Welcome to Our Lady of the Woods!

When You Visit

Visiting a new church can be intimidating:

What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go?

We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

We want you to feel comfortable. After all, we are thrilled that you're joining us and want you to be more focused on the Mass than what you're wearing. In the summertime, it's not uncommon to see people wearing sandals, shorts, and a shirt. Others prefer to still put on their "Sunday best," and that's fine too! However, we do request that shorts be of a conservative length (no “short-shorts”) and that in general, clothing be respectable and conservative.

How do I get to Our Lady of the Woods?

Our parish is located at 21892 Gudith Woodhaven, MI 48183. Here is a map.

Where should I park?

When you arrive, the parking lot is behind the church. Handicap & van accessible parking is available.

Where do my children go?

Your child(ren) is/are welcome to join you in the celebration of the Mass! A Children's Liturgy of the Word is available during the Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am Masses. The 11:00am Mass on the last Sunday of the month is a special Children's Mass (youth lectors, readings from the Children's Lectionary, and simple Eucharistic prayers) that all are invited to attend.

I’m not Catholic, how do I know when to sit, stand and kneel?

There’s no need to be self-conscious about the postures and responses used during worship. Most visitors just follow the lead of the our parishioners. However, we do have worship aids located in each pew that provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words to each prayer. If you don't see a worship aid in your pew, ask an usher, and they will be happy to bring you one.

I’m not Catholic, is it okay for me to participate in communion?

Communion, or The Eucharist, is the most intimate expression of our faith. As Catholics, we believe that the host is literally the body of Christ, transubstantiated from bread by the priest presiding over the service. Most evangelicals think of Communion as symbolic, so it makes sense that they are not as strict about having the right relationship to it as Catholics and Orthodox Christians who believe it is a sacrament and the true presence of Christ. So, if you are not Catholic, we ask that you not receive communion. However, those not receiving the Body of Christ and Precious Blood are invited to come forward to the priest with their arms crossed over their chests for a blessing.

Am I expected to put money in the offering?

We don't expect you to put money in the offering. If you consider our parish your church home, we'd love for you to prayerfully consider giving to our parish on a weekly basis. You can give by check or cash during the service, or you can sign up for online giving here.