Visiting a new church can be intimidating: What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go?

We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.

When are services?

Saturday Vigil Mass:
6:00 p.m. Spanish

Sunday:
7:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. Spanish – Livestreamed on our facebook page
11:00 a.m – – Livestreamed on our facebook page
1:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.

Weekdays:
7:30 a.m (8:15 a.m. Wednesdays when school is in session)
7:00 P.M. Mondays in Spanish

First Saturday of the month:
8 a.m. (Bilingual)

Last Thursday of the month:
7 p.m. (Bilingual Healing Mass)

When is confession available?

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays, with additional times available in Lent and Advent. Confessions are also available by appointment.

• Saturday, 4:30 – 5:45 pm (Spanish & English)
• Mondays 8pm

What should I wear?

We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you’re joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you’re wearing. In the summertime, it’s not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to still put on their “Sunday best,” and that’s fine too! However, we do request that shorts be of a conservative length (no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.

Where should I park?

We have two main parking lots on the north and south sides of the church. The main church entrance is on the west side of the church. You may park in any available spot. There is no reserved parking except for the ample handicapped-accessible spots in both parking lots. We ask that you never park in fire lines or on the grass.

Where do my children go?

At St. Mary Magdalen, we believe it is important for children of all ages to attend mass with their families. Therefore, we do not offer separate children’s services. A “cry room” is located in the back of the church, which has large windows and a sound system to allow you to hear and participate in the mass.

I’m not Catholic … so, how do I know when to sit, stand and kneel?

There’s no need to be self-conscious about the postures and responses used during worship. Most visitors just follow the lead of the St. Mary Magdalen parishioners. However, we do have missalettes located in each pew that provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words to each prayer. If you don’t see a missalette in your pew, ask an usher, and they will be happy to bring you one.

I’m not Catholic … is it okay for me to participate in communion?

Communion, or The Eucharist, is the most intimate expression of our faith. Catholics believe that the host is literally the body of Christ, transformed from bread by the priest presiding over the service. Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship to it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians who believe it is a sacrament and the true presence of Christ. So, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you not receive Communion.  However, those not receiving the Body of Christ and Precious Blood are invited to come forward with their hands crossed over their chests for a special blessing.

Am I expected to put money in the offering?

If you are visiting with us, we don’t expect you to put money in the offering, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. If you consider St. Mary Magdalen your church home, we’d love for you to prayerfully consider giving to St. Mary Magdalen on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for online giving here.