Combined choir fills the Oratory with sacred music

When you combine two fine choirs for a single event, the result can be very satisfying. This is what happened at the Consecration and Rededication ceremony and Pontifical High Mass on October 25, 2008. The Oratory choir was joined by a contingent of the St. Francis de Sales Oratory choir from St. Louis and the 30 voices proved an excellent part of the liturgy.

The St. Louis group traveled  by van to Kansas City the afternoon before and arrived just in time for a combined rehearsal. The Oratory acoustics proved very much up to the task of carrying even the most delicate sound throughout the building. 

The Oratory membership gratefully appreciates the St. Louisans for the charitable donation of their talent. Perhaps someday we will be able to reciprocate.

The Future of the Traditional Latin Mass

This photo, from the Consecration ceremonies at Old St. Patrick Oratory, is published with permission.

In radio interview, Bishop Finn warns Catholics about saving their souls

Bishop Finn talks turkey about the spiritual consequences of voting for Barack Obama.

This information is courtesy of the Catholic Key blog. KCMO 710's Chris Stigall interviewed Bishop Finn on the subject of the election this morning. As he has in the past, Bishop Finn emphasized the priority of life and had this to say, excerpt:

Chris Stigall: "There are Catholics listening right now who are thinking strongly or are convinced that they will vote for Barack Obama. What would you say to them?"

Bishop Finn: "I would say, give consideration to your eternal salvation."  

That is telling it like it is. Although there will be many who call themselves Catholic who will not be convinced.

Listen to the whole interview to hear why. The audio clip has a short station intro and then goes right into the interview. It's short and concise, so it's worth listening to the whole thing.

"Mom, who are those guys in the funny hats?"

(This photo was taken of the honor guard of the Knights of Columbus at the Consecration and Rededication of Old St. Patrick Oratory. This essay was written by Oratory member Joe Farris who has been associated with the Knights for over 40 years.)

"Mom, who are those guys in the funny hats?" As a former Commander of the Fourth Degree Honor Guard, I used to hear that a lot, and I’m sure the Honor Guard continues to hear little guys and gals asking their parents the same question. Perhaps you yourself, if not a member of the K. of C., have had questions about the Knights of Columbus.

Well, I have been asked to share a little bit of information with you and hopefully enlighten you about this organization, which happens to be the largest organization of Catholic laymen in the world.

First, of all, let me tell you what it IS NOT. It is not a secret society. The only secrets of the K. of C. are the ceremonials that a Knight must go through in order to be accepted into each degree in the Order. There are four degrees in the Order:

• The first degree is Charity. 
• The second degree is Unity.
•  The third degree is Fraternity. 
• After a Knight has been a third degree Knight for a period of one year, he is invited to take the fourth degree which is Patriotism. As a Fourth degree Knight, you can volunteer to join the Honor Guard. 

The Honor Guard is often referred to as “The Knights on Main Street” because their presence is most often the only time the public really gets a look at the Knights in action since most of the good works they do are seldom seen. We are 1.7 million strong, and I could be writing for hours just on the good works done by the K. of C. – most of which you will never know about, but just for teasers, the bell tower at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in our nation’s capital was paid for by the K. of C. and is often referred to as “the Knights tower.” The organ in Camp David’s chapel was donated by the Knights and when you see the Holy Father saying Mass on T.V. at Christmas and most other times the uplink to the satellites is underwritten by the K. of C.  We are the largest Pro-Life organization in the world and do more for the mentally handicapped than any organization anywhere, bar none! The words, “under God” in the pledge of allegiance are there because the Knights of Columbus led the charge to get those words included and the American Legion the year after these words were added, at their national convention, lauded the Knights of Columbus and gave us the credit and recognition for getting these words added. President Ronald Reagan, in a public address once said, “If you want a job done and done right, give it to the Knights of Columbus.” The Knights of Columbus Insurance Company is the first and so far the only life insurance company that insures the life of a baby while in its mother’s womb. This is done to demonstrate to the world that it is human life, not just “a fetus.”

