REGINA: Why are churches are so emotionally vital to Catholics?
BRODY: Many who are not aware of the formal designation of churches as sacred spaces nonetheless feel a sense of deep spiritual peace when praying within them. I believe this feeling of peace is tied directly to the status churches hold as sacred buildings. As a sacred space set apart specifically for the practice of the Catholic faith and the worship of God, a church is the physical place on earth where the faithful can feel most closely connected to God and contemplate the life they will spend with him when they pass from this world.
REGINA: What about the role of our churches in neighborhoods and villages?
BRODY: I believe the presence of a church in a neighborhood or community in and of itself forces individuals to think of what it represents, i.e. the Catholic faith, even if only for a moment, every time they are within its vicinity. It is doubtless the case that passing close to a Catholic church building has at times caused individuals to think of the faith long enough to enter it, and to avail themselves of the opportunity to pray within it. For some of those who do this, such prayer may reinforce their already strong faith. For others, such prayer may be the first time they have spoken to God in many years, and it may be the beginning of their reversion to the faith. Others who may have never known the Catholic faith may be drawn to it through their chance encounter with a Roman Catholic church, especially one which by its very design predisposes them to worship.
REGINA: What else?
BRODY: Aside from the fact that churches are sacred spaces, they are also for many people tangible connections with the faith lives of members of past generations of their families. Many of those who I have helped save churches have told me of the connection they feel to deceased relatives while praying in a church, especially to parents and grandparents who introduced them to the Catholic faith as children. I believe many people, including myself, draw strength from knowing that their faithful ancestors worshiped in the same church where they are praying today.
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