Bishop's Blog / Taking Shape

By Joseph Strickland
Wednesday, January 26, 2011

 
Share On:

This silhouette of the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul show that it is really taking shape. It is exciting to see the architectural notes that call to mind the Cathedral while at the same time highlighting the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul as a new Catholic sanctuary for the city of Tyler.

In the Catholic liturgical calendar today we celebrate two very early bishops who were mentioned in the bible, Timothy and Titus. The epistles of Paul advising them on their work in the early Church are often called the pastoral epistles because of the pastoral advice and guidance they offer to these two early leaders and ultimatlely to all disciples of Jesus Christ.

I find it to be especially inspiring to witness the construction of this Chapel dedicated to the two great apostles Peter and Paul on this day that the universal Church celebrates two leaders of the next generation of Christians, Timothy and Titus. It is a reminder that the mission they shared continues for all of us. Like Peter and Paul, Timothy and Titus and Lois and Eunice mentioned in Paul's letters as part of Timothy's family, we continue to be called to the same work........proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Hopefully Timothy and Titus will inspire all of us to serve the Lord with Joy and proclaim His wonderful message. I have to laugh a bit as I'm reminded of Paul's famous words about "running the race". This blog started as a page about running but with the excitement of the Chapel I've allowed it to be "hijacked" a bit. I think that is ultimately a good thing because the most important "race" we run is the spiritual journey that our Lord calls us to share.

Let us pray that the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul will be a place that inspires many to a deeper faith in Jesus Christ and a fuller life in our Catholic Church.

Joseph Strickland

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985.
Next: Jan. 22: Sanctity of Life Announcement