Advent Historic Church Walk

Today, Sunday, December 11th, the first annual historical Advent Carrick Church walk took place. Visitors were invited to walk or stop at all the churches on the tour, or visit each one individually, taking time to talk to the greeters or just sit peacefully in contemplation or prayer. On a beautiful still fall day the walk was inspiring to say the least. Along Brownsville Road the tour proceeded either from Christ the Redeemer, St. Basil, Concord, Zion, St. Pius X, Birmingham and finally Stewart Avenue, or in reverse. An historic booklet was available to all describing the history of each church and the unique features. On this bright sunny day, the magnificent stained glass windows glowed, showering a colorful but venerable stillness inside making each church feel holy yet inviting and peaceful. All of the churches had their own uniqueness but welcoming atmosphere. St. Basil's even added fresh incense to fill the air, while Zion's choir and musician played for the visitors, and, while beautiful music filled the spaces at others, silence respected the solemness of others. Refreshments both hot and cold along with sweets of all kinds were available for famished pedestrians. At each church there were representatives who beamed with pride as representatives of their congregations. All welcomed visitors back for Christmas prayers, holy day masses, or just to hear warm comforting words throughout the year.

We are proud and very fortunate to have these religious and community and neighborhood minded institutions in our neighborhood each collaborating to make our little corner of Pittsburgh better. Thank you for joining together to make our holiday special.

And thank you to all for participating and to the institution taking their time to cordially invite us all into their "homes." I am sure many will accept your invitations to be part of your celebrations now that they had a chance to see inside.