This past Sunday a pamphlet was handed out in tandem with the usual bulletin. As I a spent a little while considering all it contains, I experienced a range of emotions.

1. Pride: I feel proud of our parish priest for ‘sticking his neck out’ and putting into words what others’ might be thinking and not saying during mass. It takes courage to distribute a pamphlet such as this. Fr. Peter is a stickler for doing the right thing, especially when it concerns his congregation and the way that they worship our Lord.
2. Indignation: My pride with over-ridden by indignation as I thought to myself, ‘I know this stuff, I’m not the one who…., ‘ but unfortunately, there are those that treat the Mass as just another thing to do, to tick off the list, showing little or no reverence at all towards the Eucharist.
3.  Disappointment: I feel disappointment at the fact that Father sees the need for such a reminder to be sent out. Surely this points to a lack of knowledge about the Mass and the way we are expected to worship? What has been absorbed through attendance at Catechism classes? Saying this , I think that our parishioners are  more ‘well-behaved’ than other parishes I have visited. I have experienced some shocking sights, like the time after Communion a mother had kept a piece of the Host and proceeded to feed it to her baby on returning to the pew!!! I could not believe my eyes.

Christ’s living presence in the church building is what makes this sacred space different from anywhere else on earth! Our current age see everything as an object of human production, and human relationships made effective by conversation. But praying to God is totally different because God makes himself known to me. Appreciating the Mass as the activity of Christ, our prayer inserts us into its action and thereby into the Body of Christ (Lumen Gentium, Vat 2) thus building up our relationship both with Him and with one another.

Our parish family meets in the Church which, as a consecrated building, is set aside exclusively for the worship of Almighty God (Rite of Dedication of a Church). While the Church is made up of people, living stones, the place where we worship is important. We believe that the Lord is present in every Catholic Church in the Blessed Sacrament.

Our lives today tend to be stressful and noisy. The busyness of running a home, commuting to work and bringing up children means that we should value our Church building as a unique resource – providing a sacred space where individuals find opportunity to be with the Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament. Every Parishioner or Visitor to our Church should be able to experience it as an oasis of peace – which depends on each one us ensuring prayerful silence and stillness.

Jesus loved the Temple in Jerusalem: He became visibly distressed when He saw its peace being upset (Matthew 21: 10-17) and He said those famous words: My house shall be called a house of prayer. We need to do all we can to respect our Parish Church as a house of prayer.

When you come into Church try to be as quiet as you can. Genuflect when you enter, and whenever you pass the tabernacle (in the centre of the Church). Restrict any conversation to ourside the Church itself (in the Pastoral Centre and its foyer, or the narthex/porch – though sound often carries from there into the Church). Greet one another with a nod and a smile, be warm and welcoming, but resist the urge to chat in Church, especially before (and after) Mass! Give those around you the chance to be still. It may be the only opportunity in the week for them, and for you, to spend quality time with God.

Our Car Park is at the east end of the Church (access from Kingston Road, opposite the Public Library). The rear Courtyard is reserved exclusively for Presbytery residents, house guests and deliveries. Surplus car parking is best alongside Holy Cross School in Sandal Road, leaving Montem Road for our neighbouring residents. Please park sensibly and considerately, never blocking driveways.

If you need to speak to the Priest, please do so after Mass – he, too, needs to be recollected and spiritually ready, and he will not be able to give you the time you deserve beforehand. Remember that the Sacristy is part of the Church and not a meeting room or parish office!

Ringing of mobile phones is an occasional cause of irritation. If you bring one please make sure that it is turned off (or switched to silent or vibrate mode) before entering the Church. And aim to arrive in good time, so that you have the chance to settle yourself and your family well before Mass begins, and to make a prayerful preparation for Mass.

toilets can be used before or after Mass, but during Mass please only use them if absolutely necessary. In particular, no one should be going to the toilet between the Offertory and the end of Mass (while we are kneeling in worship). Nor should toilets be used (quite obviously) immediately after receiving Holy Communion! Kneel in your pew and adore Jesus who has just made His home in you in Holy Communion. The minutes after we receive Holy Communion are the most sacred moments of our life – to be treasured and prayed.

