WHEN YOU VISIT
Visiting a new church can be intimidating: What should I wear? 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN ARE SERVICES?
Find Mass Schedule and Reconciliation information for all of our locations here.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
This depends on which parish activity you are joining us for. If you are joining us for our non-liturgical events such as parish dinners, CCD, or RCIA, please dress according to what is comfortable, convenient and modest according to the season. If you are joining us for the Holy Mass, it is important for us to remember that the divine liturgy is unlike any other activity in our lives because through it we encounter most directly our God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Consequently, we ask you to dress with the reverence suitable for such a profound encounter.
HOW DO I GET TO RIBOURDE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY PARISHES?
St. Joseph is located at 200 Broadway Street, Marseilles, IL 61341.
St. Mary is located at 2098 E 22nd Rd, Grand Ridge, IL 61325.
St. Patrick is located at 110 S Wallace St, Ransom, IL 60470.
St. Patrick is located at 176 W Union St, Seneca, IL 61360.
WHERE DO MY CHILDREN GO?
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt.19:14). Children are happily welcomed in our Churches at prayer time. They can stay and sit with their parents. However, if you wish to have a unique and quality pray time with your child, St. Joseph's in Marseilles, St. Mary's in Grand Ridge and St. Theresa of Avila in Earlville each disposes of crying a room.
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 our parishioners. However, we do have worship aids 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 worship aid 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 our parish your church home, we'd love for you to prayerfully consider giving on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for online giving here.
I HAVE A HEARING PROBLEM, IS THERE ANY SPECIAL ASSISTANCE?
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