The dress code is Formal (e.g. suits or tuxedos for men & tea-length to full-length dresses for women). We request that you please respect St. John the Bapstist's modest dress code policy that can be found in the following link: https://www.stjohnthebaptistcostamesa.org/mass-times/ Although not required, we request that the women in attendance of the Mass honor the sanctity of the space by covering their heads. This is traditionally done by wearing a chapel veil, but formal hats are also permitted. In similar fashion, we also request that men in attendance honor the Mass by refraining to wear any hats or caps inside of the church.
The Mass begins at 2:00 in the afternoon. Please plan on arriving 20 minutes early to give enough time to find parking and seat yourself.
Cocktail hour at El Adobe De Capistrano will begin at 5:00 in the evening.
The Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the Extraordinary Form or the Tridentine Latin Mass due to its codification under the Council of Trent, is the original form of the Roman Catholic Mass. It was celebrated the same for over 500 years and very similarly for the 1500 years preceding that. Its latest codification comes from the 1962 Missale Romanum promulgated by Pope John XXIII. It is this missal that we will be utilizing for our Wedding Mass. The reason for the major distinction between the Traditional Latin Mass and the modern Roman Catholic Mass is due to changes made by Pope Paul VI when he promulgated his Novus Ordo Missae. The new Missal modified, simplified or even outright eliminated several prayers and other elements from the Tridentine Mass. We believe the Traditional Latin Mass to be a richer and more reverent experience of the Roman Catholic Mass. The Mass as you will experience it at our wedding will be the same as the mass our Catholic grandparents and ancestors all experienced when they were married. Most parts of the Mass will indeed be in Latin. The Nuptial Vows and Homily will be in English. Mass guides will be provided for all guests in attendance to follow along with the Mass and to say the proper responses. We highly encourage all Catholic attendees to look up videos and websites that explain the Latin Mass in greater detail.
Yes, we welcome your children as long as they are accounted for in the number of persons specified on the wedding invitations.
St. John the Baptist is located in Costa Mesa, CA and is about a 30 minute drive to the reception at El Adobe in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Transportation will not be provided, except for out of state relatives who have already been notified. It will be up to individual parties to make arrangements. We recommend using a ride sharing service if you don't have access to a car as there is limited public transport.
El Adobe does have a parking lot, however during events it can fill up fast. There is a parking structure located a couple of blocks north of the venue on Verdugo Street by the San Juan Capistrano train station. Parking Structure Address: 26762 Verdugo St C, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
If you are a practicing, baptized Catholic in good standing you may receive Communion. Please note that Communion will only be distributed on the tongue while kneeling in the Traditional Latin Mass. No exceptions will be made except for those physically unable to kneel. If you are in a state of Mortal Sin, you may not receive Communion. Mortal Sins are sins that are Grave, done with Full Knowledge and done with Full Consent. We request, as a wedding gift, that all Catholic attendees go to Confession before the wedding day. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, if done properly and sincerely, will absolve you of all your sins and bring you back into Communion with God. We desire this more than any other wedding gift. For those interested in the Sacrament of Confession, but unfamiliar with it or uncertain what to do in the confessional, please feel free to take a look at this Confession Pamphlet Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17eFJJ3OwvxSe_gCjUUEy4mD9ZhZ3ozGk/view?usp=drive_link "[Jesus] said therefore to [The Disciples] again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained." -John 20:21-23
If you are not Catholic we especially welcome you to join us in the participation of the Mass. Our faith is an important part of our lives and we would be both honored and blessed to have the presence of all of our loved ones at this most important ceremony. You will not be met with judgement or contempt, but on the contrary welcomed no matter your faith and background.