"They came to Philip...and asked him,
'Sir, we would like to see Jesus.'"
John 12:21
'Sir, we would like to see Jesus.'"
John 12:21
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July 24, 2016
The height of a building has long been connected with its importance; city centers are populated with tall skyscrapers to demonstrate the prestige of the city and of the companies that own them. In the case of buildings devoted to the worship of God, this connection is even more pronounced. Historically, churches have been the tallest buildings in a given area. Their towers and domes can be seen for miles around, pointing to the presence of the House of God. In this sense, the church building evangelizes from a distance. Some have said that the building “preaches” simply by its heavenward focus. Even in an age of GPS technology, the church tower continues to be a directional sign. It is a compelling reminder of the presence of God in our world.Visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place, the dwelling of God with men reconciled and united in Christ.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1180
If the tower is a visible reminder of the presence of God, its bells are audible reminders of that presence. Whether by calling the faithful to the celebration of Mass, or by announcing the hours in a way that recall God’s nearness to us especially in the Incarnation of His Son, bells, like the building, invite us to raise our thoughts to Him.
The Parts of the Bell Tower
The ground floor level of our bell tower forms a spacious room for the narthex; this room is designed to accommodate bridal parties, funeral processions, or the family groups for the celebration of Baptisms in the adjoining Baptistery. On the second level, the bell tower is entirely open to the church, and will serve as a loft area for the planned pipe organ. The topmost level of the tower rises above the church roof, and will one day house our bells.