If you are attending a Catholic Mass for the first time, returning after some time away, or simply unsure what to do, please be reassured:
You are very welcome.
You do not need to know all the prayers or understand every part of the Mass before coming. You may sit quietly, listen, pray and join in as you feel able.
No one is watching or assessing you.
VIEW MASS, CONFESSION AND ADORATION TIMES
Before You Come
You do not need to book a place or tell us that you are coming.
There is no special dress code. Please simply wear something reasonably respectful and suitable for a place of worship.
A Sunday Mass normally lasts about one hour. Masses for Christmas, Easter and other special celebrations may be longer.
Children and families are very welcome.
Children’s Liturgy is available:
- At the 9.00am Sunday Mass at St Edward’s
- At the 11.00am Sunday Mass at St Mary’s
When You Arrive
If possible, arrive a few minutes before Mass begins. This will give you time to find a place and become settled.
When Catholics enter the church, they may:
- Bless themselves with holy water as a reminder of Baptism
- Genuflect towards the tabernacle, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved
- Kneel or sit quietly in prayer
- Light a candle for a particular intention
You are welcome to do these things, but no one will mind if you simply enter quietly and take a seat.
You may sit anywhere.
If you arrive after Mass has begun, come in quietly and find a seat. You will still be welcome.
The Shape of the Mass
The Mass follows a clear and steady pattern.
1. The Introductory Rites
The priest and ministers enter, and Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross.
The priest greets the people, and we prepare ourselves by acknowledging our sins and asking for God’s mercy.
On Sundays, we normally sing or say the Gloria, except during Advent and Lent.
The priest then prays the Collect, which gathers the prayers of the whole congregation.
2. The Liturgy of the Word
We sit and listen to readings from Sacred Scripture.
On Sundays there are normally:
- A reading from the Old Testament
- A psalm
- A reading from the New Testament
- The Gospel
We stand for the Gospel because it contains the words and actions of Jesus Christ.
The priest or deacon then gives the homily, helping us understand the readings and live the Catholic faith.
On Sundays and solemnities, we usually profess the Creed. The Prayer of the Faithful follows, in which we pray for the Church and the needs of the world.
3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Bread and wine are brought to the altar.
The priest offers the Eucharistic Prayer. During this prayer, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Christ’s one Sacrifice upon the Cross is made sacramentally present. Catholics therefore kneel during the central part of the Eucharistic Prayer, unless they are unable to do so.
We then stand and pray the Our Father.
After the Sign of Peace and the Lamb of God, the congregation prepares to receive Holy Communion.
4. The Concluding Rites
After Holy Communion, there is a period of prayer and thanksgiving.
The priest prays the Prayer after Communion, blesses the people and sends us out to live as disciples of Christ.
In our parish, we pray the Prayer to St Michael before the final procession.
Standing, Sitting and Kneeling
During Mass, the congregation stands, sits and kneels at different times.
These postures help us pray with both body and soul:
- We stand to show attention and readiness
- We sit to listen
- We kneel in adoration and reverence
If you are unsure what to do, simply follow the people around you.
If you cannot stand or kneel because of age, illness, disability or another reason, please remain seated. No explanation is needed.
The Prayers and Responses
Books or printed sheets may be available to help you follow the Mass. You may join in with the responses, but you are also welcome simply to listen.
Nobody expects a visitor to know the words.
You can read the prayers and responses beforehand if this would help:
READ OR DOWNLOAD THE ORDER OF MASS
Singing
Mass is normally sung in our parish, especially on Sundays and solemnities.
The priest may sing some of the prayers, and the congregation responds together. Singing is not a performance. It is part of the Church’s worship.
If you do not know the music, it is perfectly acceptable to listen and join in when you feel comfortable.
Incense
Incense is used at our Sunday Masses, except at the 6.00pm Sunday Mass at St Mary’s.
Incense is a sign of:
- Prayer rising to God
- Reverence
- The holiness of Christian worship
If incense causes breathing difficulties, headaches or another difficulty, the Sunday 6.00pm Mass at St Mary’s is celebrated without incense.
The Collection
A collection is usually taken during Mass to support the work of the parish and the wider Church.
Visitors are not expected to contribute. You may simply pass the basket or collection bag to the next person.
Receiving Holy Communion
Holy Communion is not merely blessed bread and wine. It is Jesus Christ himself, truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Receiving Communion also expresses full unity with the Catholic Church and her faith.
Holy Communion is ordinarily received by Catholics who:
- Have been baptised and received First Holy Communion
- Are in full communion with the Catholic Church
- Are not conscious of unconfessed mortal sin
- Have observed the one-hour Eucharistic fast, apart from water and medicine
If you are unsure whether you should receive, it is best to remain in your place and speak to the priest afterwards.
If you are not receiving Holy Communion, you are still very welcome at Mass. You may:
- Remain in your place and pray
- Come forward for a blessing, following the local practice, with one arm placed across your chest towards the opposite shoulder
No explanation is required, and nobody should feel embarrassed about not receiving.
A CLEAR GUIDE TO HOLY COMMUNION
Silence
There are moments of silence during Mass.
These are deliberate. Silence allows us to listen to God, reflect upon his Word and give thanks after Holy Communion.
Silence in church is not an awkward gap. It is part of worship.
After Mass
The priest and ministers process from the church at the end of Mass.
You are welcome to remain quietly for a few moments of prayer. This is especially appropriate after receiving Holy Communion.
People may then begin to speak and greet one another. If you would like to introduce yourself, ask a question or speak privately, please feel free to approach Fr John after Mass.
If You Feel Uncertain
It is completely normal to feel unsure at first.
You do not need to:
- Understand every word
- Know every response
- Sing every hymn
- Receive Holy Communion
- Explain why you have come
Simply being present, listening and praying is a good place to begin.
The Mass is not a performance. It is Christ and his Church at prayer, and you are very welcome to join us.
