For your first Mass · 12 short steps
In the pew.
Open this in your seat. One step at a time: when to stand, sit and kneel, what is happening, and what to do at Communion.
BeginThis follows the usual order of the Roman Rite, the Mass in most parishes worldwide. Postures can differ by country and parish (the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, paragraph 43, lets bishops adapt them). When unsure, copy the people around you.
1 of 12 · Arriving
Before Mass
Sitwhen you are ready
Come a few minutes early and sit anywhere. Many Catholics bless themselves with holy water at the door and genuflect (bend the right knee) or bow toward the altar before going into a pew.
Genuflecting or bowing deeply is a sign of adoration of Christ, really present in the Eucharist. CCC 1378
You do not have to do any of this. Just come in and sit.
2 of 12 · Mass begins
The entrance
Stand
Music starts and the priest walks in. Everyone makes the sign of the cross with him, and he greets the people.
Then all ask God’s mercy together. On most Sundays a hymn of praise follows that begins with the angels’ song:
Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will.
3 of 12 · The Liturgy of the Word
The readings
Sit
A reader proclaims a reading, usually from the Old Testament, then a psalm is sung or said, and on Sundays a second reading from the letters of the Apostles.
The Church reads “the writings of the prophets” and “the memoirs of the apostles” at every Mass. CCC 1349
4 of 12 · Christ speaks
The Gospel
Stand
Everyone stands for the Gospel, often after singing Alleluia. Many people trace a small cross on their forehead, lips and heart as it is announced.
Listen. This is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word.
5 of 12 · The priest explains
The homily
Sit
The priest or deacon explains the readings. The homily is an exhortation to accept this Word as the Word of God and to put it into practice. CCC 1349
6 of 12 · What the Church believes
The Creed and prayers
Stand
On Sundays all say the Nicene Creed together, the summary of the faith. CCC 195 Then come prayers for the Church, the world and those in need. CCC 1349
If you do not believe it yet, you can simply stand and listen.
7 of 12 · Bread and wine are brought
The offertory
Sit
The bread and wine are carried to the altar. CCC 1350 A collection is often taken at this time, a custom going back to the first Christians, who brought gifts for those in need. CCC 1351
Guests are never expected to give. Just let the basket pass.
8 of 12 · The heart of the Mass
The Eucharistic Prayer
Standthen kneel
The priest prays a great prayer of thanksgiving. All sing or say the song of the angels:
And they cried one to another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God of hosts, all the earth is full of his glory,
Then people kneel. The priest says the words of Christ at the Last Supper over the bread and wine, and they become Christ’s body and blood. CCC 1353 CCC 1374
You may hear bells as the host and chalice are raised. This is the most sacred moment of the Mass.
9 of 12 · Our Father
The Lord’s Prayer
Stand
All pray the Our Father together. CCC 1355 Then people offer each other a sign of peace: a handshake, a nod or a bow to those nearby.
Then the priest breaks the host while all pray to the Lamb of God, in the words of John the Baptist:
The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him; and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
10 of 12 · Lord, I am not worthy
Before Communion
Kneelin many countries
The priest holds up the host. The people answer with words taken from the Roman centurion in the Gospel:
And the centurion, making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
11 of 12 · What to do
Communion
Your choice
If you are Catholic and ready: go forward. The minister says “the Body of Christ” and you answer “Amen” (“yes, it is true!”). CCC 1396 Anyone conscious of a grave sin goes to Confession first, CCC 1385 and Catholics keep the fast required in their Church. CCC 1387
If you are not Catholic: please do not receive. This is not a judgement on you: Communion is for those who share the faith of the Church, are baptized and live as Christ taught. CCC 1355 You can stay in the pew and pray. In many parishes you may also go forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.
12 of 12 · Sent out
The end
Stand
After a short silence and a closing prayer, the priest blesses the people and sends them out. Everyone makes the sign of the cross.
Stay until the priest has walked out. Then you are free to go, or to say hello.
You were welcome.
We do not reproduce the official Mass texts, which are copyrighted; the words of the responses are printed in the pew book or on screens. The quotations here are from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain), the scriptural roots of those prayers. Silence or listening is always fine.
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