Catacombs

The Catacombs were second century Christian burial areas underground. Christians could not follow pagan practices of cremation-or burning the deceased-because of the belief in the resurrection of the body. Following the deaths of the apostles and other first century Christians, followers of Christ began to build underground passages with tombs carved out of the rock for their dead, and for the Saints that became martyrs for our faith. People speculate that Christians hid from persecution in these locations, but what we know for certain is that services were held here in honor of the martyrs.

Several years ago, “catacombs” was chosen as a name for a special time of worship of the youth at Crossroads. It is a time for reflection, prayer and coming together as one to worship our God, just as they did almost two thousand years ago.

Together we are in an interesting place in our lives. Some of us are hurting or are struggling with issues. We need God to hear our prayers. As a church we’ve been without a youth pastor and I believe at times seem disconnected from each other. We need God to make us one again.


Imagine yourself, there in a hillside catacomb outside the ancient city of Rome tonight. Because there was no natural light, those who would visit the catacombs did so by candlelight, in solemn reverence for their departed brothers and sisters in Christ. We can imagine the cool, damp atmosphere…….giving way to flickering light that casts shadows on the carved rock walls. We can imagine the prayers of early Christ followers spoken almost two thousand years ago. We can imagine how their voices echoed as they sang and worshipped God.

Join us Wednesday night, as we continue this tradition in prayer, in song and in reading the Holy Word.

God, hear our prayers. Lord, make us one.