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Mass Etiquette

Mass Etiquette at the Church of the Transfiguration

The Mass is a time to spend with God, give thanks, receive his graces, give glory, and present our intentions to him. It's also a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and to be challenged to live a Christian life.

Eucharistic fast: Preparing for this most important prayer (Mass) is key in a Christian life. It starts with mind and then the body. If one is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist, it is recommended to abstain from any food or drink, except water and medicine, for at least one hour before Holy Communion. It applies to all Catholics with good Health conditions. Count at least an hour to the moment you receive holy communion.

Entering and leaving the Church: When you enter the church, cross yourself with the Holy Water and thank God for the grace given to you at Baptism. When you reach your pew, genuflect in the isle toward the Tabernacle in the Sanctuary before sitting down. This is the way of showing respect to our Lord. When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, please use both knees if you are able. When you take your seat, it is proper to kneel if able and say a silent prayer to prepare your heart and mind before Mass. When leaving the Church, genuflect toward the Tabernacle (usually indicated by a lit candle beside it). Since our Tabernacle is still in the side chapel, this can wait unless those who wish and enter by that right side. Christ is present for our sake. By allowing our right knee to hit the floor, we acknowledge He is our Lord and God. If someone is physically unable to genuflect, then a bow is sufficient. If you pass in front of the altar or Tabernacle, it is recommended to bow reverently. Keep sacred silence in the church. Avoid unnecessary conversation and keep necessary conversation to a very low whisper. Please refrain from walking up and down the aisles during the Consecration.

Timekeeping: Sometimes things can happen without a doubt, such as cars breaking down, children taking too long to wake up, and alarm clocks failing to go off, but chronic lateness for the Mass may be disruptive. We can move in the pews from the sign of the cross until the end of the Gloria. It is appropriate to stay standing at the back of the church (vestibule/ commons) when lectors are reading and take your seat when the responsorial psalm or gospel acclamation song starts.

Eating and drinking in the church: The church is a space for spiritual food; gum, food, or drinks are not welcome mainly to those who receive holy communion. The only exceptions are discreetly breastfeeding or giving an infant a bottle. Those with medical conditions that cannot allow them to complete mass are allowed to use water, juice, and soft drinks in the church at their discretion at any time. If you need a bite, going out of the nave is advisable.

Dress Code: This is a matter of showing proper respect, not only for God but also for others around you. Never let circumstances out of your control make you feel embarrassed or keep you away from the Sacraments. One should always wear modest, clean, and if possible, the nicest clothes one has. Put some effort into your outfit, and choose something that would please the Lord. Gentlemen, take your hats off. It is impolite for a man to wear a hat to church. Just as we take off hats for the Pledge of Allegiance, we do so in church, too, as a sign of respect. Doctors' recommendations are an exception.

Cell Phones: No cell phones; texting, chatting, and calls. The only justifiable case is big emergencies. Whatever it be, be discreet while attending to it. It is usually better to quietly leave the Church to attend to the emergency than text or receive calls inside.

Children in the Church: Children are signs of the future church. Sometimes can’t Help making a bit of noise at mass, but if your child is disruptive enough to distract people, or makes it hard for others to concentrate, take him/her to the cry Room, conference or social hall for a couple minutes. Remember, too, that an acceptable level of noise to you as a parent might be one thing because you are used to hearing your children; others might find that same noise very distracting. It is advisable to talk to them before coming to mass.
Children under 12 must be escorted by their parents to bathrooms and other places. Ushers are not allowed in the bathroom with children. It is nice to train our children not to frequent bathrooms and also take them to bathrooms shortly before Mass. This is good at church and while they are in school classes.

Receive Communion properly: It is customary to show some reverence for Communion. Our diocese allows receiving Holy Communion both ways. Ensure you have clean hands and tongue. It is important to honor what you are getting into. In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is present. Do not talk to people after receiving Holy Communion. It is time to speak to Jesus and allow him to speak to you Be Your Neighbor's Keeper: If you are sick, do not receive from the chalice.

We don’t come to Mass to be judged, that is between each person and God, but we want to follow our etiquettes.