Do Away with Ding, Buzz & Play

Mass Etiquette with Fr. Jon, Part 4

How to behave correctly at Mass? Whether you’re a cradle Catholic who’s gotten a little rusty, a recent convert, or just an occasional visitor—it’s good to know what to do at church and avoid getting egg on your face.

Here’s the fourth and final installment of Fr. Jon Schnobrich’s lessons in Mass Etiquette.

And off we go…

Dear Parishioners,

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF...

...I arrive after Mass has already begun? Know that it is better to be present, even if late, than it is to be absent from the Mass altogether. Remember all the parking rules still apply.

Ask an usher for assistance if you are trying to find a seat. Choose an appropriate time to join the congregation such as during a song, but not during the readings or prayers. It is best to wait for the right moment to enter. A person arriving after the Gospel is not to receive Holy Communion.

…I am driving an elderly person? First drop them off at the Church and then find an appropriate parking spot. If there is someone you know in your family or a neighbor who would like to receive Holy Communion but is sick or homebound, please contact the office or the pastor so that arrangements can be made to have Communion taken to your ailing family member.

…my cell phone goes off? Cell phone etiquette is a little more tricky, as the development of this technology can be helpful for those who use it with different apps for prayer, for the readings, etc. However, generally speaking, it is not proper etiquette to pull out your phone and use it at Mass as it can become a distraction to others.

The most important etiquette regarding the use of cell phones at Mass is making sure your device is ON SILENT (not even vibrate... but silent). All the notifications that ding, buzz, or play your favorite ringtone are not appropriate to be heard during the celebration of Mass, as they serve as a distraction for your brothers and sisters in the congregation.

If I may add the perspective from the priest...

Although it may not appear to bother us while we’re trying to keep our focus in the celebration of the liturgy and someone’s phone goes off... it does.

The task of creating a welcoming, sacred, prayerful, familial, focused atmosphere for people to encounter God in the celebration of the Eucharist is not an easy task—and we need your help to do so.

Please be mindful of how your use of technology during Mass impacts others around you.

God bless you and have a great week.

With Mary, in Christ, Fr. Jon

I hope you’ve enjoyed these little gold nuggets by Fr. Jon as much as I have. I’ll make sure to post other messages by him in the future.

Next week, I’ll continue the “Spiritual Dangers of Reiki” series.

Have a blessed weekend!