St. Josemaría Escrivá Chapel at Catholic Information Center

Where: St. Josemaría Escrivá Chapel at Catholic Information Center, 1501 K St NW, Washington DC, 20005.

When: December 31st, 2010.

Web: The CIC website is located here.

We attended the regular 12:05pm weekday Mass at the CIC.  The CIC is located in the heart of downtown Washington; it has a bookstore and chapel, and serves as a base for various Catholic groups and meetings. 

The core of the CIC is its 84-seat chapel, named in honor of St. Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opes Dei, the group that currently operates the CIC.  Given that it was a holiday today, only a dozen or so people were in the congregation.  A single priest celebrated Mass with one assistant who served as lector and alter server.  The Mass followed the standard rite, though had only one reading before the Gospel.  Only the host was offered for Holy Communion.  The priest gave a homily on the appropriateness of reviewing God's blessings in 2010 at the end of the year.  We sang hymns at the opening and closing of the Mass.  Mass was preceded by a recitation of the Angelus and followed by a recitation of the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel.

Chapel at Veterans' Medical Center

Where: Chapel at Veterans' Medical Center, 50 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20422.

When: Sunday, December 26th, 2010.

Web: The chaplain's page of the VA Medical Center's website is here.

We attended the daily 11:30am Mass at the Veterans' Medical Center; one of the many hospitals in DC to offer scheuled masses to patients, staff, visitors, and the general public.  The Medical Center has a lovely chapel on the 3rd floor, shared by all faiths and denominations. 

The hospital's resident chaplain celebrated Mass.  The congregation was four people; two patients and us (a fifth person, possibly a staff member on a short break, attended for a while too).  We heard from one of the patients that a rumor had spread that today's Mass was cancelled due to the chaplain being sick - we deduced from this that the congregation is usually larger.

The priest led us in singing an opening hymn.  The service followed the standard rite.  He gave a homily on the feast of the Holy Family; he told of his own period of homelessness (as a recently-arrived Filipino priest in the US) and how his grandparents strengthened his faith and, ultimately, led him to discern his vocation when he was just ten.  He also reminded us that Christmas is a sixteen-day celebration that starts with Christmas Day.

The host was offered for communion.  At the end of Mass, just before dismissal, the priest led us in a series of prayers including four Hail Marys.  The ready participation of the two patients in these prayers led us to believe that this is standard practice here.

St Stephen Martyr

Where: St Stephen Martyr, 2436 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

When: Sunday, December 19th, 2010.

Web: The parish website is located here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended 5:30pm Mass at this church in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of DC (note: not the 5:30pm Vigil Mass - St Stephen's has a late Mass on Sunday, most likely to accommodate the GWU students).

A single priest celebrated the Mass, with the assitance of two lectors and an altar server.  There was neither a cantor nor a music group.  The Mass followed the standard rite.  The priest focused his homily on the dream-like interactions God had with Joseph, Isaiah, and Ahaz, noting the different responses of each. 

The large congregation was quite mixed, both racially and in age.

St Dominic

Where: St Dominic's Church, 630 E St SW, Washington DC 20024 

When: Sunday, December 5th, 2010

Web: The parish's website is here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended 10:45am Mass at this rather large church in Southwest DC, located just off the 395 expressway amidst Federal office buildings.  The congregation of about eighty seemed sparse in the vast venue.

The Mass followed the conventional rite.  A single priest celebrated Mass, with the assitance of two deacons, a worship coordinator/cantor, an eight-strong choir/music group, two lectors, two eucharistic ministers, and an altar server.

Epiphany

Where: 2712 Dumbarton St NW, Washington, DC 20007

When: Saturday, November 20th, 2010.

Web: The parish website is located here; the ADW listing is located here.

We attended the Vigil Mass at this small church just off the busy streets of Georgetown.  A single priest celebrated Mass, with the assistance of a cantor (who served as pianist and organist), three altar servers, and a lector.  The congregation was about fifty - mainly white and older, but with a few younger couples in attendance too. 

