Saint Michael's Catholic Church

Holy Mass is the most sublime part of our day. In order to give rightful honor and glory to God during the Celebration, we should properly prepare ourselves beforehand.
 

Confession

Confession is necessary for us all, especially if we are in the state of mortal sin and desiring to receive Communion at Mass [See Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1854-1861].
 

Fasting

Abstain for at least one hour from any food and drink before holy communion, with the exception of water and medicine [See Code of Canon Law, 919].

Proper Attire

The faithful are always encouraged to wear their best to Mass, which reflects the importance of the Celebration.  Immodest attire, especially for Mass, may distract others and lead them to sinful thoughts.

Sunday Mass attire for women and teenage girls

• Dresses, skirts or nice slacks are most appropriate.  Shoulders should be covered, and neck and hemlines should be modest.

 

• Veils:  Veils are welcome if you so choose, but are not required.   

 

• Not advisable:  Tight clothing accentuating body parts, garments baring midriffs, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, sweats, jeans, sneakers, and flip flops.

Sunday Mass attire for men and teenage boys

• Ties and jackets:  The most appropriate attire.

 

• Not advisable:  Head coverings/hats (with the exception of certain ceremonies and/or organizations), shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, sweats, jeans, sneakers, and flip flops.

Arrive early to allow time for prayer in order to dispose yourself to receive the fruits of the Eucharist.
 

Etiquette

• Upon entering the church, make the sign of the Cross.  Note:  Normally one would bless themselves with Holy Water.  However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Holy Water fonts have been emptied.

 

• Genuflect (the bending of the right knee completely to the ground whenever possible, to convey adoration of the Altar and the Tabernacle) next to the pew before seating yourself.

 

• Respect the Eucharistic Presence and others' prayer time by maintaining silence.  Socializing should be reserved for outside the church.  If you must speak, please do so quietly and briefly.

 

• Turn off your cell phone.

 

• If you arrive late to Mass, please seat yourself in the neareset available pew towards the back of the church in order prevent distraction.

 

In order to evangelize the world, we need experts in celebration, adoration, and contemplation of the Holy Eucharist.
- Saint John Paul II, World Mission Sunday, October 24, 2004

A single Mass offered for oneself during life may be worth more than a thousand celebrated for the same intention after death.
- Saint Anselm

In summary, the Mass is a Sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us [Sacrosanctum Concilium, 47].

Posture During Mass

Protocol:

• Bow of the Head:  Made at the name of Jesus.

 

• Bow of the Body:  Made to the Altar during the Creed at the words, "by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man."

 

• Kneel as directed.

Receiving Holy Communion

All Catholics who have received their First Holy Communion, are not in a state of mortal sin, and have fasted one hour prior to receiving, may receive Holy Communion.

Non-Catholics attending Mass are not eligible to receive the Eucharist, as they are not in full communion with the Catholic Church.  Full unity with the Church entails completing the Rites of Initiation.  Please contact us if you are interested in these Rites.

Protocol:

• Be on guard for any lack of reverence when proceeding to the Altar to receive Communion.  Please remember that you are about to receive the Lord Himself.

 

• Bow before receiving the Host and His Precious Blood from the Chalice.

 

• Receive the Host in your hand (place one hand flatly on top of the other).  Note:  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Host will only be given out by hand.

 

• Consume the Host while standing in front of the priest or Extraordinary Servant of the Eucharist.  Do not walk away with the Eucharist in your hand.

After receiving Holy Communion, it is best to kneel in prayer (if possible) until the Tabernacle is closed, and the celebrant is seated.  Many people keep their head bowed and eyes closed while uniting with Jesus in the Eucharist.

Our Lord remains within us - Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity - for approximately 15-20 minutes.  We are encouraged to foster a deeper unity with Christ, whenever possible, for the duration of His physical presence.
 

The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love; It signifies Love, It produces love.  The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life.
- Saint Thomas Aquinas

What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetitie and with our tongue, for the language he best hears is silent love.
- Saint John of the Cross

Mass ends when the celebrant states, "The Mass has ended, go in peace," and the congregation replies, "Thanks be to God."  If there is a recessional hymn, it is most polite to remain in the pew until the hymn is completed.  If there is no hymn, the proper order of departure from the Mass first allows for the celebrant, concelebrant and assistants to descend from the Altar and proceed down the middle of the nave.

Etiquette

• Exit the church quietly and reverently.  This is also a courtesy to thoes who remain in prayer after Mass.
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• The Holy Rosary, one of the most efficacious prayers of the Church, is often recited immediately following Daily Mass.  Waiting five to ten minutes before reciting the Rosary is another courtesy to those who remain in prayer.

 

I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne, and in sight of the lamb. [Rv 7:9]