Random question for anyone who knows St. Catherine's

As I type this at not quite 10:30 a.m., a bell is ringing at St. Catherine's. It's one bell, tolling once every five seconds or so and it's been going on for a couple of minutes. When Pope John Paul died, this same bell rang for a very long time.

This is definitely not an everyday occurrence, but they do it every so often. I've never found a set pattern to it, but I admit I haven't paid much attention. It's just one of those things I'm curious about and not being a parishioner at St. Catherine's (or Catholic, for that matter), I figured I'd toss it out there and see if anyone knew why they do this. It's still ringing and has been for nearly 10 minutes now.

Anyone?

created by valbee on Sep 05, 2007 at 10:34:47 am Comments: 3

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Perhaps there was a funeral mass today? Generally the church bell will ring for funeral services.

(I am Catholic, but admittedly not necessarily an expert on every single aspect. First thing that popped into my head was that perhaps there was a funeral service.)

posted by mom2 on Sep 05, 2007 at 06:02:00 pm #

"Church bells chiming on a Sunday morn Remind you of the town where you were born.

If you spend an evening, you’ll want to stay..."

Patti Page 'Old Cape Cod.'

posted by Man_with_the_muck_rake on Sep 06, 2007 at 08:45:47 am #

Mom2, when I thought about it a little more (after I posted of course), I started thinking it was a funeral, too. And maybe an hour later, there were a bunch of bells ringing, that I could actually equate in my head with a celebration of life, if that makes sense. So, I think you're right. It didn't occur to me that things at the church might actually take place during the day while school is in session. :)

Muck_rake, on a sort of related note... I grew up not far from Asbury Methodist Church and I remember the church always playing music in the evenings. When I moved in here and heard St. Catherine's do the same thing (every night at 6 p.m.), it took me back. I think that's a big part of why, even though I didn't grow up in this neighborhood, it feels very much like home.

posted by valbee on Sep 06, 2007 at 10:16:41 am #

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