Our founder, the Venerable Servant of God, Father Michael J. McGivney, (his cause for canonization is in progress) founded the Order in the basement of St. Mary church in New Haven, CN in 1882. From that humble beginning 126 years ago has grown the largest order of Catholic lay men in the world. When Fr. McGivney is canonized, he will not be the first Knight of Columbus to bear the title “Saint”, as five priest-martyrs in Mexico and one Bishop, who was also a Knight of Columbus have been canonized by the Church. There is also a lay Knight who’s cause is pending and he has been named Blessed but sadly I do not recall his name. Our Supreme Knight meets face to face with the Holy Father several times annually.

Well, back to the original question, “Mom, who are the guys in the funny hats”? And what do the different color capes and ostrich feathers mean? Sometimes in an Honor Guard you will see Knights wearing different colored capes and ostrich feathers on their chapeaux (funny hats). (By the way, a Knight purchases and maintains his own regalia) 

• The guy in the purple is the Commander. A white cape signifies either the present or past Navigator (President). 
• A gold cape and ostrich feather signifies either the present or past Grand Master of the Fourth Degree (one in each state). 
• Green means he has the title of Marshall of the Fourth Degree (two in each state). 
• Red is a Knight of the Fourth Degree. 

There are other colors worn by members of the Supreme Assembly but rarely ever seen by the public. The chapeaux is an Admiral’s hat because Columbus was an admiral as well as a knight. The baldric, (the sash that crosses the chest of the Knight and to which his sword is attached bears the colors of our nation, or in Canada their nation, or in Mexico their nation, etc. etc... There is a metal plate at the end of the baldric that holds the sword’s scabbard. It bears the initials, TFMM for “Tempus Fugit, Memento More”. Time flies, remember death. The honor guard is never permitted to deviate from the prescribed regalia which is “set in stone” by the Supreme Council in New Heaven. Only in the Philippine Islands, do the Knights wear a white jacket with their tuxedoes instead of black. This rule assures uniformity among Honor Guards.

I joined Council # 571 in St. Joseph, MO in April of 1961. The Council number tells you how old the Council is. Number 571 means it is the 571st Council formed and is the second oldest Council in the State of MO. I now belong to my fourth Council which is number 7199 which I helped Charter and served as the Charter Deputy Grand Knight. Oratory member, Don Deister is also a Charter member of this Council. Council # 7199 is named in honor of Pope John Paul I. Councils are usually named in honor of a deceased priest, bishop, Pope or sometimes a Saint or sometimes named to honor a Parish. The Charter members of the Council propose the name for the Council and then vote on its acceptance. Members of the Fourth Degree, in addition to belonging to their respective Councils also belong to an Assembly. I belong to the Msgr. Wogan Assembly number 2315, which is named in honor of Msgr. Wogan, the first priest in Clay County. I helped charter this Assembly and was the Charter Scribe (Secretary).

Someday, I am sure we will charter a council at Old St. Patrick Oratory. (There was a time when Councils were comprised of men from several parishes but in recent years the Supreme Council now prefers a Council in every parish). In the meantime, I hope that you have found this article informative and now know how to answer your little ones when asked, “Who are those guys in the funny hats.”

Joe Farris
Council #7199, Pope John Paul I
Assembly #2315, Msgr. Wogan 

For more information about the Knights of Columbus visit their website.

Pipe Organ Update

The organ vendor was REALLY busy yesterday. The choir loft is now packed with pieces and parts of the new organ loaded by lift from the floor of the church. There was hardly any room in the loft for the choir this morning.

The photos show:

1. The beginning of the construction and the framework of the enclosure for the pipes and mechanics of the organ.
2. Some of the longer ranks of pipes laid out across the pews of the church since there wasn't room in the loft at this time
3. The console

Help! Perhaps those of you who are organists or organ experts can let us know just what it is that we're looking at. If there aren't any comments/explanations, we'll do some research and find who the organ maker is, the name of the organ and something about it's operations. 

