Helping Our Blessing Bag Program Just Became Easier!

We added a needed shopping list right on line as well as a link to Smile.Amazon! Now, you can buy items for the Blessing Bag Outreach AND support the parish with your automatic donation via Smile.Amazon! Sign up at Smile.Amazon today and help us with every purchase!

https://www.mysaintmiriam.org/wp/special-events/food-blessing-bags-come-to-saint-miriam/

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COVID Update from Monsignor Jim – November 19th, 2020

https://youtu.be/estlLxs47iQ Dear Friends and Families of Saint Miriam, I hope you will watch my video and that it brings you some deeper understanding into our collective decision to move back to a temporary, virtual only format. As we all recognize, sadly, the COVID-19 Pandemic is not lessening, but strengthening in its veracity. Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, of Montgomery County, stated clearly in our teleconference yesterday that there is presently “A big, explosive growth”, and today we wake to find that in the US we the highest daily death toll in six months. As we fail so often to heed the warnings of health care professionals and to take needed steps to flatten down the curve we literally sacrifice, not our freedoms, but those we love and people we may never know who may be impacted by our choices. Therefore, I feel it is incumbent upon us, as a parish of welcome and where every life matters, to set aside our personal and corporate desire to gather, to assist in our small, collective way in bringing this pandemic to an end, and permit us years of life and happiness together. To that end, the following will be implemented at Saint Miriam immediately: Church: We will temporarily restrict in-person worship and bring our worship experience to you via Livestream on Sundays. We will increase our noted desire of families to stay connected by implementing a formatted Family Mass at 9:00am where the CFF team will present based on the virtual lessons of that week. Faith Formation: Children’s Faith Formation classes are all virtual format. Anyone enrolled in the in-person CFF option will now automatically be enrolled in Virtual CFF until it is safe to return. Anyone who did not enroll before the deadline, may now enroll in virtual option again by visiting our website under ‘Education.’ Readers/Lectors: Are asked to record virtually to continue their ministry and participation. School: Our school will remain open as long as permitted by the heath authorities with continued temperature checks, mask requirements (teachers and staff at school; all at church), and with distancing between families when dropping off and picking up children. We are also adding immediate Enhanced Screening questions to the check-in process to keep everyone safe, and we will continue extra daily cleaning protocols and Saturday ‘deep cleaning’ of the school. Effective immediately there will be no volunteer access to the building during school hours. Retreat Center: Only private groups, of the same family household, no mixing is permitted. There will be no formal or led retreats at this time. Only personal reflection and individual Rhythm of Prayer days permitted. Cemetery: Our Cemetery offices are closed to walk-in inquiries; information available via email or phone remains. Internments will be permitted with no more than ten (10), socially distanced, masked persons in attendance. Friary: Our Friary is closed to additional overnight guests or visiting clergy. I realize that some of you may not be in agreement with these decisions, but I assure you that your best interests are in the heart of each resolution. I also am not sure that we can survive another shut down without the on-going support of those who traditionally have used giving envelopes and are not doing so because we are limited to only virtual gatherings. If you prefer a non-electronic method of giving, please, please consider sending a check directly to our parish. We need your support whether you are here or not and we simply cannot make it without your support. Our overhead continues despite being virtual. I will simply allow God to help us through this time and inspire all to be generous and protective of the home we have created here at Saint Miriam. If it is found to be valuable and worth keeping vibrant and fiscally sound, we will still give generously to achieve even greater things when we are together in person again. If not, it has been a wonderful run of so many joys. I am luckier for having served as your pastor. Praying for a better 2021. In Hope through our Blessed Mother, Mary and Her Son, Monsignor +Jim
Video Update from Monsignor Jim – November 13th, 2020

It’s been a tough year, so let’s make 2021 better. Click on the link below or watch in the full post. https://youtu.be/saNtG2mKfRc
End of Year Message from Monsignor Jim

