Knowing when to stand, sit, or kneel can be hard for a newcomer. Just follow what others around you are doing. A sheet is also available in the back of the church that explains when it is customary to change posture.

Some parts of the Mass are for the priest only, and some are for the people and priest together. At a Mass where the choir sings, the choir sings all the parts of the people. You may sing all of these, but if you are not comfortable doing so, you may follow along by reading silently the English translation in your missal.

Sometimes the choir sings its part while the priest says his part quietly at the altar. Because it takes longer for the choir to sing their prayers than it does for the priest to say his, the two will overlap, and they will not be doing the same thing at the same time. You can either follow the choir, or read what the priest is saying.

The priest offers Mass facing the altar because he and the people together are offering worship and sacrifice to God. He is not turning his back on the people to exclude us. Rather, we are all facing God.

During the prayers surrounding the Consecration and the Consecration itself, there is silence as the priest quietly prays the words that change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. You may read what he says in your missal. Appreciate this silence as a time of hushed awe in which we give thanks for the mystery of Christ’s saving sacrifice and for His coming to each of us in the Eucharist.

Holy Communion is received kneeling at the altar rail on the tongue. “Amen” is not said when you receive.

If you are not Catholic, you are requested not to receive Communion. If you are Catholic and know yourself to be in a state of mortal sin, you are to refrain from receiving Communion. A prayer to make a spiritual Communion at the time others receive can be found in the back of the red missalette.

Those new to the Latin Mass often find that they have to attend several times to feel confident in their understanding of all that is taking place. Be patient if you feel unsure on your first few visits. In time you will become familiar with the order of the Mass.