Sunday, May 27, 2012

Pentecost Sunday at St. Paul Church Philadelphia

Vidi aquam

Father Carey seated during the Gloria

Kneeling during the Gradual
Incensation of the Gospel


The exchange of the kiss of peace via the pax bede or instrument of peace.

Genuflection during the Last Gospel at the Incarnation

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Ascension Thursday in the Extraordinary Form

The Paschal Flame burns no more, extinguished after the proclamation of the  Gospel

Incensation of the gifts

The Virgin Mary points to the Most Sacred Heart of her Divine Son

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Pipe Organ Restoration Project at St. Paul Church Philadelphia

A very generous benefactor has donated a Skinner pipe organ built in 1927 to St Paul Church in South Philadelphia.   While the organ is need of major restoration, the anonymous donor has put up most of the funds needed to accomplish this.  In the meantime, St. Paul parishioners and benefactors  will need to raise the balance of the money to pay for the cost of the restoration.

Sometime in the 1960's, a well-meaning but regrettable decision was made to replace the existing pipe organ with an electronic version.  The casing of the former pipe organ creates the facade that there is still a pipe organ in the choir loft.  However, that is not the case.  While pipe organs can last centuries with proper maintenance, electronic instruments do not and eventually need to be replaced.  Hence, it would be most beneficial to have a traditional pipe organ, and the fact that this one is a Skinner speaks volumes about the quality of sound anticipated.

St. Paul will accept donations of any size.  Major donors who contribute $250 or more may memorialize or honor a loved one with a special plaque.  Donors who contribute less than $250 will be recognized in a commemorative booklet that will be printed to accompany a special organ recital in the Fall.

Donations may be paid in one lump sum or over the span of a year.  For more information, or to make a donation, please contact Russ DeStefano, the business manager at St. Paul Parish, at 215-923-0355.

Ascension Thursday TLM at St. Paul's

Ascension Thursday, a holy day of obligation that falls on May 17, will be observed with a solemn sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St. Paul Church in South Philadelphia at 7pm.  Free parking is available in the schoolyard directly across the street from the church.  The Traditional Latin Mass at St Paul Church is the only Mass in the Extraordinary Form offered in the Center City/South Philadelphia area.  We are blessed to have the opportunity to assist at such solemn and reverent liturgy each week so please make plans to attend and bring a friend or family member with you.  Visitors are always welcome.

St. Paul Church is located on Christian Street between 9th and 10th Streets.