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, please don't hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.
When are services?
Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m.*, and 12:30 p.m.
(*Mass is Live Streamed on STACC's Youtube page)
Weekday Mass Schedule
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m.
When is confession available?
Every Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. and every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m.
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 Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church?
Our parish is located at 13720 West Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ 85392. Here is a map.
Where should I park?
Please park in our lots that run north and south off of 137th Avenue and Thomas Road. You may also park in the small lot just west of St. Clare Hall.
Where do my children go?
All children are welcome at Mass. If you feel more comfortable, we have two cry rooms available on each side of the Church. We also offer Bellow's Children's Liturgy every other Sunday during the 9 a.m. Mass inside of the Avila Room. This is open to all children in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade.
I’m not Catholic ... so, how do I know when to sit, stand and kneel?
STAND
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- The entrance procession through the opening prayer
- The Alleluia and the Gospel
- The Creed and the Prayers of the Faithful
- After the Offertory hymn as the priest says “Pray, brothers and sisters…” until after the “Sanctus” (“Holy, holy, holy”)
- From after the Great Amen through the Lamb of God
- From the Prayer after Communion through the end of Mass.
SIT
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- For the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading
- Homily
- Offertory
- After Communion, if you’re unable to kneel.
KNEEL
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- From the Eucharistic prayer until after the Great Amen
- After the Lamb of God
- After receiving Communion.
GENUFLECT AND BOW:
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- Genuflect, touching your right knee to the ground any time you pass before the Blessed Sacrament.
- Bow your head when the Trinity is named together at the name of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph before receiving Communion.
- Bow at the waist (a “profound bow”) when praying the Creed: “And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.”
I’m not Catholic ... is it okay for me to participate in communion?
If you are not Catholic or in good standing with the Church, you may not take the host during communion. You may come up towards the altar during communion and cross your arms across your chest to receive a blessing.
Am I expected to put money into 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.