Frequently Asked
First-time visit or new to the parish?
We hope the questions and answers below will help you to feel at home when you come to our parish!
If you have any unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How do people dress for Mass?
We know that this is an important question for many people who want to fit in. When you attend Mass at Our Lady of Grace, you will notice that there is a wide variety of clothing choices: from “office casual” to jeans and t-shirts, while others still prefer to wear their 'Sunday best', such as dresses, shirts, and ties. In warmer weather, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt.
We want you to feel comfortable; we are thrilled that you are joining us and want you to be able to focus on
our celebration of faith, rather than worrying about your clothes. However, out of reverence during worship and respect for others
from diverse cultures that gather for our worship, we do request that shorts, skirts, and dresses be an appropriate length
(no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable.
How is parking?
Our parish grounds offer over 240 parking spaces, in 7 lots, spanning 5 different levels with a few steps between them.
For those who need handicap-accessible parking, our grounds have an entire level designated for
handicapped parking spaces at the front entrance of the Church, which has an accessible curb and entry.
How long is Mass?
As is typical at a Catholic Church, you can expect Mass to be between 55-65 minutes.
How early should I arrive for Mass?
With the exception of Christmas and Easter, people arrive at church anywhere from a half hour to 10 minutes prior to Mass based on their individual and family needs. If you require special seating or parking, it is suggested to arrive at least 20 minutes
before Mass begins, otherwise there is always an open seat.
Do you have anything for children?
We welcome children of all ages to join the celebration of the Mass. When you look around at the people gathered, you will see newborns to those in their 90s and every age in between. Our weekly Mass is truly a multi-generational gathering!
For parents who worry when their child cries during Mass, please know that you are not alone!
We ascribe to the belief that a cryin' church is not a dyin' church; we do not have a cry room, rather, we welcome the babies and children to join us in the pews for our celebration. It is common for our Masses to be alive with the sound of the young Church.
You are always welcome to step out into the gathering space, as many parents do, to walk your child and return when you have comforted them. While in the gathering space, you will still hear the Mass through a speaker system.
Our restrooms have changing stations for your convenience and various-sized stepstools for your toddler
There is also a Children's Book Nook located on the slatwall near the restrooms. It is intentionally placed where children can reach a book. These books are free to use, borrow, or keep. We always have books rotating through thanks to parents & parishioners.
During September through May, our parish offers Children's Ministry for children in PK-5th grade on two Sunday mornings per month.
For teens, we offer a Middle School Youth Ministry for those in grades 6-8 and a High School Youth Ministry for those in grades 9-12 on Sunday nights. Details and information on these ministries are located under the Formation navigation.
Why do you have a security guard at Church?
Each weekend, we have one of our Diocesan police officers at our parish. They are not there to worry anyone, but to help
should a need arise. All of the police officers on the Diocesan police force have gone through a careful screening process
to ensure they are not only well-trained officers, but are also of sound moral character.
All of the officers are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR, and can help with medical emergencies. As our Diocesan police force grows, many of our officers carry radios, which can assist in reaching help more quickly.
Our officers are very friendly, welcoming parishioners and visitors, and assist in the parking lot with elderly parishioners.
Do you have Mass in Spanish?/Tienen Misa en espanol?
No. Nosotras no ofrecemos Misa en Espanol.
Para la Misa en espanol, contacte con la parroquia Sacred Heart and Ascension en Jeannette.
We currently do not offer a Mass in Spanish. We do have a large Hispanic community at our parish that is constantly growing.
What kind of music is played at Our Lady of Grace?
At our parish, we do not have music-specific Masses (i.e. a contemporary Mass, a folk Mass, etc). Instead, we seek to include a variety of music in our celebrations - from traditional hymns with organ, to chant, to contemporary Christian music such as Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin. Our music is offered by a choir, individual singers, and instrumentalists, depending on the Mass time or celebration.