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  • Catholics Stand with Israel
  • New/Returning to Catholicism
    • Welcome Home to the Catholic Church!
    • First-Time Going to Mass?
    • Books for New Catholics: Introduction to Catholicism
    • Books: Conversions & Your Current Faith
    • Books: Returning to Catholicism
    • Steps To Becoming Catholic
    • Roman Catholic Church vs. Other Christian Churches
    • New to Catholicism: YouTube
  • Consecrated Life & Vocations
    • Called to Consecrated Life?
    • What’s Your Vocation?
    • Support Consecrated Life & Vocations
    • IMPORTANCE OF CONSECRATED LIFE
    • Catholics Books for Consecrated Life & Religious Vocations
    • Catholic Films & Television: Consecrated Life
    • Catholic Religious Orders
    • Catholic Consecrated Life Websites
    • Catholic Religious Life YouTube Videos
    • Catholic Prayer for Vocations
    • Quotes on Consecrated Life
  • Catholic Authors
  • Catholic Media & Culture
    • Catholic Organizations & Foundations
    • Catholic Films & Television
    • Famous Catholics & Converts
    • Fictional Catholic Characters
    • Catholic YouTube
    • Resourceful Catholic Websites
    • GCRC Spotify Playlists
    • GCRC Quizlet
    • Catholic Apps (Electronics)
    • Catholic Media & Networks
  • Adults & T(w)eens
    • Catholic Books for Women
    • Catholic Books for Men
    • Teens & Tweens
      • Catholic Books for Tweens
      • Catholic Books for Teens
      • Teens: Catholic Confirmation Books
    • Books: Catholic Non-Fiction & Misc.
      • A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan
    • Books: Catholic Fiction & Novels
    • Catholic Books: Liturgical Season & Church Holidays
    • Books: Prayer & Spiritual Exercises
    • Books: Church Politics & Social Issues
  • Parents & Guardians
    • Books: Raising Catholic Kids
    • Parenting Books for Catholics
    • Books: Instructional & Self-Help for Parents
    • Books: Single Parents & Divorcées
    • Catholic Adoption Agencies
    • Catholic Books for Grandparents & Godparents
    • Roman Catholic Names for Girls
    • Roman Catholic Names for Boys
  • Children & Infants
    • Faith-Based Literature
      • Fundamentals: Mass, Sacraments, Creeds, Traditions
      • Babies Introduction to Catholicism
      • Catechisms & First Communion
      • Liturgical Season & Church Holidays
      • Bible Stories & Saints
      • Comic Books & Graphic Novels
      • Catholic Books of Prayer
      • Early Life-Skills for Kids
    • Faith-Based Toys and Gifts
      • Toys for Babies
      • Activity Books for Kids
      • Cubes & Games for Kids
      • Arts & Crafts for Kids
      • Playsets & Toys
      • Plush Toys
  • Schools & Education
    • The Catholic Ivy League (CIL)
    • List of Global Catholic Colleges & Universities
    • U.S. Catholic Secondary & Primary Schools
    • Catholics Books: Educators & Education
    • BEST EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
    • Catholic Homeschooling
    • Catholic Schooling: Online Resources
    • Les Écoles Catholiques en France
  • Church Clergy & Laity
    • Books: Evangelization & Church Leadership
    • Books: Priests & Deacons
    • Books: Clergy & Liturgical Ministry
    • Books: RCIA Instructors
    • Books: Altar Servers & Laity
    • Books: Youth Formation & Ministry
    • Books: CLOW Instructors
    • Litany for the Blessed Sacrament
  • Catholic Apologetics
    • Catholic Apologetics Books
    • Catholic Books: Helping (Fallen-Away) Catholics Come to the Church
    • Catholic Apologetics: Videos
  • Marriage & Dating
    • Books: Catholic Marriage & Dating
    • Catholic Dating Resources
    • YouTube: Catholic Marriage & Dating
  • Mental Health & Tribulations
    • Books: Trying Times & Tribulations
    • Books: Counseling & Pastoral Care for Church Clergy
    • Catholic Videos for Times of Struggle and Hardship
    • Worried About The Church’s Future?
  • Digital Library
      • The Fundamentals of Catholicism
      • Catholic Books: History of Catholicism and the Catholic Church
      • Catholic Church Finder
      • Catholic Dioceses in U.S.A
      • GCRC’s Collection of Catholic Prayers
      • GCRC Video Library: Unforgettable Moments
      • GCRC Video Library: Treasured
      • GCRC’s Collection of Timeless Quotes
  • Special Needs
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Going to Catholic Mass for the First Time?

December 27, 2022

Are you thinking about going to Mass for the first time? It’s an incredible experience, but being a little nervous is normal if you’ve never been to Mass before. Below are common questions and tips to help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of the experience.

For books on Mass visit Books: New to Catholicism under New/Returning to Catholicism.


1. Do I have to be Catholic to go to Mass?

No. Mass is for everyone, and all are welcome regardless of their religious (or non-religious) background.


2. Do I have to speak with the parish or parish priest before attending Mass? 

No. You do not have to talk to the priest or parish ahead of time. If you want to learn more about the faith, you can wait till after the mass to talk to the priest, or you can schedule a meeting at the parish office. 


3. What should males wear to Mass? 

Boys: Collared Shirt (i.e., flannel, polo, Hawaiian shirt, etc)

-Close-toed shoes such as dress shoes, converse, or boots (vans and converse are also acceptable for children and teens). Tennis shoes are not ideal but can be worn.

-Shoulders must be covered.

-Pants should be long (i.e., jeans)


4. What should females wear to Mass? 

Girls: Dress that covers shoulders or dress with a sweater.

-Blouse that covers the shoulders with a skirt. 

-Jeans are acceptable provided the Mass is not on Sunday. 

-Shoes: Ballet flats, sandals, or boots are acceptable (vans and converse are also acceptable for children and teens). Tennis shoes are not ideal but can be worn. 


5. What should I do when I enter the Church? 

-If they have holy water put some of that on your finger and cross yourself.

-Kneel down in front of the crucifix before entering your pew.


6. What should I do for Communion? 

You may remain seated during Communion if you would like. Do not receive the Eucharist unless you are a confirmed Roman Catholic and are of good moral standing. If you have not received your First Communion (as a child) or taken the Sacrament of Confirmation (as a teenager or adult) you cannot receive the Eucharist. However, all are welcome to receive a Communion blessing. To receive a blessing, get in the Communion line. When the person in front of you receiving Communion you should do a deep reverent bow behind them. When it is your turn to receive Communion, cross your arms across your chest to form an ‘x’.

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