WORSHIP AT ST. PATRICK'S
The 8 a.m. service is Rite I. This service mirrors the intimacy of its surroundings in a small chapel at the east end of the church, known as All Saints’ Chapel, which seats approximately 25 people. There is a peaceful, meditative nature to this simple service in which parishioners take part in the service and feel God’s presence profoundly.
It is our mid-morning Sunday service that gives the clearest picture of St. Patrick’s and the special place we believe it is. The 10 a.m. service is Rite II, and is an informal yet dignified liturgy. While simple in its modern décor of natural wood flooring, white interior walls and soaring ceiling, saturated with abundant natural light, the simplicity of the surroundings fully focuses the congregation to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy in serving both bread and wine. Pita bread is used to emphasize the symbolic breaking and sharing of the bread together. People of all ages are invited to participate in the Eucharist.
The Gospel procession is accompanied by a congregational hymn. Sometimes parts of the liturgy are sung. The cross and torches are carried by adult and youth acolytes escorting the gospeller amidst the people to read the Holy Gospel. Lay readers share in the service by reading the Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and the Prayers of the People.
Children are welcome to remain with their families for the entire parish liturgy, or following the reading of the Gospel, additional worship activities are available for 3- to 12-year olds who wish to attend. The leader gathers the children behind a symbolic banner as they process from the nave to the children’s worship service. Children participating in this worship service return to the nave at the time of the Peace. The main service is reverent, yet comfortable enough for the children to run up during the presentation of the offering to place cans or boxes of food in the basket beneath the altar to benefit the food pantry at St. Philip’s Church in Anacostia.
