[Magdalen] Calvary, Pittsburgh

[ROGER STOKES]

Following recommendations from listren I went to the 11 o'clock Eucharist at Calvary this morning, and I have to admit some disappointment. I know it's Summer and I don't know if the Pittsburgh Pride Procession had anything to do with it but I felt the service was distinctly low key.  The bulletin said the Curate would be the celebrant but in fact the Assisting Priest doubled in that role as well as being homilist.  

There were just two other robed people in the altar party, one of them being the crucifer.  At the end of the service he followed the priest and the other server to the West End of the church rather than preceding her.  A few people did say "Good Morning" to me but nobody invited me to Coffee Hour.  A stranger in a clerical collar sitting in the congregation, wouldn't you assume they were a visitor and somebody would strike up a conversation?
Based on that experience I would not return if I were to be in Pittsburgh again.  I will see what happens when I roll up at a different church next Sunday.
Roger