I'm New Here

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

We are glad that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. However, we do request no shorts, and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative (no spaghetti straps, overly tight clothing, short skirts, or low cut tops). Sunday best is always encouraged for both men and women!

How do I get to Immaculate Conception?

Our parish is located at 814 West Nepessing St. Lapeer, MI 48446. Here is a map.

Where should I park?

Parking is available on the street in front of the church, and in the large lot on the north side of the church building.

Where do my children go?

At Immaculate Conception, we encourage you to keep your little ones with you throughout Mass. God put the wiggle in children, so don't worry if they make a little noise. If your children do get disruptive, please take them to the back of the church to settle down. There's a bookshelf in the vestibule with some kid-friendly titles that they are welcome to borrow and take to their pews.

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. You may also follow the lead of the altar boys. We do have missals in each pew that provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words to each prayer.

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 consecrated host is literally the body of Christ, transubstantiated from bread when the priest offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Many non-Catholics have a dissimilar view of Holy Communion, ranging from simply symbolic to consubstantiation. Presenting yourself for Communion is an assent to the full beliefs of the Catholic Church, and that you are in full communion with the Church.  So, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you not receive communion and remain in your pew. Check the back cover of the Source and Summit missal for a Spiritual Communion Prayer that we encourage you to use.

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. You may 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 on our home page.