CATHOLIC CALISTENICS: BY FR. SCOTT MORGAN
We Catholics are known for many things: bingo, festivals, fish fry Fridays, and of course who can forget Catholic Calisthenics. I often chuckle when I think back to my own journey to Catholicism and learning when to sit, stand, and kneel, only to stand again; and we have to make these responses too! Without a doubt, the many postures involved in Catholic worship can be a lot to take in, and when we find ourselves in a new or different church, it can almost be overwhelming.
The Tri-County Catholics Family of Parishes is blessed to have three beautiful churches that each give tribute to the many expressions and development of Catholic worship, which offers each of us an opportunity to experience the Mass and the devotional life in a different way. Part of this difference of expression is also seen in our posture and movement at Mass, the so-called Catholic Calisthenics.
So, what do we do when we find ourselves in a different church with a different routine? Our guiding principle for what to do is, like the entirety of our faith, the Eucharist. If you know where Jesus is, then you can always find your way.
The tabernacle at St. Gabriel and St. Michael, indicative of their architectural style and time period, is located in the Sanctuary (behind the Altar). In this case, we genuflect on the right knee when entering/exiting our pew. This is also why the priest, and ministers genuflect in the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass. Similarly, these churches were also constructed with kneelers, which invite us to kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer (following the Holy, Holy, Holy) as we welcome Christ into our midst, as the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. It is custom in a church built in this way to kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer through the Great Amen, and again after receiving Holy Communion, until the Eucharist has been returned to the tabernacle.
The architectural style of St. John affords us the opportunity to experience a beautiful, and rather ancient expression of Catholic worship that is reflective of liturgical celebrations in the earliest centuries of the Church. In this style we, the Mystical Body of Christ, gather around the Altar, where Christ will be made present in our midst. Similarly, we stand instead of kneeling during the Eucharistic prayer, and we remain standing until the Eucharist has been reserved in the tabernacle. Again, indicative of ancient Jewish custom, where the teacher would be seated, and the people would gather around him. Because the church is constructed in this way, the tabernacle is located in a chapel next to the reconciliation chapel, which also allows for a more intimate space to pray with Jesus. This is also why we do not genuflect, but rather bow when entering/exiting our pews. The ‘profound bow’ as it is called, is given to the Altar when the tabernacle is not present, which reminds us that the Altar is a symbol of Christ Himself, who is both the one offering the Sacrifice, and who is Himself sacrificed.
St. Paul reminds us that though we are many parts, we are one body (cf. 1 Cor. 12:12). Like the many parts of the body, each of our churches is different; however, each one is expressive of the richness, history, and beauty of our faith. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity in our Family of Parishes to experience this richness, and beauty! And, don’t worry about the Catholic Calisthenics, come and Jesus will take care of everything else.
Fr. Scott Morgan
The Tri-County Catholics Family of Parishes is blessed to have three beautiful churches that each give tribute to the many expressions and development of Catholic worship, which offers each of us an opportunity to experience the Mass and the devotional life in a different way. Part of this difference of expression is also seen in our posture and movement at Mass, the so-called Catholic Calisthenics.
So, what do we do when we find ourselves in a different church with a different routine? Our guiding principle for what to do is, like the entirety of our faith, the Eucharist. If you know where Jesus is, then you can always find your way.
The tabernacle at St. Gabriel and St. Michael, indicative of their architectural style and time period, is located in the Sanctuary (behind the Altar). In this case, we genuflect on the right knee when entering/exiting our pew. This is also why the priest, and ministers genuflect in the entrance procession at the beginning of Mass. Similarly, these churches were also constructed with kneelers, which invite us to kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer (following the Holy, Holy, Holy) as we welcome Christ into our midst, as the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. It is custom in a church built in this way to kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer through the Great Amen, and again after receiving Holy Communion, until the Eucharist has been returned to the tabernacle.
