St Benedict Catholic Church
Greensboro's first Catholic church, boasting beautiful historic architecture and a deeply moving Madonna statue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded than Sunday
St Benedict Catholic Church
Best Time
Less crowded than Sunday
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Greensboro's first Catholic church, boasting beautiful historic architecture and a deeply moving Madonna statue.
"A beautiful, historic church with a deeply moving Madonna statue and a dedicated community."
🎯 Arrive Early for Services
Secure a good seat in the sanctuary, especially for weekend masses.
👂 Be Prepared for Acoustics
The old building's acoustics can sometimes make it hard to understand the priest.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Main Sanctuary
Admire the beautiful interior architecture of Greensboro's first Catholic church, recently renovated.
Vivid Madonna Statue
Near the exit
Experience a deeply moving and lifelike statue of Mary holding Christ's body.
Father Doung's Services
Main Sanctuary
Experience services led by Father Doung, described as an exceptional man of God.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to St. Benedict Catholic Church
Understanding Parish Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Services
Secure a good seat in the sanctuary, especially for weekend masses.
👂 Be Prepared for Acoustics
The old building's acoustics can sometimes make it hard to understand the priest.
Good parish to visit in North Carolina?
🙏 Respectful Attire
While not strictly enforced, dressing respectfully is appreciated for a place of worship.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of others during services; photos are generally allowed but be discreet.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Services
Secure a good seat in the sanctuary, especially for weekend masses.
👂 Be Prepared for Acoustics
The old building's acoustics can sometimes make it hard to understand the priest.
🙏 Respectful Attire
While not strictly enforced, dressing respectfully is appreciated for a place of worship.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of others during services; photos are generally allowed but be discreet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Benedict Catholic Church is praised for its beautiful, historic architecture and the deeply moving Madonna statue. Many appreciate the dedicated congregation and Father Doung's spiritual guidance. However, some visitors have noted challenges with acoustics and the priest's accent, and a few have felt like outsiders within the community.
"Such a beautiful church, especially if you know the history of it (it was the first Catholic church in Greensboro! Back during a time when different denominations shared the building!). The current priest is a bit hard to understand sometimes with his Vietnamese accent combined with the acoustics of the old building, but while I don't know him as well I can tell he has an absolute heart of gold and really wants to welcome and lift up his flock. He also really gets the faith and how to preach it.
The architecture is amazing inside, but this is nothing compared to the most vivid Madonna statue I have ever seen. I didn't even realize it was there, I turned to exit the church and nearly jumped back; it's really as if Mary is there holding the dead body of Christ, wailing, and you are fully there with her.
I really wish I could return and be more Catholic. I am in a state of mortal sin and really do have to be careful about the priests I confess to; I had a horrific experience at my old school/church OLG a few years ago. The Diocese ignores my requests for this."
Patrick
"Been going there off and on for ten years now. Father Doung is such an exceptional man of God. Love the services and enjoy the people of the parish."
Brian Smith
"The Rosary group was very reverent. I enjoyed the experience. But....as I was walking out of the church I noticed the priest coming out of the confessional wearing jeans, shirt unbuttoned, no collar, and no Stole around his neck. I was shocked! Sorry, but I’m not used to that kind of irreverence. I’m sure it’s the way he was trained. It’s just difficult for me to see the church in such decline."
E B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Benedict Catholic Church is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Parking is usually available on-site.
Yes, typically there is on-site parking available for parishioners and visitors.
The address for St. Benedict Catholic Church is 1017 Cypress St, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Greensboro offers a range of hotels. It's advisable to check booking sites for options close to the church or in the general downtown area.
Depending on your starting point in Greensboro, walking might be an option, but it's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to attend mass at St. Benedict Catholic Church. All are welcome to join services.
Mass times typically include Saturday evening and Sunday morning services. It's best to check their official bulletin or website for the most current schedule.
There is no entrance fee to visit St. Benedict Catholic Church. Donations are always appreciated.
Generally, churches are open for private prayer during certain hours outside of scheduled services. It's advisable to call ahead or check their bulletin for visitor hours.
The church bulletin often lists special events, feast days, and seasonal services like Ash Wednesday or Easter Mass.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
St. Benedict Catholic Church holds the distinction of being the first Catholic church in Greensboro, with a history dating back to a time when different denominations shared the building.
The interior architecture is described as amazing, with a recent renovation enhancing its beauty.
While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, most churches strive to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the church directly for specific needs.
Services are generally described as reverent, with a tight-knit and supportive congregation.
Confession is typically offered, though the attire of the priest during confession has been noted by some as unconventional.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and services. Avoid flash photography during mass.
The stunning interior architecture and the vivid Madonna statue are popular subjects for photography.
Be discreet and avoid disrupting services or other visitors. It's always a good idea to ask for permission if you're unsure.
It's best to avoid photographing individuals without their explicit consent. Focus on the architecture and artistic elements.
Searching on platforms like Instagram with hashtags like #StBenedictCatholicChurch or #GreensboroCatholic can yield many user-generated photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending services, consider arriving a bit early to ensure comfortable seating for your family. Be aware that the church's acoustics might make it challenging for very young children to hear clearly, so bringing a quiet activity might be helpful. The vivid Madonna statue could also be a point of interest for older children, sparking conversations about art and faith.
🙏 Devout Catholics Seeking Spiritual Connection
While the church is historic and beautiful, some visitors have noted potential challenges with the priest's accent and the building's acoustics, which could slightly impact the clarity of homilies. Additionally, some reviews mention a perceived lack of formality in certain priestly attire, which might be a point of consideration for those accustomed to more traditional presentation. Despite these nuances, the core spiritual offerings and the dedication of many parishioners create a strong sense of faith.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of St. Benedict Catholic Church
Visitors often remark on the amazing architecture within the sanctuary. Beyond the structural beauty, the church is home to a particularly vivid Madonna statue that has left a profound impression on many. This statue is described as being so lifelike that it evokes a powerful emotional response, drawing visitors into a moment of shared grief and contemplation.
Understanding this history enriches the visit, offering a glimpse into the enduring presence of the Catholic faith in Greensboro. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, making it a significant landmark for both the local community and visitors interested in religious heritage.
Community and Parish Life
However, some reviews suggest that newcomers might initially feel like outsiders if they are not part of the established social circles within the parish. This perception can arise from interactions with staff or a perceived cliquishness among long-term members. While the intention may not be to exclude, it's a point that some visitors have raised, indicating that building connections might take time for those new to the community.
Despite these varied experiences, the overall sentiment points to a church with a dedicated core community. For those looking to engage, attending regular services, joining prayer groups, or participating in parish events are good ways to become more integrated. The church bulletin is a key resource for staying informed about parish activities and opportunities to connect.
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