More about MassThe St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center offers weekday masses and two Sunday masses (during the academic year).
Mass is the central act of worship for Catholics. There is no higher form of prayer than the Mass. Mass is an opportunity every week to worship as a community and praise & thank God. Catholics believe the Eucharist is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Receiving communion is receiving the body of Christ. The mass is filled with rich meaning and tradition. Across the world, in countless languages, in chapels, churches, cathedrals and basilicas Catholics come together and celebrate the mass. "The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host." -Ven. Fulton J. Sheen |
Mass TimesMonday, Wednesday, Friday
5:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday 12:15 pm Sunday 10:30 am & 5:00pm Please note that these are our regular mass times for the academic year and when classes are in session, check our Calendar for any changes to the schedule 
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FAQs
What do I do if I'm not Catholic?
If you are not Catholic you are still welcome to join us! Those of all faiths are welcome to join us for mass. Non-Catholics may not receive Holy Communion, so when everyone goes forward for communion you can come forward for a blessing (please cross your arms against your chest to indicate this) or you may remain in your seat, whichever you are more comfortable with. This practice is not in a spirit of exclusion but because the Catholic teachings are that the bread and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ. In receiving Communion, Catholics affirm this belief and those who are not Catholic should not receive communion for that reason. This is also an act only for those initiated into the Church, so even if your beliefs align with the teachings of the Church you should wait to receive communion until fully initiated into the Church.
For more on attending mass for the first time check out this article here
If you are looking to learn more about the Catholicism or interested in becoming Catholic, find more info here Becoming Catholic (R.C.I.A.)
Where are the words people say during mass?
If you are new to mass or haven't been in a while or simply like to follow along, you can the mass parts and the readings in the missalettes in the pews. It takes a little bit of practice to navigate but it you start in the beginning it goes through to whole mass and in some sections you find the readings by date. The mass parts and readings for daily masses can be found in the back half. The red books in the pews are for the songs. For an explanation of the structure of mass see here
What are Holy Days of Obligation?
Holy Days of Obligation are days when we are required to attend mass in addition to the obligation every Sunday (and also refrain from unnecessary work, like on Sundays). These days are an opportunity for us to recognize important things in our Catholic faith. The days recognized can vary by country but in the United States there are six. The celebrations for some days can be transferred by the bishop to a Sunday. If there is a Holy Day of Obligation, there will be a mass at Newman, you can check our Calendar & social media for information. More here: 2023 Holy Days of Obligation
What if I would like to help with liturgies? (altar serve, lector, usher, sacristan)
Fantastic! we are always looking for those interested in helping with mass. If you don't have experience, we can train you. Please reach out to Bethany at office@stjpnc.org for more information on training and scheduling. If you would like to connect with the community and get regular info on events you can also fill out our Student Form to get on our email list.
What if I would like to sing at mass?
Awesome! We are always looking for those who want to share their musical talent! We have a choir with both of our Sunday masses with piano accompaniment, or if you play another instrument that can accompany the choir (flute, clarinet, violin, etc.) you can also do that. Please reach out to Bethany at office@stjpnc.org for more information. If you would like to connect with the community and get regular info on events you can also fill out our Student Form to get on our email list.
If you are not Catholic you are still welcome to join us! Those of all faiths are welcome to join us for mass. Non-Catholics may not receive Holy Communion, so when everyone goes forward for communion you can come forward for a blessing (please cross your arms against your chest to indicate this) or you may remain in your seat, whichever you are more comfortable with. This practice is not in a spirit of exclusion but because the Catholic teachings are that the bread and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ. In receiving Communion, Catholics affirm this belief and those who are not Catholic should not receive communion for that reason. This is also an act only for those initiated into the Church, so even if your beliefs align with the teachings of the Church you should wait to receive communion until fully initiated into the Church.
For more on attending mass for the first time check out this article here
If you are looking to learn more about the Catholicism or interested in becoming Catholic, find more info here Becoming Catholic (R.C.I.A.)
Where are the words people say during mass?
If you are new to mass or haven't been in a while or simply like to follow along, you can the mass parts and the readings in the missalettes in the pews. It takes a little bit of practice to navigate but it you start in the beginning it goes through to whole mass and in some sections you find the readings by date. The mass parts and readings for daily masses can be found in the back half. The red books in the pews are for the songs. For an explanation of the structure of mass see here
What are Holy Days of Obligation?
Holy Days of Obligation are days when we are required to attend mass in addition to the obligation every Sunday (and also refrain from unnecessary work, like on Sundays). These days are an opportunity for us to recognize important things in our Catholic faith. The days recognized can vary by country but in the United States there are six. The celebrations for some days can be transferred by the bishop to a Sunday. If there is a Holy Day of Obligation, there will be a mass at Newman, you can check our Calendar & social media for information. More here: 2023 Holy Days of Obligation
What if I would like to help with liturgies? (altar serve, lector, usher, sacristan)
Fantastic! we are always looking for those interested in helping with mass. If you don't have experience, we can train you. Please reach out to Bethany at office@stjpnc.org for more information on training and scheduling. If you would like to connect with the community and get regular info on events you can also fill out our Student Form to get on our email list.
What if I would like to sing at mass?
Awesome! We are always looking for those who want to share their musical talent! We have a choir with both of our Sunday masses with piano accompaniment, or if you play another instrument that can accompany the choir (flute, clarinet, violin, etc.) you can also do that. Please reach out to Bethany at office@stjpnc.org for more information. If you would like to connect with the community and get regular info on events you can also fill out our Student Form to get on our email list.
More on Mass
Check out these videos for more information on mass!
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St. John Paul II Catholic Newman Center
501 S. Main St. Normal, Il (309) 452-5046 office@stjpnc.org |
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