06/26/2014
This was in our church bulletin this last Sunday. Its long overdue.
1. Mass Is Holy.
It is that most special and sacred of times that we encounter our Creator-Redeemer_Sustainer GOD in a most intimate and awesome way and receive Him in the most real way possible, in The Eucharist- if we are properly disposed.
2. Dress Appropriately. One should always wear clothes that are modest, if at all possible, all things being equal, clean and the nicest clothes one has.
3.Be On Time. It is extremely distracting when people arrive late to Mass. One should do everything in one's power to arrive on time.-better yet, early so as to avoid disturbing one's fellow worshippers and their focus on the Mass.
4. Turn Cell Phones Off. The reason for this should be obvious.
5.Show Reverance Toward The Tabernacle/Altar Before Sitting Or Kneeling In The Pew. Genuflection is preferred, but a profound bow will suffice if one is physically incapable of genuflecting. The purpose of this is to show respect and reverance for our King and to acknowledge His Real Presence in the tabernacle.
6.Kneel or Sit Quietly. We do this so that we can pray, meditate, and properly prepare ourselves for the beauty and splendor of the Mass, and to be considerate of those around us, who are also in comtemplation of this awesome Reality.
7. Participate Fully In The Mass. We do this by immersing ourselves totally in the Mass by diligently listening to God's Word, participating in the prayers, and being properly disposed to receive The King of the Universe Himself in The Eucharist.
8. Stay Until The End Of Mass. Mass is not conclued until the final prayer and dismissal, and the polite thing to do is remain in the pew until the end of the recessional song, since it is, after all, a sung prayer.
9. Reverently, Gently, & Silently Leave The Church. Again these actions by the congregation demonstrate due respect for our Lord in The Blessed Sacrament. There is plenty of time to share camaraderie and conviviality once we have left the worship space of the Church, and furthermore, we avoid the possbility of disturbing those who wish to remain behing in the church for contemplation and prayer.
10. Think Of The Church, Always And At All Times, As Sacred Space And a Sacred Place. The church is first, and foremost, a place of worship. It is not an auditorium or convention center. The church is the primary place we come to spend time with and be intimate with God.
