I was looking for a Catholic mass to attend in the area and found this beautiful church with a welcoming community. Would come back again!

I've attended this church for over 40 years with my family, and my daughter also completed her First Communion classes here. We usually attend the 6pm evening Mass, which is why it's especially disappointing to share this experience. During Palm Sunday today, the church was extremely full, with many people standing due to limited seating. This Mass typically includes a youth choir, and unfortunately, on multiple occasions, my daughter and I have felt unwelcome sitting near them and their families. There is one particular older Filipina who is involved with the choir and collection. She wears a long black dress, usually has her hair up in a bun with black and gray hair, wears glasses, and carries the money basket. She often directs the children during Communion. This evening, my daughter and I respectfully waited for the children to line up. After the first group went, we stepped into line, but shortly after, this same Filipina lady directed about 20 more children to cut in front of us without any acknowledgment no apologies and no basic courtesy or manners. This hasn't been a one-time issue. The overall environment during this evening Mass has often felt unfriendly and unwelcoming. When it comes to the part of the Mass where you greet others with "peace be with you," these children in this choir don't even acknowledge you. Some often roll their eyes at you or ignore you completely. Their parents are unfriendly and disrespectful as well. It comes across as extremely rude and disrespectful. The ushers can also be abrupt and unwelcoming, often more focused on control than creating a warm and welcoming environment. Church should be a place of kindness, respect, and community...welcoming not unwelcoming or judgmental. As a parent, it's very difficult to continue bringing my daughter somewhere she feels uncomfortable. After many years, sadly we have made the decision not to return to this church. I sincerely hope the parish reflects on how people are being treated so no other family especially no child has to feel this way ever. read more

I've been going to this church my whole childhood! I did my confirmation here. I loved this church, everyone has always been so nice and helpful. Recently I've been going again there is this lady I believe named Vicky...VERY RUDE! Very condescending! Always has an attitude for no reason. Always seems mad. I feel like I can't even have a full conversation with her without her interrupting while I speak. I believe she's in charge in the office I have tried to speak to someone else but there is no one higher than her I was told. VERY DISAPPOINTING! Don't feel the same going there anymore unfortunately :( not as welcoming. read more

I had an extremely positive and satisfying experience from the receptionist to the priest who made visiting my elderly father a priority today. Both showed genuine compassion to help. Father Tommy took the time to understand my father's concerns and left him feeling consoled, peaceful and grateful. Having interacted with Fathers Francis and Goyo, I know he would have had a similar experience with any of our other priests. I cannot properly express how satisfying our experience was. read more

Our friends paid for baptism there because of how nice of an experience they had as a guest for a previous one there. The Asian priest with the beard was stern, brow beating the commandments and had no interest of celebrating children being born into the catholic faith. More than once, the priest emphasized the speed of expediting the baptism promptly, because they were hosting a wedding immediately after. The priest didn't allow friends and family to gather around for holy water blessing; he was very stern on who could be around him. After the priest blessed the children as fast as he could, he reminded us again about the wedding booked and sent in church staff to clear us out. Guests were not allowed to have family pictures in the church. A women working for them blew out candles in the background of family photos. The same women just kept walking into family pictures telling guests that they have a wedding booked and everyone needs to leave. read more

I went to school here a few years ago it has to be the worst I hated every second of it. This is due to the science/math teacher. She wouldn't teach and made us figure it out on our own for math. I would ask for help and she would only say how do you think you solve it and walk away. When I asked her why she did that she said it a learning technique.For most of it just left us confused and frustrated. I needed guidance not a vague response. She definitely had class favorites helping those her own race (flilpinos)I know it sound harsh but it true. She would give them extra attention and help.This isn't only me my Hispanic cousin often ignored to struggle on our own. That's really bad especially for a private school. She was so strict on how she wanted things. One time I was in a rush and forgot my belt. Instead of understanding that it was a simple mistake she immediately gave me a detention. Her class was always a source of stress and frustration because of her rigid rules and lack of understanding. Despite me trying my best I couldn't do well in her class. Her teaching style and favoritism and strictness made it impossible to succeed. It's disappointing because of this was a private school where you expect better support. If you were to ask my old class who was their less likable teacher they would say MS SURYA. The rest of the teachers were mostly okay still very strict though. I could say so much more but I'll just leave it at that. They need to fire her now. read more

ludicrous dress code. during winter it gets much colder, so i opted into wearing a beanie to attend the mass. i was told to take it off, and felt the cold breeze. i left after that. catholic church is very cultish and demanding of how they want things. as somebody who was brought up catholic and attended catholic school, these days i no longer visit church because to this day they are still one of the most strict religion that wants things their way. they also put up a fence around the church because they dont want homeless people going inside. the irony of praising jesus, but dont show an ounce of help to the unhoused population of carson. its hypocritical and ive seen this attitude in many catholic churches. read more

