Glorifying God (Part I of II)

07-12-2020Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2502 states that "Sacred art is true and beautiful when its form corresponds to its particular vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God - the surpassing invisible beauty of truth and love visible in Christ, who "reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature," in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." This spiritual beauty of God is reflected in the most holy Virgin Mother of God, the angels, and saints. Genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God, Creator and Savior, the Holy One and Sanctifier."

The quote from our Catechism reminds us that we glorify God not only in sacred art, but also in music and architecture. Paint, plaster and sound, when done for the glory of God, bring beauty into our liturgy and lift our hearts and minds to heaven. We were created from beauty for beauty. We need to be lifted beyond worldly cares to the heights of heavenly glory.

As the Second Vatican Council states in the beautiful words of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: "All artists... should ever bear in mind that they are engaged in a kind of sacred imitation of God the Creator, and are concerned with works destined to be used in Catholic worship, to edify the faithful, and to foster their piety and their religious formation" (Sacrosanctum Concilium).

Another document that addresses the importance of sacred art and architecture has been published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The document, "Built of Living Stones," offers guidelines for sacred art in Catholic churches. "Art chosen for the place of worship is not simply something pretty or well made, an addition to make the ordinary more pleasant. Nor is the place of worship a museum to house artistic masterpieces or artistic models. Rather, artworks truly belong in the church when they are worthy of the place of worship and when they enhance the liturgical, devotional, and contemplative prayer they are inspired to serve" (Built of Living Stones, ch . 3)

Lastly, if you haven't yet signed up for online giving for our parish. Please do so here:saintbernadette.weshareonline.org. Your gifts are needed now more than ever so we can continue the mission of the Church of making more disciples. Thank you for all who have helped to keep our parish focus on Christ, Our Eucharistic King!

To be continued...

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