Mass at the Megaplex St. Andrew Parish meets at movie theater for first Mass

Intermountain Catholic

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Catholics gathered at the Megaplex 20 at The District in South Jordan celebrate the first Masses as St. Andrew Parish. Historically, other new parishes have met in libraries and mortuaries. IC photo by Christopher Gray

SOUTH JORDAN — What do "Superman Returns" and the Catholic Mass have in common? Usually, not much. However, on Sunday, Aug, 27, both had one very important thing in common: stadium seating.

Sunday, Aug. 27, marked the first time St. Andrew Parish met as a church. For the foreseeable future, Sunday Masses will be celebrated in theater 20 at the Larry H. Miller Megaplex 20 at The District in South Jordan.

"Like the first Christians who started in small groups in their own homes, many of our parishes have started in homes, fire stations, city libraries, churches of other faiths, and mortuaries; we are probably the first one to start in a movie theater," said Father Francisco Pires in his homily at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

"And most comfortable! I was told all these seats have memory foam," he added.

Noting the steepness of the seating area in the theater, Fr. Pires began his homily noting, "For a long time the priest looked down on the people. Now the people are looking down on the priest."

As people entered the theater through the outside door, they were greeted by volunteers offering missalettes and parish registration forms. According to Holy Cross Sister Patricia Riley, more than 100 people attended the Mass (in Spanish) at 8:30 a.m. By the time of writing, approximately 55 families had registered in the parish.

"We have an unique opportunity to be the most welcoming parish in this diocese. This parish will grow as every parishioner takes ownership of the community; we do this by supporting the parish financially, and sharing our talents to serve others," said Fr. Pires.

Because St. Andrew Parish must leave the theater by noon, the time for Mass in English may change to 10:15 a.m. in a few weeks. For more information, visit their website, www.saintandrewriverton.com, or call (801) 254-8600.