what to expect at a Catholic Mass

A word of welcome for those who aren’t familiar with the Catholic Mass.

The Catholic Mass is an opportunity to give glory to God, to hear the Scriptures read and preached, and to be caught up into the saving Sacrifice of Jesus. Those who are not Catholic are often surprised by the amount of ritual involved in the Mass. Our rituals are ancient and they become very familiar to a Catholic. Don’t worry if these rituals seem foreign. We are always happy to have guests and no one expects that you will understand all of the rituals on your first visit…. or even on your second or third.

We try to be a friendly parish, and we have ushers stationed in the vestibule to welcome people. You will often find a priest greeting people there. Feel free to introduce yourself or to ask any questions. Once we enter the church, however, we encourage quiet. This is our place for quiet prayer.

There are both red and blue hymn books in the pews. If you open to the inside of the front cover of either, you will find most of the prayers which the congregation prays aloud during the Mass. Most of us know those prayers by memory, but you can use the books to follow along. Hymn boards in the front of the church provide the numbers for the hymns we will sing. The second number on the hymn board will guide you to the scripture readings for the day. This is always in the blue book. Feel free to follow along as those readings are read and please join us in singing.

You will note that we stand and sit at various times. We also kneel at the most sacred parts of the Mass. You are welcome to kneel when others do, or to remain seated if kneeling isn’t comfortable.

Before Holy Communion, everyone is invited to share a sign of peace. Many people shake hands with those who are nearby. Others wave, nod, or offer a friendly smile.

Our Catholic belief is that bread and wine are actually changed during Mass into the living Body and Blood of Jesus. Thus, receiving Holy Communion is a profoundly sacred act. Holy Communion is only offered to those who are Catholic and have been prepared for this sacred encounter. When you see people getting in line for Holy Communion, you may remain in your seat or you may come forward in the line to receive a blessing. When you get to the front of the line, cross your hands over your chest and you will be given a blessing.

The Mass is almost always finished in an hour. After Mass we try to keep the church quiet for those who want to stay and pray, but there will be plenty of friendly chatter in the vestibule on the way out. Please feel free to introduce yourself, to ask questions, and to come back again! If you would like to learn more about the Catholic Church or about the parish, please give us a call.