When You Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Masses?

Weekend Masses | Misas de Fin de Semana

Saturday Vigil (English): 4 pm

Sunday (English):  8 am & 10 am

Domingo (Español): 12 pm & 2 pm

Weekday Masses | Horario de misas Diarias

Monday, Wednesday,

Thursday, & Friday (English)  7 am

Tuesday (English) 5:30 pm

Jueves (Español) 6:30 pm

First Saturday (English) 8:30 am

When is confession?

Tuesday | Martes: 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm

Thursday | Jueves: 5 pm - 6 pm

Saturday | Sabado: 2 pm - 3:30 pm

(or by appointment)

What should I wear?

We want you to feel comfortable. We're glad that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on praying 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”), that tops be modest,  and that in general, clothing be respectful and conservative.

How do I get to St. Joseph Church?

Our parish is located at [434 Church Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101]. Here is a map.

Where should I park?

Parking is available in the parking lot in front of the church. (Please observe posted signage on the street) as parking is only permitted on the Church side of Church Ave. on the weekends. More parking spaces are available behind the Church in the Parish Hall and School parking lots.

Where do my children go?

We believe that it is very important for families to worship and pray together. Your kids are welcome at Mass! If they get a little distracting or loud, some parents find stepping out into the hallway by the restrooms to be comfortable. We do ask for safety reasons that no child be permitted to go to the restrooms without their parent/guardian present. Please try to avoid leaving Church during the Homily and Eucharistic Prayer.

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 our parishioners. However, we do have worship aids at the doors of the Church when you enter, to assist you. 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 liturgy. Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship with it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians who believe it is a sacrament and the true presence of Christ. Catholics do have closed communion So, if you are not a practicing Catholic in a state of grace, we ask that you not receive communion. Those not receiving communion are invited to pray for unity within the Body of Christ from their pews, or if you walk forward in the communion procession, we ask that you please cross your arms over your chest so that the minister knows to respond.

Am I expected to put money into the offering?

If you are visiting with us, we don't expect you to put money into 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 Liturgy, or you can sign up for online giving here.  We have two collections at each Mass on the weekend. The first is for the general fund and parish/ministry operating expenses. The second is for the RENEW II building campaign supporting the construction of our new parish office and classroom facility.

I have a hearing problem, is there any special assistance?

Saint Joseph is a beautiful space for sung prayer. At times when someone speaks a little softly or quickly it can be harder to hear in the space. We invite you to sit near the front of the Church for a better listening experience.

I have a physical disability or mobility issue. How can I enter the Church?

Saint Joseph is handicapped accessible. There is a side ramp door and handicap parking located off of the Parish Hall/Parish Office parking lot on the Barry Street side of the building. There is a ramp entrance at the front of the church which allows access to the door on the right.

We invite those with mobility issues to sit in the front left side of the Church during Mass in front of Our Lady's Altar, so that Communion can be brought to you in your pew.