St Christopher’s Catholic Church

I was saddened by the inner ‘groups’ and exclusionary behavior to newcomers-​Gossipy & invasive behaviors & crossing personal boundaries-​Mass of course was fine-​Church pretty-​However the parish regular’s behavior was very rude-​I won’t visit this parish again–

The female cantor for a friend’s funeral mass was absolutely wonderful. She was so young yet her voice was so lovely. I did not catch her name, sadly.
I saw several ladies with badges that read: Bereavement Council. I was so grateful for their attentive and caring presence.
Very large open space and great sound system. I could clearly understand everything spoken by the parish priest and the family that delivered the eulogy for a lovely lady.
Rest in peace, Fani.

Wow! How this place has changed. As an alumni, it’s amazing at how much my church and school have progressed, it will take some getting used to, but I’m glad to see my parish moving into the future! The church is so beautiful inside and the updated motif makes it more inviting. The new parish offices provide a very professional atmosphere, again it will take some getting used to not going to the Rectory. All in all, I plan on coming back to get involved with my church.

Hmmm that heavenly taste from JJ’s bakery makes me feel spiritual… so what better way to celebrate that than to rate a church?
St. Christopher, like most of West Covina, is where you go if you want to see the most Filipinos that you’ll ever see outside of Manila. Well, maybe outside of Daly City. It’s seriously an entire sea of aunties, uncles and cousins in there, and they are all DEAD SERIOUS about their faith. Ever try getting a royal British guard to flinch/​move/​do something other than just stand still with his oversized fur hat? Well I’d say your chances of doing that are still higher than trying to get a Filipina aunty at St. Christopher’s to flinch/​move/​do something other than run through her rosary beads as she stares at the huge cross at the front of the church in a spiritual trance.
The priest himself who was presiding this day, I will say, is a gifted public speaker. English was obviously his second language but he didn’t let his accent deteriorate his message — I didn’t agree with all of the message since I myself am not officially religious (was there to support my boyfriend and his Catholic family) but at least he kept me engaged the entire time.
The church itself is quite simple, well, for a Catholic church anyway. Basically a large whitewashed space with stained glass windows and of course, the ginormous crucifix at the front of the room. It’s definitely the congregation and the decorations that give life to this church, but boy do they give it. In spite of myself, I did catch myself sort of singing to the Christian rock songs they sprinkled throughout mass.
Am I possibly being converted? Not in a million years, NO, so please don’t even try. But, it’s nice to know that there are churches like St. Christopher that make it easier for me to support my s/​o as he practices his faith.

I don’t know how to rate a church but here’s an attempt–
I do a bit of Mass-​hopping from time to time and of the Catholic parishes I’ve visited, I find this church to be one of the more dynamic Catholic communities in the area.
Physically-​speaking, the nave is spacious and airy, well-​lit, but sometimes chilly. Their arts and environment is hit or miss.
This is one of the few churches I’ve seen that still use their choir loft!
Be aware of the parking situation during Mass– you may have to park on a grassy (sometimes muddy) field.
The community itself seems very involved. One thing I notice– it is a very vibrant and ethnically-​diverse congregation. The people are friendly. There are so many ministries and church groups– if you are planning on starting something, be aware that meeting spaces are often scheduled months (or a year) in advance.
There is a perpetual adoration and their penance services are well-​attended affairs (the last big one I attended had 16 priests– now that’s a lot of sins). Liturgies are well-​planned and I’d say a majority of the congregation sings along to the hymns.
Regarding community service, I think they seem to do a great job of it. They are one of a few churches that offer a makeshift shelter and hot food for the homeless during the Winter months.
The only reason why this Church has a supernova of a star is because the acoustics are just TERRIBLE. For a church, this is the worst acoustic situation I’ve ever heard (and not understood). There is too much echo and when a priest is homilizing, you can’t tell whether he’s telling you to rejoice or repent.
Don’t miss these spots:
1) A beautiful statue of Our Lady of La Vang by the Vietnamese community stands gracefully outside the south side of the church.
2) A private devotion chapel with votive candle rack and beautiful stained glass– entrance is at the front narthex.
3) The St. Christopher Korean Catholic Center across the street offers ministries and liturgies in Korean.