I'm New Here
When You Visit
Visiting a new church can be intimidating
What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go?
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.
In the days when development in the area hardly extended west of University Drive, Saint Bartholomew established in 1962 served Miramar’s Catholics with Monsignor Noel Fogarty as the first pastor. Mass was first celebrated in Miramar’s firehouse and enthusiastic parishioners formed groups, clubs, and outreach ministries before the 1964 groundbreakings for school and church buildings. The Sisters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who came as refugees from Cuba oversaw the school for twenty-three years until 1988.
When completed, the school building functioned as a gathering place for religious education classes and as a parochial school. Today, the school offers pre-kindergarten to eighth grades and continues to be a community space for evening meetings, including A.A., N.A and scouting activities. The convent vacated by the Sisters remains a busy place, the site for gatherings, retreats, and parish meetings.
Parishioners support numerous ministries, including Respect Life, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary, Charismatic Prayer Groups and Knights of Columbus, among others. They serve the elderly, sick, grieving, the Spanish and Haitian communities. Spiritual enrichment programs nurture children and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I worship with you?
Our Mass Schedule can be found here:
When is Confession?
Our Confession schedule can be found here:
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 Bartholomew Catholic Parish?
Our parish is located at 8005 Miramar Parkway in Miramar, Florida. Here is a map.
Where should I park?
Parking is available from the front of the Rectory all the way to the Sacred Heart Center.
Where do my children go?
If they attend school here, it is the building with the colorful mural between the church and the Sacred Heart Center.
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 the 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 to 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 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?
We suggest you take a sit closer to the front away from the entrance doors.
