How to Attend Mass
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If you've never been or it's been a while, the Mass can be confusing. We don't want you to miss out on the beauty of this form of worship, so we've put together this short guide to help you prepare for Mass, know what's coming, and be relaxed to feel the presence of God. Plus, we'll answer some common FAQs about the Catholic Mass!
But no matter what - don't worry if you don't know all of the times to sit, stand, and kneel. Just follow along with the rest of the congregation! If you're feeling especially nervous, just let one of our greeters know that you'd like to sit with someone who can coach you along. Our parishioners would be happy to sit with you!
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step one: before arriving
Here are a few ways to prepare ahead of time to get the most out of your Mass experience:
If you are Catholic and it's been a while since you've been to Mass, please make plans to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to going to Mass. (Trust us, it's so worth it.) And even if it hasn't - Confession is always encouraged!
If you are Catholic and plan to receive, please refrain from eating or drinking (besides water or medicine) for one hour prior to the reception of Communion (which typically takes place about forty minutes into Mass at a Sunday Mass). The Church encourages a fast from food as a way to prepare our souls for the Ultimate Food we'll receive in the Eucharist. It's a way of allowing our bodies to literally hunger for the Lord. (The sick and elderly are exempt from this fast.)
Though not required, we also highly encourage you to read the Mass readings ahead of time. Don't worry, it's not a spoiler - it actually helps you to hear God's voice even more deeply when they are read at Mass.
Finally, we encourage you to arrive to Mass early! 10-15 minutes prior is the sweet spot for getting a good spot in the parking lot and having time to get settled and calm your mind in prayer before we begin.
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Step Two: Parking
There are two main ways to access the St. Columba parking lot - through the Acme parking lot (make a left at the light to turn into the shopping center, then turn right and go through the driveway to the church) or directly from Route 82 if going south. There are parking lots in the front (with handicap spaces available), to the right of the church, and around the side of the school.
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step three: finding a seat
You can enter the church through the front doors or around the sides (the side doors are locked five minutes prior to Mass for safety). We encourage you to enter through the front, as you'll get many friendly hello's from our amazing greeters! Speaking of our greeters, if you have any needs before or during Mass, just find someone standing along the back or sides of the church with a green name tag and they'll be happy to help you.
You are welcome to find your own seat, or one of our greeters can help you. Our church is split into five seating sections, but our half moon shape makes it easy to see no matter where you sit! You are welcome to sit wherever you'd like - you aren't "stealing" anyone's seat, we promise!
If you need special accomodations (handicap access, masks and social distancing section, etc.), just ask one of our greeters and they'll be able to seat you in those sections.
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step four: pray
The quiet moments before Mass begins are the perfect invitation to slow down. After all, we lead busy lives, so going right from the rush of our day to church can feel like we're slamming on the brakes, which can make Mass really jolting. Instead, take a few moments to kneel or sit and ask God to give you the grace to hear Him during the Mass. This is also a great time to thank Him for all He's given you and ask Him for anything you need. Not sure what to pray? Our Source and Summit missals have a bunch of suggestions to get you started!
It's also a good time to find the readings and songs for the day. The songs are posted on signs on either side of the altar and are typically in the hymnal (blue book). The readings can be found by date and are in the Source and Summit missal.
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during mass
While we could never do the beauty of the Mass justice on a single web page, here's a basic overview of what happens during Mass!
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opening
The Mass begins with bells ringing. The cantor (the person leading the singing) will stand up and greet you, share a few announcements, and invite you to stand to sing the opening hymn. The priest and any deacons, altar servers, and lectors will process in along the center aisle, and then the priest will go to his chair and begin the Mass with the Sign of the Cross.
At that time, he will say a few prayers, and you'll be invited to respond (find some of the most common Mass prayers here). After those prayers have been said, the congregation will sit, and the Liturgy of the Word will begin.
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liturgy of the word
A few Bible readings will be proclaimed - the first one from the Old Testament (the books of the Bible from before the time of Jesus), then a psalm will be sung or said, and a second reading from the New Testament (typically one of the letters written by Jesus' apostles). At the end of the first and second reading, the lector will say "The Word of the Lord," and you can respond, "Thanks be to God."
