St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish Lemon Grove, CA

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.

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.

Where do my children go?
At St. John of the Cross, we believe it is important for children of all ages to attend mass with their families. Therefore, we do not offer separate children’s services or cry room”  at this moment in time, but in the future we plan to have one.

I’m not Catholic ... so, 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 St. John of the Cross 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.  There's also a great resource for kids, MagnifiKid, which can be found in a rack hanging right inside the church doors. MagnifiKid includes the days' readings, prayers, gestures, and responses with kid-friendly illustrations and explanations. It's okay for adults to use this, too!

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 St. John of the Cross your church home, we'd love for you to prayerfully consider giving to St. John of the Cross on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for online giving here. 

Monday through Friday

8:00AM - English (Live Streamed)
6:00PM - Spanish (Live Streamed)

Saturday:

5:00PM - English (Vigil Mass)
7:00PM - Spanish (Vigil Mass) (Live Streamed)

Sunday:

8:00AM - English 
10:00AM - English (Live Streamed)

12:00PM - Spanish (Live Streamed)
5:00PM - English
7:00PM - Spanish

Confessions 

Saturday 3:00PM to 4:30PM

or call the parish office for another
time to arrange with a priest.

Parish Office Hours

Counseling or Spiritual Direction
Pls. Visit or Call the Parish Office
619-466-3209

Monday- Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed for lunch 12:00PM - 1:00PM)
Saturday & Sunday - Closed

Emergency Sick Call - Any Time
619-571-3673