Mystery Worshipper: Brandi Anderson
Church:
Blessed Sacrament, Seattle
Location: Washington, USA
Date of visit: Monday, 8 June 2026, 7:30am
The building
A massive old redbrick church, a mix between a prison and a sacred cathedral for gathering sinners and saints. It takes up an entire block, with hidden doors outside and inside.
The church
This church is located in the heart of University of Washington campus and housing. The fact that it’s located on campus makes it easily accessible to students and teachers – although I did not see any students. They also host a series of concerts throughout the year and appear to have a ton of ministries on their website, to bring people into the Catholic faith.
The neighborhood
The church is in a residential, campus and school area, and is a bit packed in. I imagine when it was built the area was an open field. A bustling elementary school next to the church makes the parking lot a circus during pick-up and drop-off times, with tons of kids, cars, and the like.
The cast
A priest preached. A parishioner led a reading. Two visiting priests looked on and helped with communion.
What was the name of the service?
Monday morning mass.How full was the building?
Mostly empty. There was lots of space for people to come, but they did not.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
No. Nothing. Not a wink, smile, or nod.
Was your pew comfortable?
Nope. It was a wooden pew – a bit tiny.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Solemn. Funereal. Quiet. You could hear a pin drop. People looked on waiting for the show to begin.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
‘Welcome...’
What books did the congregation use during the service?
There were no books.
What musical instruments were played?
Nothing. This was a major disappointment. The church apparently hosts concerts and musicians throughout the year. They could have had some music from these events playing in the background.
Did anything distract you?
All of the hidden doors, which were locked. The sanctuary was lined with these doors and it felt secretive. All the doors were adorned with a black metal name plate with the names of different priests and important workers. There must have been at least 10. These doors were the opposite of inviting and welcoming. They must open at times, and I will have to go back to find out what is inside.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Totally stiff. Think funeral meets prison sentence.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
8 minutes.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
1 — I was having a hard time following this one. He distracted me with a few words right away, and after this it was all downhill. The visiting priests looked on, sitting up in the platform, facing one another but not looking at the speaking priest. This was odd to me. I am sure there are reasons in the Catholic tradition for all of these things. I just don’t know what they are.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
The sermon, to the best of my knowledge, was about the beatitudes – in the book of Matthew – and the hidden mystery of suffering. The priest said, ‘If we follow his way, he will sustain us.’ And there were some other stories about Elijah, suffering, and spiritual drought.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
The building, although mysterious and a tad creepy, was a bit like heaven. There was nothing moving or heaven-like for me in the actual mass. But afterward, I walked past all the hidden doors and name plates and looked at the statues. There was one with the Virgin Mary holding Jesus. He was older than he usually looks – 6 or 7 years old with a full head of hair. I stared at Mary for quite some time, asking God, ‘Why am I here, and where are you, God?’ I wanted a sign. As I stepped further away from Mary, she watched me. Her eyes followed mine. I looked away and back to her, and she kept watching. This felt like heaven – that I am cared for, watched, loved, and known by the creator of the universe, and that no matter how bad a mass is, I am still his and he is mine.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
The mystery doors. The priests. The people. I don't want to be too critical, but it felt like the people, who make the church, were not that holy, loving, welcoming, or heaven-like. This is my problem and not theirs, I know. But it was just a feeling like they did not see me and care I was there. They were checking off a box of going to mass, and that was it.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I walked past the mystery doors and stared at the statues. No one even glanced my way. There was nothing. A few people remained in the pews, praying and doing what they do. But there was nothing. This was the major failure of the church and what feels like the secrecy and history of the Catholic church.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
There was no coffee. I left and found a coffee at a nearby university coffee shop – the Muddy Cup.
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
The write-up says it all.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
No.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?
Mary staring back at me.