St John the Baptist Catholic Church

Ash Wednesday morning mass was phenomenal. The church holds about 600 people, maybe 400 attended. About 200 were kids and faculty from the St. John’s K-​8 School across the street. A lot of the kids’ parents and grandparents were there as well. Fr. Peter Fernandez is from India; his wonderfully soft, melodic voice turns every homily into a song. His encouragement to use the next six weeks of Lent as a time of humble preparation was a call to spiritual action. Everyone participated in the longtime ritual of getting a smudge of (palm branch) ashes placed on the forehead: to remind us we are humble physical beings, that our bodies are but dust and to dust we all return yet our souls go on forever. The sanctuary is a simple post-​Vatican II structure of river (?) stone, long wood benches set in a semicircle facing the large stone block alter. A large wood crucifix hangs on the wall behind the alter, and unassuming metal sculptures of the Stations of the Cross hang on the exterior walls. No stained glass, highly decorative plasterwork, or gilt frescoes. A good place for reflection, prayer, spiritual connection and community, especially if one desires physical simplicity to facilitate deep meditation and prayer. The music was timely and encouraging, and the soloist’s voice was clear and inspiring. I’ve got a serious weak spot for music with a rich melody and lyrics of deep reflection, and I nearly always tear up. Always a good start to a special season of reflection.