Sleep another hour tonight

Reminder: Daylight Saving expires at 2:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. So "fall-back" tonight.

Historic bishop's throne utilized in consecration ceremonies

When the Latin Mass community took over the Oratory, we discovered in the virtually un-used choir loft the beautiful episcopal throne that originally had been used by Bishop Thomas A. Lillis, one of the Diocese of Kansas City's historic figures. The throne was removed from the church several years ago and stored in the diocesan archives offices at the chancery. (Bishop Finn is shown seated on the throne during the Pontifical High Mass last Saturday)

The throne had been previously at the Oratory mostly because of Bishop Lillis' connection with Old St. Patrick.

Father Lillis was ordained in 1885 and succeeded Father James Dunn as pastor of St. Patrick in 1888 upon Fathers Dunn's death. He served the parish as pastor for 16 years and was also in service as Vicar General of the diocese until 1904 when he was appointed as Bishop of Leavenworth, Kansas. Bishop Lillis stayed in Leavenworth until 1910 when he was appointed to serve as Co-adjutor Bishop of Kansas City and ultimately succeeded Bishop John J. Hogan upon his death in 1913. Bishop Lillis served 25 years as Bishop of Kansas City until his death in 1938.

The Institute of Christ the King, to honor this history placed Bishop Lillis' throne in the sanctuary for the consecration ceremonies. It remains in place now. But, whether it will stay has not been announced. But, it seems to us very appropriate to have this episcopal throne remain at the Oratory for the use of our pastor, Bishop Finn, when he visits which we hope will be frequently.

The new Oratory pipe organ is delivered ahead of schedule!!!

To our surprise, as Mass let out this morning, our vendor supplying the restoration and installation of the pipe organ that we acquired in Boston, Mass. was getting the organ parts ready to start loading into the choir loft. This is quite a bit ahead of the previously estimated schedule.

David Cool, owner of Temple Organs of St. Joseph, Missouri is shown with crates containing some of the 1,500 pipes of the organ. Out of sight, in a big truck there were many more pipes to go. The loading into the church will be this weekend and the assembly will begin next week. David estimates that it will take several weeks to finish the massive job of assembly, tuning and testing. He tells us that the organ has been fully assembled and tested in Temple's plant and that the mechanics of this old organ are good and sound is "magnificent". 

Next week, we'll post some of the "in-process" pictures and get some more information about the organ, its structure, capabilities and its provenance.

Last Saturday the "fog" of incense filled the church...

This Saturday, the feast of All Saints, the fog was OUTSIDE...almost obscuring the church and the surrounding downtown buildings.

Special Guests at the Oratory Rededication

Invited as honored guests of the Old St. Patrick Oratory were the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles. Also shown are Institute of Christ the King clergy and invited priests. No, that is not fog rolling in off the Missouri river. That's the fog of incense, which was intense to say the least.

Spooky visitor at our doorstep on All Saints Eve

Old St. Patrick Oratory - In the Morning Light

Our new parish church is a treat for the eyes and a balm for the spirit. This photo shows one of the new Stations of the Cross. The paintings were acquired from another parish that had closed. The frames were designed and constructed here in Kansas City.

Holy Day of Obligation Tomorrow

Mass at the Oratory for All Saints Day is at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. The church parking lot is available to us on Saturdays.

Our many thanks to Monsignor Bradley Offutt

Monsignor Bradley Offutt is one of the most perceptive and spiritual priests of the Church we have ever met. And he is also one of the smartest. Monsignor Offutt, who is now the Chancellor of the Diocese, was a parish priest and pastor for many years and was involved in the building of two different churches from the ground up.

