Our Lady of the Sun Church

What to Expect: A Helpful Guide for First-Time Visitors to Our Lady of the Sun Church

Dress Code: As a traditional Catholic church, Our Lady of the Sun adheres to a more formal dress code. Men are expected to wear collared shirts and dress pants or suits. Women should wear dresses, skirts, or dress pants that cover the knees. Modest, conservative attire is the norm to show reverence for the sacred space.

Service Format: The Mass at Our Lady of the Sun is celebrated in the traditional Latin Rite. The service follows the pre-Vatican II liturgy, which means the prayers and responses are in Latin, and the priest faces the altar for much of the Mass. Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony are common during the service. The Mass is celebrated ad orientem, with the priest and congregation facing the same direction.

Newcomer Tips: - Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and prepare your heart for the sacred liturgy. - Familiarize yourself with the Latin responses ahead of time, or feel free to simply observe and listen during your first visit. - Follow the lead of long-time parishioners when it comes to kneeling, standing, or sitting at different points in the Mass. - Refrain from receiving Holy Communion if you are not in a state of grace or are unfamiliar with the requirements for receiving in the traditional rite. - After Mass, feel free to introduce yourself to the priest or other parishioners. The community is warm and welcoming to newcomers.

We hope these tips help make your first visit to Our Lady of the Sun Church a meaningful and enriching experience. May the timeless beauty of the traditional Latin Mass inspire you to deepen your Catholic faith.