Santa Cruz Mission

Just a short drive from our home, we were determined to make it to this mission (third of the day) before returning home from our day trip.  We arrived with only an hour to spare and worried that we would not have enough time to see the fullness of this historical place.  However, it turned out to be just the right amount of time for this little side church that is mainly used as a chapel by the congregation (a fancier modern version across the street).

On the drive, Henry and Edward fell asleep.  We chose to let them rest when they did not budge from their spots as we got out of the van.

The twelfth mission is named for the feast of "The Exaltation of the Holy Cross" and built in 1791.  However, the mission location was slightly moved to the current area in 1793 in order to be closer to the bay and the San Lorenzo River.  Three tribes (Awawas, Ohlone, and Yokuts) came together to assist with the building.  It seems the original church was much largely but when it had to be rebuilt in the 1930s the diocese chose to make this smaller version.

The museum was only a small area off the main church, which we were able to view while gathering everyone and paying the nominal fee for our admission.  Then we made our way into the interior of the church. What is obvious from the start are the plain walls.  Gone are the beautiful paintings on the walls.  There are nice statues and the altar is nice, but it does not have the charm and appeal that was obvious in the other locations.  The beauty seemed to be centered on the outer windows.  We only spent a short time in prayer before leaving.

After leaving the church, we decided to try the doors of the modern church.  As we approached, we noticed a sign that stated the arch on the steps was a commemorative arch built in 1891 erected to remember the original church location.  That arch was replaced 100 years later by the current arch.  I guess even 100 years ago the people saw the importance of these missions.

Continuing our walk into the new church, we were awed by the beauty.  However, I had to wonder if this church would be around 100 years from now.  Are we building in a way that allows for such strength as the missions.  This leads to me to think about our society and our faith in general.  Are we building lasting faith to share with our children as the people of the past did for their children?  I prayed (and continue to pray) that our children will remember what is truly important and what needs to be strengthened...even more important than any of the buildings we have visited over the last few days.

Then my momma concerns were set aside as I saw my children's caring nature come out.  I might have mentioned our family gift for this Christmas in passing a few weeks ago.  We had set up almost 100 "homeless" bags to give out to the many people we see on the streets in the area.  The bags held some basics (soap, winter hat/gloves, can of soup, water and granola bars).  We had only given out a few to the food bank on Christmas Eve.  We placed several bags in our van to give out as needed over the next few weeks.

The children ran to me and told me that a man was sleeping under a tree and they wanted to give him a bag.  I really thought these bags would be given as we drove past those men and women on the corners.  However, Michael took the children over to the man to keep them safe.  The man was so excited to receive this small gift of necessities.

Since then, we have been able to give out about 20 bags and all the homeless seem to be thankful.  We did have one man who did not seem question the contents, but our thought is that it is not how the homeless receive our bags, but the way that we give them that matters.  I think my mother said it best...By giving to the homeless, we do not expect anything in return...the greatest form of generosity.