I normally get decent (if not good) service/help when inquiring and/or asking for services .... Not today. I was getting a Mass intention for a friend's mother who passed away recently. The lady was NOT only unhelpful BUT showed no respect for my time. She got a phone call and carried a conversation with the caller for a good 10 minutes. I had to interrupt her as I was running late for an appointment. I hope they get better customer service reps who value other people's time. I mean, how would she like to be yreayed Truth is I'm not even sure she put in my Mass intention. I will probably have to come back just to make sure the Mass intention was added. read more

This parish really went downhill since the pandemic. First of all they ruined the appearance of church by wrapping all this police tape that says caution around the beautiful gold banisters. Why in the world did they do that,it won't help prevent the spread of COVID and they destroyed the banister too because it is practically impossible to remove now. They could just spray disinfectant on it after every mass Instead of stick that ugly tape. And if the tape still can be removed, the metal and varnish is already most likely ruined. It always looks like a crime scene inside the church with that ugly tape. Another thing I don't like is they're obsessed with fear of getting COVID, always policing people to wear their masks and one priest yelling at one choir because of only a face shield in which was a very ugly scene one Sunday on Christmas weekend. What kind of priest yells at parishioners especially a choir who volunteers their time for God?? Don't they have faith over fear?? Doesn't these priests and staff have faith that God will protect them from COVID?? Here it's always beginning of pandemic 2020, no moving forwar with faith. Other churches I go to now like Mary Star and Nativity are the opposite. Another complaint is that on very hot days, they don't put the air conditio on anymore since last summer. This past weekend it was over 90 and they never had the consideration to put in on. Especially it's very poor ventilation in this particular church. Too cheap to think about the parishioners comfort. The office staff are also very rude speaking to parishioners in person and on phone. When you work in the church you're supposed to be friendly and respectful to people. The priests aren't friendly here anymore too. I said a hello to one of them and he replied dryly a hello back and looked like he was irritated. Sad, it used to be very pleasant in this parish but not anymore. Sad change from my 5 star rating to only 2 stars. Sad what the times have did to this once happy parish. read more

This review is not for the church mass but for the group of people who are outside being very disruptive in their parking lot :( not sure what kind of event goes on until midnight but they have been outside screaming, talking, laughing etc. for a few hours and all the neighbors across the street can hear... it was so loud I thought it was kids but when I got a closer look it was teenagers and adults :( I tried calling to ask if they could keep it down but the phone just rings ... If there's events that go past midnight there should at least be a number to call in instances like tonight ... read more

Pray Big even if you feel small. The church is open for quiet prayer God listens. No prayer is too small for the Lord. If you've faith, stay focused on God and wait for HIS perfect timing, HE will reveal to you, "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, is to give you future and hope. You shall pray and call to me and I will listen" Jeremiah 29:11-12 Planning a trip? Plan to take masstimes.org with you. Free and handy app will help you find a local Catholic church anywhere in the US and the times so that you can arrive to mass on time Office personnel is friendly, helpful and approachable There's parking available but it gets pretty congested. If you arrange to arrive early you will avoid frustration. Several parishioners arrive after service has started, distracting. Lots of opportunities to practice patience with our least considerate brothers and sisters Visit website for parish details: www.stphilomenaparish.org read more

