[cloudmountain]

I am not a Catholic, but I have great respect for the many Catholics who seem to be represented on FR. I would just say that a church is made up of people. The building is important but can (and someday must be) replaced. Try and save the building - yes. But carry on with or without it driven by your faith.

Well put, o non-Catholic. You hit the nail on the head. The Mass is/was/always will be a celebration and a meal: our Lord's Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity for us to consume, SHARED with our fellow Catholics.

If people really want to see a Mass celebrated they should watch the newsreels of Mass being celebrated outside in the open, in the battle zone, with the priest at the table/a makeshift altar...with all the G.I.s surrounding him, knowing that THIS was the finest reality of all.

Buildings, sentiments and memories are all good things but our short life WILL end and then ... eternity. I WILL "carry on with or without it driven by my faith."

I don't know about anyone else but I want to be READY for that last day of mine.
Thanks for your most sensible input.

[Biggirl]

I think there is a priest who served God, the Church, and ministered to those in the USA armed forces during the Korean conflect. His cause is being studied by the Vatican. He was a military chaplain as well.