Welcome

I'm New Here

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 Masses
Saturday: Sabado
8:00am English Mass with Rosary following
5:00pm English Mass
6:30pm Misa en Español

Sunday: Domingo
7:30am English Mass
9:00am English Mass
10:30am English Mass
12:00pm Misa en Español
1:30pm Misa en Español
5:00pm English Mass
6:30pm Misa en Español

Weekday Masses
Monday through Friday (Lunes a Viernes)
8:00am English Mass with Rosary following
12 noon English Mass with Rosary following
3:00pm Divine Mercy Chaplet
5:00pm Rosary
6:00pm Misa en Español


When is confession?

Tues & Thurs 7:15am-7:50am and 5-5:50pm
Sat 3:30-4:45pm


What should I wear?

As a sign of reverence for God and respect for our sacred space, we kindly ask all parishioners and visitors to observe the following guidelines for modest dress when attending Mass and church services:

Tops and Shirts:
Shoulders should be covered (sleeveless tops, tank tops, and halter tops should be avoided).
Necklines should be modest, avoiding low-cut or revealing designs.
Avoid transparent or see-through fabrics.
Bottoms:
Dresses, skirts, and shorts should be of modest length (knee-length or longer is recommended).
Avoid tight-fitting or overly revealing clothing.
Pants and trousers are welcome, but should also maintain modesty in fit and length.
General Attire:
Please avoid clothing with offensive images, slogans, or messages.
Out of respect for the sacredness of the Mass, we encourage attire that reflects the solemn and reverent nature of worship.
Special Considerations for Liturgical Roles:
For those serving in ministries, such as readers, extraordinary ministers, and ushers, attire should be especially respectful, with a preference for semi-formal dress.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in creating an atmosphere of reverence and respect in our church. Thank you for helping us uphold the dignity of our worship space.


How do I get to St. Mary?

Our parish is located at 1170 South Broadway, Escondido CA, 92025
Phone: (760) 745-1611 Fax: (442) 248-8600
Here is a map.


Where should I park?

You'll find parking spaces behind the church near the parish hall. If the lot is full, additional parking is available on the dirt lot directly in front of the church's main entrance.


Where do my children go?

If your children become restless during Mass, we have a family room located on the left side of the church, near the Altar. This room provides a comfortable space where you can still follow along with the service while attending to your little ones.


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.


I’m not Catholic, is it okay for me to participate in communion?
Holy 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. "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. "The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat? ”Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (Jn 6: 48-58)
Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship with 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 from the priest or deacon.


How can I receive gluten-free hosts during Mass?
For those with dietary restrictions, you are welcomed to request low-gluten hosts, you come up to the center line at the end of communion and request it or see sacristans before Mass.

Am I expected to put money into the offering?
If you are visiting with us, we don't require or obligate anyone to tithe, but it is a recommendation by God, The Lord said to Moses: "Speak to the Levites and say to them: When you take from the Israelites the tithes I have assigned you from them as your heritage, you are to make a contribution from them to the LORD, a tithe of the tithe." (Num 18:25) 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?
If you have trouble hearing the Mass clearly, we offer headphones that amplify the sound to help you follow along more easily. Please get in touch with the assigned Mass Sacristan and we'd be happy to assist you in getting set up with them. We want everyone to be able to participate and enjoy the service fully.
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REGISTER to St. Mary Catholic church

New to the area or just visiting?

We would love to welcome you to our church. Join us for a Mass, learn more about our parish and register with our church at the link below.
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