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The celebration of Mass usually lasts from 55 to 75 minutes. You are encouraged to stay until the priest and other ministers process out of church.
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If you would like to read along with the prayers or Bible readings at Mass, books in the pews (called “Sunday’s Word” or “Pray Together”) contain almost all of the texts. These books can be a bit confusing at times, so don’t be afraid to ask someone nearby for help finding the right page. However, one doesn’t need to follow along – if you’re comfortable, just listen and pray along in your own words.
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Collection baskets are passed person-to-person down each pew. The collection is used to support the various ministries of the church, including charitable outreach. Occasionally, a second collection will be taken for a missionary or some other need. Neither visitors nor registered members are required to give.
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After praying the Lord’s Prayer — the Our Father — we exchange a sign of peace. This is usually a handshake or, between couples and families, a kiss or hug. If you are not comfortable with this gesture, you are not obligated to participate, a smile is fine.
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The basic condition for receiving the Eucharist is to be able to honestly say “Amen” to the Catholic faith with integrity of one’s belief and actions.
Roman Catholics not in a state of serious sin, and members of various other Eastern churches are welcome to join us in Communion. We use real wine, and we believe that God’s grace transforms the bread and wine into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, Paul writes, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” Through confession, Christ offers healing and conversion — reconciliation between not just God and you, but between you and the entire Body of Christ. If you’re Catholic and not sure about receiving communion, make time for the healing sacrament of reconciliation…
Receiving communion acknowledges both our faith in Christ as well as our communion with the apostolic teaching of the Church. The Catholic Church longs for the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). We grieve the division within the Body of Christ, because division is contrary to the will of Christ, Who is the Head of the Church. These divisions in teaching and community are real, the sad result of human sin. Because of these divisions, those who are not one in the unity of the faith should not receive communion at Mass. Rather, we and all Christians are called to see other means to work towards the true unity in Christ that will allow us to all come to the table together.
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At Communion time, ministers will bring the Body and Blood of Christ to various stations in the front of the church. We make a gesture of reverence and thanksgiving before receiving the Sacrament. The Body of Christ may be received in the hand or can be placed directly into your mouth. The Blood of Christ is distributed in common cups; the distributor wipes the cup clean after each recipient’s sip.
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As a visitor, you are our honored guest — please dress as you are comfortable. We encourage respectful dress for Mass that helps us embody the idea that Mass is the highpoint of our week. Some parishioners wear suits and business attire to Sunday worship, and others dress more casually. Worshipers tend to be more formally dressed for 9:00am and 11:00am Sunday morning Mass.
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No. Our parish will not ask you to raise your hand, fill out a “visitor’s card,” or be identified in any way. However, if you would like to talk to someone when you attend an event or Mass, please fill out our online visitor connection form, and we’ll make sure you have someone to meet or sit with the when you attend.
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Bring a heart open to hearing the Word of God! Readings from Scripture and hymnals are located in the pew.
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