Due to COVID-19 the following information may have changed. Please check the Our Lady of the Rosary home page for the most up to date information or call the parish office at (619)234-4820
Visiting a new church can be intimidating: What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go?
We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.
When are services?
English Masses
- Saturday - 5:30 PM
- Sunday - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 12:00 noon
- Monday through Saturday - 7:30 AM & 12:00 noon
Italian Mass
- First Sunday of the month, 12:00 noon
When is confession available?
- Saturday, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
- Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:00 noon
- By appointment. Call the office to schedule with one of our priests.
Are low-gluten hosts available?
Yes. Low gluten hosts are available. Please inform a greeter or a priest of you need. At communion, line up in the celebrant's line and say "low gluten" before receiving communion.
What should I wear?
We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you're wearing. In the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to still put on their "Sunday best," and that's fine too! Remember this, To be modestly and tastefully dressed is a sign of respect for God, for our selves, and for others. It’s a false assumption that God does not care how we dress. Jesus told us “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do it to me.” If our attire is indecently provocative (short shorts, strapless, backless, spaghetti strap dresses/tops, or displaying cleavage), displaying unwholesome graphics (skulls, advertisements, scantly clad people) or tattered, it becomes offensive to our brothers and sisters who are worshiping the Lord and therefore offensive to God’s Majesty.
Ask this question: “Would you dress this way before God?” You are! He sees everything and you are in His house.
How do I get to OLR?
The church of Our Lady of the Rosary is located at 1668 State Street, San Diego 92101 (The physical church is closed for restoration. The project began on January 7, 2020 and still on going.)
Here is a Google map.
The Pastoral Center/Parish Offices are located at 1629 Columbia St
Here is a Google map.
Where should I park?
We have one small parking lot at the Pastoral Center. 7 spaces are reserved for staff and the deacon. Washington Elementary School's South lot is available for weekend Masses, enter off of Date St. Little Italy also has plenty of street parking and there are also pay lots. We are also 4 short blocks from the Little Italy Trolley Station.
Where do my children go?
At OLR, we believe it is important for children of all ages to attend mass with their families. Therefore, we do not offer separate children’s services. Families who do not attend Catholic School typically attend Faith Formation, which starts with the 9:00 AM Mass followed by classroom instruction during the school year.
I’m not Catholic ... so, 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 OLR parishioners. However, we do have worship aids located in each pew that provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words to each prayer. If you don't see a worship aid in your pew, ask an usher, and they will be happy to bring you one.
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 host is literally the body of Christ, transformed from bread by the priest presiding over the service. Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship to it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians who believe it is a sacrament and the true presence of Christ. So, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you not receive communion. However, those not receiving the Body of Christ and Precious blood are invited to come forward with their hands crossed over their chests for a special blessing.
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, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. If you consider OLR your church home, we'd love for you to prayerfully consider giving to OLR on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for auto-enrollment with online giving here.
I have a hearing problem. Is there any special assistance?
Yes. Our Lady of the Rosary is equipped with a hearing loop.