This practical experience led Bishop Finn and Monsignor Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of the Institute of Christ the King to ask Monsignor Offutt to oversee the renovation of the Oratory. And he spent many, many hours, sometimes frustrating hours in this duty as chairman of our building committee. As a result of his practical and logical thinking, the Oratory renovation was able to be completed a cost that was far less than it could have been. And for a small community with limited resources that was very important.

Through Monsignor Offutt's personal efforts the Oratory was able to acquire much of the fixtures and equipment including our main and side altars at no cost to us through donations by other dioceses across the country. Monsignor Offutt arranged these transfers.

The photo in this post shows Monsignor Offutt in his part of the consecration liturgy, that of consecrating the gospel side altar. The shot shows Monsignor cleansing his hands after application of anointing oil on the altar surface.

Monsignor wrote an excellent essay that is in this week's Catholic Key entitled "So What's the Big Deal About Old St. Patrick". To view it click here.

Old St. Patrick Oratory - Photo Highlight

Our beloved Bishop Finn is shown processing from the church at the end of the consecration and rededication ceremonies. As he gives his blessing to the congregants, one can see in his face the goodness and humility for which he is well known. But, also one can detect the pleasure that he drew from the entire celebration and a subtle acknowledgment between the people and the Bishop that something very special just took place. 

We strongly recommend that you read his column in this week's Catholic Key, "Warriors with our eyes fixed on Heaven", where he reveals some of his reflections about his personal experience with this liturgy.

Tradition in Action

...as seen last Saturday at the consecration and rededication of Old St. Patrick Oratory.

Don't miss this week's Catholic Key

The Catholic Key (publication date 10/31/2008) is full of information about Old St. Patrick Oratory. The front page has a huge photo of the consecration clergy posed on the front steps of the Oratory. And, inside, is a big multi-page story about the ceremonies with Bishop Finn, a history of the Oratory, the build-up to the Bishop's turnover of the parish to the Latin Mass community and the three-year renovation project that resulted in a sparkling and beautiful home for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite of the Church.

Author of the main article is John Heuretz. John is an Oratory member and a very fine writer. Many of you may have read the weekly "lives of the saints" that appeared in our bulletins over a period of about three years. John Heuretz was the writer. John is another of those quiet heroes of our community that go about their work without much recognition and no expectation of it. But, we want to publicly thank him for all he has contributed to the Oratory and in particular for this excellent story done on assignment by the Catholic Key.

Seen in the consecration/dedication procession...

The internationally-known "Pastor of the Internet", Father John Zuhlsdorf aka "Father Z." (left) and our Latin Mass chaplain emeritus, Father Frank Kriski, CssR were part of the processions during the consecration on Saturday October 25th. Father Z. comments Thursday morning on Bishop Finn's "must read" column in the Catholic Key this week. Don't miss it!

The roots from which we sprang...

For those who appreciate learning about our antecedents, from time to time we will post snipets of our research descriptive of some of the most interesting events over the 139 years of the parish's existence.

The person most responsible for the initial growth of Old St. Patrick was one of its first pastors, Father James A. Dunn. He was appointed as pastor of St. Patrick in March of 1873 where he found an Irish community of great poverty and no suitable church building. Through Father Dunn's tireless efforts and much of his own personal wealth, the parish was able to construct a church, a school and a rectory over the span of just a few years. The existing church building housed its first services in 1875.

Father Dunn virtually worked himself to death with great sacrifices and extraordinary diligence. He died in 1888 at the age of 48 years old. He was initially accorded a great honor by his parishioners by being buried in the church, but in 1927 his remains were disinterred and re-buried in the priests' lot in Mt. St. Mary's cemetery.

During the renovation of the Oratory, Father Dunn's tomb was discovered under the center of the sanctuary. We'll show a photograph of that in a future post. 

