Mass & Communion Etiquette

The guidelines below serve to make our Sunday liturgy a time of workshop and praise pleasing to God. The Liturgy is a time set apart from the rest of the week to escape the rigors of daily life and enter into a communion with God by worshiping with others. Please take notice of these guidelines to help make our Sunday worship fruitful and pleasing to God.

Remember, we are called to fast from food and drink for one hour before Mass. This does not apply to anyone over 65 or anyone who must eat or drink before taking medication. (This includes chewing gum…please, never chew gum during Mass.

Please do not bring any food or drink into church. This applies to food and candy for your children as well.

Dress modestly and appropriately for Mass, especially during summer months.

Before entering the church, please make sure all cell phones are turned off. Actually, it would be better to just leave them at home or in the car.

Please do not be late for Mass. Not only is this distracting to those who are already in their seats, it is disrespectful to our Lord. If you are late, please do not seat yourselves during the readings, homily or Eucharistic prayer. A good rule is to find a seat only when the congregation is standing. If you arrive after the Gospel is proclaimed it is not considered a valid Mass and you should not receive Communion.

Once you enter the main body of the church, please observe a spirit of silence. This is not a time to catch up on what has been happening with your friends since you saw them last week. Many people like to come in early to pray…please respect that.

No one should be moving about the Church during the following times:
- When the lector is reading the 1^st and 2^nd readings.
- During the Gospel and homily.
- AND most of all, during the Consecration when the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
(Of course, the exception to the above would be if someone is feeling ill or someone has to take a crying baby out.)

During Communion

Those who are not Catholic and cannot receive Holy Communion are welcome to come forward with the rest of the congregation during the Communion period with their arms crossed over their chest and receive a blessing. (Catholics who are not properly disposed, in a state of mortal sin or have not been to confession in at least a year should not receive Communion either. But they may also come forward for a blessing.)

While the person in front of you is receiving the Body of Christ or His Precious Blood, make a profound bow from the waist to show reverence (This does not apply to those who are physically unable to do so…a head bow would be appropriate.)

To receive Holy Communion, step forward with one hand placed under the other holding both chest high. Please do not try to grab the host out of the minister’s hand. (If receiving on the tongue, come forward with hands folded in front of your chest.)

After the Communion minister says, “the Body of Christ” we should respond with a resounding “AMEN.” After you have received the host place it in your mouth immediately…do not take it back to your pew.

If you choose to receive from the chalice, make the same profound bow, respond with a loud “AMEN” and then carefully take the chalice from the minister. Please do not take a large gulp of the Precious Blood as it may prevent those who are in the back from receiving. We receive the entire Jesus even in the smallest of drops. When returning the chalice to the minister, please do so slowly and carefully to make sure the minister has a firm grasp on it before you let go. Ladies, please blot your lipstick before receiving from the chalice, lipstick stains are very difficult to get out of the altar linens. (If you are ill, please do not receive from the chalice.)

After you receive Communion, return to your seat and spend a few minutes in silent prayer thanking God for the great gift we have just received. This is an especially good time to “commune” with God.

After the closing prayer, announcements and final dismissal please remain in your pew until the closing hymn is finished. Exiting Mass early is like being asked to dinner and leaving before dessert is served.

PS, there is a cry room in the back of church if needed (the cry room is only for those with small children and not for those who arrive late). We also provide childcare for all Masses.

I hope these basic guidelines will serve as a reminder of the proper etiquette that is expected during Mass so that everyone may have the opportunity to enter more fully into this mystery of Christ’s love.