There’s still time to nominate local icons for Best of D.C.
Pastor: the Rev. Robert Panke
Service Length: 40 minutes
Service Attendance: about 65
Sample Worshipper Dress: black slacks, “Nevada” sweatshirt
Prayers Are Directed Toward: an increase in vocations to the priesthood
Congregational Fervor
Worshippers passed up NCAA-tourney drink specials at nearby pubs to attend a recent St. Patrick’s Thursday noon mass. HHHHH
Food for the Soul
“I have something to say that is difficult to share. I might die tomorrow,” Panke proclaimed to the congregation before pausing a moment for effect. “Or I might live another 40 years.” Having succeeded at raising more than a few eyebrows in the congregation, Panke delivered a short homily that touted the virtues of meditating on one’s own death. “Root out sin in your life today; live your life for God,” he concluded. HHHHH
Food for the Body
Those not contented with a meal of the Holy Host are advised to seek their lunch elsewhere. No food or drink was available after the service. HHHHH
Overall Worship Power RATING
The service closed with a rather repetitive prayer titled “Novena to St. Patrick,” which invoked the name of Christ “behind me, before me, beside me” and in eight other locations. While a few worshippers took this as a cue to slide out the back, a dutiful majority remained until the dismissal. HHHHH
—Aaron Leitko