I'm New Here
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, don't hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I worship with you?
Our Mass Schedule can be found here:
When is Confession?
Our Confession schedule can be found here:
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 Church?
Our parishes are located below. Here is a map.
St. Francis of Assisi
530 Gardner's Neck Road Swansea, MA 02777
St. Dominic
1277 GAR Highway, Swansea, MA 02777
Where should I park?
At St. Francis, the parking lot is right behind the church. Please be mindful of the fire lanes, and only park in the main lot for safety.
At St. Dominic, the parking lot is between the church and the hall and to the left side of the rectory. Please be mindful of the constrained parking but there is room for all.
Where do my children go?
The sound of children is the sound of life and growth. We welcome all families with children to participate in the main sanctuary whenever possible. At St. Francis, there is a closed room to the right of the main entrance with limited view through windows in the doorway which can be used as an option. At St. Dominic both in the church and the hall there are no private spaces.
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 worship. Most visitors just follow the lead of the our parishioners. However, we do have worship aids located in each pew that provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words to each prayer. If you don't see a worship aid in your pew, ask an usher, and they will be happy to bring you one.
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.