The home where Jane and Walt are taking swimming lessons is just a few blocks away from St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. Philip has Tuesday mornings off, so he suggested I leave Harry at home with him. That way, I could drop off the “big kids” at swimming lessons and pop over to St. Teresa’s for some quiet prayer time. I took him up on his sweet offer and made my way over to St. Teresa’s. I had never been there before, so it was a treat!
I love the old school T-shape design of the church.
Compared to a lot of other modern Catholic churches, the building is relatively small and modest. I think it’s a beautiful, perfect homage to the parish patroness–The Little Flower.
I sat in the side chapel with Jesus. After saying hello and having some quiet time, I got to read more of Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel.
I’m about a quarter of the way in. I started it shortly after its publication, but I never finished it. I’m so glad my spiritual director suggested revisiting it. When I asked him about the direction Philip and I should take with our GodTeens, he said that The Joy of the Gospel could be our curriculum. Wow. He wasn’t kidding! I can’t wait to dive into what our Holy Father is telling us in this groundbreaking message. It’s time to get out there, smell like the sheep, and “make disciples of all nations”!
I love that I got to read Pope Francis’ words with this beautiful statue of St. Thérèse looking on. Her mission was all about “the little way” — doing small things with great love for neighbors out of love of Christ. That’s what Pope Francis is calling us to in The Joy of the Gospel. There’s nothing boring about being a disciple of Christ when we live out our mission.
Isn’t this stained glass window in the front door beautiful? I especially like the rose in the middle in honor of The Little Flower. I’m so grateful that Philip suggested I take a little breather for myself to fuel up for my mission as mama. It was exactly what I needed. What a gift that I can pop into any Catholic church around the world and pray with Jesus in front of the tabernacle.
St. Thérèse, pray for us!
