Issue 33: Building Giant Churches

A reflection of my work and a thank you!

Dec 21, 2023

It is near the end of the season for the Lego Church Project. The current one is over at Christ The Good Shepherd for another few weeks. Since that time I’ve been plotting and planning. Slowly collecting the LEGO parts I will probably need for the upcoming build. Taking the time to look over the current one to see what I can do differently.

If you were to tell me nearly twenty-five years ago that this is what I would be known for. I’m not sure I would believe you. I’ve never been one to have much confidence in myself. Also can be very self conscious in nature. Partly because of the mild cerebral palsy that I have. But more to the fact that I’ve always had a lot of self doubt when it comes to my own ability. Not just with my work with The Project but also with life in general.

Every year I put those abilities to the test. The Project is a major undertaking that most don’t full realize. The massive size means that it can be overwhelming at various points. Complicated by the fact that I don’t have instructions. This is all free hand and of my own design. Testing my own talents and the durability of the LEGO. All to create a finished church that is around 47x25x25in. Put it this way. It will take up most of a kitchen table and weighs in close to 80lbs.

I first started doing the churches when I was younger. My friends and I were big into LEGO. Some of them were building giant space ships with complex insides. However that was well out of my own ability to do. I was good at building walls and a roof. So slowly they turned into churches. With each passing year getting bigger and more detailed. It became a project with the focus on disability as I started taking my work on the road. What was a child’s hobby turned into something bigger than even I understand.

Why a church? Because growing up the church was the foundation of our family. We lived in short walking distance from my home parish. No reason why we couldn’t go to Mass. When we visited family out of town? We went to Mass. When we were at our old family cottage? Going to Mass was part of that. Such an important part of our life. Only natural that I would take that to heart and share my love of it in such a creative way.

Over the near twenty-five years of The Project. I’ve done more than I could ever hope or dream. I’ve been on TV and radio several times. Along with frequent guest spots on podcasts. Along with a few articles that have been written about me, my work, and my mission. I’ve also had the chance to visit some amazing parish communities. I’ve also been humbled by the kindness of people who want to support my work though the donations and Amazon Wish List.

Stuff like that helps me take on this mission that I’ve been given. However that is not the primary focus of why I keep pushing myself year after year. I am a firm believer that everyone is called to use their talents in the service of Christ. I’m just “leading by example”. I have one of the most unique talents around. I build the giant churches out of LEGO. All that matters to me is that I’m not doing this for myself. That I’m doing this as way to give Glory to God in all things. Along with giving hope to those who may be struggling in their own private battles. If it wasn’t for Christ in my life. None of this would be possible.

As I’m planning out the next season in my head. Starting to collect the parts needed. I also know this Project would not exist with out the kindness and support of those who believe in what I am doing. That support allows me to move forward with my over all mission and goal. Even at times when it seems more of a overwhelming challenge.

Blessed Solanus Casey once said: Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature. It is fitting to end this on that note. To everyone who has supported my work for nearly twenty-five years. You have my deepest thanks. To Christ my Lord and my savior you have my thanks. Lets see where the road takes me next!

“The mission of the Lego Church Project is to show no matter what challenge or disability that you face. God can still use your talents in amazing and creative ways.”