Florida Catholic | Making The Church The Subject Of Your Love

Making the Church the subject of your love

One in a series of columns on evangelization. The Year of Evangelization officially began Dec. 2, 2007, with a proclamation by Bishop Thomas Wenski. The year will include many celebrations of faith, including the May 8-10 celebration, Festival of Faith, at the Orange County Convention Center. The year 2008 also marks the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Orlando.

LAURA CURLL | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 01.11.08

Bishop Wenski asks the faithful of the diocese to observe this year with gratitude and to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I take notice of the newly laid coal-black pavement as I approach the church from the more spacious parking lot. As construction sounds buzz around me, I remain fixed on the smooth and even texture under my feet. After all, it hasn’t always been this way.

While the structural inconveniences of having our old campus dug up to make way for new, expanded facilities are still prominent, I have a greater appreciation than ever for what is really coming to fruition here. I pause slightly before entering the church doors to remember that underneath this new coat of blacktop, there are layers of old and worn pavement trod upon by so many others like myself, who have known this parish and its surroundings as something extraordinary over the years. For me, the Church, itself, remains nothing less than the subject of my love.

There are many reasons to love the Church. For me, some of those reasons include the faith formation, education and sacraments my children have received. I’ve also been blessed to be a part of the vibrant ministry life my parish offers. In a work capacity, I’ve experienced the excitement of planning for the future of the Church in various areas of communications, campaign, stewardship and evangelization.

However, making the Church the subject of your love is something different, and possibly greater than any of the reasons previously stated. For me, walking across the new pavement means being included in a history of people who have come to the Church seeking Christ. For me, it is a vital part of the earthly pilgrimage to be one with Our Lord, to stand next to others who have come to receive His holy light and love, and to be ambassadors of the graces He bestows on us as a community of believers.

Being present in the Church grants me the renewed hope of a God who has already overcome the world, a place where the thrill of that hope is always alive, and the ever-present sign that God will never abandon His people. In my heart, the Church is setting the stage for the immortal joy Christ has in store for His faithful followers.

As the parish undergoes construction, I see myself undergoing construction as well. The challenges of building for the future are apparent on this church campus and in me, as ongoing works in progress.

Receiving newness of life, whether it be in worshipping in new structures or being reconciled to God within, calls for patience, faithfulness, courage and always making the Church the subject of your love.

Curll is a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and serves as chair of the Evangelization Commission. She is a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando.

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Making the Church the subject of your love

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