This garish church is all show and no substance. Whoever was behind the design of this church had a meretricious mindset. With such a grandiose size, you'd think that the church would be able to sit everyone in it. This church was presumably made to accommodate for the seating issues of its old church but that problem is not mitigated at all. There are still plenty of people standing all the time. Almost all confirmation programs are fairly paltry. This is mainly due to the fact that a large majority of confirmation teachers are not certified teachers; just merely volunteers. Add that to the fact that adolescent Asians tend to be very cliquey; you'll feel very left out and depressed if you do not have a clique of your own. However, most churches run very good 3-day retreats. Even if not well-executed, these retreats have the power to instill inspiration and fellowship even among the most obstinate teenagers. Also, getting out of the parking lot once mass is over is a nightmare. It may behoove you to be patient and wait till most people leave. read more

In my line of work, I visit a lot of religious institutions. I've been to this particular catholic church outside of my professional capacity many times as well. I think I like the old building better than the new. First, you can not take a casket down the center isle because of the steps. There is also a font in the way but it is actually kind of cool that we have the opening blessing there, except for that you need to about face and go around the pillar to us the ramp that leads you to the altar. A very difficult task we you have the entire family standing directly behind you and you have to ask them to move. During the eulogy the reader is not by what we would normally call the altar the is actually on the side of the section where the family sits facing the altar instead of the guest. Exiting the building is not bad at all. But trying to exit the parking lot is a pain. In this part of town, you more likely than not, will be buried at Green Hills or Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery (this is a catholic church, duh), to get to GHMP you would like to make a left and take it to Anaheim, then merge with PV Drive. But guess what direction you can not turn at the parking lot exit? LEFT. Guess which way the 110 FWY is to take to the 405 to Holy Cross? LEFT. When you lead a procession with 50 cars you will know my frustration. It can get pretty dangerous with that many cars and that much traffic on Carson St. Any ways I can go on and on about this, but I won't. On a side note the staff is really nice, that is why they got three stars and not one. read more

St Philomena Catholic Church - Churches Near Me - Carson, California

I'm not sure if this is a common thing with this church, but I called this morning happy because I was asked to be a god parent and of corse needed a copy of my confirmation which I completed here at this church way back when, I honestly can't even remember. After called and 319.835.7161 and lady picks up the phone sounding irritated and already annoyed (must be the Monday blues) says hello twice and as I was speaking introducing myself she puts me on hold, so after 3 minutes I call with my other phone and same lady answers and of course the first thing I would ask for is her name because she totally messed up my mood by her rudeness. FERN suddenly changed the tone of her voice and provided me with her name and provided me with the information I was requesting. It's frustrating to have to deal with someone who is having a bad day when you are happy and on another level of excitement and have to deal with someone like that! Specially from a church!!! Maybe they need to change it up and get someone else to answer the phone who is respectful and happy instead of someone who is angry and sound like they don't want to be there, it is a church after all. read more

Sadly, the last two times I've had to attend mass here was for funeral services. It's a church that's been around since I was a teenager but I believe it was remodeled a few years ago to a bigger, brighter and more open design compared to the old, traditional church it replaced. It has a separate hall (formerly the existing part of the old church that has been re-done to be an event center-- next to the church for receptions, meetings or gatherings. This is where the receptions have been after the burial service which makes it convenient and holds a large group of people. I am no longer a part of this Parish since I went away to college and moved out of the area, but my mother is still a member of the congregation which is great for her since they cater to a large Filipino population and have a Filipino priest, which is why some familiar with the church, call it "St. Filipina". PARKING: There is a pretty large private lot and parking along the street but there is only one entrance and one exit which makes for a lot of traffic read more

I'll make sure to not make this review a social commentary about the congregation of this church (::cough, Glen C., cough::), but more of a review of the facilities. I'm truly grateful for the median that came up on Main St. It helped to relieve some of the madness that was a result of hundreds of people trying to leave the parking lot at the same time -- you can only hang a right now. It would have been nice to have multiple exits, but there really wasn't much that could have been done with the original layout of the property. Want to know one of the biggest reasons why I keep going back to St. Philomena? The AC. Yes, the AIR CONDITIONING. I've been to my fair share of Catholic Churches in the South Bay, and I've found myself melting in all of them during the hot Summer Sundays. Don't pretend to be holier than thou and look at me like you haven't wadded up a Church Bulletin into a fan in hopes of getting some air circulating. Well, that's not happening @ Philomena. There's no better way to get your Jesus on on a hot Summer day than to walk into a climate-controlled building. You automatically walk in yelling, "Praise the LORD! We got ourselves some AC up in here! Thank JESUS!" Don't be a cheap ass either. If you feel the AC is on, throw a couple more dollars into the collection basket. Jesus is almighty and powerful, but he does not pay the electricity bill. read more