November 16, 2020 It’s Been A Tough Year. Now, Let’s Make 2021 Better! Dear Friends of Saint Miriam, We would like to thank all of you who so graciously contributed to our beautiful Sanctuary renovations and enhancements to our parish, school arid retreat center this year. We know it’s been a tough year in so many ways. The pandemic, financial strains, distancing, loss of family interaction, worrying about our kids, even the holidays will be different. But finally, a new day has dawned with the passing of an election and the dawning of something so longed for: hope. Throughout 2020, Saint Miriam has remained a vital part of your lives. We have struggled just like you, but we have remained strong, safe, and true to our mission. Children are still receiving scholarships to attend our school, the homeless are still receiving support through our outreach, those living in their cars are still calling our lower parking lot home every evening, and parishioners are still receiving sacraments, pastoral care, and worship opportunities. Children are engaged in both in-person and virtual learning through faith formation. We even managed to bring about a beautifully renovated Sanctuary, increased live-stream and virtual worship and devotional opportunities! Even our Annual Concert and Silent Auction was enjoyed … Virtually! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had increased costs to manage the safety of everyone, but it also allowed us the needed time to do so many wonderful upgrades. Because of your generosity, we were able to add to the peace and beauty only found at Saint Miriam. We are now seeking funds to complete needed improvements, increase our outreach to children and those experiencing homelessness, assist in moving into 2021 cleanly, and allow for added safety protocols until the pandemic is finally abated. Although each of those who serve you in leadership at Saint Miriam endeavor to earn our own living by the work of our hands, the pandemic has robbed us of that added income, like many of you, we are hurting. We hope you would consider helping us with an end of year donation. We have been there for you throughout this unprecedented year. Won’t you be there for us now? Please give today. Now, we need you more than ever. Please consider an End-of-Year Gift to help us enter 2021 with a clean slate, renewed hope, stronger ministry and outreach, and less struggle. Please be assured of our prayers for you and your loved ones in these challenging times. Let us know of any assistance or prayer requests, and especially, any pastoral needs. We lift you in prayer to Our Lady’s heart, Monsignor +Jim https://www.mysaintmiriam.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/scanner@gmail.com_20201109_090602.pdf
A Video Update from Monsignor Jim – September 20, 2020

A Video Update from our Pastor, Monsignor Jim, on changes to our Mass requirements and upcoming events. Please note that Sunday fellowship will continue to be on hiatus pending a clearer path forward to do so safely. However, attendance allowances are being increased and safety measures maintained. CFF deadline is tomorrow! Please register by Monday September 20th at 5:00pm. Thank you for watching this important update. The Falls Retreat Center of Saint Miriam opens September 26th. https://youtu.be/aDfLKUxLWTo
Special Message from Monsignor Jim – Video Update – August 31, 2020

Monsignor Jim brings an update on what’s going on in our parish, just how important our church community is to us all, whether we know it or not – and how to bring a little bit of Saint Miriam into your own home! https://youtu.be/aZXaleEzTvU

Our —Temporary— Sunday & Christmas Mass Schedule

While we are playing it safe and staying virtual for the time being, here is our Temporary Sunday and Christmas Mass Schedule: 11/29: First Sunday of Advent at 7:30, 9:00am (with Children’s Homily) 12/6: Second Sunday of Advent at 7:30, 9:00am (with Children’s Homily) 12/13: Third Sunday of Advent at 7:30, 9:00am (with Children’s Homily) 12/20: Fourth Sunday of Advent and Blue Christmas at 7:30, 9:00am and Blue Christmas at 10:30am 12/24: Christmas Eve at 6:00pm (Vigil) and 8:00pm (Night) 12/25: Christmas Day at 9:00am 12/27: Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs at 7:30, 9:00am 1/1/2021: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God at 10:30am
Join Us for a Virtual Combined Sunday and Blue Christmas Service!

Honor your loss, share your sorrow, engage your worries … find strength and embrace hope! Please join us for our Annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 10:30am. We recognize that for some who are experiencing loneliness or loss, the Christmas Season can be especially difficult. All of us experience feelings this time of year and may discover hope in the midst of sharing and just being still. This year, as the Winter Solstice falls later in the year, we will combine our Sunday Mass with an opportunity to bind our wounds for those of us who find this year troubling. A beautiful way to pause, reflect, remember and heal.
COVID Update from Monsignor Jim – November 19th, 2020

