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 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?
Weekend
Saturday | 8:30am, 4:00pm (Vigil)
Sunday | 8:00am, 9:30am (Latin High Mass), 11:30am, 8:00pm
Weekday
Monday - Friday | 8:30am
WHEN IS CONFESSION?
Monday, Wednesday, Friday | Following morning Mass
Tuesday, Thursday | 6:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, Sunday | 2:30pm-4:00pm
Other | By Appointment
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We are thrilled that you're joining us! We want you to be more focused on the service than what you or others are wearing. We want you to feel comfortable without drawing undo attention to yourself. Many prefer to still put on their "Sunday best," and that is certainly laudable. Yet, in the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. However, we do request that shorts and skirts be of a modest length (no “short-shorts” or "mini-skirts") and that in general, clothing be respectable and modest. [Some may consider this request rather subjective, so objectively a good rule of thumb is the practice at Catholic shrines in other parts of the western world. In most churches that are pilgrimage destinations the requirement is that shorts be to about the knees, and shoulders be covered.] That being said, neither Father nor his minions will be carrying a ruler around the church to make sure that shorts and skirts are no more that two inches above the knees. The judgment is left to you and your properly formed conscience.
HOW TO I GET TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES?
Our Church is located at 6301 Woodbine Ave, Philadelphia.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Center is at 1941 Wynnewood Road, Philadelphia. (This is the former convent.) Here is a map.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
As an older historic church that predates the automobile, we do not have the luxury of a parking lot. Mass goers arriving by car park along the streets of Overbrook Farms.
WHERE DO MY CHILDREN GO?
Our Lady of Lourdes is family friendly. Our philosophy is "If there is never crying, your parish is dying." That being said, many parents choose to take restless children to the vestibule (the entrance hall inside the main doors) where glass doors muffle the sound entering the nave of the church while the speaker system allows those in the vestibule to hear that which is cast over the sound system.
I'M NOT CATHOLIC, 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 (in the form of the St. Michael Hymnal) 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 or a parishioner, 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 substantially the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ, transformed from bread and wine 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, but to remain in your pew and make a spiritual communion with God. Those Catholics who are properly disposed to receive Holy Communion come forward and line up along the rail at the entrance of the Sanctuary. The priest will move along the rail to the communicants who may receive kneeling or standing, directly on the tongue or in the hand, unless the ritual of the particular Mass regulates a more specific method of receiving 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, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. If you consider our parish your church home or wish to help us maintain the historical beauty of the building and parish community, 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?
We currently do not have a system for the hearing impaired, but are not closed to the idea in the future. We are quite open to creatively adapting to any needs that arise.