Better to light one candle

Today, there is but one votive candle in the church -- the sanctuary light near the tabernacle. The candle burns for 14 days at a time and serves as a common votive candle for people who wish to offer prayers of help or thanksgiving.

"It's just like lighting a candle," said Rev. Charles Gaffigan, pastor. "It's already lit, though."

Seeing the light

Although the option of using many votive lights was considered, the parish decided to have the sanctuary light serve as the one votive candle; the tabernacle also was beautified.

Among those who helped with this project were Martin Vrablic, who originally presented the idea to the liturgy committee; Joan Scott, who is responsible for church environment; Charles Cook, who made liturgical season draperies; Lee Cook, who did electrical work; and Gerry Maurais, who built the "please" and "thank you" boxes.

Requests, please

The idea caught on quickly; there were about 20 prayer requests submitted in the first week, and Father Gaffigan was surprised how many people dropped prayers of thanks into the "thank you" box.

BY using the sanctuary light as a votive candle, there is a reduced risk of potential fire damage in case of an accident.

Reminder

"The sanctuary lamp is the symbol of the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle and invites us to renew our belief in His presence," he said.

Father Gaffigan hopes that when people pray in front of the tabernacle and sanctuary light, they do so with faith in God's plan.

"He hears all prayers -- according to His will, though," he said. "They're asking that their prayers be answered as soon as possible. That's an attitude that deserves to be challenged."

(09-10-98) [[In-content Ad]]