The architectural style of St. John affords us the opportunity to experience a beautiful, and rather ancient expression of Catholic worship that is reflective of liturgical celebrations in the earliest centuries of the Church. In this style we, the Mystical Body of Christ, gather around the Altar, where Christ will be made present in our midst. Similarly, we stand instead of kneeling during the Eucharistic prayer, and we remain standing until the Eucharist has been reserved in the tabernacle. Again, indicative of ancient Jewish custom, where the teacher would be seated, and the people would gather around him. Because the church is constructed in this way, the tabernacle is located in a chapel next to the reconciliation chapel, which also allows for a more intimate space to pray with Jesus. This is also why we do not genuflect, but rather bow when entering/exiting our pews. The ‘profound bow’ as it is called, is given to the Altar when the tabernacle is not present, which reminds us that the Altar is a symbol of Christ Himself, who is both the one offering the Sacrifice, and who is Himself sacrificed.
St. Paul reminds us that though we are many parts, we are one body (cf. 1 Cor. 12:12). Like the many parts of the body, each of our churches is different; however, each one is expressive of the richness, history, and beauty of our faith. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity in our Family of Parishes to experience this richness, and beauty! And, don’t worry about the Catholic Calisthenics, come and Jesus will take care of everything else.
Fr. Scott Morgan
ST. GABRIEL PARISH: GLENDALE
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ST. GABRIEL PARISH
48 West Sharon Road Glendale, Ohio 45246 (513) 771-4700 PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday ..... 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday ..... Closed Locally Established: 1859 Current Church Built: 1906 Feast Day: September 29 |
FINDING THE PARISH OFFICE
From W. Sharon Avenue, just take the path between the Church and Rectory straight back to the Parish Office. Or, while still in your car, turn onto Church Avenue. The Parish Office will be on the right. Lost? Call us at (513) 771-4700.
DAILY MASS PARKING
The side and front doors of church will be open for Daily Mass. Parking is available in the side lot by the garages, and on Church Avenue and Sharon Road. Handicap parking is in the rectory parking circle, please pull around so others can also park there.
COMMUNION FOR THOSE WITH DIFFICULTY WALKING
Please see a hospitality minister and let them know you will need communion brought to you.
DIRECTIONS TO CONFESSIONAL
Enter the main doors off Sharon Road. Upon entering the vestibule, the Reconciliation Room is on the immediate right.
RECEIVING COMMENDATION OF THE DYING
Last rites are prayers and ministrations given to an individual of Faith, when possible, shortly before death. To get a hold of a priest within our Family of Parishes after hours, please contact (513) 777-6433 and follow the prompts. This number should only be used during medical emergencies or near the time of death. To schedule ministry prior to surgery or upon falling ill, please contact the appropriate Parish Office during regular business hours.
From W. Sharon Avenue, just take the path between the Church and Rectory straight back to the Parish Office. Or, while still in your car, turn onto Church Avenue. The Parish Office will be on the right. Lost? Call us at (513) 771-4700.
DAILY MASS PARKING
The side and front doors of church will be open for Daily Mass. Parking is available in the side lot by the garages, and on Church Avenue and Sharon Road. Handicap parking is in the rectory parking circle, please pull around so others can also park there.
COMMUNION FOR THOSE WITH DIFFICULTY WALKING
Please see a hospitality minister and let them know you will need communion brought to you.
DIRECTIONS TO CONFESSIONAL
Enter the main doors off Sharon Road. Upon entering the vestibule, the Reconciliation Room is on the immediate right.
RECEIVING COMMENDATION OF THE DYING
Last rites are prayers and ministrations given to an individual of Faith, when possible, shortly before death. To get a hold of a priest within our Family of Parishes after hours, please contact (513) 777-6433 and follow the prompts. This number should only be used during medical emergencies or near the time of death. To schedule ministry prior to surgery or upon falling ill, please contact the appropriate Parish Office during regular business hours.
