Mission Statement

Called to collaborative ministry in virtue of Holy Baptism, the people of God in Saint Michael Catholic Community continue the healing presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the communities of the North Valleys by celebrating and sharing the Divine Will with all peoples.

Catholic Church etiquette emphasizes reverence, modesty, punctuality, and respectful participation in the sacred liturgy.

Preparation Before Mass

·        Fasting: Catholics are required to fast for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion, allowing only water or medicine, unless ill or elderly (CCC 919).

·        Arrive Early: Arriving 10–15 minutes before Mass allows time for prayer, reflection, and silent meditation, helping to enter the liturgy with focus.

·        Genuflection and Bowing: Before entering the church, genuflect on the right knee toward the Tabernacle or make a deep bow if physically unable. During Mass, bow reverently when passing the altar or Tabernacle.

·        Holy Water: Make the Sign of the Cross with holy water upon entering and leaving the church as a reminder of Baptism and protection against evil.

Dress and Appearance

·        Modesty: Dress should be clean, modest, and respectful, avoiding gym clothes, short shorts, low-cut or tight-fitting outfits. Men typically wear collared shirts and long pants; women wear dresses or pants covering shoulders and knees.

·        Hats and Sunglasses: Men should remove hats, and sunglasses should not be worn inside the church.

·        Children: Should also be dressed respectfully, reflecting the sacredness of the space.

Behavior During Mass

·        Silence and Focus: Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the church. Keep phones off or use them discreetly for readings or prayers if necessary.

·        Participation: Engage actively in prayers, hymns, and responses, showing reverence for the Eucharist and the liturgy.

·        Respect for Others: Avoid disturbing others who are praying; fellowship and conversation should occur outside the main sanctuary.

General Conduct

·        Stay Until the End: Remain for the entire Mass, including the final blessing, to receive the full spiritual benefits.

·        Proximity to the Altar: Sit as close as possible to the altar to foster prayerful meditation before Mass begins.

·        Charity and Courtesy: Show respect and kindness to fellow parishioners, maintaining a prayerful and humble demeanor. By following these practices, Catholics demonstrate love, reverence, and unity with the Body of Christ, ensuring that their conduct honors the sacredness of the church and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

 From Catholicconvert.com

Here At Saint Michael…

The Committee of Our Lady of Guadalupe is selling Mexican food Sunday October 18 ^th, please come and support them. All the proceeds will be used for the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 ^th.

Remembrance Table: We will be praying for the souls of the faithful departed. The envelopes are in the back of the church, so you can write the name of your departed loved ones for whom Father will dedicate Holy Masses during the month of November. Please bring a photo of your loved ones to put on our Remembrance Table. Thank you!

TRAINING FOR EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS
Father Elberto is requesting current ministers and lectors to attend this training. If you are not yet helping us in these ministries, you are encouraged to attend. Training will be offered on Thursday October 29 ^nd at 6pm, in Spanish at the church. Please let the parish office know if you are going to attend before October 25 ^th.

…From the weekly Parish Bulletin Oct 18th, 2026