Checking out a new Church often comes with a little bit of apprehension. We hope that the following simple suggestions will answer any questions you may have about what to expect.
Where do I go when I arrive?
As you may have noted, we meet at Aspen Trace, which is an assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care facility. When you arrive, we ask that you park at the Administrative entrance, which faces north. It is accessible from Clary Crossing Drive. These doors are normally open around 10 AM. If you are unable to enter through these doors, you may wish to drive around to the Assisted Living entrance, which faces State Road 135. Parking is harder to come by there, but the doors are open. We meet in Civic Hall, which is located between the Administrative and Assisted Living entrances.
Where should I sit?
When you arrive, you will notice residents seated at tables. As guests in their home, members and visitors tend to send towards the back of the room. On special occasions, we get a bit creative with seating!
What about sitting, standing, and kneeling?
If you have never been to a Catholic Church before, don't worry about when to stand or sit. The residents remain seated throughout, so you shouldn't feel too out of place. If you are familiar with the various postures of the liturgy, please feel free to engage in them as you see fit, based on where you are positioned in the room.
How long does Mass last?
Usually we run right at an hour.
Can I receive Communion?
At Saint Mary's, we believe that the bread and wine of Communion become, according to the promise of Jesus and the working of the Spirit, the body and blood of Christ. If you are a baptized Christian, you are truly sorry for your sins, and believe that Christ is present in the Communion we share, you are welcome to receive.
What if my spouse is Protestant and I am Catholic? May we both receive Communion?
If your Protestant spouse believes what was stated in the preceding response, then the answer is yes.
Do I need to give you my name?
No. We welcome you into our midst and would be glad to know you. However, we won't single you out as a visitor, ask you to tell everyone who you are, or pressure you to do anything beyond what you are comfortable with. We do share a sign of peace (a handshake) after the Confession of Sin and Absolution. If you are not comfortable with walking around the room and participating, you are welcome to remain in your place. The priest and server may approach you and offer you the sign of peace as they go around.
Do I have to go to Confession before Communion?
This is a good question. All who go to Communion should be right with God. Saint Paul is clear that receiving Communion in an unworthy state brings judgement upon an individual. At Saint Mary's, with very few exceptions, Mass begins with a Penitential Act in which the assembly is given a time to quietly confess their sins to God, and to then join in a congregational confession with the priest and the assembly. For many, this weekly form of confession is sufficient.
However, some individuals may be struggling with continual, persistent sins that significantly impair one's relationship with God. Such persons may well benefit from scheduling a private time with the priest for confession and absolution. This can be scheduled before Mass, or at another convenient time.