Going to Your First Catholic Mass?
You are welcome. You do not need to know when to sit, stand or kneel before you come.
Walking into a Catholic church for the first time can feel intimidating.
Everyone seems to know when to stand. Everyone seems to know the prayers. People kneel without anyone telling them. Some bow. Some genuflect. There may be bells, incense, chanting, silence and rituals you have never seen.
Don't worry. Nobody expects a visitor to know everything.
Before Mass
Arrive 10–15 minutes early if possible. Catholic churches are often quiet before Mass because people are praying and preparing.
People may dip their fingers in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross. People may genuflect before entering the pew as an act of reverence toward Christ present in the Eucharist reserved in the tabernacle.
A visitor is not required to imitate every gesture. Find a seat and observe.
The Mass — Step by Step
Tap each section to explore the parts of the Mass.
Entrance Procession
The priest and ministers enter, often accompanied by music or a hymn.
Sign of the Cross
The Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross — 'In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.'
Greeting
The priest greets the people with words from St. Paul.
Penitential Act
The community acknowledges its sinfulness and asks for God's mercy.
Kyrie
'Lord, have mercy' — a brief invocation of God's mercy.
Gloria
An ancient hymn of praise, sung or recited on most Sundays and solemnities.
Opening Prayer
The priest collects the prayers of the people and presents them to God.
Should I Receive Communion if I'm Not Catholic?
Usually, no. If you are not yet Catholic, don't be embarrassed or feel singled out. Simply remain in your pew during Communion.
Catholics believe Holy Communion is not merely a symbol of Christian hospitality. Receiving the Eucharist expresses communion in Catholic faith, sacramental life and Church unity.
You are absolutely welcome to attend Mass while you are exploring Catholicism. If you are unsure whether you should receive Communion, speak with the priest before Mass rather than guessing.
First Mass Quick Guide
Entrances, the Gospel, the Creed, and certain prayers.
The readings, the homily, and the preparation of the gifts.
Primarily during the Eucharistic Prayer, according to local practice.
Local customs may vary slightly.
What Should I Wear?
There is no requirement that a visitor wear formal clothing. Dress respectfully and modestly. You will see everything from suits and dresses to jeans and work clothes depending upon the parish. Don't let not owning "church clothes" keep you from going to Mass.
Can I Bring My Children?
Yes. Children belong at Mass. Do not feel embarrassed if a young child makes noise. Families are part of parish life.
What If I Have No Idea What I'm Doing?
Sit in the back if that makes you more comfortable. Watch what everyone else does.
You do not need to know the responses. You do not need to genuflect if you don't understand why people are doing it. You do not have to introduce yourself. You do not have to receive Communion. You do not have to pretend to understand everything.
Just come. Sit quietly. Listen. Watch. Pray if you can. And come again.
Want to Learn the Prayers First?
Many of the prayers prayed at Mass — the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and the Creed — are prayers every Catholic knows by heart. You can learn them too, one at a time.
Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
You don't have to have it all figured out before you begin.