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Saint Miriam, a parish community |
475 Norristown Road Blue Bell, PA 19422 Phone (215) 701-4781 Info@MySaintMiriam.org |
Press Release
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Contact: Father Jim St. George Phone: (215) 701-4781 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 A.M. EDT, December 28, 2009 |
Saint Miriam building a new church home in blue bell
Philadelphia, pa, December 28, 2009: At
barely 2 years of age, the Catholic Parish of Saint Miriam, in the Roxborough
neighborhood of Philadelphia, is growing strong and has moved 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 Miriam’s
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 now
complete and their new service schedule is announced.
Saint
Miriam features 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 God’s 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 launched its new church with its beautiful Christmas Eve service dubbed
“Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Ten”
and now continues with its service schedule as printed. For a complete list of
service times, please see “Services” from the homepage.
Please
contact Father Jim St. George for more information or visit www.mySaintMiriam.org.