Make a commitment to
yourself, your family and to God, by attending Mass every week. But, how
exactly do you prepare yourself
for Mass on Sunday?
Fast Before Mass. It is Church law that one fasts for at least 1 hour
before receiving Holy Communion. The purpose is to help us prepare to receive
Jesus in the Eucharist. Don’t
chew gum in in Mass. It breaks your fast. It is distracting
and it is considered impolite. Every Mass you attend deserves your complete
respect and reverence.
No Food and Drink in Church. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate. The
exceptions can be for small children. We need to set the church apart as a
place of prayer and reflection.
Dip Your Fingers in the Holy Water
and make a sign of the cross on entering and leaving the Church. The Holy Water reminds us of the Sacrament of Baptism
and unites us with Christ.
Dress Modestly and Appropriately. Put on your SUNDAY BEST. As Catholics, we believe that God comes to meet us at
every Mass. Ask ourselves, “Is this the best I can wear for Mass? Is this
appropriate and respectful?”
Show Up Early for Mass. Would you arrive late to a dinner
date? Of course not. The same applies when you attend Mass. Getting to Mass early allows you to pray and prepare
yourself better. Make sure you are seated by the time the bell rings, and
please don't stand outside the Church once the Mass starts.
Mobile Phones Should Never Be Used in Mass
for Calls or Texting. Please keep your
mobile phones and beepers turned off or set to vibrate mode during Mass. If you
have an emergency situation, and need to answer the phone while Mass is going
on, please walk out of Church to do so. If you are using the phone or iPad for
readings or prayers - this is acceptable - but try to be discreet.
When We Enter and Leave Church, Genuflect or
Bow Reverently Towards the Tabernacle or Altar. By
doing so, we acknowledge that He is our
Lord and our God. If someone is physically unable to genuflect, then a bow is
sufficient.
Please Be Quiet While in Church. Once you enter the church, remember that it is not the
time or place to visit and chat with those around you. If you must talk, do so
as quietly and as briefly as possible. Remember that your conversation might be
disturbing someone who is praying.
No Bulletin or Publication Reading During Mass. Imagine inviting a guest to your home and before or
during the meal, they decide to read a magazine or glance at a newspaper
instead of talking to you. That is what happens in God’s house when you read
the bulletin or any other publication. Remember that it is important to prepare
for Mass. Familiarise yourself with the readings in advance, and
it will help you to understand and reflect on them.
Do Not Leave Early. We should stay till the end of the closing prayer and the
recessional hymn that accompanies it. While there are certainly exceptions to
this guideline, most who leave early don’t need to and ought not to.
Pray After Mass. It is a good custom, though not required, to offer a prayer of
thanksgiving after Mass is over. We encourage you to leave church quietly so you won’t disturb others who want to stay and pray.
We need to keep all these Catholic Mass
Etiquettes in mind before entering into church and participating in the Mass.
This will allow us experience Mass in a more meaningful and prayerful manner,
deserving of our Lord and Saviour.
