YOUR FIRST VISIT
We’re So Glad You’re Here
LOCATION
654 Bethlehem Pike
Flourtown, PA 19031
SUNDAY MASSES
7:30 • 8:30 • 9:30
Children welcome at all services
PARKING
Free & Plentiful
Accessible spots are at the entrance
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
What to Expect
We’ve answered the questions first-time visitors ask most. Tap any section to read more.
Identity, Beliefs & Governance
What is the Old Catholic Church
Saint Miriam is part of the greater Old Catholic Church, which separated from Roman control in the 1870s following Vatican I over the issue of papal infallibility. While there are various Catholic denominations, the Roman Catholic Church (Latin Rite) is simply the largest one in communion with the Pope. Saint Miriam is an “independent” Catholic denomination because it is not under the jurisdiction or government of Rome but it’s orders and sacraments are valid.
Who runs independent Catholic denominations?
While the Pope heads the Roman Catholic Church, independent denominations are run by Bishops. These Bishops are generally elected by a synod or governing council to serve as the Patriarch, Presiding Bishop, or Archbishop. All Catholics recognize the Holy Father as the titular leader of global Church.
Do your priests and bishops have valid Apostolic Succession?
Yes, the lines of Apostolic Succession are valid and sufficient—a fact recognized even by the Roman Catholic Church.
What should I call Pastor?
Our priests, and our Pastor, prefer to be called simply “Father” or “Monsignor”, if applicable. Our Pastor retains the title honorific title of “Monsignor,” but he is receptive to almost any respectful title.
What is the church’s stance on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, women priests, and divorce?
Saint Miriam welcomes everyone and maintains that every individual is loved and created by God. The church ordains women; its priests may be married or LGBTQIA+; and celibacy is optional. Individuals are encouraged to make their own informed decisions regarding birth control and other moral issues.
Planning Your Visit
Where do I park?
Parking is free and plentiful in a large lot accessible from Bethlehem Pike. Volunteers direct visitors to an overflow lot on busy Sundays. Accessible parking spots are located right next to the entrance.
What should I wear?
Dress however you feel comfortable—there is no formal dress code. You will see everything from suits and ties to jeans, sneakers, and shorts.
Should I arrive early? Where do I go?
Ushers are available at the main doors to answer questions and show you around. Arriving 15–20 minutes early is ideal to get settled or grab free coffee and pastries—but you are welcome even if you are running late.
Is the facility accessible for those with disabilities?
Yes. The Sanctuary, classrooms, café, and garden spaces are ADA accessible with no steps or stairs. An easy-to-use transport wheelchair with a 300 lb. capacity is also available near the handicap entrance.
The Worship Experience
What is the liturgy like?
The liturgy is designed to be inclusive and inviting, focusing on the Eucharist. It combines traditional sacramental worship with a vibrant, modern edge, utilizing a variety of “sights, sounds, and smells.”
How long is the service and what is the schedule?
Services typically last between 30 minutes for an early Mass and about one hour for others. Baptisms at Mass (usually on the Third Sunday of every month, except during Lent, typically run an additional 20-30 minutes. Mass times include an early mass (7:30 am), the Mysteries of the Rosary at 8:30am, and a family mass (9:30 am).
What happens during a typical Sunday service?
Services typically last between 30 minutes and one hour. Mass times include an early mass (7:30 am), a family mass (9:30 am). A Rosary devotional is at 8:30am and every Second Sunday our Rosary slot has a simple liturgy called, Breathe, that is a brief way to promote a sense off Calm and well being with music and readings and breathing. It is a wonderful way to leave the early Mass or begin to prepare for the 9:30am!
How does it differ from a Roman Catholic Mass?
The differences are few: the Sign of Peace is at the beginning of Mass, no money collection is taken during the liturgy, and Holy Communion is open to everyone.
Will I be asked to introduce myself?
No. Visitors are not singled out or asked to stand up. You can be as anonymous or as social as you wish.
Children & Families
Is childcare available?
A Family Room is available where parents can stay with their children while watching a live stream of the service on a television.
Can my kids stay with me during the service?
Absolutely. Children are welcome in the main service. The church provides welcome bags with coloring sheets and soft books, and the community understands that kids move and babies cry.
What if my child has special needs?
The church is committed to including all children. Parents are encouraged to email in advance so our special needs coordinator can prepare appropriate supports and accommodations.
Communion & Sacraments
May I receive Holy Communion?
Yes. Saint Miriam practices Open Communion, meaning all persons are welcome to receive the Eucharist regardless of whether they are members or what their background is. We believe no one has the right to refuse this source of strength to anyone.
Are the Sacraments the same as in other Catholic traditions?
Yes. The church honors the traditional seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders.
Giving & Connection
Is tithing expected? Will a collection be taken?
There is no pressure to give, and an offering basket is not passed during the services. Parishioners and visitors who wish to contribute place donations in offering boxes near the entrance and exit or mail them to the parish offices. We also encourage electronic giving via our Parish App (avaibalew in iOS and Android) as well as QR codes and Text options on printed Missals and materials as well as our Weekly Bulletin.
Will someone contact me after my visit?
