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 service 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 St. Pats?

Our parish is located at 3400 E 16th St in Fremont, NE. Here is a map. Please note that the parish office is located near our old church location at 422 E 4th St (near downtown).

Where should I park?

We have a sizeable parking lot surrounding the church building, as well as a small lot on the north side. That lot is typically used for handicapped, musicians/choir members, and/or people needing access to Delaney kitchen for an event. If the parking lots are full (praise God!), you can park along 16th Street or at Bergan Elementary (across the street from the church).

Where do my children go?

Fr. Nolte loves having children present at Mass and truly it's the best way for them to learn, so we do not have a nursery or children's liturgy. We understand that they won't absorb or understand everything, but as they grow they will develop a greater attention span and learn new prayers, when to sit/stand/kneel, and how to be reverent before Jesus. If your littles get fussy, you are welcome to go out to the narthex or the Family Room (west side of narthex). There is a knob in that room where you can turn on the sound and still listen to Mass. Moms are welcome to nurse in there as well.

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 our parishioners. However, we do have worship aids (called missals or missalettes) located in each pew that provide you with the order of the Mass, the postures, the words to each prayer, and the songs. If you don't see a missalette 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. Catholics believe that the host is literally the body of Christ, transformed 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 with their hands crossed over their chests for a special blessing.

Am I expected to put money in the offering?

If you are visiting with us, we don't expect you to put money in the offering, and you are welcome to just let it pass you by. 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. 

I have a hearing problem, is there any special assistance?

Yes! We have hearing devices in the welcome center, and our new speaker system is set up to work with hearing aids as well. Find a hospitality ambassador (look for the Hospitality lanyard) for assistance.