3015 Roundelay Road, Lynchburg VA

As the golden rays of another beautiful day stretched across the horizon, my heart brimmed with joy and anticipation. This was yet another glorious day in my ongoing journey to explore the sacred spaces that dot my beloved city, a calling to visit every Christian church.

Little did I know that the moments I would encounter at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, my 25th stop, would be treasured forever in my soul.

St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church stood before me like a beacon of divine beauty, inviting and awe-inspiring. Today, my daughter and I stepped into its hallowed halls to partake in the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time and the sacred celebration of the Eucharist.

I came to learn that in the Catholic faith, “ordinary time” signifies a period of growth and spiritual maturation.

Our entrance was met with a warm embrace from Michelle, who not only welcomed us but also took the time to explain the significance of the Holy Water at the sanctuary entrance.

Her kindness extended to offering assistance in capturing photographs of some of the church’s members, a gesture I deeply appreciated.

As we ventured further into the sanctuary, our path intersected with Anne Scarletto, a member of the congregation.

She shared with us her familial connections spanning across the country but emphasized that Lynchburg was where she truly belonged because this church was her extended family.

After snapping a few photographs of the church’s interior and deciding on our spot towards the front, we encountered Wanda Bullard, a fellow worshipper. She generously shared her journey of conversion to the Catholic faith and recognized our need for guidance during the service.

Wanda explained the importance of using all five senses in praise and worship and how the rising incense symbolized our prayers being lifted.

She lovingly taught us that, although we should not partake in communion, we could approach to receive a blessing, demonstrating the crossed-arm gesture to indicate our intent.

As someone who had never before attended a Roman Catholic Church service, I found it fascinating to witness the structured and reverent nature of the proceedings.

The ambiance was steeped in holiness, with candles illuminating our path, hymns resonating in our hearts, and the congregation uniting in joyous song with lyrics like “Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green” and “Glory, Glory to God in the Highest.”

It was made all the more special by the kind souls around us, who graciously guided us through the intricacies of their worship.

Pastor McCarron, a true blessing to us, offered a heartfelt prayer for our sense of belonging. His sermon radiated warmth as he shared stories of his father and the calling that led him to priesthood.

With a gentle reminder, he encouraged us not to overcomplicate holiness. Instead, we were urged to understand that we are living, breathing gospels, open books for others to read. Sometimes, in our quest for holiness, we overlook the simplicity of being living examples of Christ’s love.

A poignant moment in the service was when the children were called forward to hear the Word of the Lord at the beginning of the service. The congregation’s united response of “Thanks be to God” resonated with the sincerity of our faith.

As the service reached its pinnacle with communion, my daughter and I were granted a special blessing. In that profound moment, the emotions welled up, nearly bringing tears to our eyes. It was a moment of grace and significance that will forever be etched in our hearts.

Our deepest gratitude extends to everyone at St. Thomas More Catholic Church for their warm embrace and generous hospitality.

It is with an overflowing heart that I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this sacred haven, where the Holy Spirit moves amongst a community of devoted people.

You can find out more information about this church by visiting: https://www.stmva.org/ or by visiting their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/STMVA

As I continue my exploration of different churches, I eagerly anticipate what God has in store for me and all of us on this remarkable journey of faith.