Welcome!
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.
We hope the following FAQs will help you when visiting or joining our parish.
Finding us
Where are the campuses and where should I park?
The Genesee St. campus has a church and a hall at 1880 Genesee St. The rectory is also located there. A parking lot is on the southwest corner of Consaul St. and Genesee St. There is a second lot behind the church and school buildings that is accessible from Genesee St. There is also on-street parking on Consaul St. or Genesee St.
The White St. campus has a church, a gymnasium, and a hall at 729 White St. The parish offices, the Religious Education classrooms, a youth room, and various meeting spaces are also located there. There is a parking lot at the church that is accessible from Raymer Blvd. There is a second lot across Idaho St. There is on-street parking on Raymer Blvd., White St., and Idaho St.
Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and Academy, our deanery supported school, is at 3225 Pickle Rd., Oregon, Ohio.
Are you one parish?
Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Parish was founded in East Toledo in 2013. We utilize facilities at 2 campuses. Parishioners worship at both of our churches. Mass is celebrated at each of them during the week and on weekends. Please see our parish history, Legacy of Faith, to read about our 6 founding parishes and how we became 1 parish with two campuses.
Where are the parish offices and when are they open?
The parish offices are in the former rectory of White St. campus at 729 White St. The offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 am- noon and 1 pm – 4 pm. The office number is 419-698-1519.
Praying with us
What time and where are Masses?
- Saturday: (Vigil Mass)
- 4:00 PM at White St. campus
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM at Genesee St. Campus
- Monday: 8:30 AM at Genesee St. Campus
- Tuesday: no Mass
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM at White St. campus*
- Thursday: 8:30 AM at Genesee St. Campus
- Friday: 8:30 AM at at Genesee St. Campus
* Wednesdays during Lent, Stations of the Cross are prayed at 6 pm and the Mass is not celebrated. Check the bulletin or parish calendar for locations.
When is confession available?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered 30 minutes prior to weekday Masses, at 3 pm on Saturdays (prior to the 4 pm Mass), or by appointment.
- Saturday: 3:00 PM at location of Vigil Mass
- Monday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM prior to Mass
- Wednesday: 5:30 PM prior to Mass
How do I know where Mass or an event is taking place since there are 2 campuses?
Our bulletin, website calendar and myParish App indicate the locations of events using the abbreviations: SS (St. Stephen), STA (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Visiting us
I have never been to a Catholic Mass. What do I need to know?
Many visitors choose to follow the lead of parishioners for standing, sitting, and kneeling. If you are not comfortable or cannot use these postures, feel free to remain seated.
Hymnals that contain the prayers, readings, and songs are available in the pews.
Communion, or Eucharist, in the Catholic Church is the most intimate expression of our faith. We believe that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ while other Christian denominations view communion as a symbolic gesture. If you are not a practicing Catholic, we ask you to refrain from receiving the Eucharist. We invite you to proceed forward in the communion line with your arms folded over your chest to receive a blessing. Some non-Catholics prefer to remain in their pew which is also acceptable.
What is a “practicing” Catholic?
A practicing Catholic is a baptized Catholic who lives out the faith by keeping the five precepts of the Church:
- Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
- Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year.
- Receive Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season.
- Observe the days of fast and abstinence.
- Provide for the needs of the Church through giving of time, talent, and/or treasure.
Where do my children go during Mass?
We encourage children of all ages to attend Mass and sit with their families. When Religious Education is not in session, we offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:30 am Mass at Genesee St. campus. There is no registration or fee for this program; children come forth when called.
Registering as a parishioner
How do I register in the parish?
You may submit an online inquiry form HERE or by contacting the Administrative Assistant.
Why do I need to register in the parish?
Being registered in a parish is mutually beneficial to both the parishioners and the parish. The parish serves parishioners by ensuring they have access to sacraments, religious instruction, and an environment to grow in faith. Parishioners serve the parish by contributing through sharing their time, talent, and/or treasure to support the community.
Learning the faith
How do I become Catholic?
Please visit our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) page to learn more about the process to become Catholic.
Do you have a parish school?
Parishioners are highly encouraged to send their children to Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and Academy, a Pre-K through 12th-grade school located in neighboring Oregon, Ohio and supported by all four parishes that make up the St. Kateri Deanery. Our priest regularly celebrate the sacraments with the Cardinal Stritch students.
Who needs Religious Education classes and how do I enroll my child for them?
Religious Education classes are for students in 1st- through 8th-grades who belong to the parish and are not enrolled in a Catholic school. Enrollment takes place from May through August every year. Classes start in September. If you relocate to our parish mid-year, contact the Director of Faith Formation to begin classes immediately.
Why do we need to take extra classes to prepare for sacraments if my child attends a Catholic school?
Sacraments are meant to be parish celebrations and, as a result, preparation primarily takes place in the parish. Bishop Daniel Thomas set guidelines for First Communion and Confirmation preparation which include parent/child (First Communion) and parent/child/sponsor (Confirmation) sessions. Participation in these sessions at the parish of registration is an expectation of sacramental preparation. Please contact the Director of Faith Formation for further information.
Letting us serve you
How do I request sacraments and/or a visit for myself or a loved one who is hospitalized or homebound?
Please call the parish office if you or a loved one is in the hospital. Due to privacy laws, hospitals rely on patients and their family members to notify us of a hospitalization. If you or a loved one is newly homebound, please contact our Outreach Minister to request regular visits and Holy Communion.
How do I have a Mass offered for someone?
Please contact the parish office to request a Mass intention for someone. Mass intentions are often booked far in advance so please contact the office as early as possible to request a specific date or Mass time.
How do I reach a priest in an emergency?
For an after-hours emergency, please call 419-322-5235 to reach the on-call priest.
How do I request assistance with food, clothing, rent, etc.?
All assistance is coordinated through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Please call the parish office at 419-698-1519 and leave a message with the SVDP voicemail. A member will call you back to discuss your situation and how they can assist.
How do I obtain proof that I received a sacrament?
Sacrament records are kept at the parish of Baptism regardless of where the sacrament was received. If you were baptized after 2013, the records are at Epiphany of the Lord and you can request a copy by contacting the Administrative Assistant. If you were baptized before 2013 at one of our six founding churches, please contact the Diocesan Archivist, Sr. Nadine Mathias, SND, at 419-244-6711 ext. 4920.
Can I rent a church hall for my private event?
Parishioners may contact the Administrative Assistant to learn about availability as well as rental policies.
How do I publish something in the bulletin?
Please submit announcements for the bulletin to our Bulletin Coordinator no later than Friday a week and a half prior to when you need it to be published.