The Story of the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago - Part 1

Now that Old St. Patrick Oratory renovation is virtually complete, it is time to turn our attention of the promotional efforts of other renovation projects of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in the United States. The video above is of the Institute's ambitious project on Chicago's south side. It is of a scale much larger and more complex than Old St. Patrick Oratory. Much work has been done but great deal of money must be raised to complete the project. The video above tells the story of the Shrine and it's efforts and is narrated by Msgr. Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of the Institute. When you finish this video, please click here for Part II. If you would be interested in contributing to this wonderful effort, please visit the website of the Institute and follow the links to the donation pages.

Old St. Patrick Oratory - Photo Highlight

Soaring heights and sparkling stained glass greet visitors to Old St. Patrick Oratory. The initial first impression is one of awe and surprise at the brightness and luminosity. To those who had previously seen the interior of the neglected church when we first assumed possession in 2005 and began the renovation, the first impression is more of astonishment at the amazing change in appearance.

A book, "Kansas City" published by the Kansas City Chapter of The American Institute of Architects, 1979, page 59, states that the church was designed by Asa Beebe Cross, a pioneer architect of the city, in the Italianate (Baroque) style. Another book, "Kansas City: A Place in Time", published by the Landmarks Commission of Kansas City, Missouri, 1977, page 43, says the same thing. Some prefer to identify the architecture of the church as Italian Renaissance Revival.

But whatever the correct architectural description, the church has been transformed into a perfect vessel for the beauty and majesty of the Latin Mass and its embodiment of the patriomony of the centuries of church history.

...One of many Oratory HEROS

Bill Fitzgibbons is always available to help, no matter what is needed and when. He served faithfully over the last few years on the building committee and he is there every Sunday acting as usher and taking up the collection.

But, Bill is also mentor for many of the young men of the Oratory in craftsmanship. He is an accomplished wood craftsman and is an expert in statuary repair and restoration. He has trained a number of the boys as part of an organization that Bill founded... "The Nazareth Guild". Its full title is "The Honorable & Worshipful Company of Woodcarvers and Craftsman of the Nazareth Guild". 

The guild's motto is "Laudantes Deum Per Opera Manuum Nostrarum" ("Glorifying God through the Works of Our Hands"). The guild was started to foster Christian virtue and craftsmanship in young men.

We have so much talent and dedication in our small membership. We hope to feature others on this blog to thank them publicly for all the help and direction they give Old St. Patrick.

The Consecration...at the Consecration of Old St. Patrick Oratory

The Most Reverend Robert Finn, celebrant.

Click here for more images

Click on image to enlarge

Anybody ready to start thinking/planning...for the next needed project?

The Old St. Patrick Oratory is a friendly, cohesive community. After Mass yesterday we trooped out of the church and of course it struck us that there was no place to go to socialize. Where was the coffee and donuts...???!!!

Fortunately it was a beautiful morning so a little chit-chat was possible in the brisk air. But soon the weather won't cooperate. So, we must begin to think about alternatives for social gathering and community activities to be sure that we don't lose our closeness.

Whatever permanent solution is devised., it will be costly and another big commitment. Have you got any ideas? What are your thoughts on how you think we should proceed. 

PHOTOS: Old St. Patrick Oratory Consecration and Dedication Ceremonies

Here's a gallery of photos of the Dedication, Consecration and Pontifical Mass at the Oratory Saturday morning. The photos are in two volumes (total of about 600 pictures). The photos are in chronological order and include many pictures of the liturgical ceremonies interspersed with photos showing architectural features and some of the beauty of the Oratory. 

The first part of Volume 1 includes a number of pictures of the interior prior to the beginning of the ceremonies. Some of the pictures may seem a little redundant to you. These pictures will be part of the historical archive of the Oratory and various versions are desirable for future potential uses for internet or printed applications. We hope you will enjoy them. The order of the liturgy is:

• External Aspersion (liturgical cleansing of the outside of the church and the property)
• Entrance into the Church
• Litanies
• Internal Aspersion (cleansing of the inside walls and entrances)
• Aspersion of the Altars
• Possession Rites and Dedication of the church - The bishop "takes possession" of the church in the name of God
• Procession of the Relics
• Deposition of the relics in the Altars of the church
• Consecration of the Church and Altars
• Vestition, (clothing) of the Altar
• Pontifical Mass

Click here for Volume 1.

