When you visit
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 worship with us. 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?
WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil Mass/Misa De Vigilia Sabado: 5:30pm
Sunday/Domingo: 8:00am and 11:00am (English) / 1:00pm (Español)
When is confession available?
Every Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00pm (Before 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass)
Todos los Sabados: 4:00 - 5:00pm (antes de las misa de vigilia)
What should I wear?
The Catholic Church has no particular “dress code” for attending Mass. However, the sublime nature of what we are participating in should motivate all of us to dress respectfully out of reverence for the Real Presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We also want to avoid being a distraction to our fellow worshippers, which can easily happen if some in the pews are dressed like they’re going to the beach, rather than going to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 1387) states, “To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament [the Eucharist], the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest.”
Those who have a role as a minister in the Mass should pay special attention to how they dress. They are to be examples to the rest of the parish.
Men and boys should be mindful to remove all headwear before entering the church.
How do I get to St. Joseph Catholic Church?
Our parish is located at 42242 North Shore Dr., Big Bear City, CA 92314. Here is a map.
Where should I park?
There is ample parking in our various lots, including spaces for those with disabled placards. During the school year, our upper parking lot is blocked off on Sunday mornings for the safety of our children attending religious education classes in the parish hall.
Where do my children go?
At St. Joseph Church, we love children and families. They are all beautiful gifts from God. So, we invite families to sit together anywhere in the church. We do provide a family/cry room if parents believe that would be a better option for them.
I’m not Catholic ... so, how do I know when to sit, stand and kneel?
Our bodily gestures and postures during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are extremely significant. Thus, there are times when we stand, sit and kneel. If you're not Catholic, first, welcome to our parish's worship service! We encourage you to simply follow what everyone else is doing, and soon you'll shed any feelings of discomfort.
I’m not Catholic ... is it okay for me to participate in communion?
Holy Communion, also referred to as the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, is the central belief of the Catholic Church. It is clear from Sacred Scripture and the church's Tradition that Jesus intended to remain with His chosen people in this manner, and to feed us with His Body and Blood. There are countless well-intentioned individuals who worship in other Christian traditions who, through no fault of their own, do not understand or believe this. Yet, it is nothing less than the sign of Christian unity. Therefore, only Catholics who are properly disposed (i.e. in a state of grace, conscious of no mortal sins on their souls) may present themselves to receive Holy Communion. At. St. Joseph Church, like most Catholic churches, those who are not in full communion and/or not properly disposed to receive the Eucharist at Mass may nonetheless come forward to receive a blessing from the priest or deacon distributing Holy Communion
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, but you are most welcome to do so, especially if you are a frequent visitor to our small mountain parish. 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?
If you have difficulty hearing, please speak with an usher when you arrive at the church. You will be assisted in finding a place to worship that will maximize your ability to hear everything that goes on during Mass.