The Mass followed the standard rite.  As this Sunday was the feast of Christ the King, the priest focused his homily on the origins of the feast and, more importantly, what it means.  He explained that while earthly kings have temporal power on earth, Christ's power is supernatural and superior to all.  Those who realise this will align their lives to His.

St Francis de Sales

Where: St Francis de Sales, 2015 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018.

When: Sunday, November 14, 2010.

Web: The parish's website is located here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended 9am Mass on Sunday, November 14th at this small and architectually distinctive chuch (it is the basement of a never-completed larger church) in the Langdon Park neighbor hood of northeast DC.

A single priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of a deacon, a lector, and two altar servers.  There was no choir or music group.  The Mass followed the standard rite.  The congregation was almost totally black and older, though there were some younger people and children in attendance as well. 

The priest gave a homily on the coming of Advent.  After his homily, he invited a visiting sister from the Sisters of Matara, an order of nuns active in thirty countries, to speak of her order's work.

St Anselm's Abbey

Where: St Anselm's Abbey, 4501 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017

When: Sunday, October 17, 2010

Web: St Anselm's website is here.

We attended 10:00am Mass here on a bright fall Sunday morning.  St Anselm's Abbey is home to Benedictine monks, at least some of whom teach in the attached boys' school.  The Abbey sits on 40 acres of somewhat secluded woodland; the actual chapel itself is an original structure (1920s) and quite small.

As with the Dominicans some weeks ago, the chapel is divided into two: the upper portion in which the monks sat (facing each other in those seats the name of which I cannot remember); and the lower portion in which the congregation sat.  There were about twenty visitors for Mass, which was about two-thirds of the seating capacity.  Sixteen monks - most of them elderly - were there as well, included the celebrant.

Before Mass started, a monk invited us to bring the gifts to the altar.  The gifts were located on a small table at the front of the pew section.  We noticed that, when people arrived, they transferred hosts from one plate to another; perhaps to ensure that just the right amount were used during the Mass.  We have not seen this practice any where else in Washington, or, to our recollection, any where else.

The Mass followed the conventional rite.  The celebrant was aided by an organist; another monk led the singing.  Two monks joined the lead celebrant for the consecration of the gifts.  The lead celebrant gave a lengthy and wide-ranging homily that touched upon the power of prayer.

For communion, people lined up in the center aisle and walked forward to the lead celebrant; and either side on the way back down were the two co-celebrants with the wine.  There was no collection; but there was a place to leave a donation near the main door.

St Francis Xavier

Where: 2800 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC, 20020.

When: Sunday, October 9th, 2010.

Web: The parish's website is located here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended 11am Mass at this church in the Anacostia neighborhood of the city, just across the river from the main part of DC.  A single priest celebrated Mass, with an altar server, a Eucharistic Minister, a pianist, and a four-strong choir.  The congregation was about fifty strong; this included about ten people visiting for the first memorial anniversary of a sister from the nearby St Francis Xavier school.  It appeared as well that some parishoners were dissuaded from attending by the major roadworks directly outside the church.

The Mass followed the conventional rite; of note, though, was the priest facing the Tabernacle during the introductory prayers from a position below the sanctuary.  We hadn't noticed that in DC before.  His homily weaved references to today's Gospel to the life of the departed sister and to other congregants - our need to give thanks to God for His innumerable blessings to us. 

Our Lady Queen of the Americas

Where: Our Lady, Queen of the Americas, 2200 California St NW, Washington DC 20008.

When: Saturday, October 2nd, 2010.

Web: The parish's website is located here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended the 5:30pm Vigil Mass at this largely Hispanic parish in Northwest Washington DC.  The chapel in which Mass was celebrated was on the second floor of a large school-like building.  We got the impression that there are several Hispanic and immigrant related services provided in the building.  Most Masses are in Spanish - but this Vigil Mass was in English.

The priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of two readers.  As is common for Vigil Masses, there was no choir or musical accompaniment.  The congregation was about 20; mostly middle-aged men and women there by themselves. 

The Mass followed the conventional rite.  Of note was the priest's homily on today's Gospel, in which the parable of the mustard seed was mentioned.  The priest noted that this was his favorite parable as a child; but that, at the seminary, a nun told him that the English interpretation was terrible.  We are not to have faith "like" a mustard seed (small) but "as" a mustard seed (tenacious, growing, and visible in difficult circumstances).  Also of note was the lack of wine for the Eucharist and the lack of an actual collection (there was a basket at the chapel door).

St Thomas, Apostle

Where: 2665 Woodley Road NW, Washington DC 20008.

When: September 26th, 2010.

Web: The parish's website is located here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended 8:30am Mass at this Woodley Park church.  The priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of a lector, an altar server, and an Eucharistic minister.  The parish's choirs sing at the other masses during the day.

There were about sixty people in the congregation; mostly white, though with other groups represented as well.  There was a good age range as well, though mostly middle-aged and older. 

The Mass followed the standard rite.  The priest gave a homily based on the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.  He focused on how, though the rich man was concerned with his brothers when he was in torment, his failure to have concern for the poor, and to use his wealth for good, condemned him.  The priest noted that wealth means far more than money - for example, the wealth we have in our Christian faith.  We are called by God to use our wealth for the good of others and, ultimately, our own good.

Our Lady of Victory

Where: 4835 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington DC 20007.

When: September 19th, 2010.

Web: The church's website is here; the ADW listing is located here.

We attended 10:30am Mass at this church located in the Palisades community in Northwest DC.  This pretty church was about three-quarters full, with quite a lot of families with young children (today was Catechumen's Day, at which the Church recognizes and blesses teachers; this may explain the young attendance).  The congregation was overwhelmingly white, though there were some blacks and Hispanics there as well.  This church has a weekly Mass for the Croatian community.

The priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of an organist, choir, Eucharistic ministers.  The Mass followed the standard rite.  Two notable aspects were (i) two women collecting, and (ii) the choir coming down from the loft for Holy Communion and returning to there afterwards.  This is the first time we've seen a choir relocate during a Mass.

The priest gave a homily on the topic of wealth, based on the Luke's Gospel of serving either God or mammon.

St Benedict the Moor

Where: 320 21st St NE, Washington DC 20002.

When: September 12th, 2010.

Web: The church's own website is here; the ADW listing is here.

We attended 10am Mass at this church located in the Kingman Park neighborhood, not far from RFK Stadium.  The congregation was about two hundred, almost exclusively black.  There was a notable absence of children and young adults, which the priest referenced in his homily.

The priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of two altar servers, a pianist, and two Eucharistic ministers.  There was no deacon.  The Mass followed the standard rite.  The priest gave an insighful homily on forgiveness, based on the parable of the prodigal son.  He referenced The Color Purple to reach his audience better.  He also focused on the need for parishoners to evangelize, esp. to get young people to return to the church.

Dominican House of Studies - chapel

Where: Dominican House of Studies, 487 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017

When: Sunday, August 29, 2010.

Web: The Dominican House of Studies website is here.  http://www.dhs.edu/. 

The Dominican House of Studies (DHS) is home to The Priory of the Immaculate Conception (the Dominican friars), the pontifical theology faculty, and the student body (mainly those in training to become Dominican priests, but others as well).  DHS opens up its daily Mass to the outside community.  We attended 11:15am Mass there on Sunday, August 29th, 2010.

The Mass was celebrated by about 12 Dominican friars.  The congregation was composed of about 35 Dominican students and about 10 outsiders like us.  The Mass was held in the wood-panelled, somewhat dark, but beautiful chapel.  Unlike churches, where the seats usually face the altar, the seats in the chapel faced each other across a central aisle.  The rows were almost in bleacher format - the front row was at ground level, with each of three rows behind it slightly higher up.  The Dominicans sat toward the front - the rest of us sat at the back.  As first timers, we could not discern if this was custom or an enforced practice.