Click here for Volume 2. 

Volume 1 has three pages. But, please be patient with the loading of the pages. Volume 2 has one page.

BEFORE...AND AFTER

We've had several emails asking for a picture of "before...and after". Here it is. We don't think that you need any commentary from us. The photos speak for themselves. Click on the image for a bigger version.

Many thanks to all those who visited this blog in the last 24 hours

As of the time of this post we have had almost 900 visitors to this blog since yesterday afternoon. This is much higher traffic than usual. The opening of the Old St. Patrick Oratory has obviously been of interest throughout the United States and in a number of foreign countries. The members of the Oratory are at once...overwhelmed... exhausted... grateful... and humbled by our providential good fortune to have our beloved Bishop Finn and the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.

Feast of Christ the King - In our new home at Old St. Patrick

It was almost a full church this morning...just a few odd empty spaces here and there. The Mass was Solemn, followed by prayers of Thanksgiving, The Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart, the Litany of the Sacred Heart  and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 

The church was beautiful and it was very comfortable settling into our new church. The photos above show:

• A vignette from the Mass
• Monsignor Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, the celebrant, who gave an excellent homily.
• Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• Recessional to the choir's rousing "To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King".

We hope to have a gallery of photos posted soon of the Dedication/Consecration of the church. There are over 700 photos and we need to do a little editing here and there. So, please have a little patience...

Our first Sunday Mass at Old St. Patrick this morning!

Monsignor Michael Schmitz will be the celebrant of a Solemn High Mass in Thanksgiving this morning at the Oratory on the Feast of Christ the King. If you can make it, you won't be disappointed. Our newly renovated church is beautiful. Mass is at 9:15 a.m.

Also, don't miss the nice photos of the consecration on page B5 of the Kansas City Star this morning.

An unbelieveably beautiful ceremony!

It started at 9:00 a.m. and was complete at 2:00 p.m. CST. Words fail. We'll have a gallery of pictures (professionally photographed) up in a couple of days. These pix are just a few amateur snaps:

1. ...shows Bishop Finn anointing of one of the twelve crosses on the walls of the church. His Excellency is doing this by climbing a ladder at each of the crosses.
2. ...shows the procession of relics being brought into the church to be placed in the three altars. The relics are of: St. Dominic, St. Justina, St. Florence, St. John Bosco, and St. Bernadette Soubirous.
3. The third picture shows Bishop Finn sprinkling the entire interior of the church.

It was a magnificent day! The culmination of three years of renovation...and twenty years of Latin Mass in Kansas City and prayer for our own parish. It's done! Alleluia!

Today is the day!!

We'll be leaving shortly for church and the dedication ceremony. We are singing in the choir of about 30 voices which includes a bunch of great singers from St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis. They drove over to pitch in with their prodigious talent. The Mass is Palestrina's Missa Brevis. (Update 10/26/2008: the photo is of a part of the men's chant schola that included men from St. Francis de Sales Oratory in St. Louis, Old St. Patrick and from the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago).

All the last minute work was completed by a huge crew of workers last night that included all the sisters of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles who helped make the church sparkle. The church is beautiful. Everyone has done such a great job!

Remember! This dedication ceremony and Mass is by invitation only and all seats are reserved. So, if you were thinking of coming down...please don't. If you don't have a ticket you won't be admitted. However, High Mass is tomorrow at 9:15 a.m. And, everyday thereafter. The Mass schedules are in the column to the right.

We'll have lots of pictures up perhaps even later today...although this ceremony is about five hours long and there's a reception after. So, pictures might not be until later.

What about PARKING!

Old St. Patrick owns its parking lot just to the south of the church and it is available for the faithful to use on week-ends, for the evening week-day Masses, for Sunday Masses and for the Rededication/Consecration ceremonies tomorrow morning. The parking lot is not available on week days from 6 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. due the fact that it is leased to the insurance company just to the west of the lot. 

