!أهلاً وسَهلاً | Welcome!
نُرَحِّبُ بِكُم أَجمَلَ تَرحِيبٍ في كَنِيسَتِنا الحَبِيبَةِ التي نَعْمَلُ فِيهَا عَلى بِنَاءِ رَعِــيَّــةٍ عَــائِــلِــيَّــة & عَــائِــلَــةٍ رَاعَــوِيَّـــة تَنفَتِحُ عَلى الجَمِيعِ وتُسَاهِمُ في بِناءِ الإنسانِ ونُضُوجِهِ فِي الإِيمَانِ الكُاثُولِيكِي بِيَسُوعَ المَسِيح وفي ِكُلِّ مَنَاحِي الحَيَاة
What is it like?
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
We are the immigrant Arab Christians of the Holy Land. We are the descendants of our ancestors Christians who first believed in Jesus Christ and His “Good News”. We have come from the “land of Jesus”. Many of Jesus’ preaching and healing; parables and miracles took place in our back yards. Therefore, we have “familiarity” with all the geographical, agricultural, and family life analogies and metaphors used in the Gospel. We are the “living stones” of the territories associated with Jesus Christ’s birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. As Arab-Americans, we can play a pivotal role between the East and the West. And as Roman Catholics who lived for a long time with Christians from other denominations, we humbly think that we are blessed to be the outcome of so many backgrounds which makes our diversity a good deal of a reason to be open-minded. We believe that Christians all over the world are called to be “eucharistic”, that is, hospitable and thankful. And this is clear when we participate in the Mass and when we share our table/food with others.
"حَيثُما اجتَمَعَ اثنان أو ثلاثة باسمي، أكُونُ هُناكَ بَينَهُم"
When you think or hear the word church you probably think of a building. Maybe it is a fancy building or a simple building where believers gather. But for us and biblically speaking, a church is much more than a building. In fact, we say that the church is not a building at all, but is all about the people, serving the Arab-American people of all parts of the Middle East; Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq. Our church is all about the people, the faithful who gather in God's name, and the faithful it attracts, like you!
What about my kids?
St Joesph AACC offers Sunday School where kids are gathered at the Church Center during mass to learn how to connect with Jesus. We also have a formal/computerized check-in and check-out of your child(en). Please visit the Groups webpage for more information on the Children Sun Skool. Sunday School is not currently offered at our Redland Campus.
We have
A crying room by the Church's main entrance, Pomona Campus, with access directly from the lobby. The crying room is divided by a large glass window facing the altar and congregation. The crying room is also equipped with pews and speakers so that you can follow the mass while attending to your child(en) needs. It also another way to connect with other parish parents and their children. The room is always open and may be accessed during any service.
We also have his/her bathroom facilities located just outside the church along the front west side (right side of the altar). An usher can help you navigate thru the church campus and help you with any questions relating to our facilities.
We also have a Church Center, equipped with a large kitchen, used for events before and after the Mass, Parish meetings, group gathering, and practices. the Center can also be rented for nominal fees for all your occasions; baptism party, mercy meal, family gatherings, ... etc.
We also have bilingual booklets for the following services: Christmas Eve Mass, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Viewing/Rosary & Funeral Rite, and Baptism. Thanks to the generosity of the Parsh members that allows us to continue to produce booklets to increase the Church library of bilingual booklets. Currently, we are working on booklets for Wedding, 1st Communion & Confirmation, Rosary, and Stations of the Cross
Where do I park?
Both Campuses offer plenty of parking spaces. Many Handicaped designated parking spaces are located nearest the church's main entrance. Parishioners, Pomona Campus, may also park in front of the Church (fills up fast) opposite the red line zone. no parking allowed along the red zone, at any time.
What do I wear
As an ethnic Arabic church, the dress code is "Sunday Church clothes"; for the ladies; blouse with sleeves, knee-length dress, knee-length skirt, polo shirt, button-down shirt, casual pants for men. After all, it is the house of the Lord and we must respect it.
How can I get connected?
Please email us at stjosephaacc@gmail.com with any questions. Or call our office Mon-Thurs, from 9 am to 2 pm, (909) 865-6898 or press the "contact us" button below
We can't wait to meet you!