A Dominican organist provided accompaniment for the singing of hymns.  The Mass followed the standard rite, including a sign of the peace.  The chief celebrant gave a homily based from the day's readings - in essence, God invites us (as the host) to Mass, just as a person might invite the poor to a meal - He knows we cannot repay the invite - instead, He wants us there in His company.  Our challenge is to lovingly accept His invite.

The procedure for receiving the Eucharist was a little different from usual.  Two of the priests walked down the aisle to the end furthest from the altar; simultaneously, the congregation filed down the rows to form a queue.  After receiving the Eucharist, congregants walked to the altar, where two more priests offered the Chalice.  Some people chose to recieve just the Eucharist and returned to their seats.

The setting and the congregation made this a richer experience than some masses at local churches.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

When: August 27th, 2010.

Church of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus

Where: 6001 13th St NW, Washington DC 20011.

When: August 13, 2010.

Web: The church's own website is here; the ADW listing is here:

We attended the Vigil Mass at this wonderfully situated church in Brightwood neighborhood of Northwest DC.  The congregation was about fifty strong, mainly older black women.  A priest celebrated the Mass with the assistance of a deacon, a cantor, a pianist, and a couple of Eucharistic ministers and readers.  The Mass followed the standard rite.  Both the host and wine were offered for Holy Communion.  The cantor sang accompanied with piano; the choir sings at the Sunday morning services.

The deacon gave the homily centered on the readings.  He used a simile to compare Mary, through her role as Jesus' mother, to the Ark of the Covenant, as the vessel that held the ten commandments.  He noted that we value both of them, not only for what/who they were, but for what they did.

Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Where: Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 3630 Quesada St NW, 20015.

When: Sunday, August 1, 2010.

Web: Blessed Sacrament's website is here; the ADW listing is here.

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We attended 10:30am Mass at this church in Chevy Chase (just inside the DC-Maryland border).  The church building itself is beautiful, almost picture-postcard perfect.  There was a very large congregation present for Mass - about 350.  It was wonderful to be part of a full church.  The congregation was of mixed age but overwhelmingly white - reflecting accurately the local population.  There were some Hispanics and blacks as well. 

The single priest was assisted by a cantor, an organist, two readers, and a team of eucharistic ministers.  The Mass itself was of conventional structure.  The priest's homily was on the topic of earthly wealth and treasure - perhaps appropriate for the congregation of this (very) wealthy neighborhood.  We noted from the church bulletin the numerous social/outreach ministries that the parish offers.   It is good to see faith in action like this.

Holy Redeemer

Where: Holy Redeemer, 206 New York Ave NW, 20001.

When: Sunday, July 25th.

Web: Holy Redeemer's own website is here; the ADW listing is here.

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We attended 12:00pm Mass at this inner-city church.  There were only eight of us (including the priest); another congregant told us that most people attend 9am Mass and that the priest keeps the midday Mass for those who cannot make the early one.  This was by far the smallest congregation for a regular Sunday Mass of which we've been part in DC.

The priest was assisted by a reader and a pianist; he led the singing himself.  The Mass followed the conventional structure.  The priest gave a lengthy homily on the dual nature of intercession - prayer and action.  He engaged us in his homily, even asking questions and listening to our answers.  The rather intimate setting allowed this to work. 

The congregation came together for the Our Father and sign of peace.  We were invited to participate in the offering of gifts (pretty much everybody participated in this).  After Mass was over, the priest greeted us at the door and wished us well.

Holy Trinity

Where: 3513 N St NW, DC, 20007

When: Sunday, July 18th, 2010.

Web: The ADW listing is here; the parish's own website is here.

