Frequently Asked Questions:

   1. How do I submit a prayer request?

   2. What is a Mass Intention?
            Mass intention is the object for which a priest offers the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
            Technically a Mass intention means that the sacrifice is offered for some person(s) living or dead. An individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday), or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died.

   3. What is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration?
            The practice of Perpetual eucharistic adoration began in France in the 17th century.  It is prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, either reserved in the tabernacle or exposed in a monstrance, continued by successive worshipers day and night without intermission.  This parish observes it the first Friday of the month from 9PM until Saturday morning at 7AM. To sign up for PEA, contact Scott McKechnie, +1 310 831 5093 or Rudy Roldan, +1 310 261 7748.

   4. Tell me about "Fast" and "Abstinence" during Lent.
             Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, all Catholics 14 years old and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.
             Fasting as explained by the U.S. bishops means partaking of only one full meal. Some food (not equaling another full meal) is permitted at breakfast and around midday or in the evening—depending on when a person chooses to eat the main or full meal.
             Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, milk products or condiments made of animal fat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are not forbidden. So it is permissible to use margarine and lard. Even bacon drippings which contain little bits of meat may be poured over lettuce as seasoning.

   5. Tell me about appropriate etiquette for Mass.
              Attire: Like any other public gathering, the Holy Mass calls for proper attire out of respect for our Lord and out of respect for others.  You should always dress modestly and in if possible in nicer clothing than you’d wear around the house.
              You are to fast before receiving the Eucharist, and are to refrain from receiving the Eucharist if you are in a state of mortal sin. If you are a public, unrepentant sinner, the priest has every right and duty to not offer you the Body of Christ.

General deportment in a church and at the Mass should be based on these Truths: 
 
Christ is present in the tabernacle. Therefore, respect the sanctuary as the holiest area of the church; it is the Holy of Holies. 
 
During the Mass, we are at the foot of the Cross, witnessing the re-presentation of the Sacrifice at Calvary. How would you behave if you could see, in a way very apparent to the senses, Christ on the Cross, pouring out His Blood for you? What sort of gratitude and reverence would you exhibit? Look upon the Mass with the eyes of faith, and know that the all too common focus on the Mass only or primarily as "celebratory meal" or a "happy gathering" is in no way Catholic and in no way represents the Truth of what the Mass is.

When you enter the Church, cross yourself with Holy Water and thank God for the grace given to you at Baptism. When you reach your pew, genuflect toward the Tabernacle in the Sanctuary before sitting down.

Keep sacred silence in the church. Avoid unecessary conversation and keep necessary conversation to a very low whisper. The Church is a lot holier than a library, eh?

Please try to be on time for Mass! Sometimes things can't be helped, without doubt -- cars break down, babies need changing, alarm clocks fail to go off -- but chronic lateness for the Mass is rude and disruptive.  

• Why do we genuflect in church? What is appropriate to do as you enter the church?
  

                        To genuflect means to bend the knee.  It is a symbol of humbleness before God and in doing so we prepare our hearts to come before Our Lord in humility and contrition.

Here are some links of resources helpful to answering more questions you might have or to research our beliefs.

And some links of  guides to study scripture, of the catechism, of retreat centers, of film reviews, etc.


The Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church:

• The Vatican
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

• The New Advent
• Catholic News
• EWTN
• American Catholic
• Los Angeles Archdiocese

    
Scripture/the Bible:

• The New American Bible

• Our Catechism
• The Navarre Bible: Pentateuch “Texts and Commentaries”
• Catholic Haydock Commentary with Douay Rheims Bible
• The Religion Teacher

Retreat Centers:

• Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center
• Mary & Joseph Retreat Center

Catholic Reviews:

• USCCB
• americancatholic.org
• Catholic News Service

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