A plain guide
What happens at your first Catholic Mass?
You’re welcome at any Catholic Mass, and you don’t need to know anything ahead of time. Arrive a few minutes early, sit anywhere, and follow the people around you. If you aren’t Catholic, you can stay in your seat or come forward for a blessing at Communion.
Arriving
- Come about 10 minutes early and sit anywhere. Toward the middle lets you follow others.
- At the door, Catholics dip a finger in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross. You’re free to skip it.
- Before going into a pew, Catholics genuflect (touch the right knee to the floor) toward the tabernacle. A small bow is fine too.
- Dress neatly, silence your phone, and keep chat for after Mass.
Sitting, standing, kneeling
Roughly: stand to begin and for the Gospel, sit for the other readings and the homily, stand for the Creed and the prayers, and kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer and again before Communion. If you can’t kneel or stand, just sit. That’s always fine.
The Mass in short
- Introductory rites. A song, a greeting, a moment to ask God’s mercy, and (on Sundays outside Advent and Lent) the Gloria.
- Liturgy of the Word. Readings from Scripture, a psalm, the Gospel, the homily, the Creed and prayers for the world.
- Liturgy of the Eucharist. Bread and wine are brought to the altar. In the Eucharistic Prayer they become the Body and Blood of Christ. Then the Lord’s Prayer, the sign of peace, and Communion.
- Concluding rites. A blessing and a sending out. It’s polite to stay until the priest has left.
A Sunday Mass usually takes about an hour.
Communion
For Catholics, Communion is receiving Jesus himself. Catholics who are in a state of grace (no serious sin they haven’t yet confessed) and have fasted for an hour receive.
If you’re not Catholic, or not ready to receive, you’re just as welcome. In many parishes you can come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing, or you can stay in your seat. Either is completely fine, and no one will mind.
USCCB: Guidelines for the Reception of Communion (opens in a new tab)
Find a Mass near you
See every Mass today in the West Michigan Mass and confession finder, or browse by town: Mass times in Muskegon, Mass times in Grand Haven and Mass times in Ludington.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go to Mass if I’m not Catholic?
Yes. Everyone is welcome at Mass. You don’t need to sign in, call ahead or tell anyone you’re coming.
Can I receive Communion if I’m not Catholic?
Ordinarily, no. Communion is a sign of shared Catholic faith, so non-Catholics are asked not to receive. You can come forward for a blessing or stay in your seat. The USCCB guidelines above explain the details.
What should I wear to Mass?
There is no dress code. Neat, modest clothes are fine. Some people dress up, and others come in everyday clothes.
How long is a Catholic Mass?
A Sunday Mass is usually about an hour. A weekday Mass is often around 30 minutes. Holy days and big feasts can run longer.
Do I have to give money at the collection?
No. Just let the basket pass. Nobody notices or minds.
I’m a returning Catholic. Where do I start?
Just come back to Mass. If it’s been a while since your last confession, the guide to going to Confession walks you through it, and any priest will be glad to help.
Learn more
- USCCB: the Order of Mass (opens in a new tab)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1382–1401: the Paschal banquet (Communion) (opens in a new tab)
Written by NextPew as a friendly helper, not an official text. Questions? Any parish office is happy to help.