Then, everyone will stand as the priest or deacon reads aloud the Gospel, which contains the stories of Jesus' life. At the conclusion of the Gospel, the priest or deacon will say "The Gospel of the Lord," and the response is "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ."
After that, everyone will sit again, and the priest will give a short talk called a homily to guide you through a reflection based on the readings heard and how to apply them to your own life.
After the homily, the priest will return to his chair and lead the congregation in the creed, which is a summary of our beliefs as Catholics (and can be found here), and in specific prayer intentions for the Church and within our community.
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liturgy of the eucharist
While a hymn is sung, parishioners have an opportunity to give a donation as as a sign of their participation in the sacrifice being offered in the Mass. Meanwhile, the altar is prepared by the priest, deacon, and altar servers.
After the offertory hymn, everyone stands and the priest offers some prayers. (You can follow along with any responses by going to page 1 of the Source and Summit missal.) Then, everyone who is able to kneels on the pews (located by your feet from the pew in front of you - if you cannot kneel, you are welcome to sit) and the priest says the words of consecration. This is the most important moment of the Mass, as it is when Jesus becomes truly present in His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Additional prayers are prayed, and then all stand again to pray the Our Father (you can find it on this page). Afterwards, everyone is invited to exchange a sign of peace with one another, a gesture of forgiveness and community prior to receiving Jesus. You can simply wave or nod to those around you and say "Peace be with you."
Afterwards, everyone kneels again and the priest prays a few more prayers. The communion song begins and people begin to go forward to receive the Eucharist. If you are sitting in one of the two center sets of pews, you'll enter a line in the center aisle. If you are sitting near the choir, a line will form along the choir rail. If you are sitting in the two sets of pews furthest to the left, you'll enter the line between those two pews.
After receiving Communion or a blessing, you can return to your seat and kneel again to pray silently.
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conclusion
After everyone has received, the priest will clean up and return to his seat. At his gesture, everyone will stand and he will offer a final prayer and blessing. The congregation is sent forth to share Christ with the rest of the world.
The priest and any deacons and altar servers will form a line in the center aisle and process out, and then you are welcome to stay and pray and leave when you are ready.
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Our weekend Masses are typically about 50-60 minutes long. Masses on weekdays are typically 25-30 minutes.
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You are welcome no matter what you wear! But, if you're wanting to plan your attire, we like to think of what you would wear to a dinner party as a good guide (after all, the Mass is a meal with God!). Some of our parishioners dress more casually, while others choose to dress up as a symbol of the importance of this celebration. You will fit in no matter what you are wearing.
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That answer is individual, so we can't necessarily say yes or no right here. But here's a good guide:
The central part of our worship is the reception of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ. By receiving the Eucharist, you are saying that you believe in Christ's true presence. Thus, the Catholic Church (not just St. Columba) reserves reception of Communion to practicing Catholics - Catholics who have been baptized, received First Communion, and attend Mass regularly.
If it's been a while since you have gone to Mass or you know that you've sinned, please make plans to attend Confession prior to receiving.
If you are not Catholic, we invite you to participate in Communion by approaching the priest, deacon, or Eucharistic Minister with your arms folded across your chest in the shape of an X. That will indicate you wish to receive a blessing instead.
Click here for clear guidelines on the reception of Communion as stated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
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Yes we do! Simply go to the left center Communion line and let the priest know you need a low gluten host.
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We have an incredible team of volunteer greeters (seriously, they're some of the nicest people you'll ever meet). You can identify them by their green name tags and they typically stand along the sides and back of the church during Mass. Feel free to ask them any questions, and definitely summon them if you have any health or safety concerns. All of our greeters have been trained in first aid and security preparedness.
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No! The Mass is offered to all, as it is not our gift to you, but Jesus'. We do take up a collection from our parishioners in the middle of the Mass, but you are not required to contribute (many of our parishioners give online). Anything you are able to provide is greatly appreciated and goes directly towards allowing us to continue our mission here at St. Columba.
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The Best Way to Know......is to come join us in person! You don't need to study beforehand - please, just come and join us. You'll see.
