The main entrance to the church does not face Falls of Neuse Rd. You can use any of the driveways along Falls of Neuse Rd. and then follow the buildings to reach the main entrance parking lots. Once there you'll see the covered portico main entrance beside the fountain and plaza. From North Bend Dr. you can use the driveway that follows along the athletic field and school buildings toward the main entrance parking lot where you'll be able to see the covered portico and main entrance to the church. Click here for a campus map.
Sure thing, we have two resources for you. As you enter the sanctuary you'll see a basket with Worship Aids, pick one up or ask one of the ushers. The Worship Aid outlines everything that will happen and includes all the responses and tells you when to stand, sit, and kneel. It's basically your road map. Also, consider stopping by the Welcome Area in the atrium to pick up a booklet that explains more about what's happening at Mass and gives an overview of Catholic beliefs.
We have several different groups that lead music at different Masses. The Ensemble leads the music at most of the Sunday 9:30 Mass in a contemporary style, which includes praise and worship music as well as more familiar songs and hymns presented in a new way. Our Children's Choir also leads music at one Sunday 9:30 Mass each month. The Parish Choir leads the music at the 11:30 Sunday Mass with a mix of hymns and songs both old and new. At other Masses, the assembly is led in song by a cantor and instrumental (organ or piano) accompaniment.
No. In general, it's a good idea to stand with everyone when they stand. You might choose to sit while others kneel at times. We'd be very happy to have you participate in the 'Sign of Peace' and in the 'Prayer Partners' as you feel comfortable.
Catholics believe that Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament, the bread that is consecrated on the altar at Mass. Some of the consecrated bread is reserved in the tabernacle, which is located in the church, behind the altar to the left, for distribution to the sick or homebound. So, when a Catholic enters or leaves a church with the Blessed Sacrament present, he or she will make a sign of reverence to the tabernacle by kneeling on one knee briefly (called genuflecting) and making the sign of the cross. It is not a requirement, but simply a habit of reverence that you will see many take part in, and you are welcome to do as well if you wish.
The reception of Communion (the consecrated bread and wine) is reserved for Catholics who are of proper disposition to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. If you are not Catholic but are interested in learning more about becoming Catholic, you can contact Lifelong Formation team in the parish office or talk to a priest or welcome minister after Mass to begin that process. For those who are already Catholic, it is a matter of making a personal decision of whether you're of the correct disposition to receive Communion.
Reception of Communion is an act of unity with Jesus and the Church, and if we are experiencing some major point of division that making this act of faith would go against, it could be better to wait to reconcile the division before receiving Communion again. This could involve prayer, celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and speaking to a trusted, faithful individual who can help us. It is important to understand that while receiving Communion is a beautiful and wonderful experience, we participate in the celebration of the Mass and receive grace in many other ways as well. Anyone who can't receive Communion is still invited to come forward in the procession, and, with arms crossed over the chest, receive a blessing or prayer from the Priest, Deacon, or Minister. You will observe others doing this, Catholic and non-Catholics alike, and, rather than a signaling some sort of division, rather, it is a sign of great reverence and respect that one is taking seriously the prayerful preparation and discernment that goes into the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ.
We don’t have childcare or any children’s programs that coincide with the Masses at this time. You are encouraged to bring your children to Mass and attend as a family. Many parents bring a children’s bible or coloring book and crayons to keep their children occupied during the Mass. If your children need to stretch their legs, you can take them out to our atrium. You’ll be able to hear the Mass.
We offer two children's K-5th grade Faith Formation programs - in English and in Spanish. Our English program meets in the school building and Ignatius Hall on Sunday mornings from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm and our Spanish program meets in the school building and Ignatius Hall on Sunday afternoons from 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The program begins each year in September and wraps up in May. We also offer a one week Vacation Bible Camp experience for children in grades K-5th grade each summer. Visit our children's faith formation page to learn more. To enroll your children in Faith Formation, your family must be registered in the parish. If you would like to register, visit our Become a Member page.
We offer a bilingual Youth Ministry program for children in 6th - 12th grades. Youth ministry will be meeting from 3:30 - 5:15 pm on Sundays. Check back in August for more information.
Our Mothers in Faith Group provides a quiet space for nursing with a glider chair and pillows. It is located in the hallway by the Sacristy. If you are unsure where it is, just ask an usher and they will be happy to show you.
Our priests are in the atrium following Mass for a quick 'Hello' or prayer but this isn’t the time for extended counseling. You can make an appointment with a priest by calling our office at 919-865-5700 during our office hours. If you just want to learn more about our parish and don’t require a priest, stop by the Welcome Area to chat with one of our Welcome Ministers.
We're a very diverse parish with parishioners from over 100 countries. We offer Mass in English and Spanish, (our priests are bilingual). Our most diverse Mass tends to be the 11:30 am on Sundays, where you're apt to see and hear folks from around the world.
At the English Masses, all visitors and guests will be welcomed by the priest in a general manner. At the Spanish Masses, the community will sing a welcoming song to you. In either case, we hope you'll stop by the Welcome Area before or after Mass so you can meet our Welcome Ministers who can answer any questions. We also have a gift for you at the Welcome Area!
Sure! Just call our office and 919-865-5700 and let our receptionist know what some of your questions are, and he or she will direct you to the right person.
Please call our office at 919-865-5700 and tell our receptionist what you need. He or she will direct your call to the appropriate person. Or just fill out our Contact Us Form and it will be directed to the appropriate person who will get back to you by email or phone.