What to Expect at Mass 

Catholics worship God in a variety of ways, but our chief act of communal worship is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the Western Church we call this service “Mass,”  an English word derived from the Latin text of the priest’s dismissal at the end of the liturgy (“Ite, missa est.“).

We believe that Jesus Christ accomplishes the work of salvation by making Himself present in our world, especially in sacraments. In baptism we are plunged into Christ’s death and resurrection, becoming God’s adopted and beloved children. As disciples of Christ, we share communion with him in the breaking of bread and prayers that are the Eucharist.  For us, liturgy is truly sacred: uniting ourselves to Christ in prayer, worship, and thanksgiving is our most important act as Christians. Although the Church is active in many other ways, liturgy is the “summit” towards which all other activity is directed, and the “font” from which all power for ministry flows.

At Mass, we celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist and offer ourselves to God. We taste the heavenly liturgy we are already journeying towards. Attending Mass for the first time can be intimidating or even confusing, but don’t worry! Relax, reflect on the sights and sounds, take time to pray in your own words, and listen to the Word of God

It is easy to find entertainment in today’s world. Mass is something different: a place to contemplate and pray, a place to bring the sufferings and joys of daily life to our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It is important that we attend Mass weekly and especially on days of obligation. It is also important that we remember church is a place of worship and prayer when, during Mass, we are in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Keeping this in mind, it is important to try and be as respectful to Our Lord and others when we are in church and celebrating the sacraments.

Please click on the following links to find out more:

Some helpful tips to remember when coming to Mass

Receiving Holy Communion

Proper Dress for Mass

Welcoming Children at Mass

Frequently asked questions about Mass (Reference http://www.stmatthewcathedral.org/what-to-expect/):

How long is Mass?

How do I know what's going on?

Do I need to give to the collection?

Do I have to shake hands with people?

Can I receive communion?

How do I receive communion?

Do I need to bring anything?
 

Our Building and Grounds

 
Entrances: The front entrance to St. Mary is located at 2300 W Jackson St. The front entrance faces west toward Celia Avenue.  There are also entrances on the north and south sides of the church.  The main parking area is located just off of Celia Avenue.


Handicap Access: Handicapped parking is available in the north parking lot.  The wheelchair ramp is located in at the northeast entrance of the of the church. There is room for wheelchairs in the front pew of the church.


Hearing Assistance: Induction Loop and Assistive Listening Devices:
We now have two options available in the church for the people with hearing-impairment.
An induction loop is provided for the benefit of hearing aid users. To use, please switch your hearing aid to ‘T’ when in the main body of the church.
 If you sit in the chapel area or don’t have a t-coil we offer an assistive listening device which consists of a simple receiver with volume control and an earpiece. If you have a hearing aid with a T-coil, the receiver can be used with a neck loop instead of the earpiece. (Remember to turn on your hearing aid’s T-coil.) If you’d like an Assistive Listening Device, please see an usher before mass.


Seating: You are welcome to sit anywhere. The front pew has additional space for wheelchairs.

Lavatories: Restrooms are located at the front entrance facing Celia Avenue. There are two rest rooms located on either side inside that entrance.


Kneeling: Our pews contain kneelers and we kneel as a sign of reverence during portions of prayer. Members of other religions and people with health problems may sit during the kneeling times.

Summer and Winter Concerns: Our church is air conditioned in the summer. Because our pastor lives in the rectory, adjacent to the church, we always have Mass (even during significant snowfall) in the winter. However, if it is unsafe for you to travel during winter weather, we encourage you to remain at home.