Visiting OLOF as a Non-Catholic

Welcome to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church!

We are grateful you are here. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, attending a wedding or funeral, exploring the Catholic faith, or simply joining us out of curiosity, you are welcome at Our Lady of Fatima.

We know that visiting a Catholic church can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you have never attended Mass before. Please do not worry about knowing every prayer, gesture, or response. We are glad you are here, and we hope this page helps you feel more comfortable and at home during your visit.

At Our Lady of Fatima, our mission is to serve the spiritual needs of our community through the sacraments and teachings of the Catholic faith, reaching out through prayer, faith, and charitable works to improve life and bring Christ’s love to all.

Our vision is to be an active, engaged community of Christ’s disciples, welcoming everyone through evangelization.

We live this mission through four simple invitations:

Learn - Discover the Catholic faith and grow in understanding through study, conversation, and formation.

Pray - Encounter God through worship, Scripture, the sacraments, and the prayer of the Church.

Serve - Live with love and generosity through compassion, charity, and service to others.

Belong - Experience a community where people are welcomed, accompanied, and invited to walk together in faith.

You Are Welcome Here

You do not need to be Catholic to attend Mass.

Many people visit a Catholic church for the first time because they are coming with a spouse, family member, or friend. Others come because they are attending a Baptism, wedding, funeral, quinceañera, or other special celebration. Some are simply curious and want to learn more.

Whatever brings you here, we are glad you came.

You are welcome to join us in prayer, to observe, to participate as you feel comfortable, and to ask questions afterward if you would like to learn more.

What Is Mass?

The Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church.

During Mass, Catholics gather as a community to listen to readings from Sacred Scripture, pray together, hear a reflection on God’s Word, and celebrate the Eucharist. Catholics believe that in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is truly present in a unique and sacred way.

For Catholics, the Mass is not only a gathering of believers. It is an encounter with Christ through Word and sacrament.

Even if much of the service feels new to you, you are welcome to simply be present, pray quietly, and observe.

What Should I Expect?

If this is your first time at a Catholic Mass, here are a few helpful things to know:

You may sit anywhere
Unless a section is reserved for a special celebration, you are welcome to sit wherever you feel comfortable.

There will be times of sitting, standing, and kneeling
The congregation changes posture at various moments during Mass. You are welcome to follow along as you are able, or simply remain seated if you prefer.

There will be printed worship aids or guidance nearby when available
Depending on the liturgy, there may be hymnals, missalettes, or printed guides to help you follow along.

You do not need to know all the responses
Please do not worry about saying everything correctly. Many visitors simply listen and follow the congregation as they are comfortable.

Music is part of our worship
There may be hymns, sung responses, and other music during Mass. You are welcome to join if you wish.

There may be moments of silence
Catholic worship includes quiet prayer and reflection as well as spoken and sung prayer.

A Note About Holy Communion

We are honored by your presence and grateful that you are praying with us.

Because Catholics believe that Holy Communion is a sign of full unity in faith, sacramental life, and communion with the Catholic Church, Holy Communion is ordinarily received only by practicing Catholics who are properly prepared to do so.

If you are not Catholic, or if you are Catholic but not receiving Communion, you are warmly invited to remain in your pew in prayer during the Communion procession.

Where local custom permits, you may also come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a simple blessing instead of Communion.

No one should feel pressured or embarrassed. Your presence is a gift, and you are welcome here.

Families and Children

Families are always welcome at Our Lady of Fatima.

If you are visiting with children, please know that children are a blessing in the life of the Church. You should never feel embarrassed by the normal sounds and movement of young children.

We also offer support for families in parish life, including nursery care during certain ministry times and family-centered opportunities throughout the year. Our parish seeks to welcome and support families at every stage of life.

About Our Parish

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church is a parish community in Alcoa, Tennessee. We serve a diverse and growing community through worship, prayer, faith formation, charitable outreach, and fellowship.

Our parish life is organized around four simple words:

Learn – Opportunities for faith formation and education
Pray – Invitations into the sacramental and spiritual life of the Church
Serve – Ways to live the Gospel through ministry, charity, and stewardship
Belong – Opportunities for fellowship, hospitality, and community life

Whether you are visiting only once or beginning to ask deeper questions about faith, we hope you experience the love of Christ through this parish community.

Interested in Learning More About the Catholic Faith?

Many people first visit a Catholic church because of a friend or family member. Others come because they are curious about Catholic beliefs, the sacraments, or the Mass. Some are searching for a church home or wondering what it means to become Catholic.

If that is you, we would be glad to walk with you.

You do not need to have all the answers, and you do not need to make any immediate commitment. Sometimes the first step is simply a conversation.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to reach out and ask about:

Becoming Catholic
Adults who want to learn more about the Catholic faith, prepare for sacraments, or explore becoming Catholic are welcome to ask about OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Returning to Faith
If you have a Catholic background but have been away from the Church, we would be glad to help you reconnect.

Questions About Catholic Beliefs
If you have questions about what Catholics believe, how Catholics pray, or why we celebrate the sacraments, we are happy to help.

Ways to Take a Next Step

If your visit has led you to want to learn more, here are a few next steps you might take:

• Join us for Mass again
• Explore our website and parish life
• Learn about becoming Catholic
• Contact our parish office with questions
• Meet a member of our clergy or staff
• Explore ministries and opportunities to get involved

Some people begin by simply visiting again. Others reach out right away. Either way, we would be glad to welcome you.

Parish Information

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
858 Louisville Rd.
Alcoa, TN 37701

(865) 982-3672
communications@ourladyoffatima.org
ourladyoffatima.org

Office Hours

Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM–2:30 PM

Worship Schedule

Weekend Masses
Saturday: 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 PM (Spanish)
Sunday: 8:30 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM

Weekday Masses
Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM
Tuesday and Thursday: 12:00 PM

Confession
Saturday: 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:45 AM
Or by appointment

Adoration
Tuesday: 12:30 PM–6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 PM–9:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM–6:45 PM

Thank You for Visiting

Thank you for being with us at Our Lady of Fatima.

Whether you are here because of family, friendship, a special occasion, or a personal search for God, we are grateful for your presence. We hope your visit is peaceful, prayerful, and welcoming, and we would be glad to help you learn more whenever you are ready.

Helpful Next Steps

What to Expect at Mass
Learn About Becoming Catholic
Meet Our Clergy and Staff
Explore Parish Life
Contact Us
Mass Times and Livestream