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We attended 1:15pm Mass on Sunday, July 18th. This church is located in the quiet narrow streets of Georgetown, not far from the bustle of its downtown area. The church building is large and imposing from the front; inside, however, it had cool, clear classic lines. Its ornate architecture was blunted by pastel paintwork; there was a notable absence of statues or anything ornate (quite the contrast with last week's Italian church).

A single priest (an American visiting from Rome) celebrated Mass with the assistance of a cantor, two readers, one altar helper, and two extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. The Mass structure itself was conventional - the only noteworthy aspect was the introductory request by the cantor to introduce ourselves to our neighbors. We estimate that the congregation was about ninety; overwhelmingly white, young to middle-aged, with a sprinking of older people.

Church of the Holy Rosary

Where: 595 3rd St NW, DC, 20001.

When: Sunday, July 11th, 2010.

Web: The ADW listing is here; the parish's own website is here.

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We attended midday Mass on Sunday, July 11th. This lovely inner city church is more widely known as the "Italian church" at Judiciary Square. The church building certainly has the Italian feel about it. This was especially so inside; the main chapel was adorned with statues.

A single priest celebrated Mass; he was aided by one layperson, who directed singing, read the two readings, and assisted with preparation for the Eucharist. The Mass itself was pretty standard. The collection took place as the Eucharist preparations were ongoing; the sign of peace took place after the Our Father; in other words, everything was the way one would expect it.

We estimated the congregation to be about sixty people; mainly white (perhaps of Italian descent?) though other ethnic groups were present as well. There was a good mix of young and old; singles, couples, and families.

St Aloysius

Where: 19 I St NW, DC, 20001 (facing 900 North Capitol St NW)

When: Sunday, July 4th, 2010.

Web: The ADW listing is here; the church's own website is here.

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We attended the 8am service here on July 4th. St. Aloysius is attached to the Gonzaga Catholic School run by the Jesuits on the 800 block of North Capitol Street (technically the church is located on 19 I St NW - but it faces onto North Capitol). The Mass was celebrated in the 'lower church' (the basement); we'll leave the historic main church for another day.

On this Indepdence Day morning, about twenty-five of us showed up for the early Mass. A very joyous Jesuit priest celebrated Mass; he began by encouraging us all to move closer to the front of the church. He also led the singing, chanted, and spoke to us afterwards. The Mass itself was slightly unusual because of the placement of the sign of the peace. Usually performed after the Our Father, this time is was done at the end of the Liturgy of the Word and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Pretty much everybody greeted each other, even us guests. Toward the end of Mass, the priest invited us to introduce ourselves briefly (along with the other guests); the congregation applauded us.

The other unusual aspect of Mass was the process for receiving Holy Communion. Most commonly started from the front of the church, the priest instructed us (for the guests' benefit - I think regulars know the score) to come up two at a time from the rear, return to our pew and kneel until everyone had received, and then stand. The priest said that this was the Church's instruction "since 1969"; we do not know the particular directive to which he refers. This was the first time either of us had heard or seen of this particular practice.

The congregation was mixed; some black, some white; some elderly, some middle-aged; mostly locals and a few visitors (perhaps on their way to or from Union Station).

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Where: 3411 Martin Luther King Jr Drive SE, DC, 20032.

When: Sunday, June 20th, 2010.

Web: The ADW listing is here; the parish's own website is here.

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We visited Assumption Church on Sunday, June 20th. We took advantage of a weekend car rental to visit this church located in Congress Heights, quite distant from the city center.

Somewhat similar to Incarnation Church, Assumption is a small church serving an overwhelmingly black neighborhood. All but one of the hundred-strong congregation was black; trending older and female. The (outgoing) parish priest celebrated Mass, ably assisted by his deacon and two altar servers. There was a small choir of eight with an organist.

