Mass Etiquette: What to Do and Not Do When Attending Mass

The Philippines is widely known to be a predominantly Catholic nation in Asia. Every December until Christmas Eve, it is commonplace that Catholic churches nationwide are jam-packed with mass attendees to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, thank Him for the gift of life, and wish for more blessings for the entire family.

However, there are more than a few things to bear in mind before you go to the church and solemnly whisper your prayers. If you have kids whom you intend to bring with you, it is important to also teach them about the do's and don'ts once inside "God's house" to hear Mass and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

As we reflectively observe the Holy Week, we can show our utmost respect to the Catholic church and its etiquette and attend Mass with these do's and don'ts in mind.

1. Dress modestly

Going to church is not a fashion show that we need to dress stylishly for. To dress modestly means to simply look presentable. For men, it's wearing a polo or button-down shirt, some nice pants, and "dress" shoes. For women, it should be anything appropriate for the atmosphere of prayer and spiritual reflection. What not to wear: dresses and skirts that are too tight, flip-flops for footwear, yoga pants, and gym shorts. For ladies looking for an actual look of what you can comfortably wear in Mass, you can search for "Faithful Fashionista Finds" on Pinterest.

2. No food and drinks allowed

In truth, fasting for an hour before attending Mass and receiving the Holy Communion is a Church law. Consuming water and medicine is allowed. Once inside the church premises, attendees may be discouraged to bring food and water. However, if you badly need to, you can buy or drink water outside and go back once you're done. For the Lenten Season, also be reminded of food items to avoid as well as the permitted food to eat during Holy Week.

3. Chewing gums is considered impolite

On many occasions, chewing gum is considered rude and impolite, especially if done loudly with no regard for others being distracted. The church is no exception. It is a place for quiet reflection, and chewing gum is utterly inappropriate and could even be disturbing while hearing the Holy Mass.

4. Put your phone on airplane mode

In a world where even toddlers are given their own smartphones, using them while in the church to entertain texts, calls, or browse through social media defeats the purpose of godly meditation. If you're to use your phone for readings, however, this can be allowed, but must be made discreetly. If you are expecting an important call or text or are wary about emergencies, put your phone on silent mode instead and receive an emergency call outside the church premises.

5. Be mindful of children and their tendency to misbehave

As mentioned earlier, bringing your children along adds up to your responsibility as an adult to watch over their behavior. Before you go, tell your kids to behave in such a manner that they will have the impression that going to the church is in fact an important spiritual activity that must not be taken for granted. Kids typically can't stand sitting for an hour or more, so they tend to grow impatient and misbehave. If they are already disrupting the Mass, kindly take your kid outside. Remember to still be kind to your child when teaching him or her about the importance of staying quiet and well-behaved while inside God's house.

6. Take off your hat when inside

Another common practice among men is wearing a hat even inside buildings, which include the church. It is considered impolite. And so to pay our respects, hats must be taken off and should only be worn back once outside. After all, a hat over your head can only sweat you out this summer season. So it's better to not bring one at all, unless you badly need it for protection from prolonged sunlight exposure outdoors.

7. It's better to show up earlier

As a sign of respect, it's only right to attend the Mass early or arrive at the church a few minutes before the actual Mass commences. Besides, arriving early means you can sit wherever you want as there are likely more vacant seats if you come in early. Arriving late may also make you stand up outside if the church is brimming with churchgoers, which is very likely during Holy Week and holidays.

8. Refrain from engaging in conversations

Unnecessary conversations among Mass attendees, or talking about anything but the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ or the priest's sermons, are absolutely inappropriate, if not disrespectful. The purpose of attending church is to hear biblical as if it's your first and only Mass, worship God, reflect on His Holy Sacrifice, and whisper the Lord's Prayer with divine worship. Save what you need to say to a companion once the Mass culminates.

9. Cross yourself with Holy Water upon entering and leaving church

It is a common religious practice for churchgoers to gesture the sign of the cross with holy water upon entering and leaving the church. This is also a reminder of our being baptized in the church and officially becoming members of it, and doing religious gestures such as this is also one way to show that our Catholic faith is intact and unremitting as ever.

10. Stay until the end of the Mass

Aside from arriving early, another sign of demonstrating respect is to leave the church only if the Mass has already ended. Leaving when the church choir is still singing hymns or anything that indicates the Mass isn't done yet can be regarded as disrespectful. So it is encouraged that you and your churchmates stay until the end of Mass before standing up to leave.

11. Leave quietly after the Mass

The end of the Mass does not permit churchgoers to start unnecessary conversations inside. Stay courteous by remaining quiet and walking unhurriedly when leaving the church premises. This is a sign of respect and courtesy for a place of worship that is regarded as sacred. This is where people with strong Catholic faith go, and it is only right to pay our respects to it by remaining quiet, composed, and spiritually connected throughout the Mass.

Attending church is one of the most thoughtful ways we can proudly manifest our faith in God. This is where we can reflect and feel the spiritual presence of Christ's body and blood, and where we can freely whisper our prayers and make our deepst confessions without feeling that the Lord is judging us. Having said all this, it wouldn't hurt to heed these mass etiquette we mentioned above to pay our utmost respects.

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