Only if you choose to fill out a Connections Card. If you do, you will receive a thank-you email within 24 hours and an optional follow-up from our team.
What if I want to visit without committing?
You can attend as often or as rarely as you like. There is no membership requirement or obligation to serve. Many people visit for months before deciding if Saint Miriam is the right fit for them.
JOIN US
This Sunday’s Services
Children are welcome at all of our services. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to grab a coffee and get settled.
SUNDAY EARLY MASS
7:30a
approximately 30 minutes
MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
8:30a
approximately 60 minutes
SUNDAY FAMILY MASS
9:30a
approximately 60 minutes
THURSDAY ADORATION
4:00p
approximately 2 hours
Reconciliation is offered 30 minutes before any Mass or by appointment. Baptisms take place on the third Sunday of each month.
Services and Times
In-Person Worship Schedule:
Every Sunday:
- 7:30am Early Mass
- 8:30am Mysteries of the Rosary
- 9:30am Morning Mass (Including Second Sundays; Healing and Third Sundays, Baptisms)
Reconciliation: 30 minutes before any Mass or by Appointment.
Baptisms: Third Sunday of every month, except during Lent, or private Baptism by Appointment.
Every Second Sunday:
- 9:30am Healing Morning Mass
Every Third Sunday:
- 9:30am Morning Mass with Baptism (Livestreamed)
Every Fourth Sunday:
- 9:30am Family Faith Formation (Childcare will be provided for other children. Please reserve in advance.)
Weekday Masses are offered:
- Thursdays: Adoration from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
- First Fridays only at 9:30am
Livestream:
Sundays:
- Rosary at 8:30am
- Masses rotate weekly to include 7:30am and 9:30am
- Baptism Mass at 9:30, every third Sunday
Thursdays:
- Adoration from 4:00pm – 6:00pm
- Veneration of St. Francis of Assisi Relic from 6:00pm – 7:00pm
THE FACES YOU’LL MEET
Meet Our Team
We’re a warm, approachable group. Come say hello.
PASTOR & BISHOP
Monsignor James St. George
Father Jim serves as Pastor of Saint Miriam. A professed Franciscan ordained in 2014, he continues as an active parish pastor. Before ministry, he worked in his family’s funeral home and served as a hospice and trauma chaplain. He has taught theology and ethics at Philadelphia-area colleges and earned his Doctor of Theology from The New Theology School. He lives with his wife Katelyn and their three children – Jameson, Caleb, and Ellie, and two Golden Retrievers. He also enjoys CrossFit and supporting Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue.
KIDSSAFE COORDINATOR
Mrs. Pat Wilcke
Pat Wilcke, MFT, coordinates the KidsSafe Program at Saint Miriam, ensuring all parish activities involving minors follow established child protection policies and national safety standards. She also is serving presently as Parish Board President. Pat holds a B.A. in Sociology from Holy Family University and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hahnemann University. Pat is a Clinical Member of the AAMFT and serves as a Clinical Supervisor at a nonprofit counseling agency in Montgomery County.
PERMANENT DEACONS
Rev. Donna & Rev. Chester Mack
Donna and Chester Mack serve as Permanent Deacons, assisting at Masses and caring for the Sacristy and Altar Guild. It’s truly a family affair—their son Robert often joins as an Altar Server.
PERMANENT DEACON
(The Reverend Mr.) Deacon Michael J. Ball
Deacon Mike was born in New York City and raised by his parents, Harold and Helen Ball as a lifelong Catholic. He attended several Catholic grade schools, and St. Andrew’s
Seminary in Rochester NY for high school and his first two years of college. He finished his bachelor’s degree at Iona College in New Rochelle NY and has a Master’s Degree in Systems Management at the University of Southern California.
Want to reach out before you visit? We’d love to hear from you!
JoinUs@mysaintmiriam.org or Submit a question online.
We Can’t Wait to Meet You
Visiting a new church can feel vulnerable. We get it. That’s why we work hard to make sure your first experience is welcoming, comfortable, and pressure-free. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to dress a certain way or know church etiquette. You just have to show up as you are, and we’ll take it from there.
HELPFUL LINKS
Additional Resources
Services and Times
In-Person Worship Schedule:
Every Sunday:
- 7:30am Early Mass
- 8:30am Mysteries of the Rosary
- 9:30am Morning Mass (Including Second Sundays; Healing and Third Sundays, Baptisms)
Reconciliation: 30 minutes before any Mass or by Appointment.
Baptisms: Third Sunday of every month, except during Lent, or private Baptism by Appointment.
Every Second Sunday:
- 9:30am Healing Morning Mass
Every Third Sunday:
- 9:30am Morning Mass with Baptism (Livestreamed)
Every Fourth Sunday:
- 9:30am Family Faith Formation (Childcare will be provided for other children. Please reserve in advance.)
Weekday Masses are offered:
- Thursdays: Adoration from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
- First Fridays only at 9:30am
Livestream:
Sundays:
- Rosary at 8:30am
- Masses rotate weekly to include 7:30am and 9:30am
- Baptism Mass at 9:30, every third Sunday
Thursdays:
- Adoration from 4:00pm – 6:00pm
- Veneration of St. Francis of Assisi Relic from 6:00pm – 7:00pm
