Dear Parishioners,

Continuing my catechetical reflections on Catholic Church interiors, this week I want to focus on the floor. Quite a few years ago, while I was a young monk living at St. Procopius Abbey, it became time to replace all the carpet throughout the monastery. Those of you who have been to the abbey may have observed that there are two main types of flooring throughout the building; quarry tile, which is in the majority of rooms thereby creating an atmosphere of stark simplicity with excellent acoustics, (perfect for Gregorian Chant), and carpet which is in the bedrooms, cloister hallways and other spaces where a softer, quieter atmosphere is desired.

Dear Parishioners,

As the enhancement of our church interior progresses in a most timely manner, I hope to offer periodic catechetical reflections that focus on various features that are integral, not only to our project here at St. Joan of Arc Parish, but to the general understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical environments. The first focus is on the baptismal font, rightfully called “the womb of the church.” It is from the action at this ritual vessel that people are reborn as Christians. It is important to remember that no one is ever a Christian. Christians are made – they must be reborn into the life of grace. Hence the need for a place where this re-birth may be celebrated in such a manner that recognizes its immense value.

Dear Parishioners,

I am pleased to introduce two new members of our parish staff who were hired in the past three weeks.

The first of these is Denise Petty. Denise and her husband live in Naperville and have been in the western suburbs for almost 30 years. Their daughter, 19 years of age, is a sophomore at North Central College, and together, they are active parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church where her daughter also attended school.

Dear Parishioners,

Last week our school principal (Mrs. Picchione), vice principal (Mrs. Barenbrugge), and I met for our annual review of the past school year. This meeting is designed to recognize the successes and challenges of the past year, and then suggest changes that might improve the upcoming year.