Church Conduct
- When entering the church take holy water as a reminder to cleanse your mind of all thoughts.
- When in doubt as to the correct procedure during the liturgy, follow the altar servers.
- Strict silence should be observed at all times within the church, do not talk even in the vestibule. This does not preclude you from consuming food and beverages after Mass.
- Do not throw confetti in the church grounds, it is like dumping rubbish in your neighbour's garden, but in this case it is God's garden.
- Respect for God's house forbids the customary signs of affection and congratulation to be indulged in as the bride and bridegroom are walking out of the church.
- While waiting for a wedding, the faithful should engage in talk with God and not with one another.
- Do not leave your place in the church until the priest has left the sanctuary.
- Do not walk up the aisle while the priest is speaking from the pulpit. Should you need to clarify any point or make an objection, wait until the Mass has finished.
- Do not stand if there are seats available.
- Do not make others crawl over you. This may be impossible where the pews are rather close but if possible raise the kneeler first and stand up.
- Do not read anything but a prayerbook or missal in the church. Religious papers should not be read in the church.
- Do not put wet umbrellas or coats on the seats that others will have to use as a later Mass.
- Do not let children scrath the polished seats or stand on them.
- Do not rattle your rosary beads unnecessarily.
- Do not pray alone, keep together with the rest of the congregation.
- After receiving Holy Communion close your mouth slowly, do not snap it shut.
- Always kneel for whole time during which Holy Communion is being distributed. Sit only if you are unwell.
- Leave the admiration of ladies' hats, furs and frocks until you have left the church.
- Do not turn around in church. An exception might be to see when the bishop is entering the church.
- Await your turn to enter the confession. Do not jump other people's claims. Likewise do not wait directly outside the confessional door.
- Do not talk in the church while waiting for baptisms. Come punctually at the appointed time.
- Men remove their hats before they enter the church, women should never enter unless their heads are covered.
- Do not park you motor car in front of the church driveway. This is particularly important if the priest needs to leave in a hurry.
Taken from A Visit to a Catholic Church by Fr. P. Ryan
If you would like to offer additional advice on church etiquette please avoid references to liturgical abuses and keep it clean.
Comments [1]
Always kneel for whole time during which Holy Communion is being distributed. Sit only if you are unwell.
Amen to that! I am the only one it seems who kneels all the way during the communion. It was embarassing at first, but I am not going to give in.,
Post a Comment
<< Home