This is a beautiful Mission-style church, and upon entering there is an immediate sense of peace and reverence. I enjoy arriving early to pray before Mass. On this occasion, however, there was quite a bit of conversation taking place, which made it somewhat difficult to maintain a prayerful atmosphere. Personally, I find the Traditional Latin Mass to be especially reverent and conducive to prayer. The priests are clearly very intelligent and deliver thoughtful, meaningful homilies. My only negative experience was with some of the parishioners. Unfortunately, they seemed rather unwelcoming and somewhat cliquish. When I greeted a couple of families, they simply looked at me and turned away without responding. I have attended many different churches and have never experienced that kind of reception before. It left the impression that the community may not be particularly open to newcomers. read more

Beautiful liturgy but the parish community is very unwelcoming and unfriendly. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another" . John 13:35 With about 1500 parishioners very few volunteer to assist in events or ministries. This does not honor God nor His family of believers. read more

I've been attending St. Stephen the First Martyr since moving to the Sacramento area in 2018, and I have to say that this parish is the crown jewel of the Catholic community in Sacramento. Keep in mind that this Parish is managed by the FSSP (Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter) a society of Priests that offer the Tridentine Mass; also known as the TLM or the Extraordinary Form. This means that the Mass is celebrated in Latin as it was before the Second Vatican Council. For folks visiting for the first time, your experience may depend if you are attending the Low Mass (No chanting or singing), or the Sung Mass (where Mass is accompanied by a choir or schola). I highly recommend attending the Sung Mass if this is your first time attending a Latin Mass, as the Schola is incredibly skilled: aside from the Propers of the Mass in Gregorian chant they have a mastery of polyphonic chant that never fails to bring a tear to my eye, and make it all the more apparent to the congregation the importance of the liturgy. Also, if this is your first time, make sure to try and get a copy of the missalette at the front if available so you can follow along (Latin on the left, English on the right), the Priest quietly says/whispers the majority of the Mass, don't feel discouraged if you get lost! Overall St. Stephen's is a very devoted community that is very faithful to the Catholic faith, highly recommend giving yourself extra buffer in finding parking as from what I've noticed, everyone is incredibly on time! read more

The church is beautiful and the mass is offered in a most reverent way. If you are looking for authentic Catholic worship and solid teaching, you will find both here. Masses are offered in the Traditional Roman Rite. read more

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A beautiful church, excellent choir, kind, caring, dedicated clergy and a devoted congregation.

This parish is amazing! If you are looking for a traditional Catholic parish in the Sacramento area, look no further. It's staffed by the FSSP, who take such care in forming their priests in wisdom and integrity. The liturgies are beautiful thanks to the structure of Latin Mass and the volunteers who sing in the choir. There is also a bookstore open on Sundays and several hours during the week, where they sell beautiful Catholic gifts, books, and missals. read more

St Stephen the First Martyr - Rorate Caeli Mass during Advent - Churches Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I moved to the area recently, and having this Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) parish nearby is a true blessing. It's my introduction to the Tridentine Mass, and I couldn't be happier with it. They offer daily Mass, daily Reconciliation (you can tell they care when you confess here), and lots of other educational and fun events and group activities. They even have a neat little store. The congregation is a good diverse bunch of people. Every time I was confused or had questions, someone helped me out. No one need be intimidated coming here. Every Catholic can rest assured that the FSSP is in full communion with the Holy See and answers to the Pope-- Don't believe the ignorant 1 star review. I was also surprised at how young the priests were; I see that as a good sign that the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite will continue on because of shining examples like St. Stephen the First Martyr Catholic Church. read more

Landing here, I felt the relief of a refugee, having fled from priests schooled in worldly wisdom and modern-minded American Catholicism. Here there is reverence and unapologetically Catholic wisdom. Thank you read more

As a cradle Catholic, i despaired upon moving to Sacramento, of ever finding a true Catholic Church and Mass. A deacon recommended them to me and i never looked back. Since i am so ill, priests bring me the Sacraments here at home. The priests at St Stephens live the words of Christ every day. They have done things for me, a shut in, no priest has ever done. They even went and bought and installed a brand new smoke alarm in Abba's Cottage! This and all the wonderful Anointing of the Sick and the Last Rites have made my life a joy. Father Joshua Curtis and Father John Lyons are loving and faithful. Taking time each week, out of a hectic schedule to bring me the Sacraments. Both are true Confessors. Sensitive and merciful. i used to dread Confession. No more. They simply make you feel understood and forgiven. A church is only as good as its priests. On that aspect alone, St Stephens just shines. The church itself is beautiful. My dearest wish is be able one day, to attend Mass there. In the meantime, Father Curtis made sure i get my parish bulletin in my e-mail, so i can feel more a part of my beautiful parish. A traditional Catholic Church, like the one i grew up with. St Stephens makes me proud to be a part of their loving community. read more

I am so grateful to have found this Church it's the Epitome of what a Catholic church should be. I love the fact that they have confessions before every Mass. Fr Lyons is a great confessor. Very gentle and humble in his voice. Great to see Catholic devoted families. read more

