On Sunday 11/17/2019 at 10:30 am, I attended and observed a mass at Sacred Herat Catholic Church in downtown Tampa, Florida. It is one of the oldest churches in the city of Tampa, located at 509N Florida Avenue. This is their website which has a lot of valuable information, sacredheartfla.org. I visited the church on a Sunday and experienced how the members worship on that side of the town. When approaching the church, there is no doubt that it is beautiful, but even more beautiful on the inside. On the front side of the church, there are stained glass windows, wood-curved pews, and decorative pillars (Andrew 1). On the inside, the church was well organized, and members sat on the church benches. The benches had a specific place to keep their Bibles. I also noticed the white painting, which matched the flowers on the wall. The beautiful ceiling and celestial music made me feel calm and welcomed.
Most of the people in the church were families or spouses, as well as individual men. I realized that most people came from middle to high-class families. When I arrived at the service, it had already been started. There was a guy outside who worked for the church and I asked for permission to observe quietly from the back of the church. The beginning of the service was the most interesting part, which was entertaining and engaging because people sang together in harmony to praise their God. Like other Catholic Churches, Sacred Heart has the famous Jesus pictures and art statues that are used to enhance the prayer space and make it symbolic of the gathering.
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During the preaching session, people are taught how to live with their neighbors peacefully. Where churches are supposed to preach peace and harmony to the world. Practically, people sang to their Lord, which made the environment warm. It was also the most exciting part of the service. The leadership of the church was responsible for how everything was running in and outside the church. The priest plays the role of leading the mass, praying for the gathering, and performing sacred rituals. Catholic Church also has a program to follow, and what usually comes last cannot be done at the beginning of the service.
The religion practices the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race and one religion. Thus, the symbols and practices found in the church pass a message of salvation. The fundamental nature of the worship is formal because a specific order of programs is observed during worship. Also, modernized because there is the use of technology to communicate. For example, there is the use of public address systems, and screens, among others. People in the church are together because of family and spiritual purposes. Parents come along with their children to church, and that is how they develop their faith in Jesus Christ.
The message communicated about religious experience is positive. For example, people who trust in the Lord become successful. Most of them associate being born again by booking a place in heaven. The message is also about helping the needy and being rewarded more when you share with the poor. Integrity is also a topic that is being taught in churches. People are being advised to stop being corrupt and do what Christ would consider righteous.
In conclusion, I liked my visit to Sacred Heart Catholic Church because I was able to see the beautiful architecture and the art on the ceiling and walls, as well as learn more about Christianity. The church has a peaceful environment where people can speak to God through prayers and praises. The order within the church during the session cultivates a sense of patience, obedience, and respect for their beliefs. Therefore, I'm glad to experience such an occasion.
Works Cited
- Jamieson, Deborah Stone. Franz Mayer and Company: The programs of stained glass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Jacksonville, Florida, and the Sacred Heart Church, Tampa, Florida. University of Florida, 2005.
- Andrew, Rodgers. 'Tampa Florida Sacred Heart Catholic Church.” Fine Art America, 2019, https://fineartamerica.com/featured/tampa-florida-sacred-heart-catholic-church-andrew-rodgers.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA_MPuBRB5EiwAHTTvMfpcr2-oWHZcmHmo9ht6Yie3JAdtsOf9zKFtY9OLQ1U7l8_opCPRthoCGMYQAvD_BwE.
- “History.” Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2019, https://sacredheartfla.org/about-us/history/.
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