Dear Friends,

Many years ago St. Patrick had only one building on our property, the building we now call FENLON HOSPITALITY CENTER. That one building held everything we did as a parish community. So, Masses would be celebrated and we would break down for formation, meetings, party celebrations, and other rituals or events. There was really no space that could be dedicated solely to quiet prayer. If the building was not in use, then someone could quietly pray in our space, but that did not happen often.  

As we studied our new worship place and building, our Building Committee felt strongly about having a space dedicated solely to prayer. We have what is called the BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL. It has our tabernacle where anyone can be in that sacred place anytime our campus is open from first thing in the morning until our very last event on campus, one can find the chapel open. The Liturgical documents of the Church state that tabernacles can have a space dedicated to the reservation of the blessed sacrament, adoration, and prayer. The documents clearly state it does not necessarily have to be behind the altar. In the years that followed, some leaders added that the tabernacle should be located behind the altar. It did not take away from the documents the desire to have a designated place for the Tabernacle elsewhere in the sacred space. This information might help to understand why our place and other parishes have the tabernacle in a special location. It’s good to have that knowledge when some people misunderstand and think it is in the wrong place and not located where it should be. 

In the meantime please feel free to enter the Blessed Sacrament Chapel from the south side of our main building. The space is quiet, with no meetings, no music, no conversation, just time with our Lord. 

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Eric