St. Stanislaus Church

This is our beautiful church.  This is where we attend mass on a regular basis.  We usually go the vigil mass at 5:00 on Saturday nights.  We used to get to mass about 10-15 minutes ahead of time to get a seat, but since we’ve started attending here there is no need to fight for a seat… so we delay our arrival.  Usually, this would bother me to be rushed, but to be honest, I plan it out now.  We arrive about 5 minutes before mass is scheduled to start because that’s when the bells begin.  The chime is a call to worship and invites everyone in and tells you that mass is about to begin.  It’s beautiful.  The sound can even be heard as far away as the high school.   The bells chime during the day on the hour and play different melodies throughout the day… constantly calling and inviting.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel is a Franciscan priest and one of the founding members of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Yonkers, NY.  Anyone who listens to or watches EWTN (the Catholic TV and radio station) will know who he is by his frequent appearances.  Although I have not caught him on the TV or radio, I have read several of his books and listened to him live. We have been blessed to have him come to our area and give presentations for the last 20 years.  I have been attending (most of) these Days of Reflection for the last 8 years.  Each time I leave, I think that it may be the last.  Father is now 77 and he is a bit more frail each year.  He teases us that he might not be here next year, but then gently reminds us that we might not be there either.

As I listened to him this year I felt the overwhelming feeling of awe as I realized that we were truly in the presence of one of the great theologians in the Catholic Church today.  He is brilliant… and not just about theology.  I think that’s why I like him so much.  He holds several degrees in psychology (although he says the purpose of psychology is to make take people from misery to mere unhappiness) and knows world history like the back of his hand.  He never uses notes and is a terrific story teller.  (He also has an extraordinary knack with accents.)

Of all of the things that I’ve learned from Fr. Groeschel, the thing that strikes me the most is that it’s OK to be outspoken, opinionated, bold, funny, sarcastic and a humble believer.  He has reminded us that the word nice is only used in the Old Testament twice and both times were sarcastic.  (The word does not appear in the New Testament.) What a gift he is to us in the Catholic Church today and what a blessing to listen to the words and to be in the presence of this great man.

The Baccalaureate Mass is probably my favorite part of the graduation tradition at Central Catholic High School.  It is much more intimate than graduation and you really feel a part of the “pomp and circumstance.”  This is when the academic achievements are recognized as well as the families who have their last child graduating.  The Class and Student Body Presidents’ speak and the alumni pins are distributed.  It is the last mass the class will celebrate together.

Much to my delight, I saw that the Tabernacle had been installed since my last visit. It is truly is magnificent. I was awestruck as I walked in and saw it for the first time. Now I knew why I had been prompted to go back to the chapel. God knew I would appreciate seeing this beautiful addition. My photographs do not do either of these pieces justice. They truly must be seen in person to fully appreciate… So, if you happen to be near St. Stanislaus Church (on Maze) in Modesto anytime soon, stop by for a minute. I know you won’t be disappointed.

This picture is a true and accurate image of a portion of the crazy people who I hang out with on Monday nights.  All of these characters are a part of the RCIA team (there are a couple more too) who facilitate the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto.  I went through the program as a Catechumen in 1999 and have been hanging around ever since.  We meet every Monday from 7-9 at the church.  There are so many wonderful stories and experiences I could share but the most important component of this program are the fabulous people pictured here and many, many others who didn’t make the shot.  My relationship with them is unique to each individual and a priceless treasure.

4 hours later 19 new Catholics. Another Easter Vigil under our belts… and each one is a profound experience. I borrowed a super-fast lens from my friend Trish to take some pictures in the low light… They are all posted on the St. Stans’ RCIA page at www.kellirocha.com, but this particular shot was memorable for me. Fr. Ramon’s homily was very motivational and he even had the congregation and his fellow priests and the deacons on their feet shouting Alleluia and applauding. Leroy joined me this year and was kept busy as an usher.

This photograph is probably my favorite from the night. This is Cameron’s Confirmation.

In preparation for the Easter Vigil (April 3rd) I borrowed a very fast lens from my friend Trish and did some trial, low light shots of the church this evening after RCIA.  This lens is a fix 50 mm 1.4f.  SWEET!  I can’t believe how true the lighting and the color came out.  Granted that using a lens that fast requires a steady hand and the results would be better with a tri-pod (which I desperately need) but I thought this one turned out pretty well.  The glass portion (behind the altar) is a new addition so I was very excited to include it in the frame.  I look forward to shooting at the Vigil and have some basic settings marked down so I won’t need to do too many adjustments during the mass.  Check back after April 3rd to see my favorite one.

Tonight is my second favorite Monday night in RCIA.  We attended the annual “Tour of the Church” and our first tour of the new church.  I went a little early and did some low light photography.  I don’t have a decent tri-pod right now, so I simply set my camera around on various flat surfaces and set the self timer.  The church is magnificent and I was thrilled to see that the Christmas decorations were still up.  The red in the the Poinsettias is really beautiful with the background of the neutral tones.

This is a unique perspective.  Not everyone gets this view. This shot is from the Ambo where the Word is proclaimed by the priests and lectors.  (Only imagine it full of people.)