Mass Schedules

Mass / Visit Advisory
Please check our website prior to your visit to the Mission for Mass or our Mission Store and Grounds for up to date advisories on any conditions that may impact your visit.  As our Masses are conducted outdoors in our Central Courtyard, Mass may be impacted by inclement weather.

All visitors must adhere to the Covid-19 safety protocols we are following from the County and Diocese of Monterey.

When you enter our Central Courtyard for Mass you will be stepping into a sacred space where people have gathered to worship our loving Creator for hundreds of years. We are fortunate, in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, to still have much to offer our parishioners and visitors even as the Basilica must remain closed for Masses

Guidelines for attending Mass

Based on input from health, logistics, and canonical experts, we have devised procedures to allow for a safe and joyful liturgy. Parishioners must follow these procedures if they wish to attend Mass. We thank you for your patience and your cooperation.

Carmel Mission Guidelines for Attending Mass in the Time of COVID-19.

ALL ATTENDEES MUST WEAR A MASK AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT ALL TIMES ON MISSION PROPERTY.

Parking: New Parking Location – Those wishing to attend should park in the Mass Parking Lot.

Access will be same gate you enter through for the Mass. 

Staff will be on hand to assist and guide you.  You must wear a mask at all times while on Mission grounds.

Parking for Sunday Masses will be available in the school lot. Access to the Mission will only be available through the Parishioner Parking lot gate.  

Entrance: There will be a check in before entering the Mission grounds. Here all attendees will have their temperature taken and will be provided with hand sanitizer.

Seating:  Kindly follow the ushers instructions and practice physical distancing at all times.

We are very fortunate to have such a large beautiful outdoor space in our Central Courtyard where we can celebrate Mass comfortably with appropriate social distancing. 

In addition to distancing, we require attendees, including children, to stay in their seats and not move about the courtyard for any reason.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, we will post an update on the status of our outdoor Sunday Masses. Please check our website before coming to the Mission. 

Please dress according to the variable weather conditions.  We will not have Mass if it is raining.

If weather forces us to cancel the outdoor Masses, please view our streaming Mass on our website.

We are very concerned about the health of all who attend Mass and we must ensure that everyone maintains appropriate distancing and  also hope that everyone can be comfortable in our outdoor setting. The weather can change suddenly, so please dress for variable conditions. We have limited seats in the shade, so please be prepared for the sun by bringing a hat or umbrella.

If at any time you are not comfortable, please get the attention of an Usher, who will assist with relocating you.

Singing:  All singing and chanting is prohibited in houses of worship at this time.

Physical contact during Mass: Please do not hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer or offer a sign of peace. We will take time in prayer for peace at that moment.


Communion: Please remain standing at your chair during communion. The minister of communion will come to you. If you wish to receive communion please extend your hands, creating a throne for the Lord, with your dominant hand on top with your other hand supporting underneath.

When the minister says, “The Body of Christ” the response is “Amen.” Please leave your mask on until the minister has moved away from you, then you may remove your mask and consume the Body of Christ. Please immediately put your mask back on after receiving communion.

Dismissal: Please remain at your seat until an usher indicates it is time to leave. Please practice social distancing as you leave the courtyard, and keep your mask on until you return to your cars.  

Please note:
Financial stewardship: We will be taking up a collection at the 8:30am and 11:00am Masses on Sundays.

Electronic giving through our donation page remains a preferred option, but also feel free to bring your weekly offering to Sunday Mass.

Volunteers:  Volunteers are needed to help as monitors and ushers for our Sunday Masses. If you wish to volunteer please email Laura at liturgy@carmelmission.org. 

Bulletins:  Paper bulletins will not be available. The Bulletin will continue to be available online at carmelmission.org/bulletins.

Restrooms: Restrooms are not available at this time.

Cleaning:  The Courtyard will be completely cleaned and disinfected after each Mass. Thank you for your cooperation in leaving the grounds immediately after being dismissed from Mass so this work can be accomplished.