LOVE IN THE CHURCH

 "Wouldn't it be wonderful if  LOVE  was the message that spilled out from all the activities known as Church? "
 

 EXTRACTS FROM PRIVATE LETTERS RECEIVED

(used ONLY with permission of the writers)

1. Love in the Church.
It's all in the people really. But our mass can be a solitary experience apart from a quick hand shake and "Peace ..."
I know in large parishes, with good priests to lead and support the people, things can be different. I know of parishes where there is real life and love is given and received and shared.
But here in my little parish, even here we have love in action.


2. I fell in love with a Catholic

When I started attending the church it was because of love. I fell in love with a Catholic. I found the church welcoming, friendly and met some lovely people who had a great sense of community. I also very much liked the Priest. However, I didn't feel the congregation always remembered the message of love. They took offence easily when the priest was sometimes grumpy or a bit abrasive. People forgot to see him with love, to remember the years of service, the sacrifice of a life without a wife and family so many enjoyed that he made, to remember the pain and suffering he faced with illness. Sometimes, not always, they just heard the harsh words.

Then we lost him and they remembered as they reflected and said goodbye. They remembered he created the church community they were so lucky to enjoy. Sometimes we need to use love to see past what is on the surface and in front of us.