Etiquette Guidelines for Attending Holy Mass (Dos & Don'ts)

Spiritual Body language postures to be strictly observed while participating in Holy Eucharistic Services in Catholic churches:

As mentioned in this blog earlier, the Holy mass is the most important spiritual service a faithful can practice while on this earth. Even though we may not understand the value of a Holy Mass, It is priceless!

Hence, please observe (teach to observe) these guidelines to practice worthily in the Holy Eucharistic service.

1. Punctuality is Key: Ensure you arrive on time for Holy Mass, recognizing that it is a moment for God to fill you with love, forgiveness, and guidance. Avoid keeping God waiting; remember, a place has been set for you at His table.
2. Silence Cell Phones: Turn off phones during Mass to avoid distractions and maintain focus on the spiritual experience.
3. Modest Attire is Appreciated: Refrain from wearing provocative clothing such as low necklines, miniskirts, or shorts to maintain a respectful atmosphere. (Always decent and good formal dressing is highly advisable whenever attending the Church).
4. Greet the Lord with a Sign of the Cross: Upon entering the church, acknowledge the presence of the Lord by making the sign of the cross. Express gratitude for the invitation to participate in the invaluable Holy Mass.
5. Show Reverence Through Gestures: When passing the altar or Tabernacle, bow or genuflect as a sign of respect for Lord Christ's presence.
6. Limit Consumption to Water: Refrain from chewing gum, eating, or drinking during Mass, with the exception of water if necessary for health reasons.
7. Avoid Crossing Legs: Maintain an attentive and respectful posture by refraining from crossing your legs during Mass.
8. Coordinate Readers for Readings and Psalm: Ensure different individuals read the Readings and the Psalm to enhance the liturgical experience.
9. Stick to the Script: While reading, avoid adding personal comments or altering the prescribed text during Readings and the Psalm.
10. Hallelujah Timing: Refrain from reciting the Hallelujah prematurely; wait for the appropriate moment, allowing someone to sing it.
11. Selective Cross Sign During Gospel: Only make three small crosses on the forehead, lips, and chest during the Gospel proclamation.
12. Individual Responses to Creed: Respond individually rather than collectively when the Creed is presented in question form during Mass. If the celebrant who presides at the Holy Mass asks: “Do you Believe in God the Father Almighty?” In this case, do not answer “yes, we believe”, because faith is personal. Answer: “Yes, I do.”
13. Timing of Offering Collection: Collect offerings during the presentation of gifts, not during the Universal Prayer.
14. Maintain Seating During Gift Presentation: Avoid standing during the presentation of gifts, as this might lead to confusion regarding the timing of the Consecration.
15. Kneeling After "Saint": Wait until the priest invokes the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ before kneeling.
16. Respectful Posture During Consecration: If unable to kneel, stand; sitting is discouraged during the Consecration.
17. Silent Reflection During Consecration: Refrain from speaking aloud during the Consecration to avoid distracting others in their silent prayers.
18. Leave Liturgical Phrases to the Presider: Only the presiding priest should audibly say liturgical phrases during Mass.
19. Peace Greetings Within Proximity: Limit exchanging the sign of peace to those nearby; avoid extending it to others in different sections. Do not bow while exchanging 'Peace' but offer with a smile!
20. Communion Preparation: Only receive communion if you have observed the Eucharistic fast (at least for one hour before the Holy Mass) and are in a state of grace.
21. Communion Lines: Recognize the Sacredness of the Eucharist, irrespective of whether the Host is distributed by the Priest or an Extraordinary Minister.
22. Post-Communion Reflection: After receiving communion, return to your place and engage in personal conversation with the Lord.
23. Complete Silence After Communion Song: End the Communion song when the last person receives the host to allow for a sacred silence.
24. Include Children in Worship: Encourage children to participate in H Mass respectfully, guiding them on appropriate behavior.
25. Stay Until the End: Attend the entire Mass, including the final blessing, which sends you into the world with a renewed purpose inspired by the Lord.

Syro Malabar Church New Major Archbishop is Mar Raphael Thattil

The Holy Synod, comprising all the Bishops of the Syro Malabar Church, convened at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters, with the sole agenda of electing the successor to Mar George Alencherry, who resigned as the Major Archbishop of the Church recently. Successfully fulfilling their purpose, the Synod, guided by the Holy Spirit, elected the new Major Archbishop on the second day of their gathering ie on 09-01-24.

The preceding day of the Synod was dedicated to prayers and meditation, seeking divine intervention and prudence from the Holy Spirit. The Bishops fervently sought the wisdom to exercise their discretion wisely, free from any conflicting emotions.

On the second day of the Synod, the new head of the Church was successfully elected. (two third majority is required to elect the Syro Malabar head) Updates of the election results have been sent to the Holy Father Pope for approval, and after receiving approval, the official announcement was made by Mar Mathew Moolakkattu on 10-01-2024 at 4.30 pm to the public.

Mar Raphael Thattil is presently serving as the maiden Bishop of Shamshabad Eparchy headquarters near Hyderabad, which consists of the Syro Malabar faithful residing in most of the states of India outside Kerala including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa.