The Direction of Liturgical Prayer at Saint Mary Church

“Why does the priest traditionally turn his back on the congregation during Mass?”   Until the 1960’s, the priest faced whomever he was addressing.  If he was speaking to the congregation, then he faced the congregation.  If he was speaking to God, then he faced the symbol of God: the altar cross.  The sermon, for example, was always delivered facing …

Pastor’s Post

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It’s been a busy summer. The Ulster Project is going strong this month, thanks in part to some of our very generous parishioners. Our summer seminarian Maksym will be in Poland the next few weeks, but will come back with us for a week or two before returning to the seminary in the autumn. …

Hiring Bookkeeper

UPDATE: This position has been filled. Thank you for your interest. Saint Mary Parish, Oak Ridge, Tenn., is hiring a Parish Bookkeeper. Principal responsibilities: preparation of payroll, associated taxes and reports; provide computer input/output services for accounting and census; prepare bank deposits and record receipts; coding and payment of outstanding invoices; reconcile parish books (including parish school); prepare financial statements …