Calgary prelate gives tips on how to behave

Bishop Fred Henry teaches Mass etiquette

Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary wonders if "we aren't losing some of that reverence for God."
(Photo credit: Diocese of Calgary.)

Before the catastrophic floods recently shut down the Diocese of Calgary's pastoral centre, Bishop Fred Henry released a fun blog post on "Church Etiquette." Here's a taste:

I sometimes wonder if we aren't losing some of that reverence for God and for one another. How should we behave at Mass?

We come together to celebrate the Eucharist, the partaking of the body and blood of Christ. Reverence is called for. Are we taking a far too casual attitude toward this holy celebration?

Dorothy Pilarski, a Catholic blogger, has offered a number of points worth pondering. Here is an abbreviated list (with a few of Bishop Henry's own added comments):

1. Remember you have entered into the house of God for the purpose of prayer, adoration, and reflection. Now is not the time to talk to your friends. 

(Gathering areas or vestibules are good places for this), but in church talk to God (pray and prepare to celebrate the Eucharist). Please do not bring in any cups of coffee!

2. Turn off cell phones. 

3. Dress with dignity for Mass. It seems that many women, many girls in this day and age have a need to always have a 'sexy' (or hot) look. Mass is not a cocktail party. Mass is not a hockey game. 

Come dressed with decorum, an aura of dignity.  I don't think that we need a rigid dress code but if torn jeans are not acceptable at a golf club, why at church?The same would apply to men's muscle shirts - they just don't cut it.

However, whenever addressing the issue of attire, one must always add a cautionary note - While we do owe our Lord our best, the Mass isn't a fashion show.

Read the full blog post here.