St Mary, Mother of God

Where: 727 5th St NW, DC, 20001
When: Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Web: The ADW listing is here; the parish's own website is here.
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St Mary's is one of several Roman Catholic churches in downtown Washington, DC. It seems more hidden than others, however, located as it is well within Chinatown behind the Verizon Center. It is crowded on either side by buildings, making it difficult to spot from the street.

St Mary's is one of the few DC churches to offer a traditional Latin Rite Mass; we attended such a Mass last year - on Sunday, June 20th, however, we attended the regular 7:00pm Mass. St Mary's advertises this Mass as the latest one in the city. Presumably it is timed to catch those unable to attend Mass earlier in the day and, perhaps, those returning to the city from a weekend getaway.

We didn't know what size or type of congregation we'd see there. It was very mixed - young and old of many ethnicities. We estimate a least eighty people in attendance. We couldn't tell who was from the parish itself and who travelled from elsewhere for the Mass.

The parish priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of an altar server. The Mass moved along quite quickly, as there was no music or choir. The priest gave quite a long sermon - about 15-18 minutes - that hit numerous points. He served communion by himself, which took a while with the large congregation present.

Church of the Incarnation

Where; Church of the Incarnation, 880 Eastern Ave NE, DC, 20018

When: Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Web: The ADW listing is here; the church's own website is here.

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We visited the Church of the Incarnation on Sunday, June 6th, for 11am Mass. Incarnation is located right on the border between DC and Maryland; it serves the Burrville neighborhood.

We arrived at the church quite early (due to the Metro bus schedule), so settled in while the choir went through their paces. The pews were sparsely filled until just before 11am - more people arrived shortly afterwards. The congregation was almost exclusively black; it trended older and female. We estimate about a hundred people in attendance.

The parish priest celebrated Mass with the assistance of his deacon and two altar servers. Both the priest and deacon greeted us before Mass started - and handed us little pennants as remembrances. The deacon gave the homily - a practice that seems common in DC. He spoke firmly about proper preparation for and attendance at Mass, including, for example, the oft-ignored rule of abstinence from food for an hour before receiving the Eucharist. He also spoke about dressing formally for Mass - though pretty much everyone we saw there was well-dressed.

The priest and deacon administered Holy Communion with the assistance of two extraordinary ministers. They offered both bread and wine. As seems usual in DC, most of the congregation went to receive the Eucharist by bread alone; the other half by bread and wine.

The small choir of five women and one man were accompanied by the organist. They performed about three traditional hymns during the Mass.

We found Incarnation to be a friendly and welcoming church during our short visit.

Ukranian National Catholic Shrine of the Holy Family

Where: 4250 Harewood Road NE, DC, 20017

When: Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Web: The church's website is here.

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The Ukranian Catholic Church is one of about twenty Catholic churches at are in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, and one of only two (that we have found to date) with a physical presence in the National Capital Area. The concept of 'full communion' is a complex and changing one (perhaps we'll be visiting an Anglican church before we're done) and you can find information and resources here. We're not going to get into the theology or history of it - suffice to say, we accept the Church's teaching on it and know with certainty that we can fulfil our Mass obligation - and receive the Eucharist - at the Ukranian Church.

We attended Divine Liturgy at 9am on Sunday, May 30th, 2010. We knew almost nothing about the Byzantine liturgial tradition before going in. We sat at the back, allowing us to follow the practices of the regular congregants. We were able to read through some of the liturgical guide before the service started, and were able to see the gist of the service and some elements familiar to the Latin rite.

The congregation was all white, save for one man. We didn't expect to see much ethnic diversity in the Ukranian national church! We wondered if regular congregants were of Ukranian descent (we don't know). All told, there were about forty people there.

This particular Byzantine rite has the priest facing the Tabernacle with the congregation (somewhat similar to the Traditional Latin rite). The priest was assisted by a deacon and three altar servers (for want of a better term - we don't know what they're called officially). All were located in the altar area separated from the main part of the church by a three-doored wooden panel. At various times the priest, deacon, and servers entered and exited through these doors.

