Attending Mass is central to Catholic life. It’s where we come together as a community to celebrate the Eucharist and grow in our relationship with God. However, it’s quite common to make unintentional mistakes that could distract us, or even others, from fully participating in this divine celebration. This article aims to address ten more things you might be doing wrong at Mass, drawing upon the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture for guidance.
Failing to Observe Silence Before and After Mass
What’s Wrong
Many people rush into church and start talking or fidgeting with their phones. The minutes before and after Mass should be sacred times for personal prayer and reflection.
What the Church Says
The Catechism reminds us that “To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church” and that “Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest” (CCC 1387).
Inappropriate Dressing
What’s Wrong
Casual or provocative attire can be distracting for others and doesn’t reflect the solemnity of the Mass.
What the Church Says
As mentioned above, “Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest” (CCC 1387).
Texting or Using Phones During Mass
What’s Wrong
Your focus should be on the Mass, not on your text messages or social media feeds.
What the Church Says
While the Catechism doesn’t specifically mention phones, it does stress the importance of active participation: “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations” (CCC 1141).
Skipping the Offertory
What’s Wrong
People often think the Offertory is just about money, but it’s actually a chance to offer yourself to God.
What the Church Says
The Offertory is a part of the Liturgy where we can symbolically offer ourselves, represented by the gifts of bread and wine. “The Church alone offers this pure oblation to the Creator when she offers what comes forth from his creation, with thanksgiving” (CCC 1350).
Receiving Communion in a State of Mortal Sin
What’s Wrong
Communion should be received in a state of grace. Receiving it in a state of mortal sin is a grave matter.
What the Church Says
“Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion” (CCC 1385).
Not Singing or Responding
What’s Wrong
Your participation, including singing and responding, enriches the community’s worship experience.
What the Church Says
Again, the Catechism states: “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations” (CCC 1141).
Leaving Early
What’s Wrong
Leaving Mass right after Communion misses the final blessing and the sending forth.
What the Church Says
The Mass isn’t over until the final blessing and dismissal, which are integral parts of the liturgy.
Not Taking Children to Mass
What’s Wrong
Avoiding Mass because it’s “easier” without the kids deprives them of spiritual nourishment.
What the Church Says
“Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years” (CCC 2226).
Ignoring the Sign of Peace
What’s Wrong
This is a liturgical gesture of unity and love among the faithful.
What the Church Says
The Catechism says that before we offer our gift at the altar, we must be reconciled with one another: “it is necessary to confess one’s sins, when one has committed what is called ‘mortal’ sin” (CCC 1415).
Treating Mass as a Weekly Obligation
What’s Wrong
If you’re just ticking off a box, you’re missing the richness of the Mass.
What the Church Says
The Church teaches that the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life (CCC 2177).
These ten points are not mere opinions; they are grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church as expressed in the Catechism and Scripture. By being more conscious of these common mistakes and correcting them, we can more fully participate in the mystery of the Mass.