​Welcome to 
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Occidental and 
St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Bodega, California

Our parish community welcomes you.  ​Whether you're a visitor to Sonoma County or a local resident, a life-long Catholic or someone who’s interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith, we encourage you to share in our prayer and ministerial life.  
Summer 2021 UPDATE:   Pastor Speaks…
  1. We ask that you refrain from talking aloud when you enter church prior to Mass and leave church after Mass, out of respect for the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and respect for those who wish to pray. If you must talk, please keep it to a whisper. This will be greatly appreciated.
  2. Beginning on Sunday May 30, all Masses at both churches are being held inside the church. County COVID guidelines requiring masks and social distancing will be followed. Please join us in celebration.      
  3. Mass Intentions may be arranged by contacting the office voicemail or email.
 

Mass Information

It is important to remember that the bishop has extended the dispensation decree for attendance at Mass for those who are at high risk for infection or are fearful of catching or spreading the virus. Notwithstanding the measures taken to provide a safe environment, parishioners and visitors must understand that they attend mass at their own risk.

The following procedures, consistent with CDC, Sonoma County Health Department, and Diocesan guidelines, will be in place until updated:
  1. Do not come to Mass if you are sick, feeling unwell, or consider yourself to be at risk.
  2. Masks are required. Social distancing of six feet is to be maintained during the service. Please note, no bathroom services will be available.
  3. Upon arrival, participants will sign in with a volunteer to record name and contact information. This information will be kept should Health Department contact tracing be necessary due to exposure to a possible new infection.
  4. A second volunteer will conduct temperature screening and provide hand sanitizer. Participants can then move to the site for Mass.
  5. Communion will be distributed during Mass. The celebrant may  remain for some minutes after church to provide communion for those who are not prepared to join the Mass at this time.
  6. Freestanding baskets will be available for the weekly donation.
  7. For St. Teresa’s, please consider parking at the church or in Bodega if you are able. For St. Philip’s, half of the parking lot will be used for services, so please consider parking in the lot across the street.

Please consider joining your Parish community in resuming services for our congregation. Should you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office.

​Parish Mission Statement

We, the Catholic community of St. Philip the Apostle, Occidental, and St. Teresa of Avila, Bodega, are bonded in a rich heritage of faith. We strive to understand and live out the gospel values of love, hope and forgiveness.

We joyfully embrace Christ's call to serve through:
  • Liturgical celebrations centered on the Eucharist that reflect a welcoming and compassionate people of prayer.
  • Ministries that nurture God's presence in ourselves, our families and our community.
  • Programs of faith enrichment that nourish and renew our commitment to God.
  • Social gatherings that unite us in Christian fellowship.
We shall pursue this Mission faithfully though the power of God's love.

News & Events

Note: weekday Masses on 10/18-10/22 cancelled due to clergy retreat.
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Current Parish Mass Times:
Occidental, St. Philip Church
Sundays:  8am and 11:15am
Wednesdays / Fridays:  9am
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Bodega, St. Teresa Church
Saturdays:  5pm
Sundays:  9:30am
Tuesdays / Thursdays:  9am

Religious Education 2021-2022

We are happy to announce the return of our Religious Education program in early Fall 2021. Go here for more information and form.

Donate Now

Your weekly contributions are encouraged and welcomed. Your generosity in these challenging times is appreciated. Click below to make a donation or to setup recurring donations. Donations are processed through PayPal.
Office memo:
​Our Parish Office is open M-W-F mornings.  Voicemail and email are reviewed weekdays as well.
​Voicemail: 707-408-2650 
​Email: Click Here

For critical pastoral needs, please email Fr. Bala by clicking below:​

This Week's Bulletin

october17bulletin2021.pdf
File Size: 728 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Calendar

Endowment Fund Established

Working with our Finance Council, we have established an endowment fund to provide for the perpetual maintenance of our historic churches. Click here to learn more.