January 18, 2026 - "Parish Etiquette (continued)"

ARRIVING AND LEAVING

At theatre productions and concerts latecomers are asked to remain in the lobby, waiting until an intermission to be seated.  Some parishes follow this model and do not open the doors to latecomers until there is a break in the liturgical action of the Mass.  Others ask latecomers to remain in the vestibule or in the back of the church if they arrive during the readings, psalm, or homily.  What’s the point?  To help those who are assembled to pray together without interruption or distraction…Every parish, of course, wants all who gather to participate from the moment they arrive to the closing sound of our common prayer and song.  Good planning helps us to be on time most of the time.  Here are some habits to develop for arriving and leaving:

 

· Greet others as you arrive.

· Pick up any worship aids or hymnals you will need to participate fully.

· Make space for others to sit in any empty pews or chairs near you, even if you prefer to remain near an aisle.

· Turn off any pagers, watch alarms, or cell phones (unless you must carry such for medical emergencies or other serious reasons).

 

If Mass Has Already Begun…

· Use the church entrance that will be least disturbing to others who have already gathered.

· Search out seats before walking down the aisle or ask an usher or hospitality minister for assistance in finding a seat.

· Choose an appropriate time to join the assembly, such as during a song, but not during the readings or prayers.  It is best to wait for the right moment to enter.

· Know that it is better to be present even if late than it is to be absent from the assembly altogether.

· Be hospitable to those already gathered (smile and use body language if you have to ask someone in a pew to move down, for example) as you silently join the assembly.

 

If You Need to Leave Early…

· Move at a time when the assembly is also in motion.  Walk toward an exit during the Communion procession, for example.

· On leaving, remain in place until the Mass is over and the procession has left the church.  The time after Communion and the concluding rites (with announcements) are both important to the communal aspect of the liturgy as a whole.

· Replace worship materials and hymnals at the end of the service.

· Clean up your personal belongings before you leave and leave the worship space tidy for the next congregation.

 

Until next week,

Fr. John