St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

What to Expect: First-Time Visiting St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, Illinois

Dress Code: The parish of St. Thomas the Apostle welcomes visitors of all backgrounds. While there is no strict dress code, we encourage visitors to dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a sacred space for worship. Casual but neat attire is perfectly acceptable.

Service Format: Mass is typically held on Sundays at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM. The service follows the standard Catholic Mass format, including an opening procession, readings from the Bible, a homily (sermon) by the priest, communion, and a closing blessing.

The Mass is approximately 60 minutes long. Visitors are welcome to participate as they feel comfortable, such as standing, sitting, and kneeling at the appropriate times. Worship aids (missals) are available in the pews to help follow along.

Tips for Visitors: - Arrive a few minutes early to get settled and find a seat. The church can get quite full, especially at the more popular Mass times.

- Feel free to pick up a bulletin at the entrance, which contains the order of service and other important parish information.

- During communion, only practicing Catholics in a state of grace are invited to receive the Eucharist. Non-Catholics or those not receiving communion are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing from the priest or Eucharistic minister.

- Be mindful of those around you and try to avoid excessive movement or noise during the Mass. The church asks that cell phones be silenced.

- At the end of Mass, feel free to introduce yourself to the priest or a parish greeter if you have any questions. They are happy to provide information and welcome you to the community.

We hope you feel at home and experience the rich tradition and warm hospitality of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable.