Christ Our Hope Parish

From the Liturgy Office:
Proper Attire and Church Etiquette are often difficult topics to discuss, so first of all everyone is welcome at Mass, how one is dressed should not be the main concern, and yet out of respect for what we are doing at Mass and as an example to young children, a modicum, of propriety is expected.

The goal in dressing for Mass should reflect the solemnity of the Mass. What we wear says a great deal, about what we value. If you are a minister in the Liturgy, a Lector, Cantor, Extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, Usher, Greeter, you should dress with extra care, so that your appearance reflects the respect, solemnity, and joy of the moment when Christ becomes our guest. We usually dress well when we go to things that are important to us, and as Catholics, this is the most important thing that we do each week. Men are advised not to wear caps, tank tops, shirts with disagreeable wording, and jersey shorts, and women are asked to not wear spaghetti strap tops, short skirts, skimpy shorts, sleeveless shirts and plunging necklines. Simply put – beach wear, lounge wear, etc. is not appropriate attire. The manner in which we dress is part of the reverence that is shown to the Lord present in the Eucharist as well as respect for our Pastor & fellow parishioners.

Church Etiquette -
1. Do arrive before the Liturgy begins. Do greet one another in the narthex or parking lot; do make any visitor feel a welcome part of our Parish family.
Men should remove their hat or cap before entering the Church.
2. Do allow for quiet in the Church for those praying before and after Liturgy.
Please feel free to use the social hall or narthex for visiting and fellowship.
3. Do make sure young children have the opportunity to visit the restrooms before the Liturgy begins. Parents, please supervise your children at all times in the Church building and on Church grounds.
4. Do silence all cell phones, pagers, beepers, etc. before Mass begins to maintain dignity of the Liturgy.
5. Do not bring food products, gum, beverages etc. into the Church.
6. Our posture should reflect the dignity of whom and what we celebrate. Proper posture should be maintained whether we stand, kneel, sit or process.
7. In receiving Eucharist, the rubrics call for a slight bow of the head to be given as
the person ahead of you is receiving Eucharist under one or both species. The response just before receiving the host & or the cup is Amen (which means I believe) Once you have received step to the side, consume the host and then proceed to partake of the cup or to return to your pew.
8. Do participate in the Liturgy by praying and signing at the appropriate times.