“The Catholic Church has the Eucharist and if beauty draws people to it, that would seem worth every penny spent to me.”

-Erika, parishioner who initiated the investing in an original work in her home parish

Have you ever seen a work of art that just took your breath away? Did it leave you wondering, how can I experience this kind of beauty in my own church? One encounter with authentic beauty can be all it takes to stir your heart to action! Many of the artwork in our churches is thanks is due to the desire of one parishioner or group of individuals coming together to adorn the walls of their place of worship as a patrons of the arts.

This month, my family traveled out to a parish family who invested in beauty! We brought my original painting, Defender to its new home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You can check out the highlight video here!

Bringing this sacred art work to its new parish home was a process. It began with parishioner Erika Mushrush, who was struck by The Defender at our previous Sacred Beauty Event, and dreamed of bringing this painting to the parish. Erika didn’t know what it might take, but she reached out to me with her excitement, and then gathered a handful of families to make this dream a reality.

During the planning of this special painting delivery and dedication event, I had the privilege to chat with Erika, who had both the desire and will to bring sacred art into her home church. As a sacred artist, I trust the Holy Spirit has a plan for my work. It was such a privilege to get to learn more about the experience of being 21st century patrons of the arts, and what it looks like to bring sacred art into one’s parish community.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Erika!

You were inspired by The Defender and the idea to bring it into your parish. Can you describe the first time you saw the painting? What came into your heart? 

What was the process that took you from “I love this” to “What if this was for our church”?

“When we saw you [at a sacred beauty event], you mentioned how some families get together and purchase an original work. I thought, that seemed feasible. I approached another mom I know who loves art and design, and we talked about some ideas. We wondered, maybe we just approach a bunch of people and invite them into bringing this piece to our parish?

We had four or five families step up in a major way to make this happen – including turning the dedication and installation event into a parish celebration!“

What motivated you to put this idea to action, and invest in beauty?

“It’s important to us that we have what is going to capture our kids’ attention. Or, if you’re away from the faith, something beautiful to capture your attention as well. If we’re able to do evangelize through doing behind-the-scenes work, then that’s important.

There’s that common argument: “How many poor people could you feed with all the art and churches in Italy?” And I was thinking, “But how many people has it fed spiritually, right?” Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and beauty in churches feeds people spiritually.

You know, church is a place for evangelization. Going back to the churches in Italy: people have been going there and visiting from all over the world. I’m looking at this process [of bringing in sacred art to the church] and hoping it’s going to be there for a hundred years. Father Junge had mentioned too, where else can people go and see beautiful art for free?“

“As we talked about gathering together for a new work of art, people asked which one? When they heard it was Defender, they said, “Wow that was one of my favorites, I’m so glad it will belong to our parish.” – Father Junge at the Reveal Event

So what hoping for as you invite others to join in this process?

“I’m hoping that it’s received as an invest in beauty! We see the church space now: the back is open, we see that it’s pretty bare. There’s no furniture. There is a stained glass window, but other than that we need more beauty. I’m hoping that this is received as an invitation to invest in beauty. This is going be here forever! We need to invest in our churches, and invest in the people.

We are just asking, “Who wants to take part in this?” We’re inviting them into leaving a legacy for our church. The main aspect is being a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

A glimpse into the reveal dedication event!

Do you have any guidance for someone interested in bringing an original work of sacred art to their own parish and being patrons of the arts?

“I would say just try at first and see. Even if you have to make some other sacrifices or postpone other things, it’s worth it to invest in that beauty. Some contribution is better than nothing when it’s a gift. And again, there’s that beautiful reality of being a part of something bigger than yourself. Joining together with others to be able to bring something great into fruition.

You don’t have to be the Medici family. You don’t really need your name attached when you’re just striving to build up the church. The spiritual benefits that’ll be lasting forever. You’ll see that, God willing, in heaven one day.”

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for clarity and readability.

Great News!

If your heart has been drawn to a sacred art, but think its a pipe-dream to bring it into your church, realize that you do play a part. You can start the process to talk with your pastor about your desire and excitement. You can gather other families to join in! Don’t let budget or fear stand in your way of leaving a legacy in your home parish that will bring people to the heart of Christ for years to come.

Let Erika’s story be an encouragement to you! If you’ve ever desired to leave a legacy for future generations of your parish community, reflected on the bareness of your home parish, or asked, “what can I do?”, you are not alone! The good news: All it takes is one person with desire and openness to start a movement of beauty.

P.S.

If you’ve long hoped for Defender in your home, classroom, or sanctuary, Kate’s original painting of St. Michael and the church is now available in the print shop!

Check out the shop for museum-quality prints of this powerful sacred artwork in various sizes!