For my final assignment, I chose to attend Sacred Heart Parish, which is a Catholic Church located in Bridgeport, PA. I made the decision to attend Sacred Heart at the recommendation of a close family member, who is an active member of said church. Prior to attending this religious service, it had been approximately 8 years since the last time I had visited a religious institution. The first thing that I noticed upon my arrival was the appearance of the structure. Sacred Heart Parish exhibited many characteristics of a very traditional European Gothic Cathedral, in fact, it quite strongly resembled a medieval castle from the outside, which certainly allowed it to stand out among the rather modern brickwork structures that were far more …show more content…
A short time after I had taken my seat, the choir began to chant softly as Father Sullivan, the head Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, appeared at the entrance of the church, alongside him were two young altar boys, adorned in white robes. Father Sullivan slowly made his way down the specular marble path, which lead to the altar. Contained in his hands was a moderately large golden crucifix; The altar boys who were accompanying him carried large candles as they made their way towards the altar. As the hymn came to its conclusion, and the choir completed their chant, Father Sullivan advanced towards the podium that was adjacent to the altar. Standing at the podium, Father Sullivan enunciated the words “The Lord be with you,” to which the crowd responded “And with your spirit;” He then greeted us kindly, and welcomed us to the church. Soon after the introduction, Father Sullivan took a seat at the altar; A woman dressed in a white robe, and a gold-rimmed tabard took his place at the podium, instructing us to listen closely, for she will now confer upon us the word of the Lord. Upon the conclusion of the reading, she requested that we respond in song. A second reader, whom was adorned in more modern formal attire, then approached the podium, this time relaying a
The Church I selected to evaluate is called Parkview Christian Church. Furthermore, both Churches before their inception the founder's sort guidance from God above to reach people for Christ. The concept of the Tinley Park Church of Christ (currently name Parkview Christian Church) originated in 1948 with two women on a train headed to Chicago. These two women discussed and prayed about how they could be a part of God’s plan to implement the lords work in their community. Later, after they arrive at their destination started a prayer assembly that kept expanding. Consequently, due to their increase in membership on “April 15, 1951” they formed a storefront church called Tinley Park Church of Christ (currently Parkview Christian Church). Moreover,
pastor calling to the alter. Whether in need of prayer or more, he and the elders opened up their
The Pastor came to the congregation and began to worship the Lord as he was led, and presented words of praise. Afterward, he asked the members to turn with him to the scripture reading for the morning. Pastor Horne proceeded with the reading of scripture in the King James Version. Granted, the Pastor did not use sermon notes. However, after he finished delivering his message, he came down from the pulpit and opened the doors of the church for those who had not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal savior (Horne, 1983). An offering was taken up, then the minutes was read, and lastly the benediction.
Early Sunday morning, people shuffle in through the mahogany doors as the smell of Frankincense and Myrrh tickle the nose. Rays of sunlight beam through the stained glass windows, making rainbow images on the red velvet carpet. What sounds like the voices of angels singing praise to the lord harmoniously circulates in the air. A mighty voice roars from the altar, “Now, let us bow our heads in prayer.” This is a majestic place where one can find peace, confess sins and thank the lord for all of the blessings he has bestowed upon them.
As I walked into St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, I was welcomed by everyone I passed by. There was a pleasant odor filling the halls that a fresh cooked meal was being prepared making me feel like I was at home. As I walked into the hall members of all ages were there to attend the Wednesday Night Recharge ranging from cute little infants, to
As I gazed around the church I was able to see love and an abundance of warmth generating from the elder parents to the young within the chapel. The service although I was unable to understand it, promoted an overwhelming feeling of acceptance and respect from those around me as we engaged in the reading of the scriptures, songs being sung and the blessings being given to all those asking. The parishioners beamed with an elation of learning the word of Christ, and did not make me feel as if I were an outcast; those seated around me apologized for their children, and guided me to receive the message from the priest. The emotional response I have for the people of the church was an elated since of hospitality and acceptance, which I thought would not be give; a preconceived idea. From the moment I arrived I was able to feel as if I belonged in the church family, the feelings of inadequacy faded. I found that being engaged within this experience has challenged me as an individual to become more open to those I am the most uncomfortable, have little knowledge, or preconceived images of, in other words judge from the inside not from the outside, take a leap and learn whole heartedly about those I know nothing about. The challenges I faced where to put aside whatever misconceptions and prejudices I have from my personal beliefs, values and experiences and be
For my project I attended a Catholic mass at St. Jerome’s at 7955 Real Rd in San Antonio, Texas. I choose this project due to the fact I am Pentecostal and wanted to evaluate the differences between the two types of services that these denominations provide. I attended the 8 am mass which they have Monday thru Friday every week. Throughout this paper I will make note of things I observed and also compare those items against my background having participated in Pentecostal services.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church has not only been a source of faith, but a place where I’ve made an impact. Serving for this parish has constructed me into a caring and well-rounded individual. Only a fraction of my commitments include: becoming a Nursery Care Leader and Sunday School instructor, attending the “Safe Kids, Safe Church” Conference, and volunteering at events such as Souper Bowl Sunday and BLAST Biblical Learning Camp. It is with great pride that I am able to donate my time in an arena that has made a significant impact on my life.
A mother and daughter at the alter… Three women having the audacity to come before the congregation… Three women professing how much they crave Him… People interjecting praises and singing without reserve… The imagery of the service was a blessing to witness. The message was powerful and thought provoking. The service made an impression. It was
I am nearing my 15-year mark of involvement and 2-year mark of service in a group called the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (VEYM) at Our Lady of La Vang Parish. Growing up in this youth group, I was taught to touch as many people’s hearts as possible in hopes of bettering society. Being brought up in such a gratifying environment, it was a no brainer that I would, one day, become the counselor that I am today to reciprocate the same love and leadership to the kids that need the right guidance as I did. Every Sunday, we would gather to teach the lesson plans we planned for the kids ranging from ages 7-18 in hopes of guiding the children in the right direction in life. Providing a place of sanctity – a safe haven for the children is a wonderful way to keep the kids from leading astray into the many different temptations of this world. In trying to maintain and instill good values and morals for the children, we provide them with opportunities to help them grow, learn, and give a helping hand to others who are less fortunate than them.
Once the officiants had made their way out the congregation and I proceeded towards the doors to leave. This was when I noticed that there was a Holy Water Fountain on the wall to the left of the doors that opened to the outside. I observed several individuals deep their fingers into the water to make a cross by touching their forehead, chest, and shoulders. Right outside of the cathedral the officiants stood and greeted each individual as they left the service. I felt very comfortable going up to the officiants and shaking their hands. Their presence and appearance was very inviting for individuals whether you were a guest or not. Neither did the Priest nor bulletin make a suggestion that there was a reception after the service. The majority of the congregation immediately departed from their seats to the outside to interact with the officiants and other individuals of the
St Matthew’s Anglican Church had an amazing atmosphere and ambiance. The presence of worship and reverence is welcoming and gave a feeling of calmness. The Churches Architectural style is simple but the interior of the church is warm and friendly. What is first noticed is the altar
The sermon started well: I had managed to capture my congregation's attention and had communicated all I had intended to when all of a sudden, I became self-conscious . My stage fright came rushing back and I started crying. This event prompted me to join The Lectors Association.
Once at the seats, the entrance song begins. This signals the start of Mass. This Sunday it was Praise My Soul, The King of Heaven, and Hymn. As this song is being sung, the priest and servers walk slowly to
John, with a voice coming from the heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I