Dos and Don'ts of Mass

Many of us have pounded the question: “What can I do at Mass?” It’s easy to explain, yet they are times we don’t understand it or what common things we have been guilty of. Don’t worry, this is not to judge or make one feel guilty about past mistakes. It is to help us be better at understanding the meaning of Mass.

Dos
 

Get to Mass Early
 

How often have we seen people strolling in moments following the entrance hymn or even by the time the celebrant gives his homily? It can be distracting. It also will not help them fulfill their Sunday obligation.

The best time to get to Mass is at least 20-30 minutes early. This allows one to focus, prepare, and have time to pray. Often, there would be a group praying a rosary before Mass. Join in. Prior to Sunday Mass, a priest will hear confessions. Take advantage of it. The purpose of Mass is to participate in our lord’s sacrifice.

Give Alms
 

The parish has many expenses. They’re not doing things out of the kindness of their hearts. Many churches have closed due to a lack of funds and much. Start by giving $10 or more a week for a month and make it grow gradually.  Many parishes do 50/50. Give more if able.

Have Mass Aide
 

The best way to focus on what is happening during Mass is a hymnal or a subscription that contains the readings for Sunday Mass. Either of those helps mass goers to go deeper into the celebration as they read the readings and gospel and to take part in the singing of hymns.

My recommendation is to not have a cell phone in sight. While an app version is good to have, it can open to door to potential distraction. One recommendation is a Magnificat subscription. Another is Pew Missal from Ignatius Press.

Keep A Spiritual Journal/ Write Down the Main Point of the Homily
 

Having trouble conveying the celebrant’s main point in his homily or picking out a phrase that stands out? Write it down. Have a spiritual journey. Write down the readings for Sunday or Mass. Reflect on them later. Pick out also the main point from the celebrant or deacon’s homily. Sometimes there can be a challenge to live out the gospel passage. Be sure to write that in and reflect on what one can do. When reviewing the readings, pick out a common theme they all share.

Consider what might God be saying to me through the Prayers, Proclamation of the Word, Preaching, etc. and what might I say to God with my words and actions today and throughout the week ahead.

Don’ts

Chat in Church

Pope Francis said in a recent papal address about churches being a place of prayer, not a place of gossip or chit-chat.

Check your watch or Cell Phone

"'The Mass is long,' you say, and I reply: 'Because your love is short."' St. Josemaría Escrivá, The Way, 529.

Leave Mass After Receiving Communion

Many have been guilty of pulling a Judas Iscariot. Mass doesn’t end after receiving the Body of Christ. Return to the pew, give thanks for receiving him, and leave the pew after hearing the words, “Go in peace” or another along those lines from the deacon, priest, or bishop.