Sunday, December 9, 2007

The National Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa

Doylestown Pa.

Grade: B

What time would you like to go to Church?  What day would you like to go to Church?  Would you like the service to be spoken in English or Polish?

The answers to the questions above can be found on The National Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa website.  This site has all kinds of useful information, along with directions.  This Church is located about 2 miles from the Rt. 611 bypass, on a country road, within a couple of miles of the Peace Valley Park.  Look for Doylestown PA on the map.

If you drive to fast it’s easy to miss the entrance to the Shrine.  A white pillar, with a gold statue on top of the pillar, marks the entrance to the parking lot.  The church complex is a distance off the Ferry Road entrance. The facility has plenty of parking near most of the buildings.

Going to a 2:30 Sunday Mass was a first for me.  I was not alone.  The majority of those in attendance were white – mostly middle class.  Seniors – singles – couples – families, were all in attendance.  Dress this Sunday was everything from casual to suit and tie.  Most folks wore some version of casual.  Some people even had on jeans.  Everyone looked nice and friendly.  Folks smiled and held the door open for one another.

The National Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa is comprised of several buildings.

Remodeling efforts were under way during my visit.  Look for signs pointing you to the area where the Mass will take place.  Just before the Mass starts odds are you’re going to see the faithful going to the correct building.  You may want to follow the crowd.  Feel free to call the Shrine before you go for directions, along with the name of the building where the Mass will be held.

The Mass I attended took place in a very large building on the first floor with numerous windows and wooden pews.  Candles were lit near the front of the pulpit.  Hundreds of people could worship in this room. The décor was in line with what you may expect to find in a Catholic Church.  I’d guess almost two hundred people attended the Mass.

Mass – is the Catholic word for the worship service.  Mass will last between forty five minutes to an hour most of the time.  A Catholic Mass is usually consistent in terms of how they are conducted with regard to content and length of time.

If you are not sure when to stand up, sit down, or kneel during the Mass just do what the people around you do.  When in doubt I’d suggest you sit in prayer.

2:30 – Mass starts with the ringing of a bell, organ music plays.

2:32 – A Priest talks about Jesus.

2:35 – Hymns are sung, prayers are given, more readings from the Bible.

2:47 - The Priest gives his sermon.  Individual speaking styles can and will vary from Priest to Priest.  “Nice Job” was the phrase that came to mind, during this Mass.

2:55 – A collection is taken.  Ushers walk down the isles with wicker baskets attached to handles.  The Usher goes from isle to isle.  As I drop my donation into the basket the usher whispers, “Thank You.”

2:58 – Prayers are said – hymns are sung.

3:05 – “Peace be with you” is the phrase we repeat to one another as we’re instructed to show a sign of peace.  We shake hands with the people around us.

Everyone is nice and polite. 

3:06 – Communion is given.  For the rules related to communion consult with a Priest.  During this Mass I did not see anyone turned away from communion, nor were any announcements made, in reference to who should or should not receive communion. 

Folks walk down a center isle.  When you stand in front of the Priest he will say, “Body of Christ”.  The majority of the people say nothing or maybe “Amen”.

If you open your mouth, he will put a small thin wafer on your tongue.  If you open up the palm of your hands, he will put the wafer in your hand.  Everyone walks back to their pews.  While we wait for the communion to finish, we sit or kneel in prayer.  Organ music is being played at this time.  The mood is somber during communion – the service.

3:10 – Ushers take the second collection.

3:12 – Announcements are made, some people leave during the announcements.

3:15 – The Priest says “The Lord be with you”.  Those in attendance say “Also with you”.  The Mass is over and we all exit the building.

The National Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa, offers a wide range of programs to different communities.  Do not let the size of the facility intimidate you from going to Mass or visiting the Shrine.

“B” was my grade for the National Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa.  Your grade for the Shrine may be different, depending on what you like or don’t like.

Save the Last Pew for me.