ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

When you visit us....

Visiting a new church can be a little intimidating, and we want you to be comfortable and feel welcomed. Wondering what you should wear, whether to sit or stand and receiving Communion are questions everyone might have, so we would like to answer some of the most common questions here.

I am not Catholic......How do I know when to sit or stand or kneel?

Please do not be self-conscious about the different body postures and responses during the Mass. Most visitors follow the lead of parishioners around them. If you wish to sit during the times the congregation kneels, that is just fine. You will find books, "Our Sunday's Word," in the pews with the prayers of the Mass and Scripture readings for each Sunday. Prayers for Mass are at the very front of the book and Sunday readings are listed by date. There are also cards with the prayers and responses in the pew book holders.

I am not Catholic....can I receive Communion?

Through Communion, or Eucharist, we are united with God and with the people of God in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Bread and Wine. It is our community table of sharing. We are transformed through the Eucharist and then sent forth to carry Christ's message into our daily lives. As we believe that Communion is a sign of the oneness of Faith and belief in what the Church teaches, those not fully united to the Catholic Church are not ordinarily permitted to receive Communion. Even if you are not able to receive Holy Communion, you are invited to come forward with your arms crossed over your heart to receive a blessing along with those receiving Communion, and to offer a prayer of peace and unity within the human family.

What should I wear?

Mass is a special time of community and placing ourselves in the company of God. We are happy that you have chosen to join us in worship, and we want you to be comfortable and focus on praising God, not on what you are wearing. "Business" casual clothing is appropriate. We do ask that attire be respectful of the Mass and Eucharist, with tops modest and shorts of conservative length. Many of our community prefer to wear their "Sunday clothes." Daily Mass attire is a bit more casual than weekend Masses. 

Where should my children go?

Children of all ages are welcome in our church with their families! You will see many little ones and infants in our sanctuary. There are activity pages for children based on that week's readings on the tables as you enter Church. Some parents allow their children to use these pages during Mass and some choose to incorporate them into a lesson at home.

We do offer a nursery during the 9:45 am and 11:30 am Sunday Masses for those parents who wish to have their children engaged in other activities during Mass. It is a drop-in nursery, located down the side hallway, opposite the patio doors.

All children ages 4, 5 and 6 are invited to the Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 9:45 am Mass, fall through spring. Children accompany adult and teen helpers to the music room at the celebrant's invitation prior to the First Reading. There they hear the Word of God and do an activity to reinforce the day's teachings. They return to their parents after the homily, prior to the Offertory. 

Am I expected to put money in the collection basket?

As a visitor, you are not expected to put money in the offering. Just pass the basket along to the next person. If you choose to make our parish your church home, we would ask that you register with the parish office and prayerfully consider making an offering of treasure through stewardship. You may choose to receive weekly offering envelopes in a monthly mailing or use our Online Giving option. Information about Online Giving is available here.



If you have any other questions while you are visiting with us, please stop by the Welcome Center and one of our parishioners will be happy to assist you! 

If you'd like to register as a new parishioner, click here.