St. Mary's Catholic Church - Visited

I followed through with my plan and attended Saturday afternoon mass.

The apparent size of the church seems smaller than what I have been used to (smaller town) and with them offering 3-4 services each weekend I didn't expect the Saturday afternoon mass to be that well attended. You can imagine my surprise when I pulled into the parking lot several minutes early and found it quite full. I was encouraged by this. I was concerned I had chosen a service time that would limit my interaction with the greater fellowship. I was glad to see that I had nothing to worry about.

I parked my truck (a vehicle of humility), grabbed my bag (it has my bible, journal, pens, etc.) and followed the stream to the door. A nice man was holding it open. I walked in and found a seat toward the front where there always seems to be ample space regardless of denomination.

There was a reserved section to my right across the aisle with about 20 youth all wearing same kind of shirt. Just beyond them, almost in the corner, I saw a couple people with guitars. That was a new one for me, guitars in a Catholic church. A quick glance around the room showed no space for any other larger instruments so I guess that made sense. I was glad to see them (one classical and one 12-string I recall).

We started off with a song and then went right into the mass. The youth in the reserved seating helped with scripture reading and prayer and then the priest (I hope that's right) delivered a very meaningful message about how faithful followers of Christ bear fruit. It was then announced that the 20 or so youth present were preparing for an upcoming confirmation service the following weekend. The father explained that this is when the Holy Spirit comes on a person, the gifts are made full and He places His seal upon them.

I was very grateful for this helpful explanation for I recognized this event as what others call Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This was something I could definitely help lead others in prayer for. The Lord always has such great timing.

At the conclusion of the service I met my pew partner Jim Woods. He's an older man with some physical difficulty who uses a cane. I explained to him the reason for my visit and he seemed genuinely touched. I told him about how I was raised partly in the Catholic church in Myrtle Beach and it turned out he once lived 4 hours from there. We talked about "the good old days" and golf, exchanged names and said good-bye.

The father was greeting folks as they walked out. We shook hands and introduced ourselves to one another. He told me his name is Father Tyler. I briefly explained the reason for my visit and told him we'd be praying for the youth's confirmation service and let him know that I also emailed the church for additional prayer requests. We thanked one another and I headed for my truck.

No matter which fellowship I visit each week I still get that "butterflies" feeling each time. Usually they are about different things depending on my preconceptions about a particular church no matter how accurate or inaccurate they may be. I find I am usually wrong and I don't recall a time when I walked away from a visiting church not experiencing joy and feeling the blessing in my heart.

It is my honor, given to me by God, to pray for St. Mary's this week and to lead others in agreement for our brothers and sisters there.

- Wade Baker