https://youtu.be/estlLxs47iQ Dear Friends and Families of Saint Miriam, I hope you will watch my video and that it brings you some deeper understanding into our collective decision to move back to a temporary, virtual only format. As we all recognize, sadly, the COVID-19 Pandemic is not lessening, but strengthening in its veracity. Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, of Montgomery County, stated clearly in our teleconference yesterday that there is presently “A big, explosive growth”, and today we wake to find that in the US we the highest daily death toll in six months. As we fail so often to heed the warnings of health care professionals and to take needed steps to flatten down the curve we literally sacrifice, not our freedoms, but those we love and people we may never know who may be impacted by our choices. Therefore, I feel it is incumbent upon us, as a parish of welcome and where every life matters, to set aside our personal and corporate desire to gather, to assist in our small, collective way in bringing this pandemic to an end, and permit us years of life and happiness together. To that end, the following will be implemented at Saint Miriam immediately: Church: We will temporarily restrict in-person worship and bring our worship experience to you via Livestream on Sundays. We will increase our noted desire of families to stay connected by implementing a formatted Family Mass at 9:00am where the CFF team will present based on the virtual lessons of that week. Faith Formation: Children’s Faith Formation classes are all virtual format. Anyone enrolled in the in-person CFF option will now automatically be enrolled in Virtual CFF until it is safe to return. Anyone who did not enroll before the deadline, may now enroll in virtual option again by visiting our website under ‘Education.’ Readers/Lectors: Are asked to record virtually to continue their ministry and participation. School: Our school will remain open as long as permitted by the heath authorities with continued temperature checks, mask requirements (teachers and staff at school; all at church), and with distancing between families when dropping off and picking up children. We are also adding immediate Enhanced Screening questions to the check-in process to keep everyone safe, and we will continue extra daily cleaning protocols and Saturday ‘deep cleaning’ of the school. Effective immediately there will be no volunteer access to the building during school hours. Retreat Center: Only private groups, of the same family household, no mixing is permitted. There will be no formal or led retreats at this time. Only personal reflection and individual Rhythm of Prayer days permitted. Cemetery: Our Cemetery offices are closed to walk-in inquiries; information available via email or phone remains. Internments will be permitted with no more than ten (10), socially distanced, masked persons in attendance. Friary: Our Friary is closed to additional overnight guests or visiting clergy. I realize that some of you may not be in agreement with these decisions, but I assure you that your best interests are in the heart of each resolution. I also am not sure that we can survive another shut down without the on-going support of those who traditionally have used giving envelopes and are not doing so because we are limited to only virtual gatherings. If you prefer a non-electronic method of giving, please, please consider sending a check directly to our parish. We need your support whether you are here or not and we simply cannot make it without your support. Our overhead continues despite being virtual. I will simply allow God to help us through this time and inspire all to be generous and protective of the home we have created here at Saint Miriam. If it is found to be valuable and worth keeping vibrant and fiscally sound, we will still give generously to achieve even greater things when we are together in person again. If not, it has been a wonderful run of so many joys. I am luckier for having served as your pastor. Praying for a better 2021. In Hope through our Blessed Mother, Mary and Her Son, Monsignor +Jim

You Can Save a Life with a Spray – UPDATE – Now Virtual to Keep Everyone Safe

Now Virtual to Keep Everyone Safe! Email us here for a Zoom link, and then stop by on Sunday, December 6th from 12:00 Noon to 2PM and receive Narcan and save lives! Also, consider supporting our Blessing Bag Outreach! To learn more about our Blessing Bags, click here! To donate […]
Virtual Rosary is Now Available Twice a Week!

We realize that some people may not be ready to come back to in person gatherings. That’s why we created an entire list of virtual worship, devotional, small group and Mass celebration opportunities! Join Saint Miriam every Tuesday at 6:00pm via Zoom where everyone prays with the help of a […]
UPDATE: Virtual Ugly Sweater Mass

It’s time to don your ugly sweater! Because we need to keep everyone safe, and we cannot gather in person, send us your photos and we will put them to music in a wonderful holiday collage! Please send us your images through the form below or email them to info(a)mysaintmiriam.org
The Biblical Christmas Story: A Safe Drive Through Event

We realize that with the pandemic restrictions, we may not be able to gather for Mass as in years past, but Christmas will still come! And Saint Miriam is bringing back the very best by offering a drive through Live Nativity and Christmas Story, replete with live camels and wisemen […]
Thank You For Supporting Our First Virtual Concert and Silent Auction!

Thank You to everyone who purchased a ticket to our first virtual concert, “Music Where We Find God” and participated in our online auction. For everyone who purchased a ticket, you will be receiving a complimentary link to view the entire performance. Watch your email and thank you for supporting […]
Sunday, December 20, 2020 – Blue Christmas

Join us for a Combined Sunday and Blue Christmas Service Honor your loss Share your sorrow Engage your worries Find Strength and Embrace Hope Please join us for our Annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 20th at the 10:30am Morning Mass. We recognize that for some who are experiencing […]
Special Message from Monsignor Jim – Video Update – August 31, 2020

Monsignor Jim brings an update on what’s going on in our parish, just how important our church community is to us all, whether we know it or not – and how to bring a little bit of Saint Miriam into your own home! https://youtu.be/aZXaleEzTvU
Saint Miriam School Now Enrolling for Spring of 2021

We are excited to announce that we are now enrolling for Spring of 2021! Join the Region’s only Franciscan S.T.E.A.M.M. School for our age groups! Award-winning, licensed and simply the best place to learn and grow. Now accepting applications for the limited spots available for Spring 2021. Join us! Give […]
Saint Miriam 2020 Giving Tree

This year our 2020 Giving Tree will be entirely online. Please choose a tag from the tree and donate funds to make the purchase, or buy the needed gift and return it to our Library Christmas Tree by Sunday, December 20th! Your generous donation will provide funds to make someone’s […]
Our —Temporary— Sunday & Christmas Mass Schedule

While we are playing it safe and staying virtual for the time being, here is our Temporary Sunday and Christmas Mass Schedule: 11/29: First Sunday of Advent at 7:30, 9:00am (with Children’s Homily) 12/6: Second Sunday of Advent at 7:30, 9:00am (with Children’s Homily) 12/13: Third Sunday of Advent at […]
Letters to Santa!

