Please remember when you come to participate in the Celebration of the Eucharist you are entering the House of the Lord. As such, it is important to recognize the holiness of the Mass as well as any other religious services conducted in Holy Rosary Church. In the interest of creating and maintaining a more devout Sunday liturgy, the following protocol should be observed:
a) The time before Mass begins is NOT a time for socializing. When the Church bells ring before Mass, silence should be observed by all.
b) No one should leave the pew for the sign of peace. This sign is to be given respectfully to the persons seated next to you.
c) When walking to the altar for Communion or returning to your pew, the focus should be on the Eucharist. There is no need to greet anyone along the way to or from the Communion station.
d) The Eucharistic fast is a required component of Communion. Everyone must abstain from food or beverage (except water) at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion. Eating or drinking during Mass is not acceptable.
e) To sing in Church is to pray twice. Make an effort to learn the words and sing the hymns by using the hymnals available in each pew.
f) Holy Communion may be received on the tongue or on the hand. When received on the hand, the Sacred Host is to be placed in your mouth before turning away from the altar.
g) If you wish to have a sick or deceased person remembered in the Prayer of the Faithful, advise the commentator or greeter before Mass begins.
h) Finally, let’s not forget the value of appropriate attire in Church. The concept of “wearing your Sunday best” still applies, especially when you are participating in a service as sacred as the Mass. Let’s show our Lord the reverence He deserves by dressing in a dignified manner for every Mass or other religious service conducted in our Church. For all He has done for us, taking the time to look our best when in His Church is the least we can do to express our respect. Thus, everyone must be properly clothed regardless of the weather or other event you are planning to attend after the service. The Sacred Liturgy requires everyone attending Mass to be attired appropriately for worship and to receive the Eucharist. Some forms of dress are as inappropriate as chewing gum, drinking a cup of coffee, or eating candy in Church. The following types of clothing must never be worn in the House of the Lord:
-tube tops, halter tops, tank tops, strapless tops, or any other type of top that might reveal bare midriffs, bare shoulders, or any other excessive amount of skin
-short or mini-skirts
-gym or short shorts
-baseball or other sporting caps
-any garment with obscene or sexual logos
Parents especially must make the effort to lead by example. Show your respect for Our Savior by wearing your “Sunday best” clothing and conducting yourself according to proper Church etiquette. Now that Holy Rosary Church has air conditioning, our parishioners should give even greater attention to their manner of dress as a demonstration of their respect for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
We also ask each of you to turn off your cell phones, ipods, MP3 players, and blackberry equipment before you enter the Church. You are there to spend an hour with Christ and not conduct business, listen to the latest party song, or send a text message to your friends. Incoming callers can leave you a message. It is imperative to maintain our Church as a place of prayer and reverence for all of our parishioners. We appreciate your efforts to cooperate with these requests.