St. Kilian and Holy Sepulcher Parishes (Catholicism)
| Date Visited | March 4th, 2023 |
| Presider | Rev. Charles Bober |
| Dress | Casual / Semi-formal |
| Time | Saturday 5:30 p.m. |
| Arrival and Departure | 5:15 p.m. / 6:00 p.m. |
| Address | 7094 Franklin Rd. Cranberry, PA 16066 |
Observations:
I parked toward the back of the front parking lot. It filled up rather quickly with many people of different ages and attire walked toward the welcoming doors of the church. I followed suit toward the front passing a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary. Once inside was a greeting room, you could find many parishioners looking tables of brochures and pamphlets. The Priest and Deacon stood near the doors inviting everyone to the mass and making small conversation. We walked into the sanctuary while dipping our finger’s in holy water and performing the sign of the cross. The Sanctuary was enormous, with simple white walls and brown accents, trim and pews to contrast the complex stained glass. In the center of the sanctuary above the sandstone altar was large crucifixion. Jesus unbearably positioned and leaning to his right to find comfort. The room was packed with faithful families sitting or kneeling in prayer.
We admit we should have gotten there sooner to find a better seat, but we found place close to the front. My friend genuflected before sitting in the pew. I did the same, bending my knee and performing the sign of the cross again. I guess, when in Rome, and that is in the roman catholic church (I’m sorry for that.) We sat and waited for mass to start. We passed the time with individual prayer. Suddenly we heard everyone stand-up as priest and deacon walked down the center aisle toward the alter. Mass had begun, The priest lead us through the mass and we followed behind using the liturgy provided behind every pew. The whole mass is organized by the liturgy, and it guides you through scripture of the day. Like when and how to respond to the priest when he is engaging with the laity of the church. Its perfect to get the most out of the mass. After the homily – a 5 min/10 min perspective speech about the scripture and how it may be relevant in the outside world – it the Eucharist. This is when communion is performed. (liturgy of the Word vs Liturgy of the Eucharist)
I abstained from communion, but my friend partook in it. The best way to abstain is to simply stand of to the side while everyone is exiting the pew and sitting back down after they leave the pew. In the end mass only took about 45-50 minutes. It was great to see the people of St. Killian Church.
