During Mass, a simple bow from the waist is required in the reciting of the Creed during the words “by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man” (this is to honor the chief mystery of our Faith, the Incarnation). Do not try to bend both knees at once: go down on one knee, then the other, then back up the same way. When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed as in Benediction or Adoration, a genuflection on both knees is required. For those unable to genuflect a simple bow at the waist is called for. It is optional to cross yourself while genuflecting. If you are going to be working right in front of the altar for an extended period of time (i.e.: you’re arranging flowers, etc.), once is enough.If you are going to sit in a pew, genuflect on one knee before entering and leaving. If the Blessed Sacrament is present, and if you are just going to walk around the church but not sit down (i.e.: you are there to do the stations of the cross), you should genuflect on one knee when passing directly in front of the altar. If not, the tabernacle is empty and no genuflection is necessary. If it is lit, that means the Jesus is present in the tabernacle. hasn’t been placed in a separate room ), look for the red lamp near it. Reverence – When you enter a Church, you should bless (cross) yourself with Holy Water to remind yourself of your baptism and the fact that you are entering a sanctified place. Wait until the parties have left and then move to the available seats. vigil service please enter through the back and observe respectful silence if a wedding or funeral service is in progress. This respect is important at all Masses-no matter what time of day or night.Īttending 4 pm. Dressing appropriately for Mass is one way that we show respect, both for God and for our faith family. At Mass, we encountered God through the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. How we dress for and occasion indicates the importance that we place upon that particular celebration. How many of us search for just the right outfit to wear to our annual coffee party or on a date? Compare that to how much thought we put into what we wear to Mass on Sunday. Do not park in such a way that you are blocking someone else in.įeeling Ill – If you are feeling ill and coughing or sneezing, please refrain from shaking hands.ĭressing For Mass – When we are invited to a wedding many of us wonder, “What am I going to wear?” We wouldn’t think of showing up at a wedding or another formal event in our gym clothes.
The doors that are considered in the back of the Church (Doors by Route 60). Leaving During Mass – If you must leave before Mass is over, leave through the doors at the south end of the Church. This helps everyone to find a seat with the least amount of disruption to others.Ĭell Phone – Please, turn off or silent your cell phones and /or pagers before entering the Church. Taking a Seat – Please, consider moving toward the center of the pew.