Sr. Manners Goes To Mass
The young lady is late again for mass. She hurriedly makes her way up to her usual place right in the front bench of the church, her heels click-clacking nosily on the marble floor. Unmindful that the attention of everybody in the church has been diverted from the first reading onto her, the lady prostrates herself on the floor right in front of the altar in a sign of great reverance before she finally makes it into her place.
She kneels right through the remainder of the service, unconcerned with all the standing, sitting and kneeling going on around her. When it is time for communion, she leaps out of her seat in great haste, trying to make it to the head of her lane, but suddenly moves to the next, because she notices the one serving communion in her lane is a lay person. The young lady believes that Communion should be served only by a priest. Communion received, she doesn't return to her place, click-clacking her way instead right out of the church. The young lady doesn't want to be late for work.
What's wrong with what the young lady did at mass? Practically everything [click here to see what she did wrong]. Largely ignorant that there might be certain codes of conduct required at mass, she simply did whatever she felt was right — and ending up doing everything that was wrong. But hope is at hand for the young lady — and all of us who might be goofing up at mass unknowingly. HSI is pleased to introduce this new series where Sr. Manners answers all those questions you always wanted to ask - but were perhaps afraid to. Send in your questions to srmanners@holyspiritinteractive.net.
This week's question:
Nursery Tales
Is it all right to bring my infant to Mass? Our parish has a nursery, but I like to have my child with me.
Answer
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Older Questions
The Baptismal Pool
At communion, I notice that some people dip their hands into the baptismal pool and bless themselves with water on the way to communion. Why do they do this?
Answer
Lectors at Mass
I appreciate those people who proclaim the scripture readings, but I have noticed that some readers put life into the readings and are easy to follow, and others read in a monotone. Do they all get the same training?
Answer
Communion Line Etiquette
Do you have any pointers to offer for etiquette in the communion line?
Answer
Toddlers at Mass
I prefer to bring my toddlers to Mass. As long as I bring toys and snacks to entertain them, isn’t this okay? The people around me seem to be amused by my child’s activities, and my little one’s occasional crying or talking should be understandable to parents. What do you think? Answer
What's the Proper Dress Code for Mass?
Dear Sr. Manners: I know there is an accepted dress code for certain events for adults, and even schools now have a dress code for their students. What is the proper attire for us at Mass? Answer
Parking Lot Etiquette
Can you offer some comments on parking lot etiquette for Catholics before and after Mass?
Answer
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