A diamond in the rough, and a hidden gem in the Capital City! I consider it as my go-to place of…read moreworship whenever I'm in Sac-town visiting my grandparents! Who doesn't love a go-to parish community if you've gone here frequently?!
I love to hear mass, especially at different places wherever my travels take me - and it's important for me to have that spiritual nourishment, not only on Sundays, but during the week as well. It always feels good to have that alone time with the One above. :)
My grandparents recently moved to their assisted living facility in the Arden-Arcade neighborhood (within the boundaries of "the only Jesuit Parish" - St. Ignatius), but I have been making sure that I particularly attend mass here - whether it be a weekday and/or a weekend, due to its home-y & cozy environment. From the moment I attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass here, I loved it very much. It has everything you need out of a faithful church with a devout, diverse, and close-knit community: a Pastor (Fr. Luis) that's orthodox, obedient, unafraid to speak on hard hitting topics, and gives meaningful homilies that have good flow and delivery - in addition to a humble laity; reverent, and sane liturgical practices; multiple occasions to receive the Sacrament of Penance; and Eucharistic Adoration. One outstanding factor is the variety of masses laid out during the week and weekends, ranging from English and Spanish services - that serves an active church community - both parishioners & visitors alike.
It may be in an older neighborhood (less affluent Oak Park), which it may seem a bit sketchy, and unsafe - however, the times I've been (mornings) have been fine, and doesn't seem to attract a "bad" crowd - nevertheless, avoid leaving things out of plain sight inside your vehicles, and use your judgment & be cautious at all times. On the other hand, parking is a-plenty, since the church was two lots - in addition to ample parking on the street, since it seems to be solely for church parking (front row) along 1st Avenue!
The exterior of the church is pretty epic, since it is an important part of history in the Oak Park neighborhood - as the parish was established in 1909. There's so much history that the interior of the church speaks its wonders - it seems to be left untouched - old, but full of history - and that's one of the many factors that I've come to love about being able to worship here. It has so many traditional features that are special, and have lots of history in them (check out the church's website - and go to their Parish History) - this parish has quite a history in the Diocese of Sacramento!
Whenever I'd get the chance to visit my grandparents and/or just because I'm in the Capital City, I know forsure that there's a special place where I can get my worship on! Thank you, Immaculate Conception Parish for being a church away from home!
*I can't wait to hear your pipe organ again!
(not sure if they just used their organ JUST for Easter Sunday, LOL!)