Posted on 09/16/2014 5:21:54 PM PDT by NKP_Vet
1. Fast before Mass. It is Church law that one fasts for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. Water and medicine can be consumed, of course. The purpose is to help us prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
2. No Food and Drink in Church. The exceptions would be a drink for small children, water for the priest or choir (if discreet) and water for those who are ill. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate, because we want to set the church apart as a place of prayer and reflection.
3. Men take your hats off. It is impolite to wear a hat into a church for a man. While this is a cultural norm, it is one that we ought to follow closely. Just as we take off hats for the Pledge of Allegiance, we do so in church too; as a sign of respect.
4. Don't chew gum in church. It breaks your fast, it’s distracting, it is consider impolite in a formal setting, and it doesn't help us pray better. Can you imagine the Pope popping gum in during Mass?
5. 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. Just try to remain mindful of what is happening when you do so and don't do it without saying a prayer.
6. Dress modestly and appropriately. Wear your Sunday Best. As Catholics we believe that God comes down to meet us at every Mass. So, why would we not dress up?
7. Show up at least a few minutes early. If for some reason you can't be on time, then try to sit in the back so you don't disturb others. Getting to Mass early allows you to pray and prepare yourself better for Mass.
8. Cell phones should never be used in Mass for calls or texting. The exceptions are emergencies (big ones, not everyday ones) and if you do use one, please walk out of church to do so. Also, if you are using the phone for readings or prayers, this is appropriate, but try to be discreet.
9. Don't sit on the edge of the pew if you sit down before others. Rather, sit in the middle so others don't have to climb over you. Furthermore - Gentlemen offer their seats to a any lady (elderly, disabled, etc) who must stand. Some churches, like ours, get packed. We live in Texas (Howdy!). In Texas men don't sit when a woman is standing.
10. When we enter and leave 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.
11. Please be quiet while in church. Once you enter the sanctuary - it is not the time or place to visit with those around you. If you must talk do so as quietly and briefly as possible. Remember that your conversation might be disturbing someone who is in prayer, which is much more important. Sssshhhhhhhh.
12. Take loud children to the back. Every parent knows that sometimes the baby is going to have a bad day. Don't make everyone else's day bad as well. Sit on the end of a pew, if you can, and take the kid to the back quickly. Don't wait too long before you make a move. There is no reason to be embarrassed about having to quiet your child in the back of the church. It is worse to allow them to disturb Mass continually.
13. Prepare your offering before Mass. Christ tells us not to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing when you make your offering. Keeping the basket while you get your wallet out can sometimes become quite a scene.
14. No bulletin reading during Mass. Imagine if you invited a guest to your house and before dinner (or during) they decided to read a magazine instead of talking to you. That is what is happening in God's house when you read the bulletin.
15. Respect Boundaries others may have. You might want to hold hands to pray, they may not. They might be sick and not want to shake during the sign of peace. These are all OK. Do not make any unnecessary judgment because they worship differently.
16. Bow before receiving Holy Communion. If it is God, then show your respect with a bow of the head. This is an ancient practice that has continued until this day.
17. Do not receive from the chalice if you are sick. This is an act of charity and it is not necessary to receive in order to receive the entirety of Jesus' body, blood, soul, and divinity.
18. Do not leave early. We should stay to the end of the recession and the hymn that accompanies it, if there is one. While there are certainly exceptions to this guideline, most who leave early don't need to and ought not to.
19.Pray after Mass, if you feel called to do so. It is a good custom, though not required, to offer a prayer of thanksgiving after Mass is over.
20. Leave quietly. We encourage you to visit with others, but once you are outside of the main sanctuary of the church so you won't disturb others who want to stay and pray. So, please leave quietly and then have then visit afterward.
Ok
so we’re all singing in church during mass and the little girl in front of me tugs on her mother’s hem and asks, “mommy, what is that noise.” Just kind of lip syncing since then.
What do you need help with? Any specifics? If not, just enjoy the mass/confirmation ceremony ... it's beautiful.
Yes, it is supposed to be in the center, however in some churches the tabernacle is in a room elsewhere.
They’ll have a special program for the event. You can following the proceedings and the prayers.
Don’t know if people still give confirmation gifts.
Enjoy.
A bit nervous. Okay, so what do I look for? I guess just do what everyone else does. Might be a bit behind.
I hate to admit that I’m often guilty of running late to Mass (#7).
I naturally abide by the other rules on this list, though.
However, I have to comment on #9 — in crowded Masses, I’ve noticed women with young children standing while perfectly healthy men sit.
I always tried to teach my sons to hold the door for people, especially ladies, and to give up their seats for the elderly, the disabled, and pregnant women or women with young children. But, it’s difficult to get the point across when grown men aren’t doing the same thing. So, I (their mother) sometimes have to be the example - the one holding the door, etc. Times sure have changed.
I can’t count the number of sell phones that have beeped at Mass. I despise these things with a passion. At the funeral Mass for my wife, sure enough.....beep beep beep.
You will not be expected to do anything at the Confirmation of the friend’s son. Think of it as like being in the audience. There may be a handout for following the ceremony, but nobody would expect you to say any prayers that you are not comfortable with.
We Catholics do a lot of changes in position during our worship services — standing, sitting, kneeling. You can do what everyone else does then, or you can just remain seated. The one thing you must not do is to go up to the altar to receive Communion, as that is a practice for Catholics only.
During Mass our thoughts should be on the altar where the consecration takes place, however after the Eucharist has been distributed and Our Lord is placed back into His tabernacle, we must then turn our attention back to where He is. If the tabernacle is in a side chapel we should follow with our eyes as He is carried to His place of rest.
Still laughing at that!
They should know where Our Lord is at all times.
She should not do that.
When I was young, Mass wasn’t complete unless an altar boy keeled over. You’d see one kneeling, his back to the congregation, starting to sway a little.........
Be prepared to stand, sit, kneel, stand, sit kneel about 100 times.
Help with what? Trust me, there will be no stormtroopers posted about the premises with special infrared "non-Catholic" detectors. Despite what you may have read from some of the Protestants around here... har har har.
You must be over 80, then.
Don’t should on yourself
Not everyone is as knowledgable as u
“Anyone remember the last time you saw suits and nice dresses in church?”
I went to Mass in 160 year old Cathlic Church in Buffalo, New York a few years ago and it was standing room only. I was told to wear a suit if I had one and if not to dress up.
The majority of the men were all dressed in suits and the women had on dresses and a lot were wearing hats. The ushers were all dressed to the max and looked like the mob. They would show everyone where to sit. It was not a traditional Mass per say, but it was one of the best Masses I have ever attended. Very reverent. No hand holding during the Our Father and the majority took communion on the tongue.
I will tell you this: when I was about three, I exited church in a crowd down a long split staircase while clinging to my mothers dress. Only, when we reached the bottom and I looked up at her,............it wasn’t my mother! Some strange lady looking down at me with smile.
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