A quick observation about Sacred Spaces: BNSIC

I was at the Basillica today in the Crypt Church for Mass. (For those keeping score at home, yes I am in D.C.) I realized that even though it was a daily Mass, there was something spectacular about it... something... extraordinary.

It wasn't just the 'place' either, it was the entire Mass. The space though was a significant factor. Now it may be a little unfair to judge most smaller parishes against the Shrine, but honestly- every church should try and represent Sacredness in its own way. I don't not intend to mean that every church should be free to call what it does with its own space Sacred. I mean quite the opposite really.

The way the Mass was celebrated, the hymns that were chosen, the attire of the ministers and clergy, everything had a sense of Sacredness and worship about it. People coming for a visit would stop and 'watch' the Mass because I think they too sensed the special-ness of what was occurring before them.

There is a saying my wife and I remind friends of, and occasionally each other, when it seems as if the emotional aspect of something is lacking:

Do the actions, and the feelings will follow.

Maybe more parishes and priests should follow this advice when it comes to the decor, actions, and settings at Mass. Something needs to help inject the Sacred back into the Mass at many 'smaller' churches.

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