One of the churches I regularly attended during my SoCal days. I guess we felt at home here since the congregation is like 99% Filipino being that it's located in the city of Carson (I've heard many refer to it as "St. Philipino's"). Overall the church was pretty big and had plenty of seating, but it always overflowed during Sunday masses with many folks standing along the aisles and back lobby of the church. A good tip for attending mass here is to arrive on time if you want a seat since the place is usually only 3/4 full when the mass begins. Once the service starts, thats when the masses of Filipinos who still believe in "Filipino time" start arriving up to the point where there are still families arriving halfway through the mass during the homily. Parking here though can be a pain since there is only one entrance and exit out from the parking lot. So if you end up coming late and having to park in the back end of the lot, its gonna take you a good 20 minutes to get out of the place, even when they have the teenage traffic enforcers who don't really seem to know what they're doing directing traffic. Another good tip is to park along Main St. or as close as possible to it to avoid the after mass traffic jams. Another cool thing about this church is that they have a festival complete with carnival rides like the Zipper and Tilt a Whirl. Plus it's a treat to see the ticket booths being guarded at times by some of the senior Filipino church ladies. read more

The service on Sunday is way too long. The mass starts at 9:00am and when it ends at 10:32am it is just too long.

I went a couple of weeks ago because... well.. there was something I needed to pray for =P Anyway, the place still looks the same. Not much has changed except that I just realized, that the candle place and the 24/7 chapel I was talking about were one in the same! =O *le gasp* who knew?? (admittedly I've yet to even visit the bathroom in the years since this establishment was built) Oh, and the 24/7 chapel is no longer open 24/7. I don't know the times now, but it's like the hours have also been cut back. What's up with that? I thought all Catholic churches are super rich. Plus when I went a couple of weeks ago, I went to the 6 AM mass... my 1st time, and I guess it wasn't so packed. People seem to be in a more.. um.. "I just woke up" kinda mood. Or maybe it was just me. The priest woke me up though. I was trying so hard not to crack up over his sermon about refrigerators.. but anyway, my point is, the place is still good. read more

The church itself is very large with lots of seating. Even so there are plenty of people standing during Sunday mass. We've gone to the 11:00 mass in English but even though it's in English you may feel a little left out unless you're Filipino as they did part of the service in Tagalog. I just didn't feel as welcome as I do when I go to Sunday service at Nativity in Torrance. Be prepared for a bit of a wait to get out of the parking lot as well. Also, my daughter is currently attending catechism at St. Philomena. The front office staff is very helpful and friendly. The catechists I'm afraid are hit or miss. You may get a good one teaching in your child's class or you may not. They seem to be very disorganized at times. Some catechists spend more time rearranging seating charts each Saturday than teaching. I've even seen a class where one of the students had to get in front of the class to teach the kids and a student aid stepped in to help because the catechist was doing nothing. So I recommend if you have your child attend catechism here you're going to have to actively participate in the class in order for your child to benefit. read more

This church is so beautiful I need to visit more often under normal circumstances and not just for weddings or funerals.

This church has a great community, lots of people are involved, God's house.my vist for today was we are in marriage encounter and we are hosting here. I could see why this church is so big. Its because the community is Latino and filipinos base.some real welcoming Catholic community. If you are ever in carson the area come by and vist . I enjoy this church. read more

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The church is so beautiful but they should put a 4 or 3 way stop sign so people can easily get out in the parking lot. We notice that people are trying to leave early even the mass is not finish yet because of the problem in parking. Some people don't have patience that is why they're getting mad honk and yell each other a lot. Hopefully there will be a best way to resolve this problem. Thank you. read more

St Philomena Catholic Church - Good Friday 032516 - Churches Near Me - Carson, California

The Mass is too long, too elaborate! The prieat discusses all the irrelevant issues of the Church just asking for more donations

