This Week at Saint Mark's

The First Sunday of Advent, November 30

8 a.m. - Low Mass

A spoken service, with traditional language and sermon

Sermon by Mother Johnson

9 a.m. - Family Mass

A contemporary-language service in the Nave, with music sung by the Boy & Girl Choristers, congregational hymns, and sermon

Sermon by Mother Dure

10 a.m. - Formation for all ages

11 a.m. - Choral High Mass

A contemporary-language service at the High Altar, with music sung by the Parish Choir, chant and incense, congregational hymns, and sermon

Sermon by Mother Johnson

The music for the Mass is:
Missa Quadragesimalis, MH 552 – Michael Hadyn (1737-1806)
I Was Glad – Henry Purcell (c.1659-1695))
Never Weather-Beaten Sail – Richard Shephard (1949-2021)

Advent at Saint Mark's

We hope that you will plan to join us throughout Advent for liturgies and events during this season of preparation.

Advent 1, November 30

Advent Wreath Making for Families with children at 10 a.m.
Families and children will gather during the 10 a.m. formation time to create their very own family Advent wreath with fresh greens.

Advent 2, December 7

Advent Procession of Lessons & Carols, December 7 at 4 p.m.
A service of scripture, carols, and hymns, the Procession of Advent Lessons & Carols provides an opportunity for stillness and calm through music, prayer, and candlelight, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Sung by the Parish Choir and Boy & Girl Choristers, the service includes music of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Stephen Cleobury, Gabriel Jackson, Herbert Howells, James MacMillan, William McKie, and Paul Manz. All are invited to an Open House immediately following in the Rectory.

Messiah Sing-Along, Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m.

This is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. You will get the chance to sing favorite choruses from Handel’s Messiah, as well as hear the talents of our choirs’ singers in some of the oratorio’s most famous arias. Entrance: $20 suggested donation, $10 printed choral score for purchase. 

Advent 3, December 17

An Advent Pageant presented by the children of the parish at 4 p.m.
The children of the parish will perform in a pageant telling the story of Advent (not Christmas)! This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family to witness the theatrical talents of the parish’s youngest members. This year’s pageant will feature a new script!

Advent 4, December 21

Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols at 1 p.m.
Come and hear the Boys & Girls Choir, accompanied by harp, sing this treasure of the Christmas choral repertoire following High Mass.

Saint Mark’s Singers Winter Concert at 4 p.m.
Saint Mark’s Singers will sing a concert of eclectic anthems and carols inspired by members of the ensemble’s childhood traditions.

News from Saint Mark's

Upcoming and Announcements

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
The Parish Office will close on Wednesday, November 27 at 1 p.m. and will reopen on December 1. There will be a Low Mass with hymns on Thanksgiving Day at 10 a.m., and Low Mass on November 28 and 29 at 10 a.m.

Praying the Rosary
On Wednesdays following Low Mass in the Lady Chapel, all are invited to participate in praying the Rosary, a traditional Marian devotion lasting less than 30 minutes. There is interest in also praying the Rosary on Saturday mornings. If you would like the Rosary to be offered on Saturday mornings, please contact Mother Dure to let her know.  If there is enough interest, we may be able to offer it.

Soup Making Session, Thursday, December 4 from 8 am. to 11 a.m.
The Saturday Soup Bowl feeds approximately 140 guests each Saturday, and it takes many gallons of soup to feed those folks! The parish is now hosting group soup making sessions in the parish kitchen for folks to drop in to assist with chopping, stirring, and storing soup. We will provide the ingredients and utensils, just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! If you would like to help, please contact Kenny Pearlstein.

First Words Liturgy, December 9 at 7 p.m.
This Advent, join us as we prepare for Christmas, meditate on the first words of our Savior, and gather for a time of reflection, prayer, and fellowship. We will read passages together, pray the Psalms, and listen to our friends’ meditations. Following the liturgy, a dessert reception will be held. All are welcome to attend! If you have questions, please contact Gabriela Montequin.

Youth Group Christmas Caroling, Thursday December 11 at 6 p.m.
The Youth Group is invited to go caroling in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood on December 11 at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served, followed by a chance to bring Christmas cheer to Saint Mark’s neighbors. For more information, please contact Gabriela Montequin.

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Messiah Sing-Along

Come and Sing Messiah, Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m.

This is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. You will get the chance to sing favorite choruses from Handel’s Messiah, as well as hear the talents of our choirs’ singers in some of the oratorio’s most famous arias. Entrance: $20 suggested donation, $10 printed choral score for purchase.