Food or drink should not be consumed anywhere in the Church. Children should be fed before or after Mass, never during the Sacred Liturgy. All Communicants (except the elderly or seriously sick) are bound to fast for at least one hour from all good and drink (except water and medicines of genuine need) before receiving Communion.

We should not receive Communion if we are conscious of being in a state of grave sin, without first receiving absolution in the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation). This could include deliberately missing Sunday Mass, being in a “second marriage” (or similar relationship) without first having had a former marriage annulled by the Church. Speak to a Priest in confidence if you have any uncertainty.

Our children are our future and we love them. We are very happy that they come to worship God. Jesus famously said: Let the little children come to me: do not stop them for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs (Mark 10: 13-16). Please help your children understand that when they come to Church, they are entering the House of God – somewhere entirely different from anywhere else on earth.

Encourage children to be as quiet and reverent as possible. Only soft toys ought to be brought into Church (not hard ones which can be banged and are noisy!). If a child needs to bring a book, it should obviously be a religious one (so that is contributes, not detracts from, focus upon the things of God), but it’s best if each child has his or her own age-related Missal (Mass book) to help them participate in the Mass and respond with everyone else. Children are best seated at the front (or the front side benches) where their attention can be drawn to the candles, colours, incense, movement in the sanctuary and action at the altar, and thus be drawn into the sacred action of the Mass.

We take child protection issues very seriously, and need to observe health and safety, fire and other regulations. Please do not let small children run in the aisles, climb on the benches, light candles unsupervised, or otherwise cause danger or unnecessary distraction.

If a child is crying or fractious take them briefly into the porch or the Quiet Room at the back of Church until they are calmed, and where you can still follow Mass through the speakers. The Quiet Room should only be occupied very briefly, so that others have opportunity at need. A box of books is there, and also at the back of Church, which might help to settle them. You can then return with them when they are calmer. Pushchairs should be stored away from fire exits and doors.

When Mass is ended take a copy of the Sunday Bulletin home with you (one per family) for reference during the week. Please leave everything tidy, ready for the next Mass, taking home paper tissues etc, and returning hymnbooks and Mass sheets to the back of the Church.

Remember that there are people who want to remain in prayer, so please respect their wish by leaving the Church as quietly as possible.

The Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life, and our receiving Holy Communion should be the highlight of our week. It is traditional to genuflect (or at least make a profound bow, not a nod) before receiving Holy Communion. If you are carrying anything (child, walking sticks etc) please do not attempt to receive Communion in the hand (nor if wearing gloves). Priests have a responsibility to ensure the avoidance of sacrilege, danger or disrespect to the Sacred Host.

It is the right of every Catholic to choose to receive Holy Communion kneeling or standing, on the tongue or in the hand, as recently reminded by the Archbishop of Westminster. Pope Benedict gives example to the flock of Christ by giving Communion only on the tongue and kneeling. You may choose to follow his lead by kneeling at the Communion rail.

Respond to The Body of Christ by saying Amen (not ‘thank you’!) as a profession of faith in Him whom you receive. Do not attempt to take the Host between your fingers or dip it into the chalice (permitted in some countries, but not in England and Wales). If you receive the Host in your hands, consume it immediately and do not wander away (which will probably lead to the priest chasing after you!).

Non- Catholics and other unable to receive Communion for whatever reason are welcome to come for a blessing. Please indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest, and if your children have not received their First Holy Communion, make sure they are doing this.

Mass doesn’t end until the final Blessing and Dismissal. Please do not leave Church before the Priest. This is disrespectful to Christ (whom the Priest represents) and blocks the exit procession of altar servers.

After the 9.30am Mass there are usually refreshments in the Pastoral Centre and the chance to greet one another. Please do come and make some new friends. The proceeds from this go to help the poor.

This article reminds us of what ought to be obvious and provides good practice for every member of our parish family so that we all benefit more deeply from the celebration of Holy Mass and, as St Augustine teaches, become what we receive – the Body of Christ.