New to St. Mark?
Welcome Home!
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Whether you are new to the area, looking for a parish home, returning to the Church, or simply joining us for the first time, we are so glad you are here. We hope St. Mark can be a place where you encounter Christ, find community, and feel at home. -
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First Sunday Mass at St. Mark?
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Whether you are visiting for the first time, returning to Mass, or simply curious about the Catholic faith, you are welcome here. You do not need to have everything figured out. Come as you are, and we will be happy to help you find your way.
Before You Come
There is no formal dress code at St. Mark. Many people come casually, while others choose to dress up a little more. We simply ask that everyone dress in a way that is respectful of the sacredness of Mass.
You do not need to register before attending Mass. If you are able, arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to park, find a seat, and settle in.
Address and Parking
You can find the Scripture readings for each day at
USCCB Daily ReadingsWhen You Arrive
Visit the Welcome Desk, located inside the main entrance. Every Sunday, one or two St. Mark staff members are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to answer questions, help you find your way, or connect you with the right person.
You are welcome to sit anywhere in the church. Feel free to introduce yourself to those around you, but please do not worry if you prefer to quietly take in the experience.
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Children and Families
Toddler Room Shared Space
During the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses, families with toddlers are welcome to use our Toddler Room Shared Space in the Brides Room and Choir Practice Room.
This is a space for toddlers and their parent or caregiver to be together during Mass. It is meant to offer families a little more room while still allowing them to remain part of the parish community.Mother’s Room
Our Mother’s Room is located next to the chapel, near the front of the main sanctuary. It includes two rocking chairs, a changing table, extra diapers, and a screen so mothers can continue to participate in Mass.
Because the room is small, we kindly ask that it be reserved for mothers and their babies.
- Changing tables are also available in the restrooms.
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Walking Through the Mass
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Mass begins when the priest, deacon and altar servers process into the church. Everyone stands and joins in the opening song.
The priest greets the congregation and invites us to prepare our hearts for Mass. There is a brief time to call to mind our sins and ask for God’s mercy.
On most Sundays, we then sing or say the Gloria, a prayer of praise to God. During Advent and Lent, the Gloria is omitted.
The opening part of Mass ends with a prayer called the Collect. After the priest says, “Let us pray,” there is a short moment of silence.
When the priest finishes the prayer, everyone responds, “Amen,” and sits down.
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We listen to a reading from the Old Testament or, during Easter, from the Acts of the Apostles. After the reader says, “The Word of the Lord,” the congregation responds, “Thanks be to God.”
Next, we pray or sing a Psalm together. A cantor usually sings the response first, and the congregation repeats it.
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On Sundays, we hear a second reading, usually from one of the letters in the New Testament. The reader again concludes with, “The Word of the Lord,” and the congregation responds, “Thanks be to God.”
Everyone then stands for the Gospel Acclamation, often the Alleluia. During Lent, a different acclamation is used.
The priest or deacon proclaims a passage from one of the Gospels. When he announces the Gospel, the congregation responds, “Glory to you, O Lord,” while making a small cross on the forehead, lips, and heart. This is a prayer that God’s Word may be in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.
At the end of the Gospel, the priest or deacon says, “The Gospel of the Lord,” and the congregation responds, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” Everyone then sits down.
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The priest or deacon gives a homily, helping us reflect on the Scripture readings and how God is speaking to us today.
After the homily, everyone stands to profess the faith by praying the Nicene Creed. If you do not know the words, you are welcome to listen.
We then pray for the needs of the Church, the world, and our community. After each prayer, the congregation responds, “Lord, hear our prayer.”I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen
The Nicene Creed is our profession of faith. In it, we proclaim what Catholics believe about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, forgiveness, and eternal life. We say it together to renew the faith we received at Baptism and to unite ourselves with Catholics throughout the world and across the centuries. The full prayer is printed in the worship aid, and you are welcome to join in or simply listen.
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The altar is prepared for the Eucharist. Bread and wine are brought forward, and the priest offers prayers over them.
The congregation stands during this part of Mass. When the priest says, “Pray, brothers and sisters,” the congregation responds"May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church."
At the end of this prayer, the congregation responds, “Amen.”
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The Eucharistic Prayer is the heart of the Mass. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Everyone stands for the beginning of this prayer, joining in the Holy, Holy, Holy. After this, the congregation kneels, if able, and remains kneeling through the consecration.
You will hear bells ring as the priest raises the consecrated Host and then the chalice. This is a moment of prayer and reverence. You are welcome to kneel, sit quietly, or follow along in the way that is comfortable for you.
At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, everyone stands and responds, “Amen.”
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We pray the Our Father together. The words are printed in the worship aid.
After this prayer, the priest invites everyone to offer a sign of peace. This can be a simple handshake, wave, or quiet greeting to those nearby. There is no pressure to greet everyone around you.
The congregation then prays or sings the Lamb of God while the priest prepares to receive Communion.
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Catholics who have received First Communion and are properly prepared come forward to receive the Eucharist.
If you are not Catholic, have not received First Communion, are not prepared to receive Communion, or would prefer to remain in your pew, you are very welcome to do so. You are also welcome to come forward for a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest.
After receiving Communion, people return to their pews for a quiet time of prayer. You may sit or kneel as you feel comfortable.
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After Communion, the priest offers a final prayer. There may be announcements before the final blessing.
Everyone stands for the blessing and closing song. The priest or deacon sends us forth, and the congregation responds, “Thanks be to God.”
You are welcome to stay and pray quietly after Mass, introduce yourself to someone nearby, or stop by the Welcome Desk with any questions.
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