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Cantores in Ecclesia is deeply grateful for the warm welcome it has received from the pastor, Fr. Petrus Binh Hoang, the staff, and the parishioners of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Southeast Portland. On the first week of Advent, 2007, the choir was invited to sing for a newly added 7:30 pm Saturday Vigil Mass. This Mass, in Latin, follows a 5:00 pm Vigil Mass in English, with two Sunday Masses, one at 9:00 a.m. and one at 11:00, completing the weekend schedule. It was a generous invitation, and greatly appreciated.
Established in 1907, St. Stephen’s is a beautiful Italian Renaissance church tucked on the corner of a tree-lined street of old family homes and apartments, a quiet oasis just a few blocks off the bustling energy and activity of Hawthorne Avenue. With its impressive five story bell tower, rose window, and terra cotta trim, St. Stephen’s two tone red brick façade is especially beautiful at sunset, when the dying light radiates warmth and welcome to the surrounding neighborhood.
You might think that years have silently slipped away when you enter the impressive bronze doors to attend the evening 7:30 Vigil Mass. The stillness of the Latin liturgy, the transcendent calm of the plainsong, and the ancient music of the choir washes over the cares and concerns of the day. In the timeless liturgy of the church, time stands still. Cantores in Ecclesia is indeed fortunate to now be part of this parish church family, and hopes that many of our supporters and friends will come to make St. Stephen’s their home, as well. |
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