Churches I have Visited: St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, Ohio

Over the years, as we would pass through Minster, Ohio on our way to our place on Grand Lake St. Mary's, I'd notice the twin spires of town's Catholic Church.  This church is part of a grouping of churches known as "The Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches".  And while I had always been aware of so many churhes in this area, St. Augustine has always stood out... and has been on my list of 'churches to see'! So finally, on Saturday, as we drove home from Maria Stein, we decided to stop and attend the 5 O'Clock Mass.  And I'm so glad we did.  Here are the few pictures I was able to take:

I am a huge fan of artwork in churches.  Some would say that it's not "good" art.. which I understand in theory.  Yet, there's something about traditional art that illustrates our Catholic faith so very well.  Not surprisingly, I much prefer "traditional churches" to the modern churches that have been built in recent years.  The Mass was awesome, and the parish seems to be thriving and alive with families.  I have to confess to feeling a bit "envious" when we left.  More more information, click here: St. Augustine Catholic Church

Churches I have visted: The Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, Ohio

Russell and I joined a pilgrimage to The Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, Ohio with members of the Fairborn Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella, Marian Circle 911, also from Fairborn. Our intention was to pray for Religious Freedom as mentioned in my previous blog.  The Shrine is just over an hours drive.  While I've always heard about the Shrine, this was my first visit.  Here are a few pictures I took:

There is so much to see, and it's well worth the trip.  I definitely plan on going back.  What a wonderful place to come and pray.

2013 Fortnight For Freedom

2013 Fortnight for Freedom: June 21 to July 4

The U.S. bishops have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week period of prayer and action, to address many current challenges to religious liberty, including the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, Supreme Court rulings that could attempt to redefine marriage in June, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration and humanitarian services.

Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty

O God our Creator,

from your provident hand we have received

our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

You have called us as your people and given us

the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God,

and your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,

you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,

bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel

to every corner of society.

We ask you to bless us

in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.

Give us the strength of mind and heart

to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;

give us courage in making our voices heard

on behalf of the rights of your Church

and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,

a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters

gathered in your Church

in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,

so that, with every trial withstood

and every danger overcome—

for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,

and all who come after us—

this great land will always be "one nation, under God,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

From more information, click here: Fortnight for Freedom