I'm New Here

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 shorts be of a conservative length and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.

How do I get to Holy Redeemer?

Our parish is located at 2411 Montrose Ave, Montrose, CA 91020. Here is a map.

How do I get to St. James the Less?

Our parish is located at 4651 Dunsmore Ave La Crescenta, CA 91214. Here is a map.

Where should I park?

Both churches have parking lots on the premises.

Holy Redeemer: Parking lot entrances are off of Del Mar or Briggs Avenues. Briggs Avenue lower lot has elevator access to church courtyard.

St. James: Parking lot entrances are off of Dunsmore or Lauderdale Avenues.

Where do my children go?

We welcome children at HRSJ! We feel that the Mass is not only a time of worship but also a time of teaching. If you want a place for your child to move around a little, the chapel at St. James is a closed in space that allows you to hear and see the liturgy and not worry about the sounds coming from your little one! At Holy Redeemer we have an area that is set up to acoustically minimize sounds so you may want to sit there. We also have Childrens Liturgy of the Word at the 8:30am Mass on the third Sunday of the month, September through May.

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 the liturgy. Most visitors just follow the lead of the our parishioners. You may like to check out this explanatory guide before attending Mass to help you prepare or use this quick reference guide.

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.