Chances are, you will see the cross and bells of the church before you arrive. Christ the King Church has ample parking and a lot to see before you arrive at the church doors. I've photographed a lot of the items, but not all. There is the dedication plaque, church sign and a memorial below, a memorial for unborn children and copper panels. As I was photographing one of the copper panels, I noticed that they block a lot of the view. Then I wondered if that was the purpose. Let me explain, it is not easy to
Christ the King Church has a very large foyer adorned with beautiful stained glass scenes. The sunlight shines through and allows for a beautiful glow inside. One side of the foyer has a statue of Christ the King that seemed to be life-size. Just before you enter the main church, there is a sign that I must share with you because I loved the wording and the point it makes: "The Blessed Sacrament - Shhh, if you are going to talk in My house, please talk to Me. I am the tabernacle. I am the Blessed Sacrament. Tell me ALL your problems, and between us we can solve them all. Please don't distract anyone else from talking to Me in My house. Thank you. Your Saviour. The Blessed Sacrament is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please show reverence to the Blessed Sacrament."
The first item you will pass after you enter the church is the Baptismal Font. It is large and a walk-in style with brass railings and mosaic tiles. If you look closely at the floor of the font and see the drain, it has a cross with a crown on it. The designers of the church were into details and I couldn't miss sharing. (Please forgive me if I forgot other details.) As you go forward there are rows of Wedgwood-Blue pews on each side. Keep going forward and the altar is directly in front of you. Designed beautifully with the same type of rock that is native to the area. The altar seems to bring the wonderful ambiance from the outside, inside. Above the altar is a incredible crucifix with a hand-carved Jesus. The tabernacle is located just below the crucifix and to the right. Also to the right is the adoration for Mary and Our Lady of Guadalupe. To the left of the altar is the music area and adoration for Joseph. Today was double celebration with Mother's Day and the Ascension of the Lord, so you will notice red linens in some of the photos. The mass was celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Robert Bussen. He is better known to his congregation as Father Bob and was accompanied by Deacon Denny.
The people we met at the Christ the King Catholic Church were very warm and inviting. Deacon Denny was able to spend some time speaking to me. I asked him to tell me what he thinks makes this church special. Deacon Denny replied, " I think that the knowledge that we are a missionary parish and are really isolated. We have six missions that we serve. So there is a tremendous giving among our people to help not only our parish, but our six missions as well. It is the attitude of our people recognizing that we are people of God that makes us so special."
Thank you to all the parishioners and clergy for your service to not only your parish, but the missions you serve. I also thank Deacon Denny for his time and wisdom. May God always bless Christ the King Church with love, generosity and strength as they continue to serve others.
(Don't forget to click on the pictures for better viewing.)