One of my favorite trips was spending a few days with my dad in Barcelona, in the north of Spain about 15 years ago. He and I both like to explore when we travel, and hit a lot of different sites, so we got to see a lot of the city. What really made an impression was the work of architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), especially the mosaics all around the city park, and the cathedral of the Sagrada Familia, which is still under construction almost 100 years later! Gaudí was a man of deep faith, which is evident in his colorful and unique work, as well as the devotion to his vocation by which he lived his life. His vision and work provided me and many others with a transcendent experience. Perhaps you've had similar encounter with God through the work of an artist, architect, or designer. Maybe the experience of walking through a beautiful building, or sitting before a stunning painting or sculpture connected you with someone who appreciated the same type of art. Or maybe you find God and connect with others in the process of creation, sewing with friends, having a great conversation while putting a floral arrangement together, or decorating with your family for the holidays. The document from the US catholic bishops on architecture and art in the liturgy, "Build of Living Stones," says this about the artist: "When artists are called upon to serve the Christian community, there is an 'ethic,' a 'spirituality of artistic service.' Breadth of imagination enables artists to communicate deep meaning and powerful religious sentiment with grace and sensitivity. This gift from God is combined with refined educated talents that execute elegantly crafted objects for the good of the community and glory of God. Like the gift of prophecy, religious imagination is a power through which the Holy Spirit can move and speak. As a result, artists do not always confirm comfortable piety, but, like the prophets of old, they may confront God's People with their faults and sins and they challenge the community's injustice and lack of love. 'Even when they explore the darkest depths of the soul or the most unsettling aspects of evil, artists give voice in a way to the universa desire for redemption.'" Perhaps you have been given and cultivated an artistic gift. Our community is certainly richer when those like yourself use their gifts to advance the mission of the church, helping us to encounter God when we assemble. And when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in using our gifts to glorify God, we often experience ourselves an amazing sense of joy and satisfaction. Later this month, after each of the Masses on August 24th and 25th we will be holding liturgical ministry interest meetings in the Lewis Room. At this gatherings you will have the opportunity to learn more about the opportunities to serve in a liturgical ministry, including our art and environment ministry which helps to make our church beautiful for worship. Especially if you are not already serving in a ministry, I hope that you will consider coming to one of these meetings and bringing your considerable gifts and talents to serve.