~ Here in this Holy Place ~
A GUIDE TO PREPARATION FOR MASS
AND DECORUM IN THE CHURCH

**PLEASE, ALWAYS GENUFLECT TO SHOW OUR RESPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IN THE TABERNACLE**

Love and respect for God and Love and respect for Neighbor are the core of Our Lord’s teachings. We show our Love at church by creating an environment of prayer and reverence for all to connect with God.

Please try to arrive early and prepare for Mass with silent prayer. Our noisy world has too few places of silence and reflection. We should try to remain reverently quiet in the Nave of the church (the main sanctuary area). Conversations should take place in the Vestibule of the church (foyer).

The vestibule of the church was designed as a gathering spot for before and after Mass, and to allow parents to quickly retreat when babies become a little too animated. This area is not intended to be an annex to the church for anyone who does not have “cry room” needs. All able-bodied persons should fully participate in the Mass inside the church, not in the vestibule, parish hall or public area around the Religious Education office.

If infants get “fussy,” please feel free to utilize the cry room (vestibule) at the main entrance of the church but please come back and celebrate the Eucharist with the rest of the congregation when your child settles down. To better accommodate parents with the possible need to exit the church, we have reserved the pews on the back wall that for mothers or fathers with children in arms and kindly ask that others leave those sections clear.

Please turn off cell phones, pagers, text messaging devices, and video games! while inside the church or at any official church meeting.

Food and gum are never acceptable in church. If you chew gum during Mass, please abstain from receiving Holy Communion.

Please dress appropriately for church: Ladies-please be modestly dressed, wearing nothing too revealing. Men-a nice shirt and nice pants, please. The more modern term, “dress-casual,” is most appropriate (See 1 Chron. 16:29, 1 Tim. 2:9-10, Rom. 12:2. Catechism # 1387).

What’s the hurry? Please wait for the final blessing at the end of Mass before leaving. And, of course, the choir always appreciates the respect shown by waiting until they complete the recessional hymn before leaving the church. They thank you.

WHO MAY RECEIVE COMMUNION IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

A person must BE a Catholic by baptism or formal Profession of Faith.
A Catholic must be in the State of Grace, having no un-confessed serious sins
A person must fast for one hour before receiving communion (unless they have health conditions).

If you are not able to or do not wish to receive communion, you may:

Remain seated in your pew in prayer for those few minutes, meditating on your relationship with Christ
Approach the priest to receive a blessing (rather than communion), by crossing your arms in front of your chest to signal your desire for a blessing.