The Mass
MASS AND COMMUNION ETIQUETTE
- Arrive early or on time. Please turn off all electronics (cell phones, tablets, etc.).
- Use the time before Mass to pray and prepare your heart for our beautiful liturgy. Please remain quiet as others are praying.
- No food, drinks, or chewing gum.
- Modest dress is appreciated. Men, please remove your hats.
- When we enter and leave Church, we cross ourselves with Holy Water, reminding us of our Baptism.
- When we enter and leave the pew, we genuflect or bow toward the Tabernacle out of respect and reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.
- Please avoid leaving your pew during the following times:
- When the priest or deacon is giving the homily;
- When the priest is saying the words of Consecration, changing the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ (during the Eucharistic prayer between the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Great Amen).
- Exceptions to the above: if someone is ill or has a baby/child whose needs are better served outside the sanctuary.
- If you or your child leaves the church and re-enters during one of these times, you should remain standing at the back until these parts are over and then return to your pew.
- All Catholics not in mortal (serious) sin and who have fasted for one hour are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
- Make a reverential bow before you receive the Eucharist
- There are two ways to receive the Blessed Sacrament: on your tongue or in your hand.
- If you receive on the tongue, please stick out your tongue far enough so that the host can be easily placed on it.
- If you receive in your hand, hold your clean hands chest-high and outstretched to receive the Eucharist. Please do not “take” or “grab” the host from the minister.
- The chalice is reserved for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. When receiving from the chalice (reserved for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance), make sure you have a firm grip on it and make sure the EM has firmly re-grasped it when you are done. Receive from cup in standing posture only; kneeling risks spilling.
- When the minister says, “Body of Christ” or “Blood of Christ”, the response is a clear “Amen!” (Amen means “I believe!” or “So be it!”)
- Consume the host immediately. We believe the host is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is holy. If you walk away with the host in your hand, the clergy or an EM may come after you to make sure you consume the host.
- The Activity Center and vestibule are both “Cry Rooms.” The Mass is streamed into the Activity Center. Please come upstairs to receive Communion.
- Please remain in your pew until the final song ends. It is also a good idea to kneel after Mass and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.