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"The word approaches the element, the sacrament happens. We humans bring word to gifts grown by nature and human technology (oil, water, bread, wine) and in that action we produce something new that has the power to transcend both speech and natural substance”

----Saint Augustine

Electronic Book of Saint Miriam Liturgy

At Saint Miriam, we strive to be on the cutting-edge of parish life, community experience, and liturgical innovation. Now, if you have a 'smart device' such as an Iphone or Ipad, et al, you can help us reduce our environmental impact, in keeping with our Green Policy, by using the e-Book format for our various liturgies. As we progress through the year, we will be adding the various liturgies for Ordinary Time, Lent, Advent, and Christmas, and Easter. Download the E-Book for Ordinary Time *Requires ebook reader such as ipad, kindle, etc.; Also requires an app such as i-books, kindle, or B&N Nook Download the PDF for Ordinary Time Download the E-Book for Lent *Requires ebook reader such as ipad, kindle, etc.; Also requires an app such as i-books, kindle, or B&N Nook Download the PDF for Lent Download the E-Book for Easter *Requires ebook reader such as ipad, kindle, etc.; Also requires an app such as i-books, kindle, or B&N Nook Download the PDF for Easter Download the E-Book for Advent *Requires ebook reader such as ipad, kindle, etc.; Also requires an app such as i-books, kindle, or B&N Nook Download the PDF for Advent Download the E-Book for Christmas *Requires ebook reader such as ipad, kindle, etc.; Also requires an app such as i-books, kindle, or B&N Nook Download the PDF for Christmas

The Mass

The Mass is the central act of our Christian worship. The New Testament tells us that, for as long as Christian communities existed, they have followed the example of Jesus in breaking bread and drinking wine together to make his presence known among them. What we do in our High Mass is, of course, far removed in its external character from the simple meal which was the Last Supper. But at the same time, it is not radically different from the celebrations Christians have conducted from as early as the second and third centuries. A church or chapel has no purpose apart from the worship of God. It has other uses, to be sure, but no other purpose. It is holy, set apart, for God. For this reason, the atmosphere of a church should never be ordinary. Just as in worship we offer our whole selves to God, so every aspect of that worship the sights, sounds and even the smells are different, set apart. We strive to offer what the Psalmist calls the beauty of holiness while welcoming everyone to our parish.

We believe that the best way to understand our shared, Catholic liturgy is not through the abstract discussion, but rather through real contact with actual ritual, that is what our church tradition does at its best: places people in touch with the Mystery of God through Sacramental celebration of life and hope! The congregation is told what is happening at every step along our wonderful journey together, so newcomers won’t be lost. So please come and try us out!

Our Catholic liturgy will seem very familiar if you have attended a Latin Rite church before with an added element or two of surprise and meditation! It is designed to be inclusive, but mysterious and wondrous at the same time! And, the ideal for our liturgy is also very simple: the focus should be on the Eucharist, but be INCLUSIVE and INVITING for all who attend. Also, the elements of Bread and Wine should be pure, simple, and inviting to all of our senses.

The simple nature of our modern worship space is to allow for our focus to be on the center of our worship and to not detract. And, the warmth of our space comes from one place: YOU! Therefore, when our community gathers, the space becomes alive and we focus on our corporate worship and community together.

Our Altar Table and Processional Cross are designed in the very-recognized style of renowned artist Alberto Giacometti by artist and blacksmith, Edward Worthington (click here to visit). The hammered iron rods and scarred table allows us to visualize how, despite our wounds and imperfections, we are still beautiful and serve God’s good use! Our gospel procession allows all to participate and to realize that we are all part of the plan and made and created to honor God and serve to make our world a better place!

Our liturgies are spiritual experiences where we encourage people to sing, dance, and eat together. A space where we share silences, concerns, and prayers to God. A safe place where we gather to hear Scripture and listen for the still voice of God. A sacred room where our priests teach with compassion and the Assembly witness the love of God and self. Our worship is designed to be fully participatory! Therefore, we welcome all people –especially strangers and children—to worship with us and to receive Holy Communion.

Our Weekly Liturgies

Our primary liturgies weekly are:

• The Rosary at 6:30 PM and Mass at 7:00 PM every Thursday.
• On Sunday we offer a SimpleMass at 9:00 AM - Learn more by clicking here - and our full Mass with Cantor, Music, and Choir at 10:30 AM. See our complete schedule by clicking here.
• Holy Days of Obligation and Special Masses can be found by clicking here.
• Mass Intentions click here.

Children and Saint Miriam

Children are welcome at all liturgies at Saint Miriam. Each liturgy has a different feel, or “character”, but there is no service that is “off limits” to babies, children, or teens. We believe that "little Christians become big Christians by hanging around with big Christians"! So, bring the kids! Please visit our KidsLife section for more information on PREP and educational programs, too!

Our Sunday Readings: The Lectionary

Saint Miriam follows a cycle of readings in the liturgical year based on the General Roman Calendar Lectionary. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 2002, reminds us that in the cycles of readings and prayers proclaimed throughout the year in the sacred liturgy “the mysteries of redemption are recalled in the Mass in such a way that they are in some way made present.”Every Sunday we read from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Christian Testaments and the Holy Gospel of Our Lord and Savior. The lectionary is a cycle, or calendar of readings, that goes through much of the Bible in a three year period.

For 2011, we will be in the Lectionary cycle for Year A at the first Sunday of Advent.

Are You Interested in being Baptized?

We welcome people of all ages who have not been Baptized before to come and receive the Water of New Life at Baptism during one of our Sunday. We routinely schedule Baptisms four times a year - around January 6, the great Vigil of Easter, around August 1, and around November 1. The specific dates vary, depending on when Advent falls. We are also pleased to work with individuals families for their own date! To find out more about Baptismal dates, or to make an appointment to talk more about Baptism, please contact our Pastor at .

To learn more about the Sacraments in our Church, please visit this link.


See Sacraments by clicking here.