First off, I think it's a bit strange to review a church online but after seeing such poor reviews for my church I felt compelled. I have been attending St. Mary's parish for about 7 years now and pass about 3 different Catholic churches on my way to mass. I go OUT OF MY WAY to go to St. Mary's. The parish is diverse and welcoming. There are all kinds of people who attend this church. You can feel comfortable coming in with jeans and a t-shirt or coming in with a suit and tie. No one cares about what you're wearing or even if you're late. They are just happy you made it in to worship. The music is very nice and they have a professional choir director. She incorporates lots of different levels of talent into the services. I have never been a part of the choir, but feel that this would be a non-judgemental place. On Sunday nights they have a pianist who has a great voice. In the past 7 years, I have gotten to know the priests and some of the staff members. I did the marriage prep course and the RCIA program here. At one point, I didn't get warm fuzzies from someone in the office but they were certainly professional (and I had a strange request). They did a wonderful job for both the marriage prep and the RCIA program. I mean, they knock themselves out to make sure that you have a good experience. Another thing about St. Mary's that I appreciate is that they have never been the kind of parish to pressure you into giving more. They are respectful and are stable with their finances. There was once a drive to redo the windows and it was done with grace. I enjoyed seeing the stained glass windows repaired. I don't have any comments for the school, but I know several families whose children have gone there and had a positive experience. The children went on to attend top-notch schools. If I had to describe St. Mary's in one word, it would be "welcoming." We have made so many friends here and they supported us during hard times and joined in on the celebration of happy times. I would strongly recommend you give this church a chance. Feel free to say hi to me when you do. read more

I found a home at St. Mary's Parish. The priests are not there to entertain but rather to bring us the word of God.

My family likes going to St. Mary's Church. The atmosphere and the parishioners are warm and you feel welcome there. The staff and volunteers go beyond to make sure everything is ready even during pandemic season. The choir are good. But as a parent who wants to attend Church, the best thing about St. Mary is even with my tots can be very handy sometimes during masses, never did we get reprimanded and even the priests makes sure to check us after masses. They greet everyone else. You see and feel that every priests and staff working in St. Mary have God working with them. God Bless You. read more

I was one of two people asked to do the "gifts" during a wedding ceremony. One of the ladies working with the wedding coordinator was extremely rude and condescending to us. During the rehearsal, we went through the motions, and she talked to us slowly, sternly, and loudly - "Now...do NOT...hand the wine...to the BRIDE...BECAUSE she is wearing WHITE, OKAYYY?" I laughed it off, but she could have said, "whoever is carrying the wine, hand it to the groom and walk on the right side." So simple. Now, the church aside, I've only been inside twice - for a rehearsal and a wedding. The inside of the church is pretty cool looking, because you can see the altar from two sides, there's no wall behind the altar. You can tell that one side is an addition, as the other side is more traditional with stained glass and pews. My sister-in-law got married and attended school here, her family have been members for quite a long time. So if I were looking to join a Catholic church, I would consider St. Mary's. The church is beautiful but those working in the wedding coordination seem aggravated that they have to be there on a Friday night. read more

St Mary's has always been an uplifting part of my life. I have lost so much and the parishioners have always been so kind and supportive. I knew this was the church I wanted to call home. Also, everyone is welcome here. There is no judgement. God bless you St Marys. read more

Far be it from me to ever criticize a church, but this parish has some serious issues. The choir sounded as if they were trying out for "Glee" rather than trying to honor God. The Mass felt like a Protestant service, very little reverence and liturgical abuses. read more

Sad to say but I was seriously considering becoming a member of this church until this past Sunday, 10-28-2018. We attended the 9:30 mass. There was not a single mention of the terrible massacre at the synagogue in Pittsburg. Nothing. This church also has a school, that concerns me greatly based on this experience. We won't go back...we have freedom of where we worship...I know also I do not have to be with others to pray. I know we are equal in God's sight. I will pray for that parish but find a new community. read more

A week before Holy Week, one of the priests spoke to the adorers before the scheduled adoration at 8:00 in the evening. This was a horrible experience due to these reasons: 1) The priest informed the adorers that the pastoral council of St. Mary's Church decided to stop the Thursday evening adoration because IT IS DANGEROUS. One adorer pointed out that we are in the house of the Lord, and why should we be afraid. The priest answered saying that there are many horrifying and terrible things happening around the world, and the parish is cautious about it. The chapel is open from 8:00 to midnight, and we never know anything might happen. He said that the chapel is opened everyday until 8:00 p.m., and so we requested that we can move the hours of adoration from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. He said that there will still be adoration, but, will be twice a week and in the morning. In fairness to the ones who are working, the pastoral council should have considered changing the time. 2) The priest also mentioned that the prayers are too long and not important. "The prayers are driving people away." Another horrifying statement. There were about 10 people in the chapel, and Jesus said that when two or three are gathered, "I WILL BE IN THEIR MIDST." There are no right or wrong prayers in front of our Blessed Sacrament. Jesus listens to everyone. There are many chapels that are open until 10:00 p.m. or midnight. One chapel is even open 24 hours (MARYTOWN). I pray that St. Mary's Pastoral Council will resume the Thursday nightly adoration that may be scheduled earlier at 7:00 p.m. and all existing adorers and Jesus and Mary in the MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT will be very happy. This adoration has been in existence in over 25 years! Think about it! Thank you. Connie Camp read more

Don't work with the wedding coordinator, Tracy, at St. Mary Parish!!! St. Mary Parish has been my parish for many years. I just recently went to a wedding there...the church was gorgeous, the ceremony was lovely and intimate. It was what happened after the ceremony that horrified me. The gorgeous bride and the wedding party were having their pictures taken. I guess there was another event at the church later that day, so not only was the bride rushed through her pictures, I actually witnessed the coordinator scolding the BRIDE and her mother and threating to charge them a "donation fee" if they don't get out in 3 minutes because there were people smoking cigarettes OUTSIDE (where they belong, right?) and there were groomsmen drinking beer in the limo!!! We were all grown ups here, not children and don't expect to be treated like a child. There is an nice way to communicate and then there is this! Have you ever heard of such a thing? I felt terrible that this beautiful day was almost ruined by one individual, who from what I found out later was not responsive during the planning process and had not compassion or respect for one the the most important days in ones life! Horrifying! Like I mentioned, the church was beautiful, the soloist, violinist, the music was lovely. It baffles me! read more

I am trying to figure out what church to settle in with. I went to this church and My parents have belonged here before. I love how the church has two sides (old and new). With the comment below, the choir does not have to be professional, I believe it when I went it was a good service and choir. read more