Pentecost at Holy Child Parish in Runnemede

Happy birthday, Church!

I chose to spend Mass this morning at Holy Child Parish.  As a seasoned parish-hopper, I was glad for the opportunity to see this one decked out and ready to celebrate the day Christ fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide us in His Ways.

I made a great choice!  

This parish boasts several priests and deacons.  Though not a "rich" parish, it's very obvious that these parishioners spare no expense when it comes to lavishing beauty upon the Lord's House.

St. Teresa Church (part of Holy Child Parish), is just... it's beautiful in a very simple, quiet way.  There aren't thirty thousand statues / icons along the walls... there aren't flowers and banners hanging from every rafter, and there's not an over-abundance of linens or fixtures.  

They do, however, have some beautiful statues, beautiful (and VERY educational) stained glass windows, and some of the most magnificent wood-work I've seen in a while.  They are also one of the cleanest churches I've ever been in which is just more proof that the parishioners take pride in keeping the Lord's House meticulous.  

The way they have set everything up, it seems that the true focus of the entire parish is not on wowing folks with artwork or finery but impressing upon them the real beauty of Who is hidden within the tabernacle.  I love that!

The priests at this parish are ALL wonderful.  I've heard homilies from each and they all have an intense love for Christ and His Church.  They also went out of their way to really teach the parish about the changes that were made to the liturgy as the new wording was being introduced.  One, in particular, is a real stickler for "saying the black, doing the red" and I'm always tickled when he points it out.  :)

They're also fantastic with children.  When I attend Mass here, I tend to go to the 11 o'clock which is right before Vince's bedtime.  That typically means Vince is in rare form, and I've never had them shoot me angry laser beams.  In fact, a couple weeks ago Fr. Chris caught us in the vestibule with Vince crying his head off and instead of scurrying out of a potentially awkward situation, he tried to soothe both Vince and myself and assured us of his prayers en route to the altar.  How sweet is that?

You guys have heard me write of these stellar priests several times, especially when their homilies give me new insights into Bible readings or Church Traditions.  I just love that we've still been so blessed to have such faithful, intelligent and charitable priests in our community.

<3

Anyway, I took some photos to share with you lovely readers.  This parish JUST attached a new adoration chapel that's opened Monday thru Friday until 8pm.  How amazing is that??? So now, in addition to St. Rita's, I have St. Teresa's as well to visit Christ in the Blessed Sacrament!

That means any of you fine folks in the S. Jersey area also have another place to pray with the Lord.  Yay!

But yes - St. Teresa Parish is truly a wonderful community.  Their parishioners are so very welcoming, thoughtful and generous.  I always feel at home in their parish.  Their priests are incredible representatives of Christ, and their church is a very serene, clean and simple beauty that I have no doubt pleases God greatly.  

May He continue to bless these folks immensely.  <3

For more gorgeous parish artwork from my local churches, feel free to follow my "Churches" page.