Another friend told me about someone who approached her at the local “Market Days” where the parish had a booth. The woman said that she was one of those who have already purchased one of the condominiums. She wanted my friend to know how she was looking forward to being in the home and how much she respected the space. While it was difficult to see the inside of the church being taken apart, it was evident that those who are involved in the whole project are doing so with care and respect. I have to believe that while the place will not be used again for celebrating Mass, God is still present.

I Found God today realizing the beauty of a church and being able to visit with friends.