When I rode my bicycle from Canterbury to Rome a few years ago on the pilgrimage known as the Via Francigena, I was impressed with the Romanesque architecture of so many of the local Italian churches on the way.  Combined with my five years as Associate Pastor of Saint Monica Church in Mishawaka (a Romanesque church), the decision to build our new church in this architectural style was confirmed. 

I was also struck by another detail in Italian churches. Many of them had a baptistery separate from the main church. Those baptisteries contained immersions pools and were constructed in an octagonal shape. The newly baptized Christian would emerge from the watery grave with all sins forgiven. Clothed with a white garment representing having put on Christ and carrying a candle signifying Christ's light, the new Christian would enter the church and be confirmed and welcomed to the Eucharist for the first time.

This ancient custom helped us make the decision about the placement of our new baptismal font in the Baptistery of the Parish Life Center, separate from the new church. 

A Message from Intern Chris Gattis

Advent is coming. The arrival of Jesus Christ at Christmas is upon us. Yet, we also wait in glorious anticipation for Jesus to come again as king of all creation. Advent is a season of waiting in two ways!