Where should I go when I get there?

Our greeting team will meet you at the door and can show you where to find the sanctuary, restrooms, and children’s programs. If you need anything throughout the day, feel free to ask a volunteer!
 

What do you do for kids?

We love kids and want them to hear about God on their own levels. Our children's programs are safe, age-appropriate environments. At Good Shepherd, your kids will experience an engaging, fun, and safe environment they’ll love. Every Sunday from September through June, we have engaging programs for kids and students from the age of 1 up to and including Grade 7. Click here for more information.
 

What can I expect at Mass?

We are a Catholic church so, if you have ever been to Mass before, you’ll recognize the liturgy and prayers. You may notice we do a few things differently as well: When it comes to the homily, our messages are often offered as a part of a series. We take a topic or theme and walk through it together for a few weeks.
 

What else do I need to know?

Everyone is welcome! Regardless of your beliefs or background, everyone who comes though the doors is an honoured guest. We are here for you. Don’t feel like you have to dress up. Most people wear casual attire, but you are welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable. If you have any questions before your visit, email us or send us a message on our Facebook page.

If you have never been to Mass before, or if you haven’t gone in a long time, we are excited to have you join us as we celebrate and worship together!

We understand that it may feel foreign at first, and that some parts might seem confusing. The last thing we would want is for you to feel unwelcome during the service, so we have created a little guide for you to help you understand the liturgy a little better. 

First, Holy Mass is divided into two main parts: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 
 

Mass begins as the priest and those involved in serving during the liturgy enter into the sanctuary. The Penitential Rite, followed by the Kyrie, acknowledges our brokenness and invites the mercy of God. The first part of the Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word, when we sit and hear readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament and the Gospel. The readings are usually followed by the homily which is a time for the congregation to hear a short sermon from the priest. After the homily, we stand and profess the faith that we believe in by reciting the Apostles’ or the Nicene Creed together. We also spend time in intercessory prayer, as we pray together with the saints in heaven and on earth. 

The latter half of the service is called the Liturgy of the Eucharist. During this time, we come to the altar and offer bread and wine. The priest consecrates the elements (from the Latin consecratio meaning “hallowing” or “sanctification”), transforming bread and wine into the true Body and Blood of Jesus, which are then distributed to the faithful during Holy Communion Because we believe in transubstantiation, the true transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus, we kneel during this time to venerate His presence. All Catholics who are prepared to receive Jesus are invited to partake in the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Being “properly disposed” to receive Jesus means being at peace with one’s current relationship with God and with others. If a person is not Catholic or is in a state of mortal sin, then he or she is invited to reconcile with the Father through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before receiving the Eucharist. If you are not Catholic, or if you are not yet prepared to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, then you are invited (but not obligated) to come up to the altar and receive a blessing, indicated by placing a hand across your opposite shoulder.

After some time for prayer and silent meditation, the priest ends in thanksgiving and gives a blessing to the congregation, sending us all with joy and love to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.

The above was originally published by www.rcav.org and used with permission.