St Monica Catholic Church — Attraction in Converse

We attended the funeral Mass for my closest friend’s son on Wednesday, 3/6/24. The parish parking was quite ample for the almost 120 cars and 8 motorcycles. The church was very clean, air circulation excellent and comfortable. I especially love that BOTH the Crucifix and the Blessed Sacrament were at the center of the altar! That’s where they should be - at the forefront and CENTRAL for all to venerate upon entering! My local parish does not display the crucifix, but rather Jesus’ Resurrection, and the Blessed Sacrament is located to the right (almost HIDDEN)! 😞

After the funeral at Ft Sam, we returned to the parish hall for lunch provided by friends and family. The staff was most accommodating and welcoming to the Chamorro (Guam community) who were setting up the buffet and dining room. They treated us like FAMILY! That’s the true Christian spirit - to manifest our Catholicism...

Father Maricio was giving his sermon right before Lent he said "Everyone is welcomed​ at St. Monica's". I had never been to St. Monica's before so I called him. I got his voicemail and left him a message. Giving a history of family background of clergy and that I was born gay and never a bad word said against me, was I accepted into the church? About 2 weeks later I received a heartfelt message from Father Maricio accepting me and offering anything else he could do for me, I do not go where I'm not wanted but I am welcomed and I am a...

I went to the Sunday mass at 5pm English mass but have also attended the Spanish mass the previous Sunday at 1pm. Both experiences were positive. Welcoming environment and if it's full according to Covid-19 guidelines then you attend mass virtually in another building. Sunday 5pm choir was beautiful and there's a lot of less people at this mass. 1pm choir is beautiful as well but be early because the audio is not as good in the...