We spent the weekend at the Tampa RV Super Show which gave us the opportunity to celebrate Mass at St. Catherine of Siena in Largo FL. This was a great, unexpected blessing.
St. Catherine of Siena is a rather large church building. The Tabernacle lies behind the altar in a small glass walled chapel that brings the beauty of Florida into the chapel.
This parish provided a teaching to not judge too quickly. The initial people to arrive and surround us were all older who seemed to talk a lot. Definitely a strong sense of community and friendship but hurting on the reverence of the church preparing for Mass. Surprisingly, the back and sides of the church filled with families. Deacon called the kids forward to be part of his homily. Wow! 50-60 young’s kids came forward. The church was full and everyone seemed to sat through final blessings and prayers.
Additionally, this would be a great place for Praise Nation PGH (@ Joe @ Father Levi) to come on their world tour (haha). The music was praise. AND, the people sang. They actually joined into the worship. Music doesn’t make the Mass better but is intended to lift the soul to higher levels. They accomplish that here at St. Catherine of Sienna. I would highly recommend a visit.
Catherine of Siena lived 25 March 1347 – 29 April 1380). She was a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, a mystic, activist, and author who had a great influence on Italian literature and on the Catholic Church. Catherine of Siena was canonized in 1461, and is also a Doctor of the Church. Her spiritual treatises The Dialogue of Divine Providence are well known.