The liturgy centered on the priest and deacon chanting prayers and the choir (hidden above the main entrance) responding to them. The deacon had a more prominent role than the priest, which surprized us. The congregation didn't join in that much. Unlike Roman Catholic congregations, however, this one made the Sign of the Cross after every mention of the Trinity. There was one reading from the Bible and one specifically from the Gospel (though chanted, which made it difficult to follow). There were two collections, conducted separately (not quite sure what the second one was for).

The priest gave a short homily. The priest was new and this was his first service. Communion was by intinction - though this is an approved method in the Roman Catholic Church, we've never seen it used. It is more common in the Byzantine churches. It was a first for us then, as the priest used a small spoon to transmit the Eucharist from the Chalice to our mouths.

The Liturgy ended after an hour and five minutes. The priest remained in the church to greet his new parishoners. Find out more about the Ukranian Catholic Church here.

St Joseph

Where: 313 2nd St NE, DC, 20002

When: Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Web: The ADW site is here; the parish's own site is here.

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We attended 8:30am Mass at St Joseph's on Sunday, May 23, 2010. St Joseph's sits in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, not that far from Union Station, the Senate office buildings and other government buildings, and the Capitol itself. We weren't quite sure what congregation would turn up there early on a rainy Sunday morning.

The congregation was mixed racially and demographically. Certainly whites were the majority but there were some blacks and latinos too. There was a good mix of families, couples, groups of friends, and single people. All told we reckon the congregation was about sixty.

Two priests celebrated Mass, which began a little before 8:30am (that really is a first for us!) As with St Ann's last week, this church took both collections at the same time (the second one was for CRS again - did they get it two weeks in a row or did churches have discretion as to when they held the collection? We don't know). For communion, the two priests served the Host from in front of the main altar, while two lay people served the Chalice from either side.

This was Pentacost, of course, so the priest's homily focused on the Holy Spirit. He appearned not to use notes and speak very much from the heart.

There was neither music nor singing at this Mass - we think this is typical of many early morning Masses.

Afterwards, the priests greeted their congregants outside the church, even though it was still raining.

St Ann

Where: 4001 Yuma St NW, DC, 20016

When: Sunday, May 16, 2010

Web: Here is the ADW page; and here is the parish's own website.

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We attended 12:00pm Mass at St Ann's on Sunday, May 16th, 2010. There was about fifty people there - mainly white but with some blacks and latinos. The majority of people were middle-aged, but there were some children, teenagers, and elderly as well.

Mass started precisely on time - not a practice we've noticed in other churches! As usual, a few people came in late, up to the point of the first reading - again, a (regretful) pattern in many churches. One priest celebrated the Mass, assisted by a deacon (at least we think he was a deacon) and two altar servers. A female cantor ably led a small choir (neatly positioned on the first floor above the main entrance) and an organist. The congregation seemed happy to let the cantor and choir do all of the singing - we didn't hear that many people join in the hymns.

The priest read his homily from either prepared notes or an actual script. This seemed unusual - most priests we've encountered tend not to rely on written aids.

For Holy Communion, only the Host was offered. A team of four servers, including the priest, served from in front of the altar - two directly in front and two a little to either side. This is the first time we've seen that in the city (or elsewhere for that matter). People tool the sacrement both in their hands and directly into their mouth.

There were two collections this week, the first was the regular weekly collection for the church and the second was a special one for Catholic Relief Services. Special collectors went down the middle and side aisles with their collection baskets. Unusually, they started the second collection immediately after the first one. This makes sense - you don't have to take out your wallet or fumble through your purse at two separate times.

Mass lasted about an hour. The majority of the congregation stayed for the start of the recessional hymn, but some drifted out before it was over. The priest stood outside to greet his congregants.

Shrine of the Sacred Heart

Where: Shrine of the Sacred Heart, 3211 Sacred Heart Way, DC, 20010.

When: Various 2007-2010

Web: Basic information is located here on the ADW website; the parish's own website has not been updated in a while.