St Stephen the First Martyr - Churches Near Me - Sacramento, California

For any Catholic interested in attending a traditional, Catholic mass, Saint Stephen the First Martyr is the place to go. Be prepared, the entire Mass is done in Latin(except for the readings and the homilies), and can be quite tricky to follow along. Using the pamphlets at the front with translations can help you to follow, but you can still get lost if you do not know how to read it correctly. The High Mass on Sunday is so absolutely beautiful. It is a must if you are to attend Saint Stephen. There is a choir and everyone is perfectly in tune. It feels like the true experience of Heaven on Earth(not that I know what that would feel like, but I can only compare). The Low Mass has no music, and is very silent. The Mass is very different than any Mass you have ever experienced. There is so much tradition, and so much reverence given to Jesus. Women are encouraged to wear the Mantilla (veil) on their heads. Ladies, please wear modest clothing. No short skirts, no spaghetti straps. Everyone truly honors God in their dress, parishioners wear their Sunday best. There is confession offered 30 minutes before every mass, even on weekdays. When the 30 minutes has passed, you may still give your confession throughout the mass. There is a line in the back of the church where you may sit on the pew or chairs, and still witness the Mass while you wait. When receiving communion, kneel down at the altar, and receive the Holy Eucharist with your tongue, not with your hands. You are in for a Traditional Catholic experience at Saint Stephen the First Martyr. Even if you are not Catholic, and you wish to experience what a Latin Mass would be like, Saint Stephen will have much to offer. read more

Very beautiful church with fantastic priests. Confession is offered starting a half hour before every mass making reconciliation easy. On that subject, as a Catholic I have been to confession many times in many places, but at St. Stephens I have found the best confessors I have ever experienced. The priests are amazing. IMHO this is what mass should be. The amount of reverence by the Priests and altar boys is beautiful and cannot help but lead you to a greater mass experience. If you can, go to the 10:30 high/sung mass, the choir is top notch and has almost moved me to tears on several occasions. The homilies are to the point and always relative to the readings and living your life as a Catholic. If your looking for happy clappy feel good nonsense this is not the Church for you. If you are looking for a deeper relationship with God through the Church He started on earth you will adore St. Stephens as I do. I have to drive over an hour to make it to mass here, but I would gladly drive twice as far to have the sort of solidly Catholic mass that has somehow been lost in the post Vatican II era, not saying Vatican II was bad, it wasn't, I'm just saying many of the individual churches have lost their way. read more

This Church is small, but also very beautiful. Mass is in Latin with the Homily in English (otherwise, how would anyone understand?). Since it's in Latin you can expect it to be what it was before Vatican II was set. You don't have to cover your hair if you're a lady, but modest dress seems to be the requirement (it's a Church, you shouldn't be in booty shorts anyways). They have veils in the vestibule (narthex) if it makes you feel more at ease. And as with pre-Vatican II Mass, there is more of the stand-knell-sit-stand-kneel-stand-kneel going on, so be prepared. If you're unfamiliar, you can just follow the rest of the Church to see what their doing. All in all, a beautiful Church and Mass, I would very gladly attend again. read more

They are the best parish to be a member of and the priests care about you so much they want to help in a way that matters. They're a close knit community so don't take advantage of their kindness. read more

This is a traditional honest to goodness Catholic Church. The mass is in Latin and the music is beautiful. The priests are amazing. They tell it like it is, like the Gospel should be told. There are no watered down sermons here. If you are looking for Catholic-lite or "the church of nice", look elsewhere. It's the real deal. If you want to know what real Catholicism is all about, Saint Stephen's should be your first stop. There are a lot of big families, kind hearted people, and wholesome family fun activities. read more

This is the true Mass .I come from Davis to worship here . Jesus is truly loved and revered here . And I fell God is being worshipped , How He requires to be worshiped! They "worship in spirit and in truth" !Even tho traditional Catholics are persecuted by the post conciliar church , Jesus is always on His throne and will restore the rightful liturgy and worship of the Latin rite !!!! Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary !!! read more

If you are fortunate to be able to attend Holy Mass here on Sunday's, you most certainly will never be the same again. If you don't frequently attend the Traditional Latin Mass start doing so today !! This highly recommended Latin liturgy of ancient day's still exists even in the Most Extraordinary Rite Form of the Mass. It's the Holy Mass of former day's when nothing un-defiled could sully the liturgy. This beautiful church clearly encompasses the fullness of the Catholic Faith. You will not be let down in attending such a reverent liturgy for your Sunday worship services. It's well worth the drive, even if your drive is well over an hour... There is nothing more beautiful this side of the heavens than the Traditional Latin Mass !! St. Stephen- Pray for us . read more

Inspiring priests, great families, lots of activities to participate in, beautiful liturgy, and an outstanding choir. A truly Christ-centered parish. read more

St Stephen the First Martyr - Altar - Churches Near Me - Sacramento, California