Should you have to visit the church during business hours, Monday thru Friday, you will need to park on Cherry or 8th street both of which typically have plenty of of spaces available. Each street parking space is metered and requires 25¢ per quarter hour.

More stunning wood work seen in the new confessionals

Due to the generosity of the Archdiocese of Boston, Old St. Patrick was the beneficiary of many beautiful church furnishings. Also on the list was the basic sections of the new confessionals that were assembled and erected last night in a late night work session that lasted well after 2:00 a.m. 

The fronts and sides of the confessional came from Boston and the remainder of the units, which were not in good shape were rebuilt and refinished. The result is just amazing.

On tap for today: The crews are this morning and this afternoon completing the installation of the kneelers in the pews and installing the beautifully rebuilt and refinished communion rail that also came from Boston. We'll get some photos of that later today. The crews are in the final stages and with the help of God, we'll be ready by 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

A couple more photos of the Oratory getting ready for Saturday morning

Things are moving along smartly and it definitely looks like everything is going to be "almost" ready. But those who attend won't really notice what is not completely done.

1. The first picture is of candle holders and candles that have been affixed to the outside wall panels and will be used as part of the dedication ceremonies. These are temporary and will be removed after the ceremonies. However they will be re-used yearly thereafter on each anniversay of the dedication for a special ceremony to mark the date.
2. Next, a new outside sign has been installed on the front of the church. In the lower part of the sign changeable information will be posted. The sign is metal and the temporary information will be placed on magnetic sections for easy placement and removal.
3. All the cabinetry for the sacristy is now installed. These drawers and cabinets are for the storage of vestment and liturgical items.

Beautiful etched glass inserts in the vestibule wall are installed

Above the three sets of double doors from the narthex into the nave of the church there are three glass panels which bear the crests of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese (left); Bishop Finn (center - shown above); and the Institute of Christ the King (right). They are beautiful and a superb introduction to the church as people walk through the front doors.

Bishop Finn asks all Catholics to pray for life

“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.” (Deut 30:19)

The Catholic Key blog posts the letter Bishop Finn has asked all parishes to read this week-end. A copy of the letter will also be printed in the Catholic Key that publishes tomorrow.

In anticipation of the national elections and the grave choices that face voters, Bishop Finn is asking all faithful to pray for the protection of life.

Feast of Christ the King - This Sunday/October 26th

Our first Sunday Mass in the newly re-opened Oratory is fittingly the Feast of Christ the King, a feast of special meaning for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest which serves the Oratory by invitation of Bishop Robert Finn.

This feast was established by Pope Pius XI in December of 1925 and has become one of the most important feasts on the Church's liturgical calendar. By special grant from the Holy See any person, under the normal circumstances, may earn a plenary indulgence when attending Mass on this feast at an apostolate of the Institute of Christ the King.

Holy Mass will be followed by Benediction and Exposition.

Volunteers speeding renovation completion

The volunteer corps was out in force this morning at the Oratory. Shown above are Oratory members:

• Joseph Villotti and Don Deister building the new outside entrance to the basement "crypt"
• Walt Marnett cleaning and organizing the very untidy supplies closet on the west side of the parish office
• Jacob Villotti measuring and cutting trim for the parish office restroom

Also lending a hand today were Maria and Teresa Villotti, Bob Dale, John Farrell and Mike Gallagher. We hope we didn't miss listing anybody!

Stations of the Cross are installed and look beautiful!

The stations are up...and they are exquisite. This photo shows them on the wall with a close-up inset of one of the stations. Click on the image above and you can see a much larger version that shows some of the detail. The paintings are beautiful and the frames, custom-made for the Oratory are exceptional. Oratory members will notice a little difference between the way the Stations at Our Lady of Sorrows are hung and how the Oratory Stations are hung. At Sorrows, the first station is on the right as you are facing the altar. At the Oratory, the first station is on the left as you face the altar. This allows for the stations to proceed in the direction that Christ is facing in the paintings as he proceeds through the Way of the Cross.

