As Catholics, we joyfully welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds to attend the liturgy and participate in worship, however there are a few guidelines that might be helpful for a visitor to be coscious of. These guidelines are intended to help you understand hot to best respect the sacredness of the Catholic Mass and respect beliefs of others. This is also intended to enhance and make your worship experience a meaningful one, whether you are visiting or are in a formation class to help you better understand the knowledge of liturgy and the Catholic Mass.
Attending Mass
For Catholics, the Mass is a very solemn and sacred event in which they are renewed in faith by their encounter with the Real Presence of Jesus Christ and grow as a communion together with the universal Church. During this sacred moment of prayer it is important to keep a few things in mind when attending Mass:
Prior to Mass
Reception of Holy Communion
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 § 4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 § 3).
FOR THOSE NOT RECEIVING COMMUNION: All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
It most appropriate for those not receiving communion to remain in their places in prayer. It is recommended that they offer a Spiritual Communion.
A SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
"When you do not receive communion…you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you" – St. Theresa of Avila
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
“When we feel the love of God growing cold, let us instantly make a Spiritual Communion. When we cannot go to the church, let us turn towards the tabernacle; no wall can shut us out from the good God.” – St. John Marie Vianney