An odd post…..

The WSJ: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral NYC

dievca hasn’t gone to Mass in a long while. she’s no longer a practicing Catholic. The drift happened many years ago and started with an unwelcoming Diocese and misuse of funds from a family Parish.

Oddly, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC is welcoming enough to allow anyone to offer up a Mass. One does not need to be a Parishioner of the Church. A Mass card can be sent as an acknowledgment of passing by anyone of any Religion or Church. A chance to have a devout group add their prayers to dievca’s more secular wishes.

It’s pretty much the first time since dievca’s Theology courses in College, the Catholic Church has shown her a form of tolerance and inclusiveness. Granted a donation is involved – but whatever works.

The Gentleman at the Parish House now knows dievca’s face and name, she’s been in 11 times this year. Family members, friends, friend’s family members have passed and dievca had a Mass said and sent a Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Mass Card.

What to Say When Someone Dies

• When in doubt, reach out
• Show up in person
• Send a Sympathy Card
• Consider sending a gift
• Anticipate their needs
• Don’t try to “fix” their grief
• Don’t avoid saying the deceased person’s name
• Keep checking in
• Don’t worry about getting it 100% right

(click here for more information)

The Mass has been celebrated in the Cathedral for  140 years. Today at St. Patrick’s Cathedral the Mass is celebrated seven times each weekday and eleven times on Holy Days.
It is a time-honored Catholic tradition to have Masses said in honor of a particular person and to provide Mass Cards to comfort relatives, friends and loved ones.

Mass Requests 

Because we take so seriously the need to match every Mass request to an actual Mass time and date, Mass requests must be done in person at the Parish House during regular business hours.

• Announced Masses: 
  You can request an announced Mass to be said for a living or deceased family member, friend or loved one by coming in person to the Parish House located at 14 East 51st Street and completing a request form.

The suggested offering is $20 for each Mass.

• Unannounced Masses: 
  You can also request an unannounced Mass to be said for a living or deceased family member, friend or loved one by coming in person to the Parish House located at 14 East 51st Street and completing a request form.

The suggested offering is $10 for each Mass.
This gift helps to cover the extraordinarily high costs of maintaining St. Patrick’s Cathedral.