Mass Etiquette & Guidelines

Mass Etiquette

As I mentioned in last week’s Bulletin “We must regain a sense of the sacred. We must embrace the power of the Eucharist. This is only possible by changing our attitude and renewing some basic social graces and manners which will result in a new atmosphere of hospitality, warmth and holiness.” Jesus’ command was that we “love God with our whole being, and our neighbor as ourselves.” Therefore, we must begin by having enough self-respect to present ourselves as persons willing to love God with our whole being. Then we must make the decision to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our whole demeanor must speak of the importance of this celebration and the family of God gathered to pray with and for one another. Before coming to church – Create an atmosphere of “READINESS,” “ANTICIPATION,” and “TOGETHERNESS.”

FOR FAMILIES, it becomes much easier to enjoy the Mass with young children if they know this is something that is important, both to you and for them. Children are bored at Mass or restless, because they do not understand what’s going on. Take time to discuss things with them. Call their attention to certain objects, actions or words that are spoken or sung. They need to know that they have an important role in the life of the Church and their participation matters. Their love for the Church will grow according to their understanding and capacity — just like in school with various subjects. They also need to know that this is a great opportunity for “us” to share time with God and the other members of our faithful family who will be praying with us and for us in church. That will also reinforce a feeling of “I am special” in the eyes of God and the community.

FOR A COUPLE, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unity you share. It is a way of sharing your “Coupleness” with the community — that profound, outward sign, of God’s love for His people. You are coming to seek strength and support for your decision to love and honor each other, every day, in every way.

FOR AN INDIVIDUAL, spending some time mentally preparing yourself to share this mystery with other people who believe as you do can be a real source of affirmation and strength in your faith journey. Remember that you, and those who gather with you, are created in the image and likeness of God. This is the time to give thanks, to praise God for this and the many gifts you’ve received, and to pray for yourself and those who are gathered with you, that God may give you and them what is needed to remain faithful to His way of loving.

COME PREPARED! Be ready to celebrate and pray with and for your Faithful Family. Know that this is your special time to deepen your relationship with God and God’s family. Let nothing be a distraction to you, or cause you to be a distraction to another. This is how unity is created and our unique gifts bring grace to all who are gathered seeking the visible signs of God’s love. God may be using YOU to affirm his love for another. CARRY THE MESSAGE WITH YOU! Take what you have experienced and share it with everyone, family, friends, co-workers. Discuss what you’ve heard, how God and/or God’s people touched you. Listen to the stories of others. Count their presence and stories, and your experience, among Your Blessings. LIVE THE MESSAGE PROUDLY THROUGH THE WEEK!

(Nov 3, 2002 Bulletin - Fr. Larry)

Church Guidelines on Fasting and Abstinence

ABSTINENCE from meat (beast or fowl) is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products, or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat.

FASTING means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given day. Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On Fast days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on Fast days is not permitted.

Last Update: 28 December 2009