Katholieke etiquette

For Catholics, the Mass is a sacred and special time. It is where we meet Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, renew our faith, and grow together as one family in the universal Church. Because the Mass is holy, we show our love and respect for God and one another by how we act and prepare.

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Before Mass Begins

Arrive Early: Please arrive before Mass begins to find your seat and take a moment for quiet prayer. Arriving late can be disruptive and is considered disrespectful.
Bless Yourself: When you enter or leave the church, it is customary to bless yourself with holy water and make the Sign of the Cross. This reminds us of our Baptism and that we are children of God.
Genuflect with Reverence: Before taking your seat, genuflect toward the tabernacle where Jesus is truly present. Bend your right knee to the floor, face the tabernacle, and make the Sign of the Cross.
Prepare in Prayer: Once seated, take a few quiet moments to pray. You can thank God, offer intentions, or ask for help to enter prayerfully into the Mass.

When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love!

During Mass

- No Gum Chewing: Chewing gum is never appropriate in church. Those receiving Communion should not chew gum before or during Mass, as it breaks the Eucharistic fast.
- Silence Phones: Please turn off your phone before Mass begins. Emergencies are the only exceptions.
- Dress Respectfully:
  – There is no strict dress code, but how we dress shows our respect for God.
  – Avoid wearing shorts, t-shirts, or clothing that is too casual or revealing.
  – Men should remove hats or caps.
  – Women may wear something on their heads if they wish.
  – Sunglasses should only be worn inside for health reasons.
- No Food or Drinks: Please do not eat or drink inside the church.
- Keep a Prayerful Silence: The church is a house of prayer. Keep voices low, and have conversations outside before or after Mass.
- Children at Mass:
  – We love having children as part of our parish family!
  – Parents are encouraged to help children remain calm and respectful.
  – Everyone understands that babies may cry — please just be considerate of others who are praying.
  – Children should stay with their families and not walk around the church during Mass.

Receiving Holy Communion

For Catholics

Catholics participate most fully in the Mass when they receive Holy Communion. To receive Communion properly:

- Be free from serious sin.
- Fast from food and drink (except water or medicine) for one hour before Mass.
- Anyone aware of serious sin should go to confession before receiving Communion, unless in a grave situation with no opportunity to confess. In that case, one should make an act of perfect contrition and plan to confess as soon as possible.
- Frequent confession is encouraged for everyone.

For Non-Catholic Christians

We warmly welcome our Christian brothers and sisters who join us for Mass. We pray that the Holy Spirit will bring us closer together in faith and unity, as Jesus prayed: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21).
Because the Eucharist is a sign of full unity in faith and worship, those who are not Catholic usually do not receive Communion.

In special cases, other Christians may receive Communion with permission from the bishop, according to Church law (Canon 844 §4).
Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church may receive Communion in a Catholic church if they wish and if their own Church allows it (Canon 844 §3).

For Those Not Receiving Communion

All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to pray for spiritual union with Jesus.

You may wish to pray a Spiritual Communion during this time.
It is best to remain seated and pray quietly.

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