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We Are The Temple Of God On A Mission

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is not just about the first Christian church to be built in Rome. It is the Cathedral of Rome wherein the faithful have gathered with their bishop (the Pope) for nearly eighteen centuries. The inscription above its doors reads: “The mother church of Rome and of all the churches in the world.” And this mother church has born children in every country of the world. So as we celebrate the Lateran Basilica, we also celebrate the churches of Holy Name and St. Martin’s in Routt County. Today we celebrate our family unity.
The worldwide Church has a mission that has been handed down to us by Jesus. But Holy Name Church also has a mission which was worked out by the Pastoral Council and Msgr. George Schroeder some years ago. On the recent pastoral council retreat we reflected on this mission statement and the council suggested that we publish this mission statement in the parish bulletin. The first paragraph you will recognize because it is on a banner hanging in our sanctuary. But the rest of it may be new to you.
St. Paul tells us today, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? … for the temple of God which you are is holy” (1 Cor. 3: 16-17).” This mission statement is the specific way that we as a Catholic parish are striving to be a holy temple of God. May our reflection upon it encourage us all to embrace it more whole-heartedly.

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