The Value of the Mass

The Value of the Mass
Up to our own times, it has been the constant concern of supreme pontiffs to ensure that the Church of Christ offers a worthy ritual to the Divine Majesty, 'to the praise and glory of His name,' and 'to the benefit of all His Holy Church - Pope Benedict XVI, Summorum Pontificum

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Parish Highlight: St. Patrick's Columbus Ohio

ST. Patrick Parish, the second in the city of Columbus, was established in 1852 for the English speaking Catholics. The current church was dedicated in 1853. Currently, the parish is run by the Dominican order. It has absolutely NOBODY living within its parish boundaries. The parish now sits in the middle of an industrial area in downtown Columbus. However, every Mass at the parish is packed to the gills. Although the Dominicans at St. Patricks no longer say the Dominican rite (as popularly dictated by their order), the parish still enjoys the option to use gregorian chant and at least one Mass a month with the liberal use of Latin.

The picture here is a close up of their "old" high altar. I quote old because the altar is brand new (within the last 5 years). Unfortunately the altar isn't used, but perhaps they're planning for the future? It's still very beautiful.



Here is a picture of the sanctuary as a whole. Notice the altar rail. The rail is still used by the way!
Here is the facade of the parish. The church is of midevil english design, but is quite beautiful.


Ah, the stain glass window of St. Patrick. I once knew who he was baptising in this window, but it escapes me know. If anybody has any idea, please let me know. St. Patrick Parish has some of the most beautiful stain glass windows I've ever seen.
On the cealing of the church are mosaics of dominican saints. Here's one of my favorites, St. Pius V.
Unfortunately this picture came out rather dark, but this is a picture of the choir loft. St. Patraick's has a very good choir with whom the Josephinum choir will be having a concert with in two weeks.

If you're ever in the dowtown area of Columbus, OH, I would recomend looking up St. Patrick's, especially if you are in need of confession. They have confessions before most Masses, and have several priests hearing them at once.

7 comments:

James Straight said...

Well, you've covered the 2 best parishes in the diocese. I'm interested in seeing what is next.


James

Zach said...

I think I'm going to try to do one on Holy Name when I can get a hold of a camera again.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, their priests are famous for being unhelpful and even abusive in the confessional. I avoid the place and I am very conservative.

Zach said...

What priests are you talking about? The ones at St. Patricks? I haven't experenced that at all at St. Patricks.

Or are you talking about Holy Name?

Anonymous said...

St. Patrick's. They need to learn that being too harsh induces scrupulosity. There is a big difference between mortal and venial.

Zach said...

I've nevever experenced what you discribe at St. Patricks. As a matter of fact, it's at St. Patricks where I can actually find a priest who will give actual advice in the confessional. Something that is petecularly rare in this diocese.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Zach, I find they are no nonsense about what you need to do to address your sins, but they are compassionate. Perhaps its because we are so used to priests giving superficial advice in the confessional that we find it "abusive" when we actually receive good advice.