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.
- 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.
- Silence Cell Phones: Turn off phones during Mass to avoid distractions and maintain focus on the spiritual experience.
- 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).
- 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.
- Show Reverence Through Gestures: When passing the altar or Tabernacle, bow or genuflect as a sign of respect for Lord Christ's presence.
- Limit Consumption to Water: Refrain from chewing gum, eating, or drinking during Mass, with the exception of water if necessary for health reasons.
- Avoid Crossing Legs: Maintain an attentive and respectful posture by refraining from crossing your legs during Mass.
- Coordinate Readers for Readings and Psalm: Ensure different individuals read the Readings and the Psalm to enhance the liturgical experience.
- Stick to the Script: While reading, avoid adding personal comments or altering the prescribed text during Readings and the Psalm.
- Hallelujah Timing: Refrain from reciting the Hallelujah prematurely; wait for the appropriate moment, allowing someone to sing it.
- Selective Cross Sign During Gospel: Only make three small crosses on the forehead, lips, and chest during the Gospel proclamation.
- 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.”
- Timing of Offering Collection: Collect offerings during the presentation of gifts, not during the Universal Prayer.
- Maintain Seating During Gift Presentation: Avoid standing during the presentation of gifts, as this might lead to confusion regarding the timing of the Consecration.
- 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.
- Respectful Posture During Consecration: If unable to kneel, stand; sitting is discouraged during the Consecration.
- Silent Reflection During Consecration: Refrain from speaking aloud during the Consecration to avoid distracting others in their silent prayers.
- Leave Liturgical Phrases to the Presider: Only the presiding priest should audibly say liturgical phrases during Mass.
- 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!
- 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.
- Communion Lines: Recognize the Sacredness of the Eucharist, irrespective of whether the Host is distributed by the Priest or an Extraordinary Minister.
- Post-Communion Reflection: After receiving communion, return to your place and engage in personal conversation with the Lord.
- Complete Silence After Communion Song: End the Communion song when the last person receives the host to allow for a sacred silence.
- Include Children in Worship: Encourage children to participate in H Mass respectfully, guiding them on appropriate behavior.
- 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.