Reviews
Gene and Kristen from Holy Family Music Ministry made our wedding mass into something truly special. During the final meeting we went through an array of song choices, from modern pop to old school rock & roll, and created something that represented us as a couple. Music is important and I would recommend Gene & Kristen to anyone!
5
7 years ago (30-01-2018)
Went to a Christmas play for my grandchildren. It was wonderful. I loved Christmas around the world and all the songs. Great
5
8 years ago (19-12-2017)
Holy Family is what you get when you take a megachurch like Willow Creek and smash it together with your typical post-Vatican II parish.
There are big screen to the left and right of the sanctuary to provide a view of the action, lyrics for songs, and text for prayers. This was very helpful to me as at the mass I attended, we recited the Apostles' Creed instead of the Nicean Creed and it threw me off my game.
Lyrics are also helpful because you're going to get a bunch of "in your face" music. We're talking more Matt Maher CCM style, less Marty Haugen/David Haas post Vatican II classics, and 0% pre-1970. And I'm not implying this is about KLOVE staples and GIA Gather favorites played on an organ. We're talking full on worship band. Cool.
The homily by Fr. Rich was orthodox, yet kind. Lots of personal anecdotes that reflect the gospel in a parable like fashion. Regular attendees at evangelical megachurches will enjoy his preaching style. Feel free to take some notes. I see that sometimes with our protestant brothers and sisters, yet this was the first time I saw someone at a Catholic church whipping out a bible and writing notes in the margin.
The pews have no books, so I recommend BYOB (bring your own Bible) or downloading your missal on your phone if you like to read the scriptures and follow along. And don't worry; you're not going to have any cranky person hissing at your to put your phone away. And even if they did, you will do so in comfort as the pews are cushioned! They have kneelers, but few parishioners appear to use them; instead standing for most of the Eucharist and bowing at appropriate times.
Speaking of Eucharist, this was one of the more confusing parts of mass. As a regular mass attender, you may naturally gravitate to the center aisle to join the line of the faithful in receiving the body. However, at HFCC, you will go to a side aisle, receive, and then proceed up the center to return to your pew. I received from a gentleman wearing shorts and sandals. My problem was not the reverence of his dress for the sacred mass, but the fact that he was wearing socks with the sandals. For shame.
Now, this may have been due to the time (Sunday @ 4pm), but as soon as the mass ended, everyone bolted for the door and a literal party broke out in the narthex. Usually, you have old women scrambling for the holy water and racing to their cars to beat traffic out of the parking lot. Not these folks. There was punch and cookies, chatting, and laughter. These people really want you to feel welcome. It's easy in this area...some narthices are simple entrances, but this one has a feel more akin to Starbucks with its squishy chairs and less like a cold foyer that only serves as an entrance to the nave.
I don't think I've seen a group of people so genuinely excited to be at a Catholic Church. It felt different, but in a good way. If you're into TLM, feel anxiety holding hands during the Pater Noster, and twitch when people applaud during mass, then head on down to St. John Cantius in the city. If you want to worship with a group of Catholics that sincerely love Jesus Christ, you should stop in.
5
8 years ago (06-11-2017)
Wonderful holy place to pray and praise our God. Music is extraordinary. Our beautiful crucifix is a work of art. A must see.
5
8 years ago (27-07-2017)
Beautiful church and very nice people there.
Thanks for allowing us to attend last Sat's 5 pm mass.
5
8 years ago (13-08-2017)