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We attended Mass at "The Shrine" many times between 2007 - 2010. The church is located just of 16th St NW in the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant area. It serves a very diverse Catholic congregation, including Hispanic, Haitian, and Vietnamese ethnic groups.

The church is served by Dominican priests. In our experience, Masses were very well attended - upwards of a hundred at most services. While adhering to the standard rite most of the time, priests did vary specific Masses from time to time. Most Masses that we attended were celebrated by a single priest; had a wonderful piano-led mini-orchestra and choir; were in English; and attracted a diverse congregation that reflected the neighborhood's population.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Where: 400 Michigan Ave NE, DC, 20017

When: Various times 2008 - 2010

Web: The Shrine's website is here.

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We attend Mass occasionally at this wonderful church in Northeast DC. The Basilica is not a parish church - it is considered a shrine for the entire country. The Basilica attracts many pilgrims from across the United States and beyond, as well as locals seeking a periodic alternative to their own parish churches.

There are two main churches - the grand 'upper church' and the smaller 'crypt church' - as well as numerous chapels (mainly around the outer edges of the upper church). Most daily Masses are held in the crypt church - most weekend Masses are held in the upper church.

Upper church Masses are ornate affairs. The celebrant priests, deacons, and numerous servers process through the church, usually accompanied by a cantor and the tremendously large and powerful pipe organ. The crypt church Masses tend to be smaller in scale but no less reverential. The underground setting gives the crypt church a unique feeling.

St Martin of Tours

Where: 1900 North Capitol St NW, DC, 20002
When: Various times 2009 - 2010
Web: Information on St Martin's is located here on the ADW website; and here on the parish's own website.
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We attended several Masses here in 2009 and 2010. St Martin's is located in inner-city Washington and serves a predominantly black congregation. While many of these are locals, some are from Maryland (perhaps former residents with an enduring attachment to the church). The parish is served by a single priest and a deacon, both of whom are much loved and very popular.

Masses here have lots of singing (to a traditional pipe organ), clapping, and occasional shouts during the service. Masses followed the traditional rite for the most part, though the sign of peace took about 15 minutes. Most of the congregation - and the priest and deacon - traversed the church greeting everyone (hugs, handshakes, and slaps on the back) and at times catching up on news. This practice is not for everyone but appears popular with this congregation.

So many churches...

Washington DC has at least 39 Roman Catholic churches; we've decided to attend Mass at each of them over the coming 12 months. We'll also include other Roman Catholic venues, such as monasteries and convents (11 so far), and Christian churches that are in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church (just 2 that we've found so far).

Why do it, you might ask. Aren't Roman Catholics supposed to worship in their own parish? Don't we frowm upon "church shopping" - that awful practice that some of our Protestant and non-denominational friends engage in?

Well, surprisingly, the Roman Catholic church doesn't have any hard and fast rules about it. The Church is a global one, meaning that every Catholic professes the same set of beliefs and every individual church celebrates the same sacrements. So, Mass in Washington DC is the same as Mass in Wilmington, Waukegan, or Warsaw. It is the same in English, Spanish, Korean, or Tagalog (all of which you can attend in DC, by the way!) So, we're not losing out on that score. We are losing out a bit on the community element - not just celebrating Mass with the same bunch of people eacy week, but getting to know them better, forming friendships, and engaging in service together. We are prepared to make that sacrifice.

Well, why make that sacrifice? Well, Washington DC is a diverse city. It contains people from dozens of countries, ethnicities, experiences, and outlooks. We wonder to what extent the RC Church relfects that diversity. Also, despite having set practices for Mass litugries, priests are given some leeway in how they implement them. We're curious to see the diversity within liturgies as well. Finally, we're using this exercise as a way to see parts of the city that otherwise we might never see. That's about it.

Here is a link to our Google Map of Roman Catholic churches and other venues that offer Mass. We will update this as we go.