Catholic Activity: Church Etiquette
These are excellent suggestions of church courtesy to implement. Perhaps the family can list a few more to practice.
DIRECTIONS
- Respect for Christ in the Holy Eucharist and consideration for other worshippers demand an attitude of deference. Avoid gossiping in church entrances.
- On entering the church, make the sign of the cross devoutly, preferably with blessed water, if possible.
- Our churches are not social meeting places; avoid turning the head, merry nods, and gay greetings. Whispering is disrespectful to the Blessed Sacrament and annoying to others.
- Nudging others to call attention to an amusing incident is out of order; it betrays lack of even common courtesy.
- Sneezing and nose-blowing are often unavoidable, but there is more than one way of doing both. During the Consecration of the Mass stifle all noises if at all possible.
- If prayers are said in unison, everybody will be more at ease if all take the same pitch and speed.
- Scribbling notes may be as disturbing, if not more so, than talking. Incidentally, the choir is also "in church."
- Respect for our Eucharistic King demands that we kneel on both knees without leaning back on the pew. If ill or feeble, it is better to sit down than to assume an unbecoming posture.
- Courtesy demands that we be attentive to the sermon that is being delivered, regardless of how little it may interest us.
- Hurrying and pushing at Communion time causes irritation. It is proper that we approach reverently, return reverently, remain reverent.
- When cold, instead of asking the usher to close the window, change your seat; others may like fresh air.
- Doors can be controlled if we use a little forethought; slamming them irritates those trying to pray.
In summary:
- ARRIVE ON TIME FOR SERVICES.
- BE QUIET ON ENTERING.
- DON'T TALK.
- BE REVERENTLY ATTENTIVE.
Activity Source: Our Christian Home by Rev. Joseph A. Fischer, Seraphic Press, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1954
