St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jacksonville shared a note from Fr. Briggs Hurley about the church's mission in the Sept. 13 bulletin. 

“As you are all aware, our parish is well underway with our capital campaign and renovation, thanks to the tireless bravura of Fathers Sebastian and John,” Hurley said in the bulletin. “I mention an opportune juncture because we, as a parish community, have in the physical ‘renewal’ of our church building a great opportunity to kick off a spiritual, ministerial renewal to coincide.”

As the church is more than just a building, the location is not nearly as important as is the act of gathering together to worship. 

“Moving from officiating Masses in the Cody Center for several months to worshiping in the new space is inherently a seminal event and, as such, presents a significant occasion to take this event and make it an experience that will stretch far beyond a remodeling alone,” Hurley said.

It is especially important to remember the mission statement of the parish, which is to “create, maintain, nurture, and foster an environment that will encourage and assist us to reach our full potential through growth in the knowledge and image of Christ in every facet of our lives. Challenged by lifelong learning and affirmed by active participation, St. Joseph’s Parish Family proclaims boldly the Word of God and with abounding joy celebrates the Holy Eucharist— the summit of Christian worship and spirituality— and through outreach, supports and ministers to the community at large.”

Adult and youth faith formations, small communities and renovations can all help bring about this vision of the church, Hurley said. Through following the will of God and seeking out ways to serve him by being a servant to our fellow human beings, we can truly help further the kingdom of heaven on earth.