Visited St. Francis Seraph in the heart of Over-the-Rhine today and was so enamored with the entire…read moreexperience. First of all, as we were walking up the front of the outside of the church we were greeted by Friar Brother Tim. What an amazing personality! He is great with names and was able to say hello to parishioners he already knew. Asked about us, told us a little about the church, welcomed us to the church and extended an invitation to the coffee and donuts served after mass. The church itself was very pretty, but if you read some of the history and see photos of it in earlier years, you can see that it was magnificent! They couldn't keep up with maintaining some of the intricate painting on the walls and just were painted over. There is still much to see.
Their music ministry amazed us. The pianist is from CCM and as a matter of fact was to be conducting the opera tonight! You can tell he loves what he does and in fact they all do. There was a friar playing guitar as well as a few others, someone playing the trumpet and I'm told that there is normally someone who plays the clarinet, too. Even though they are a smaller group of singers, they sing with enthusiasm.
The priest talked in a very down to earth way that seemed to resonate with everyone, including me. I listened intently to every word. Giving the sign of peace was also unique in that everyone got up and gave the sign of peace to pretty much everyone else in the church - loved that! Then those who walked up to the same level where they were preparing the eucharist. We stood/sat in open rooms to the side. That's something we had never done before. Also, there was the most resplendent autumn garnitures at that level. Not surprisingly, Friar Tim announced by name those who were returning from school or different homes in other cities/states to be in attendance. Introduced us by name and thanked those on parish council. What a lovely personal touch!
Once mass was over, Brother Tim found us and walked us to where the coffee and donuts were being served where we passed windows looking into a beautiful courtyard garden. While getting refreshments, Father David came over and talked with me which was nice. Afterwards, Brother Tim brought us outside to see the courtyard which he helped get back into shape. There were hydrangeas, brick paths, a koi pond and a firepit which people were sitting around while visiting each other. We sat with them for awhile and felt very comfortable with them all before we were given a short tour before being led to another courtyard where there will be a live nativity in December. Brother Tim showed us a poster of the amazing Advent Wreath that actually hangs over your head! Also, the church is lent space by Christian Moerlein where there will be lots to see near Christmas. It's so extensive that they will start setting up in November! We know for sure we will be going back in the month of December and are truly looking forward to it. They have ministries such as a soup kitchen, too. Please take the time to visit this wonderful church and you might find yourself a regular.
