When You Visit
Coming to 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.
When can I worship with you?
Our Mass Schedule can be found here:
When is Confession?
Our Confession schedule can be found here.
- Ten scheduled Masses every week
- An average of 40 funerals per year
- An average of 20 weddings per year
- Every spring we celebrate First Eucharist with our 2nd graders; typical class size 25+ students
- The Sacrament of Confirmation annually with our 8th grade students, typically celebrated by the Bishop at the Diocese Parish in Toledo
- OCIA candidates and catechumens entering the church and Catholic faith through the Sacraments every year
- Infant baptisms of 1-4 babies on the third Sunday of the month
- Eucharistic Adoration weekly
- Regular devotions and active prayer groups
- Rosary before all funerals and weekend Masses
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. In the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to still put on their "Sunday best," and that's fine too! However, we do request that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.
How do I get to St. Mary?
Our parish is located at 85 S Sandusky St. Tiffin, OH 44883.
Where should I park?
We have a parking lot behind the church with both regular and handicap spaces, as well as some on-street spaces on South Sandusky Street.
Where do my children go?
We love having a church filled with wiggly children! If you are looking for our most family-friendly Mass, we suggest 10:00 AM on Sundays. We have Children's Liturgy of the Word for our younger parishioners (age 4-10) in the basement to learn about the Gospel reading at their level. Learn more here.
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 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 to our parish 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?
Hearing assistance devices are available in our church. Headsets are available in the church
vestibule for those needing help. We also have a hearing loop for those with hearing aids!
Tiffany Fry
Office Manager
419-447-2087
tfry@stmarychurch.com
