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 can I worship with you?
Our Mass Schedule can be found here:
When is Confession?
Our Confession schedule can be found here:
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 shorts be of a conservative length (no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.
How do I get to church?
We have three churches in our AFC. The address and a Map to each is found below:
- Holy Redeemer Parish is located at [106 3rd St SE, Renville, MN 56284]. Here is a map.
- St. Aloysius Parish is located at [302 South 10th Street, Olivia, MN 56277]. Here is a map.
- St. Mary Parish is located at [210 South 10th Street, Bird Island, MN 55310]. Here is a map.
Where should I park?
All three parishes have street parking available in the front of the church as well as a parking lot on the backside of the church. Each church is considered most accessible to those with mobility challenges from the front of the church. St. Aloysius is also accessible from its parking lot.
WHERE DO MY CHILDREN GO?
For worship service, children (along with all their noises, bathroom breaks, and snacks) are considered members of our church and active participants in the liturgy. Some churches have cry rooms and easy to access restrooms, please ask an usher if you think you may require these spaces during or service. Don't be afraid to sit up front with your children so they can see everything that is going on. Thank you for bring your children with you to Mass!
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, the first portion of our hymnals, located in the pews, provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words to each prayer. If you don't see a hymnal 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.