ST. GABRIEL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL: GLENDALE
ST. GABRIEL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL
18 West Sharon Road
Glendale, Ohio 45246
(513) 771-5220
St. Gabriel Consolidated School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. This consolidated school is comprised of students and community from the St. Gabriel, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Maximilian Kolbe parishes. The mission of SGCS is to enrich the whole child.
18 West Sharon Road
Glendale, Ohio 45246
(513) 771-5220
St. Gabriel Consolidated School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. This consolidated school is comprised of students and community from the St. Gabriel, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Maximilian Kolbe parishes. The mission of SGCS is to enrich the whole child.
ST. JOHN PARISH: WEST CHESTER
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ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH
9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road West Chester Twp., Ohio 45069 (513) 777-6433 PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday ..... 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday ..... 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Locally Established: 1880 Current Church Built: 1999 Feast Day: December 27 |
DAILY MASS PARKING
The main entry doors will be open for Daily Mass. Parking is available in the lot off Cincinnati-Dayton Road or Station Road. Daily Mass at St. John is held in the Chapel, located down the hallway to the right upon entry into the building.
COMMUNION FOR THOSE WITH DIFFICULTY WALKING
Please see a hospitality minister and let them know you will need communion brought to you.
DIRECTIONS TO CONFESSIONAL
Enter the main doors of the church building. Upon entering the vestibule proceed down the hallway to the right. The Reconciliation Room will be on the left.
The main entry doors will be open for Daily Mass. Parking is available in the lot off Cincinnati-Dayton Road or Station Road. Daily Mass at St. John is held in the Chapel, located down the hallway to the right upon entry into the building.
COMMUNION FOR THOSE WITH DIFFICULTY WALKING
Please see a hospitality minister and let them know you will need communion brought to you.
DIRECTIONS TO CONFESSIONAL
Enter the main doors of the church building. Upon entering the vestibule proceed down the hallway to the right. The Reconciliation Room will be on the left.
ST. MICHAEL PARISH: SHARONVILLE
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ST. MICHAEL PARISH
11144 Spinner Avenue Sharonville, Ohio 45241 (513) 563-6377 Parish Office Hours: Monday-Thursday ..... 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday ..... 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Locally Established: 1919 Current Church Built: 1962 Feast Day: September 29 |
DAILY MASS PARKING
The Spinner Avenue doors are closed for Daily Mass. Please enter through the Creek Road entry, using the far-left door, which will be the only unlocked door. Parking is available in the lot off Creek Road.
COMMUNION FOR THOSE WITH DIFFICULTY WALKING
Please sit in the front pew and a minister will bring communion to you.
DIRECTIONS TO CONFESSIONAL
Enter the Creek Road parking lot doors, proceed through the vestibule, Gathering Space, and into the main church. The Reconciliation Room is directly across church on the opposite wall.
The Spinner Avenue doors are closed for Daily Mass. Please enter through the Creek Road entry, using the far-left door, which will be the only unlocked door. Parking is available in the lot off Creek Road.
COMMUNION FOR THOSE WITH DIFFICULTY WALKING
Please sit in the front pew and a minister will bring communion to you.
DIRECTIONS TO CONFESSIONAL
Enter the Creek Road parking lot doors, proceed through the vestibule, Gathering Space, and into the main church. The Reconciliation Room is directly across church on the opposite wall.
ST. MICHAEL PARISH SCHOOL: SHARONVILLE
ST. MICHAEL PARISH SCHOOL
11136 Oak Street
Sharonville, Ohio 45241
(513) 554-3555
St. Michael Parish School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. SMPS is committed to inspire, empower and educate your child, with an emphasis on Catholic Faith, academic excellence and devotion to serve others. Our goal is to graduate responsible, confident young learners, who are morally and academically strong as they continue on life's journey.
11136 Oak Street
Sharonville, Ohio 45241
(513) 554-3555
St. Michael Parish School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. SMPS is committed to inspire, empower and educate your child, with an emphasis on Catholic Faith, academic excellence and devotion to serve others. Our goal is to graduate responsible, confident young learners, who are morally and academically strong as they continue on life's journey.
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