St. John Neumann Catholic Church

Have recently began attending this church, which is located in the Woodbridge village, when they began having masses indoors. The mission statement is: Guided by the Holy Spirit, St John Neumann Parish of Irvine shares the Good News of Jesus Christ with people of all ages, diverse faiths and cultures, forming a welcoming, worshiping Catholic community.

SJN is a wonderful parish with an amazing and friendly staff that is ready and happy to help anyone on their spiritual journey. I recommend this church to everyone or anyone looking for a wonderful experience in the Catholic faith. I have seen or been part of baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings and even funerals all at SJN and they’ve all been handled with nothing but grace and faith. SJN is a beautiful and majestic parish and I’m blessed to be part of it.

I’m embarrassed to be a Catholic today; Easter Sunday. I’m from out of town visiting my aunt and cousins. I came here for Sunday’s 10:30 Easter service with my cousin. My aunt was not feeling up to attending Mass with us; so we went — bringing the Pyx & Burse so that we can deliver the Eucharist back to my aunt. My cousin is certified. I myself am a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion; as well as a Lector, Usher, and Knight of Columbus. I asked her what their procedure is, and she said that all she has done in the past is bring the Pyx up to the priest; she’d be asked for how many; and the priest would dispense the number of hosts needed. Ok. Where I’ve served it’s typically brought before Mass to the sacristy, and picked up following the service. Up I went to receive communion, and had the Pyx. The priest looked puzzled. I explained who I was; who the Pyx was for; and I thought that would be all. Not until I was at the back of the church did an elderly lady approach me, and interrogate me; as well as state that she had to know who it was for. I returned to my seat to join my cousin. Only moments later this same woman came, and told me I had to leave now. Seriously?! I couldn’t finish Mass, and had to leave NOW!?! Unbelievable! How embarrassing to. I should have told her “no,” and caused a real spectacle. Maybe even call the police, and question this woman’s authority as a Sacristan. I’m well aware of the Eucharistic host needing to be consumed immediately when given… no pocketing or holding onto to abuse the sacred body of Christ. But… this is being taken back home to my aunt who is not all that well. We weren’t going anywhere else but home after service. This is outrageous! It really infuriates me to see people who are antithetical to the Catholic faith. Yes, “what would Jesus do?” You people need to ask yourselves this question… chasing people out of Church. I’ll be contacting your Archdiocese and making a formal complaint. There’s an envelope with my name and address on it that has $50 in cash… I’d like that donation returned to me, because your church does not deserve it. Thank you for a wonderful service up to that point of unbelievable and inappropriate conduct. The lectors were good; and the choir sang beautifully. How pathetic of an ending getting told to leave.

This church just started a contemporary group that serves for the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month and they did a great job on their first Sunday service. If the holy Catholic Church wants to get the youth involved, they have to give vibrant and better Sunday services like this ones. Otherwise, the young ones will simply gravitate to born again churches because of their music and their services.