FAQs
Attending a parish church for the first time can be confusing...you may have questions. We hope the answers below to some common questions will help...we encourage you to explore our website...and we hope to meet you in person. You will be warmly welcomed.
WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE CHURCH?
Saint Joseph Parish is located at 770 North El Camino Real at the corner of State Street in San Mateo...two blocks South of Peninsula Avenue.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
On-site parking is available at the church. On Sundays parking is available in the dental office parking lot on Saint John’s Court to the south and across the street from the Church.
WHAT ARE YOUR SERVICES LIKE?
Our liturgies are in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer (1928) and Anglican and American Missals. The Mass is celebrated at Saint Joseph Parish in a traditional, reverent and God-focused manner.
HOW WILL I FOLLOW THE SERVICE?
The entire Mass including the readings for the day are printed in the Order of Service booklet. Pick up a copy of the Order of Service on the table to the right as you enter the Nave from the Narthex. Hymns are found in the Hymnal 1940...the larger of the two red books in the pew racks.
WILL I BE NOTICED...AND BE WELCOMED?
Saint Joseph Parish is a small parish...visitors and guests are noticed...but we won’t ask you to stand up and introduce yourself or wear a name badge. You will be warmly welcomed after Mass and invited to join us for coffee and fellowship in Young-Wheeler Hall.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
Our children are the future...they need to hear about God’s love too. Children are encouraged to attend Mass with their parents.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SERVICE?
Following Sunday Mass we enjoy coffee and tasty treats and fellowship together in Young-Wheeler Hall.
WHAT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DO YOU OFFER?
On most Sundays a Discussion Group follows the coffee hour. It is a time for discussion and learning free of partisan politics...whether church or secular. A Study Series is offered on the Wednesdays during Lent.
WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM?
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is available to any adult or child. There is a consultation with the Rector after which the Baptism is scheduled. Non-members may be asked to attend Sunday Mass prior to scheduling a baptism. Every attempt is made to accommodate busy work schedules.
WHAT ABOUT WEDDINGS?
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony between a man and woman is available to anyone. The process begins with an initial consultation with the Rector at least 6 months prior to the date of the wedding. Non-members must commit to regular attendance at Sunday Mass and to becoming actively involved in the life of Saint Joseph Parish...with the intent of becoming members of the Parish.
WHAT ABOUT FUNERALS?
The death of a loved one is always a difficult time for the family. The funeral liturgy at Saint Joseph Parish is called a Requiem Mass. It is possible to accommodate the needs of non- parishioners who desire Christian Burial for a loved one where a full Requiem Mass may not be suitable. The Parish Church is the appropriate venue for funerals. However, we cannot accommodate “Celebration of Life” services.
Download these FAQs in PDF format.
