When You Visit (FAQ)

Weekend Masses

Saturday (Sunday Vigil): 5:00 PM 

Sunday: 10:30 AM with Livestream to Facebook

Weekday Masses

Monday: 12:00 PM  

Tuesday: 12:00 PM

Wednesday: 6:30 PM

Thursday: 12:00 PM

OLPH parish is located at 314 Turner Rd, Salem, VA 24153.  If you are familiar with the Salem area, we are just down the road from Walgreens and Walmart.  Click on the button for directions.

We have a large parking lot accessible directly from Turner Road. 

The most direct access to the worship space is through the set of glass doors that lead you into our gathering space, which we call the Commons.  While there, pick up a worship aid from the baskets or ask an usher for directions.  The worship space is straight ahead - just pick a pew to sit in.

We want you to feel comfortable. We are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. 

Still, it might make you feel more comfortable to know how others dress.  Most parishioners wear clothing described as smart casual (such as collared shirts, blouses, khakis, and skirts).  Some people wear more formal clothing (suit & tie, dresses), while others are more casual (shorts & sandals).   We do request that all clothing be modest and respectful.   

You might notice that some women wear mantillas (traditional lace veils) as a sign of reverence, but that is a personal choice and not required.

There’s no need to be self-conscious about the postures and responses used during Mass. Most visitors just follow the lead of our parishioners. 

However, we do have worship aids (pick one up in the Commons on the way in) that provide you with the order of the Mass and the words of each prayer.  They also tell you exactly when to sit, stand, or kneel.

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 celebrating Mass. Most other denominations 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 the true presence of Christ. 

Also, an important part of receiving Communion in the Catholic Church is being in communion with the Catholic Church. As such, non-Catholics, along with Catholics who are not practicing or not in the state of grace, should not receive the Eucharist, but are invited forward for a blessing instead. Just come forward in the line with your hands crossed over chest, which lets the ministers know that you would like to receive a blessing instead of the Eucharist.

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. 

Of course, you are also welcome to make a contribution as the basket is passed.  

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. 

We have hearing assistance devices available for use during Mass. Stop by the Sound Booth at the back of the Worship Space to pick one up, or ask an usher to bring one to you.

Children are always welcome to join us at Mass! However, sometimes the little ones have trouble making it through Mass.  If you have a child between 6 months and 3 years, you are also welcome to drop your child off at our Nursery, which is staffed by a coordinator and parent volunteers.  Ask an usher for directions.  Please note that the nursery generally is closed for Christmas Eve, Easter Day, and the months of July and August.

Confessions take place in our Reconciliation Room, which is located in the back of our worship space near the Sound Booth at the following times throughout the week:  Tuesday from 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM,  Wednesday from 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM, and Saturday from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM.  We often offer additional times during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent.  Check our calendar before coming, since there are occasional changes to this schedule.  If these times don't work, contact our pastor for an individual appointment.