I'm New Here

When You Visit Us

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Mass?

Weekend Masses

Saturday Vigil: 
4:30pm @ St. Peter
4:00pm @ St. Raphael

Sunday:  
8:00am & 10:00am @ St. Peter

10:00am @ St. Raphael

11:30am @ St. Bernard

Weekday Masses

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri  & Sat: 
7:30am @ St. Peter

Thur:
7:00pm @ St. Bernard

Mon-Sat: 
8:00am @ St. Raphael

When is confession?

Thursday: 6:30pm - 6:50pm @ St. Bernard

Saturday: 300pm -3:45pm @ St. Raphael

Saturday: 3:30pm - 4:15pm @ St. Peter

Other By Appointment - 716-754-4118

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?

Our parish is located at St. Peter Church, Lewiston, NY. Here is a map.

Where should I park?

We have parking lot in the rear of the school and numerous spots along N6 & N7 streets and in front on Center St.

Where do my children go?

Families and children are certainly welcome in the Church, but we also have a family room off the front vestibules of our Churches.  There you will find bathrooms, a changing table, a couple of children's books all in a convenient space for coming to Mass.  We know that children do get fussy from time to time.  Their cries during Church are an answer to the prayers of so many for the future of the Church - they are a great sign that there is life here!  Our children will never learn their prayers unless they come to pray with us - good job Mom and Dad!  You are most welcome here.

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 located in each pew that provide you with the order of the mass, the postures, and the words of 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. 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 with it as Catholics 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.  More information regarding this can be found here.

Am I expected to put money into the offering?

If you are visiting with us, we don't expect you to put money into 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. 

Is there any accessibility available?

The entrance to St. Peters Church from Center St. is handicapped accessible and there is an elevator on site that is accessed through the entrance on 6th street.  There is also a ramp into St. Bernard's Church accessed from the Hinman Driveway.  If there are other items that we could possibly help you with, please reach out to an usher or the Rectory in advance.