Community Posts

Community Posts:

3 Communities that I belong to

1.      Community of Whitney Young Students

2.      Community of St. Andrew’s Parish

3.      Community of Irish-Americans

I am involved in the St. Andrew’s Parish Community by being a parishioner at the church. The church is very large compared to many small city buildings. It has a ceiling probably about 100 feet high. There are stained glass windows flanking each side with depicting of bible figures and scenes of Jesus. At the front is the main altar, surrounded by candles, incense and flowers. Behind the altar is a large sculpture-bust of Jesus on the cross, and beside it are two sculptures of Mary and Joseph. To the side is a small chapel with spiritual designs in the windows made by students. There is a small praying chamber next to the chapel with candles. A person comes in and says a prayer for a person, loved one, or deceased and lights a candle for them. Upstairs in the back there is a balcony with more pews. The organ sits there and all the spare books are piled up next to it. There are fans on the wall because there is no air conditioning. The bathroom is by the entrance and the men’s is really small (I hardly have any space, it’s literally like 4 feet wide!), and that’s mostly the church.

To be a member you have to go to church or be in the church service in some way. Most of the members are like me, everyday basic parishioners. Most people attend mass on Sunday or Saturday with their families. We are expected to be courteous and friendly, and dress nicely. Most people will make a donation to the church, or to the various relief and humanitarian projects. The main one at our church is supporting our sister community in Uganda. One of our head pastors Fr. Mathias is the leader of a small parish community in Uganda, and through efforts here at our church and community, he raised enough funds to build a whole school with about 6 rooms, a roof, and made out of bricks. Other efforts are made as well. We also participate in community events, and try to help out in church by carrying gifts, singing, and preparing food. Some people are specialists or high members in the community. There are sisters who run much of the school and help out at events. Their main job is education and helping parents with children. There are staff-workers who do various jobs and functions of the church such as collectors, maintenance, community outreach, etc. There are the musical members who play instruments or sing during mass. Lastly are the priests themselves. They do most everything in the parish. They will try to help with everything, talk to people give advice, and teach.

I feel comfortable because I know the people here, and like them. Everyone is friendly and we all have a common goal. We want a better, enriched, and communicative community that is caring and helpful. That’s the church’s most basic job and mission, to bring the community together as an aid.