The North Pole Express Mailbox is coming! From November 30th to December 24th a full-size mailbox will be located out in front of the parish!
KidCheck – Health and Safety Update

Please add a few extra seconds at check in to respond to our Child Health and Safety Questions each time you check in to Saint Miriam! Keeping children safe is a priority for us during this pandemic, and we have increased our ability to monitor the overall health of our […]
Join Us for a Virtual Combined Sunday and Blue Christmas Service!

Honor your loss, share your sorrow, engage your worries … find strength and embrace hope! Please join us for our Annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 10:30am. We recognize that for some who are experiencing loneliness or loss, the Christmas Season can be especially difficult. All […]
Being A Member Has Great Benefits!

At Saint Miriam, registered and supporting members can enjoy a number of benefits… like… Discounted tuition and daycare in our school, reduced or free* Overnight/weekend stays at our new Falls Retreat Center of Saint Miriam located in the mountains of Starlight, PA. And, starting in the fall, may also rent […]
A Virtual Christmas Season at Saint Miriam

Worship with us this Christmas Season! We can still celebrate together even if we remain physically apart! Sunday, December 20th: Blue Christmas, Virtual via livestream at 10:30am Morning Mass Thursday, December 24th: Christmas Eve The Biblical Christmas Story: A safe, drive through event from 3:00pm-5:00pm Family Mass, Virtual via livestream […]
A Saint Miriam Pew, Just for You! – Updated – Support our Blessing Bag Program!

Now every purchase helps fund our Blessing Bag Outreach to support persons who are experiencing homelessness! Our award winning program uses supplies and donations to directly feed, provide hygiene and and warm socks, too! Buy a pew, take it home, enjoy a part of the history of Saint Miriam and […]
Virtual Rosary Devotion

We realize that some people may not be ready to come back to in-person gatherings. That’s why we created an entire list of virtual worship, devotional, small group and Mass celebration opportunities! Virtual Rosary Devotion The rosary can take us deeper into prayer life. When we pray the rosary, the […]
Here’s a Peak at our Saint Miriam School – Virtual Tour

Ever wonder what our Saint Miriam School looks like? Check out our virtual tour below! https://youtu.be/a_wOfd-Hygk
In Person and Virtual Readers Wanted!

Our beautiful new Sanctuary is ready and it’s time to gather again and serve the Lord joyfully! We are also continuing our Virtual Worship opportunities, too! Now you can choose to join us in person, via LiveStream, or via a video you record at home and send to us for […]
Because We Want to Say Thank You!!

We would never have gotten as far as we have had it not been for your support. And through this difficult and trying time, we need your support now more than ever! And because we want you to know just how much we appreciate your support, we are going to […]
Now Virtually – Small Groups

Life is not meant to be lived alone. In fact, God hates loneliness. You were created to experience life with other people, and that’s why at Saint Miriam, we encourage you to get involved in one of our amazing small groups! And even now, in spite of needing to remain […]
We Can’t Take Away the Pain, But We Can Help You Remember the Love

Every pet owner knows that the hardest thing to do is to say goodbye to your trusted companion. Pets give unconditional love and they deserve to be remembered. We know that or as long as they graced this planet, we were their whole world. That’s why at Saint Miriam, while […]
A Hero or Even Maybe A Saint will read this! Thank You for supporting our Blessing Bag program!

The greatest definition of a Saint we ever heard is from Mother Teresa who said, “an ordinary person who does extraordinary things in love” Every person who lends a hand, says a prayer, supplies a product needed, distributes our Blessing Bags at Saint Miriam on the streets, or makes a […]
Worship Schedule Updates

In order to accommodate needed personal space and distancing requirements when we return from the COVID-19 Pandemic to in-person gatherings for worship, we will be adding two Mass options in addition to live-streaming. Starting Sunday, May 17th we will add an outdoor ‘Parking Lot” Mass option where participants remain in […]
Marriage PREP Online Program!

Saint Miriam is pleased to announce an online virtual program for your Marriage Preparation! You can now do the fundamental formation program from your own home, submit a Pre-Marriage Questionnaire and meet with a priest at a later date for a private consultation! This program can be accessed year-round. Complete […]