Parish - Mass Etiquette
- Fast before mass. It is required that one fasts for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion. The only exceptions are medicine, water or if someone is ill and needs to eat sooner.
- No food and drink in church. The only exceptions would be milk for infants, water for the priest or choir (if discreet) and water for those who are ill.
- Never chew gum in church. It breaks your fast, it’s rude and it’s distracting.
- Cross yourself with holy water on entering and leaving the church. This is a reminder of our Baptism, which made us members of Christ’s Church.
- Dress modestly and appropriately, in a way that gives witness to your faith. As Catholics we believe that God comes down to meet us at every mass. Won’t you dress well to meet a king?
- Men should remove their hats.
- Show up at least a few minutes early to spend time in prayer. If you can’t be on time, please try to sit in the back so as not to disturb others.
- Cell phones should never be used in mass for calls or texting. The only exceptions are for emergencies or if you are using the phone for reading the lectionary or the said prayers/responses.
- Upon entering and leaving the church, genuflect toward the tabernacle. Christ is present for our sake. By allowing our right knee to hit the floor, we acknowledge He is our Lord and God. If someone is physically unable to genuflect, then a bow is sufficient. During mass, if you pass in front of the altar or tabernacle, bow reverently.
- Sit quietly while in church. If you must talk do so as quietly and briefly as possible. Remember that your conversation might be disturbing someone who is in prayer.
- Take loud children to the vestibule. Every parent knows that sometimes a child is going to have a bad day. Parents with young kids should sit on the end of a pew, if possible, for easier exit. There is no reason to be embarrassed about having to quiet your child.
- Respect the worship. Stand during the Gospel reading and other set times during worship. Kneel at the consecration. It is part of worship. The only exceptions are for the sick, people with knee problems, the aged, and those with infants.
- Bow before receiving Holy Communion. Remember that you are before your Lord -- show your respect with a profound bow from the hip.
- Do not leave early unless there is an urgent issue. We should stay to the end of the recession and the hymn that accompanies it, if there is one. Remember who left the Last Supper early! We should show respect for God, for the priest, and our fellow worshipers.
- Pray after mass, if possible. It is good practice, though not required.
- Leave quietly. We encourage you to visit with parishioners and clergy as part of Christian fellowship, but do so once you are outside of the main sanctuary of the church to minimize disturbing others who want to stay and pray.