What to Expect When Attending Mass at St. John the Apostle Parish

St. John the Apostle Parish (sjaparish.ca) is a Catholic community in Kerrisdale, Vancouver, and its website gives first-time visitors a clear picture of what happens at Mass: the weekend and weekday schedules, when confession is available, and how to join online if you can't attend in person. If you are new to the parish or returning to church after a long absence, the practical answer is simple — arrive a few minutes early, follow the printed order of the Mass, stay seated if you are unsure about kneeling or receiving Communion, and introduce yourself afterward. The sections below cover the schedule, the flow of the Mass, confession, and online options.

Mass times at a glance

The parish publishes its full schedule on the "Mass Times" section of the homepage.

If you are visiting for the first time, the Saturday 5:30 pm or Sunday morning Masses are the most straightforward options for an English-language service. The Cantonese and Mandarin Masses follow the same structure but in a different language.

What actually happens during Mass

The website's "What to Expect at Mass" guidance, together with the standard Catholic liturgy, means a typical Mass runs about an hour and follows this pattern:

1. Entrance and greeting — the priest processes in, and the congregation stands.
2. Readings — usually one from the Old Testament, a Psalm, and one from the New Testament, followed by the Gospel.
3. Homily — the priest or deacon gives a reflection on the readings.
4. Offertory and Eucharistic Prayer — bread and wine are brought forward and consecrated.
5. Communion — those who are prepared receive Communion; others may stay seated or come forward for a blessing.
6. Dismissal — the priest blesses the congregation and sends them out.

You do not need to know every response. Most parishes, including this one, provide a hymnal or missal with the order of the Mass, and you can simply follow what the people around you do.

Confession and private prayer

Confession is available 20 minutes before weekend Masses and 15 minutes before weekday Masses, either in the church or by appointment. To arrange an appointment, the site lists Father Paul Chu at [email protected].

The parish also provides two Examination of Conscience documents to help you prepare — one in English and one in Chinese — linked from the homepage.

For private prayer, the parish church and grotto are open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and there is a Holy Hour on Friday from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.

If you cannot attend in person

The parish runs a YouTube channel for online participation: https://bit.ly/SJAParishVancouver. This is useful if you are sick, travelling, or simply want to see what a Mass looks like before attending. Watching a recorded or livestreamed Mass first is a low-pressure way to learn the responses and the rhythm of the service.

Practical tips for a first visit

• Arrive 5–10 minutes early so you can find a seat without disrupting the service.
• Dress is generally casual to smart-casual — there is no strict dress code mentioned, but most people dress respectfully.
• You can stay seated during Communion if you have not been to confession or are not Catholic. No one will single you out.
• Bring questions — the parish describes itself as a community "dedicated to drawing people into a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ," and the "Get Involved" and "Explore your Faith" sections of the site list ministries and resources if you want to go further.
• Check the schedule before you go — holiday weekday Masses shift to 9:00 am, and the Mandarin Mass only happens on the third Sunday of the month.

Common questions

Do I need to register before attending? No. You can simply show up. Registration and getting involved are separate steps covered under "Get Involved."

Is there parking or accessibility information? The homepage excerpt does not list parking or accessibility details, so it is worth contacting the parish directly if you have specific needs.

Can I receive Communion if I am not Catholic? The general Catholic practice is that Communion is for Catholics who are in a state of grace. If you are not Catholic or have not been to confession, you are welcome to stay in your seat or come forward with your arms crossed for a blessing.

How long is Mass? Typically about an hour, though weekend Masses with music and a homily can run slightly longer.