Mass, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1324). It’s the focal point of our faith. Yet, many of us may not be aware that we are making mistakes during the Mass—errors that can take away from the reverence and sanctity of the celebration. The intent here is not to condemn but to offer guidance for a more meaningful participation in the Mass, in line with Church teachings.
1. Casual Dress
What’s Wrong:
Some people attend Mass dressed as though they are going to a casual gathering.
What the Church Says:
While the Church does not strictly mandate a dress code, wearing respectful attire is considered a form of showing reverence to God.
2. Arriving Late and Leaving Early
What’s Wrong:
Coming late and leaving right after Communion are practices that disrupt the continuity and integrity of the Mass.
What the Church Says:
The Church emphasizes that we should be punctual for the Mass and stay until the final blessing. The Mass is a single liturgical act and should be experienced in its entirety (CCC 1346).
3. Not Participating in the Responses
What’s Wrong:
People often remain silent during the liturgical responses, either out of ignorance or complacency.
What the Church Says:
The Mass is not a spectator event. Full, conscious, and active participation is expected of everyone present. The Church teaches, “In the celebration of Mass the faithful form a holy people, a people of God’s own possession” (CCC 1140).
4. Using Electronic Devices
What’s Wrong:
Many people use smartphones for non-liturgical purposes during Mass.
What the Church Says:
The Mass demands our full attention and reverence. Distractions such as cell phones detract from this. There is no official Church document forbidding the use of cell phones, but the general rule is to avoid anything that distracts from the Mass.
5. Rushing Through Prayers
What’s Wrong:
Sometimes, in the enthusiasm to respond or pray, people rush through the prayers, neglecting the reflective pauses.
What the Church Says:
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal stresses the importance of pauses at liturgical functions to allow for silent reflection.
6. Receiving Communion Inappropriately
What’s Wrong:
Receiving Communion in a state of mortal sin or receiving it casually, as though it’s just a ritual, detracts from the sanctity of the sacrament.
What the Church Says:
Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion (CCC 1457). Paul the Apostle warns, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27).
7. Taking Photos or Videos
What’s Wrong:
Some people take photos or even shoot videos during Mass, especially during special occasions.
What the Church Says:
Though there isn’t an explicit Church directive against this, capturing moments on camera can disrupt the sacred atmosphere. The Church values the integrity and solemnity of the Mass.
8. Engaging in Idle Chatter
What’s Wrong:
It is not uncommon for people to engage in small talk inside the church before Mass begins or even during the Mass.
What the Church Says:
Jesus Himself instructed, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). Therefore, the church should be a place of reverence and focused worship.
9. Not Singing
What’s Wrong:
Many people abstain from singing hymns or participating in chants during the Mass.
What the Church Says:
The Church emphasizes the importance of singing as a form of prayer. St. Augustine said, “He who sings prays twice.”
10. Lack of Reverence for the Eucharist
What’s Wrong:
Some people do not show appropriate reverence for the Eucharist by genuflecting or making the Sign of the Cross.
What the Church Says:
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). The Church teaches us to treat it with the utmost respect and reverence.
In conclusion, while the focus of Mass is the Eucharist, how we conduct ourselves during the Mass also matters. By avoiding these mistakes, we can contribute to a more reverent, meaningful celebration. These are not just matters of personal preference but are aligned with the teachings and expectations of the Catholic Church.