Architect exudes confidence.

Bill Heyer, the architect and designer for the renovation of the Oratory, is looking tired but unflappable and free of doubt that the church will be ready for the Consecration and Dedication Mass....just five days away. Much is happening this morning and the church is shaping up for everything to be mostly complete...or at least "look" complete. But this is the way it usually is on any big project. Everything falls together at the last minute with the steady participation of the contractors and volunteers.

Bishop Finn preparing for Latin Mass at the Oratory..

Rehearsing for the celebration of Pontifical High Mass at the Dedication and Consecration, Bishop Finn (center) is shown this morning at the high altar of the Oratory accompanied by Father Avis (left) and another priest of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. Also present, but not shown in this picture was Father Richard Rocha, the diocesan Master of Ceremonies.

Coming together...slow but sure...

This view is across the newly installed pews toward the narthex wall that is being installed and hopefully will be mostly completed by tomorrow morning. The photo shows the choir loft above the new wall.

Mass Times - October 19 - October 26

At Our Lady of Sorrows

The following are the final Masses at this location

Sunday - October 19 - 9:15 a.m.

Monday - October 20 - 4:00 p.m

Tuesday - October 21 - 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday - October 22 - 9:00 a.m.

Thursday - October 23- 6:00 p.m.

Friday - October 24 - 9:00 a.m.

Confessions: Monday through Friday - After Holy Mass

At Old Saint Patrick Oratory

806 Cherry (Downtown Kansas City)

Saturday - October 25 - 9:00 a.m. - Consecration and Mass of the Dedication - Please note: This Mass requires a ticket and all seating is reserved. Please join us tomorrow, October 26th at 9:15 a.m. for our first regular Mass at the Oratory. The church is beautiful and you won't regret your visit.

Sunday - October 26 - 9:15 a.m. - Feast of Christ the King - Plenary Indulgence: All faithful who assist at Holy Mass in an Oratory of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest can gain a plenary indulgence...under the usual conditions.

Confessions: Sunday - 8:30 a.m.

Beginning next week - October 27th and thereafter:

• Daily Mass (Monday through Friday) will be at 6:00 p.m. each evening
• Saturday Mass will be at 9:00 a.m.
• Sunday Mass will be at 9:15 a.m.
• Confessions will be heard thirty minutes prior to week-day Masses. 8:30 a.m. before Mass on Sundays

Two CDs are available.

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest and the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles currently have Gregorian chant CDs available for purchase:

• The sister's CD is brand new and is a collection of Gregorian Chant, polyphony and unison pieces including some of the sister's original compositions of personal inspiration. The sisters do not offer on-line ordering. But you can order ($20 each/or $15.00 each for more than one) by writing the Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus, 1400 NE 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64116 or by calling: 816-455-2065.
  
• The Institute's CD is sung by the seminary schola and by the Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus. It contains several Gregorian Chant Masses and chants for Benediction. The price is $21.00. You can order by clicking here...the Institute's on-line store.

Father Avis at the Oratory

It is very motivating to the volunteer crews and also to the paid craftsman who are working so hard to get everything completed at the church by next Saturday morning, to have our Rector, Father Avis paying us frequent visits at the worksite. In the photo to the right, Father is discussing some parish business with parishioner Alan Troyer. In the background St. Joseph and the Christ Child are waiting to be put in their new place of honor on the south side of the narthex. 

St. Patrick back home at last!

It's been nearly a year since St. Patrick travelled to St. Louis for a complete make-over. The results are good and he is now back at home in his niche just to the right of the Epistle side of the main altar. It feels good to have him back home. This statue is carved of solid wood and weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 pounds. It took three strong men and a special winch to get the statue up on its perch about seven feet above the floor level.