There are a few ways to get to the church. The easiest is to park in the upper north parking lot which will bring you to a patio area with a large Holy Family Statue and entrance to the church. There is another parking area located on the south and lower side of the church. If you park here, you can enter the building, go down the hall and take the elevator or stairs up to the church. During your trip down the hall you will pass the Youth Center, Choir Room and Adoration Chapel.
Holy Family Church has a large and festive vestibule where parishioners meet after mass for a sweet treat and beverage. The Children's Room can be reached from the vestibule and has a large Noah's Ark themed mural on the walls. Entering into church from the
A very large lighted patchwork cross is to the left of the altar table and the podium is to the right. Further right by the curved side pews is the choir and organ and there is talent here at Holy Family Church. The Advent Wreath is located just in front of the podium and has a purple candle lit. The edge of the altar is lined with a huge amount of groceries for the Food Bank. The parishioners have been generous and continue to bring in more as I took photos. I was told that they put the food at the altar as a way of making their offering to God. An adoration area is to the left of the altar for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The very friendly ushers wear burgundy coats and grey slacks as they welcome parishioners and attend to needs. If you are visiting for the first time, like myself, don't hesitate to ask them any questions.
During Father Patrick's Homily he reminded us that Advent is a time of waiting and joy because Jesus is coming. He is our gift of salvation and grace and it is our time to be responsible and vigilant as we wait. Father continued by stating that in order to make this happen, we need to wake up and remember today's reading, ‘Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rm 13:11).
May...
the spirit of Christmas which is Peace...
the gladness of Christmas which is Hope...
the adoration of Christmas which is Joy...
and the heart of Christmas which is Love...
be yours now and tomorrow.
- Author Unknown
(Please feel free to click on the photos below to view them enlarged.)