Please, as the Church, we assemble for Mass keeping in mind the following Etiquette:
PRIOR TO MASS
One hour fast before Mass. We do this as a physical way of recalling we ought to hunger for the Lord, and our Resurrection Meal is the Eucharist that nourishes us and renews us in the Lord. However, those who have medical conditions that warrant eating prior to the Mass they are attending is of course permitted. Water is not part of the fast, hydration is important.
Show up at least a few minutes early. We have quiet time prior to Mass to recollect in quiet prayer – this is a way to prepare ourselves for the Mystery within which we will find ourselves participating in sacred time, Kairos.
Cell phones should be silenced and can be used with our QR code for the Liturgy Guide if you so choose.
ENTERING & DURING MASS
Upon entering the Church, make the sign of the Cross using Holy Water to recall your Baptism in the Lord, and to recall you are entering Heaven on Earth.
When entering and leaving the worship space of the Church, it is customary to offer a sign of reverence to Jesus Christ who is present in the tabernacle. The gestures are any one of the following: a genuflection; allowing our right knee to hit the floor, OR a profound bow; in the standing position, one bows from the hips towards the Eucharistic presence. Also, within the Mass, if you pass in front of the altar or tabernacle, one ought to bow in reverence to the Lord – this generally pertains to those assisting in the sanctuary during Mass, i.e. priest, deacon, and altar servers.
Participation within the Mass: We are called to be fully active participants within the Mass through our listening, responding, singing, and engaging in quiet reflection throughout the duration of the Mass. As we act together, we become the one Mystical Body of Jesus Christ who offers Himself to the Father. Let our worship in all of its facets be unitive.
Bow before receiving Holy Communion and return to your seat after receiving in order to demonstrate we are all one in the Lord. A moment of silence for prayer is offered for your own personal thanksgiving.
All await the sending rite given by Jesus through the priest and deacon prior to leaving the worship space of the church. Recall, Jesus sent his disciples, they did not act on their own accord; they departed to spread the Good News upon Jesus’ command as we ought to do today.
AFTER BEING SENT INTO THE WORLD
Prayer after the conclusion of Mass is a good custom, though not required. Sometimes individuals desire to have a prolonged time to offer their prayer of thanksgiving in Heaven on Earth; in order for us to give respect to those who desire this opportunity, visiting with others should take place in the Gathering Space (the Entrance) of our Church or outside and whenever we have hospitality, in our Parish Hall.