St John Vianney Chapel

Beautiful outside, but that’s all we could see from the street since the church was closed at 1:30 on the Sunday of Christmas week. To make it even sadder, we were sitting on a bench outside of Starbucks and a guy walked up to us and asked if we knew where St John Vianney Chapel was? We were away from home and wanted to sit in church and commune with God, but like the other couple we were locked out.
Next time in Newport Beach we will call first.

Very nice little church on Balboa Island, its in the middle of the shopping area. It is a very interesting building to check out while there.

This is a fun little church on Balboa. I enjoyed that it was nice and small because it really gave it an intimate setting. I also really enjoyed the priest’s sermon. It was simple and to the point. Something that I feel a lot of other priests these days can’t get.
However, I went to a 9am service on a Sunday and the sun was shinning right into my eyes (I sat at the end of the pews on the right hand side). It was miserable. I had to block the sun with my hand the entire mass. But then, with about 5 minutes left of mass, awnings outside started rolling out and blocked the sun. Where were those for the past 55 minutes!!! Dang. What a bust.
But that’s fine. It is what it is. I just now know to not sit in those seats next time I come back.

Very nice. Service was a bit high, was 1 hour. Pretty church, and yes, it is in the middle of the shopping area. Would go again!

Attended Mass here on a Sunday afternoon while visiting Balboa Island. This small chapel is located on the main drag in Balboa Island. We were able to enjoy Sunday services, then walk right out and continue shopping… perfect! The local parishioners were very welcoming and said hello after Mass. Would like to live nearby one day.
Return Factor — 90%

We have recently switched from our big Christian (my religion) church to my hubs church of choice (Catholic) since out daughter is now at a Catholic boarding school.
This church, aesthetically, is just so pretty. Located on Balboa Island, it is pretty tiny. No childcare or Sunday school here. Just mass. It is decorated with pretty blue/​aqua tiling near the altar. Really pretty.
What I like about the service (we go on Sat. evening) is that it is really short. 40 – 45 minutes vs 90 minutes at our old church. I know that I shouldn’t say I like it over fast, it is church! But, I’ll ask for forgiveness!