Saint Miriam Moves To Blue Bell
Monday, December 7th, 2009Philadelphia, PA — At barely 2 years of age, the Catholic Parish of Saint Miriam, in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, is growing strong and will be moving to its own church facility in Blue Bell, PA effective December 23rd 2009.
The panorama of stories from their existing members is deeply inspiring and their personal stories would be impressive by any measure. Now, with their own modern church, they hope to continue their growth by attracting others who are seeking and inclusive Catholic community.
The Parish Board of Saint Miriam, along with the Pastor of Saint Miriam, (The Reverend) Father James St. George, in union with the Ordinary of the Diocese and with the blessing of their Presiding Bishop, are pleased to announce that Saint Miriams new home will be at 475 Norristown Road in the Blue Bell suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in Whitpain Township.
The Site Committee, working closely with our pastor and board, surveyed more than 100 properties and narrowed its selections to two locations. After much prayer and deliberation, with many hours of negotiations with the building owners, they reached an agreement during the last week of September 2009. The build out is underway and their new service schedule is announced.
Saint Miriam will feature a new, state-of-the-art facility with a 2,000+ square foot sanctuary, full audio/visual capability, additional space for CCD/Children’s education, administrative and library space, a full sacristy, a fellowship hall with indoor and outdoor seating areas, a kitchen, and fully accessible ADA-compliant restrooms. The property also enjoys parking for 200+ cars, an acre of green frontage and a modern aesthetic that fits well with the Saint Miriam ethos.
Formed in 1957, the Catholic Church of Antioch traces its line of bishops back to the first apostles and says its priests and bishops – male and female – are “valid” Catholic clergy. The Roman Catholic Church does not view such offshoots as being “in union” with it, however they are considered valid and sufficient. In other words, this is a Catholic Church, just not a Roman Catholic Church. This allows this vibrant and unique community to open its hearts and all sacraments, including Holy Communion, to everyone.
In such a short amount of time, they have healed many souls already. They boast families with children along with many gay, lesbian, and straight singles and couples. Even a few former Roman Catholic nuns and a priest make up their diverse population. They also have already achieved several new seminarians in formation to serve Gods church. All of this as they grow to include everyone without reservation.
Saint Miriam has two main services each week, Thursday at 6:30PM and Sundays at 10:30 AM. They also will add a Rosary on Wednesdays at 6:30PM and a monthly Charismatic Mass. The services are Catholic, but inclusive and inspiring with a mix of music from old and new, modern touches and incense smoke that finally warms the heart, as well as the senses!
Saint Miriam will launch its new church with its beautiful Christmas Eve service dubbed Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Ten . It begins with food and fellowship at 8PM, followed by Carols singing at 9PM and then the Mass at 10 PM. Christmas Day Mass will take place at 11AM.
Please contact Father Jim St. George for more information or visit www.mySaintMiriam.org. For a complete list of service times, please see Services from the homepage.