I rarely attend this church because it is just filled the the most unfriendly congregation I have ever seen. But today I couldn't make it to my regular mass so tried to have a positive attitude about going. Well, I left with so much anger that I honestly feel like I need to go to mass again. I don't know the name of the priest. I asked 2 ushers and neither one knew.. which is so weird to me anyway...he was a large Hispanic man. He apparently has no respect for families with young children. There is not a cry room available and there were a few children making quite a bit of noise. The parents had no interest in even attempting to keep them quiet, which is beyond my comprehension anyway, but the priest looked over and said "these children are a distraction, can you please take them outside" I was in shock and disbelief that he did that. I mean, it was in the middle of his homily, which he was reading off a piece of paper anyway.... These are Gods children!! What you were reading was not all that important! You could have cut it short or made a joke... not make these young families feel unwelcome in Gods house. He did apologize after he finished, but the damage was done! I will never go back to this church ..EVER!! read more

Its the one and only church I have known since I was a kid and have been living in carson all my life. The only reason why I did not give this parish 5 stars is because there is always room for improvement. People complain about certain priests in this parish and the length and content in their mass, but in the end they are only doing the best that they can for us who come to worship. Heck some people cant even devote an hour of their time once a week. Im thankful for this place, its one of the well know parishes in Carson, masses are always well attended. read more

Church is big and nice but everytime we go for a mass on sat.vigil at 7 pm. The mass always starts late like today we left the church, because supposed to be a 7 pm mass but the priest just got out of the confession room at 7:10 and when he got out he still have to change for the mass, and it was already 7:15 pm they should change there schedule and not put 7pm sat.vigil mass. read more

5stars for the mass and personnel. BUT, I attended the Ash Wednesday mass, and I went to the restroom. And there was a healthy puddle of vomit on the ground and there was a mass before the 7pm mass and in between, nothing was done. I just think there should be a order of what to do in cleaning the bathrooms. I mean cleanliness is next to godliness. read more

They have great AA Meetings on Monday nights at 6:00pm. All the support is needed.

Went to a fiesta/festival here and it was pretty packed, good vibes from the crowd. Tons of law enforcement. Felt very safe. Rides were great and it was pretty packed on a Friday. read more

I'm not very religious but i go to this church whenever i have work on Sundays at the 4:15 mass. I just stand by the doors because i know i'd fall asleep if i sit since it's usually a long sermon. Hehe.. Nice interior, very pleasant and solemn. read more

What I love about this Church and what I want to comment on most is the feeling of community, solidarity, and love. I was baptized here, went to school here, and grew up in my faith with everyone here at this Church. It will always have a place in my heart. read more

I grew up going to this church and was baptised in the original building where they used to hold sermons or mass. Which i know now is held is the newly built building. I still feel sentimental to this church for that particular reason. I used to struggle with my lesbian sexuality growing up and finally came out 13 yrs ago. I felt liberated and elated with a sense of freedom that i am truely being me. I did feel judged by the people around me in this church or spiritual facility. People giving me discerning stares because obviously im gay and androgynous. The sermons being preached that i was wrong for how i felt. I switched to a non-denominational church which welcomed gays, lesbians, transgender or whatever creed you choose. It is not the church for me or does not feel ideally to my core values that i uphold now( tolerance, open mindedness etc). So im now alot happier with my new choice. Im not knocking this church down at all. I still and always respect the community of people who go here. Everyone is spiritually happy on different spectrums. This is still a postive review. So pls do not take it as a negative one. I am here to preach tolerance, forgiveness, love, open mindedness and peace no matter what. read more

No concept of Customer/Parishioner Service. Went to the office to register my 6 yr old for 1st communion class. Without going into full detail, lady at the counter had MAJOR attitude, totally unChristian/unCatholic like. I have changed my mind and decided to take my child to another church. This is the "3rd strike" for this church. 1st, no "crying room" for families with little kids in the new church. 2nd, parishioners are allowed to 'save" seats for people who are not there yet, like its theater? This is not normal practice at other local churches like Mary Star, Holy Trinity, St Anthony, St Lucy, St Andrew. This is not a family friendly place, at least, not MY FAMILY. read more

WHATS ALL THE COMPLAINING ABOUT pARKING..AND GETTING OUT..why can't be juz thankful that everyday we are still alive and well..with car,with food,and church that give us the best AC....other church don't even have enough parking for 20 or more..let alone this church can accomadate us miraculously....isn't that amazing?? happy new year..and may we have gratefulness for parking and a Church.. read more