WHAT TO EXPECT

Our parish embraces Church life, celebrating old world traditions and openness to new things.  Our church, built in 1837, is a gem of Southern architecture, and features beautiful artwork and appointments, that move the soul and mind to heavenly realities.  Read about our history at http://www.sma.church/our-history.html.

We sing in English, the local language, and in Latin, the ancient and timeless voice of our Faith, and our choir offers music by the best of centuries-old composers.  Read more at www.sma.church/music.html.

We believe that our attire speaks of our respect for the sacred liturgy and for one another. We honor proper Sunday dress.

Children and young adults are a vital part of our parish.  See the 'Grow' menu above to read more about our Faith Formation and Youth Group programs.

The Holy Eucharist is the "source and summary" of all Catholic belief. It is the true and sacred Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, not a symbol or memory, but a participation in the eternal offering of Jesus to his Father. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is a sign that the communicant believes and accepts all that the Catholic Church teaches and believes.  It is received while kneeling at the altar rail. Anyone unable to kneel is welcome to stand. Anyone who cannot come to the altar rail because of mobility issues is asked to notify an usher before Mass. Anyone unable to receive the Eucharist (non-Catholics, young children, those otherwise not properly disposed) may, if they wish, come to the altar rail to receive a blessing from the priest or deacon.  Please cross the arms over the chest to indicate this desire.

We host a gathering, traditionally called the Collation, after every Sunday's 9:00 a.m. Mass featuring an abundant spread of treats from the homes of our members.  Please join us for good food and conversation!

The church and grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until late afternoon or early evening, depending on what events are scheduled.

During weekend Masses, free parking is available in the Charleston Place garage (85 Hasell St) - after inserting your garage entry ticket at the exit booth, scan the barcode found in the bulletin.  There are also a very limited number of non-metered street parking spaces directly in front of the church, some of which are for vehicles with handicapped placards/plates, for use during Mass only.  At all other times except during weekend Masses, the City of Charleston requires payment in the garage and will ticket vehicles parked out front.

If you are visiting Charleston, here is our approximate distance from some popular downtown locations for reference:
Next door to Charleston Place Hotel and across the street from KKBE Synagogue
3/4mi from the Union Pier Cruise Terminal
1mi from the South Carolina Aquarium
1/2mi from Marion Square
3/4mi from the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, the Charleston Museum, and the City of Charleson Visitor's Center
3/4mi from Colonial Lake
1/2mi (or less) from the College of Charleston
1/4mi from the Charleston City Market
1/3mi from the Gibbes Art Museum
1mi from White Point Gardens
1/2mi from the Cathedral of St John the Baptist


To see images of the church interior, click here.

We gladly welcome you.