Dos and Don’ts while at Mass
1. Fast:
It doesn’t even really feel like a fast anymore since it’s just an hour. The Church requires every communicant to begin preparing to receive Jesus by observing an hour fast (from food) unless they’re aged or sick. It won’t really cost much to give this little to receive God into your soul, would it?
2. Come early, recollect yourself:
I usually advise people to make effort to be in Church at least 10-15 minutes before the actual time in order to have some time to pray and recollect; to begin the Mass in the right spirit. When it becomes a habit to arrive late, it ceases to be a real celebration for the person, and if it becomes a habit (especially Sundays) it begins to become sinful.
3. Eating?
It is inappropriate to find a grown person snacking or chewing gum in Church. We want to show God some seriousness and show our devotion by setting aside a perfect “God-time”. For Children? I still don’t buy the idea of snacks. If it can be discreet, and if the child is really troublesome, then it’s okay.
4. Dressing:
Be modest, don’t attract too much attention by putting on something open. We also love to think of Sunday as a real celebration, keep this in mind and put on the best you have. God is holy, your body is his Temple, cover it, and adorn it moderately.
5. No Phones:
No cell phones; texting, chatting, calls, etc. I have seen a number of people chatting over Facebook while at Mass. Then i wonder: So we really cannot give God little time anymore? What will it take to turn off our phones for an hour or two. It is usually better to quietly leave the Church to attend to the emergency than text or receive calls inside.
