Visitors/Newcomers

If you're new to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish,
All Are Welcome, All Are Loved!

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 arise as you visit a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you worship with us. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, please contact us or speak with an usher when you visit.

When are services?
Weekend Mass Schedule
Friday Protocols Mass:  5:00 PM
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM* and 5:00 PM

(*Mass is live streamed on St. Thomas the Apostle's YouTube channel).

Weekday Mass Schedule
Monday -  Saturday: 8:00 AM
 

When is confession available?

• By appointment. eMail request to [email protected].
• TUESDAY: 7:40 AM Chapel confessional prior to 8:00 AM Daily Mass
• WEDNESDAY: 8:30 AM Parish Hall following 8:00 AM Daily Mass
• THURSDAY: 7:40 AM Chapel confessional prior to 8:00 AM Daily Mass
• SATURDAY: 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM Parish Hall prior to 5:00 PM Vigil Mass

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably, but conservatively and respectfully. You and everyone else attending should be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. During the summer, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts and a shirt. Others prefer to 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 thoughtfully chosen. We all are, after all, in the Lord's presence. In the Lord's house.

How do I get to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish?
Our parish is located at 5150 Valley View Road, Tucson, AZ 85718. Here is a map.

Where should I park?
Our church parking lots are located on the north, south and west sides of the parish campus. Park in the most convenient spot for you. Our handicap accessible spaces are located on the west side. 

Where do my children go?
All children are welcome at all Masses. If you feel more comfortable, there is a cry room available off the Church Narthex as well as one in the back of the Chapel. 

I’m not Catholic ... so, how do I know when to sit, stand and kneel?

STAND

• • 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

• • For the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading
  • Homily
  • Offertory
  • After Communion, if you’re unable to kneel.

KNEEL

• • From the Eucharistic prayer until after the Great Amen
  • After the Lamb of God
  • After Communion

GENUFLECT AND BOW:

• • 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 approach the altar during Communion and cross your arms across your chest to receive a blessing.

Am I expected to put money into the offering?
When you visit, it isn't expected that you place money in the offering; you are free to  bypass that practice. If you consider St. Thomas the Apostle Parish your church home, do prayerfully consider contributing to our parish weekly. You may give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for online giving here.