We all agree that Sunday is dedicated for the church. Christians grew up to this tradition of attending the Mass every Sunday because in the Bible, the seventh day or Sunday is the time when Jesus took a rest after He created heavens and earth. It is good that most of us do not forget to go to church every Sunday. Sadly, there are things that we seem to forget (or ignore) every time we visit the church.
Here are the few reminders that we won’t get tired of telling you:
- Dress accordingly.
The church is the home of the Lord. Whenever we enter the church, we are always reminded to dress properly so we can face Him presentably. Remember that you can always pull off your #OOTD every Sunday without wearing shorts and mini-skirts inside the church. The humid weather is not also an excuse to wear sleeveless clothes specifically, spaghetti straps. It is a no-no when attending mass. You can wear something made out of a light fabric so you can feel more comfortable. Besides, there are exhaust fans to reduce the humidity inside our parish.
- Keep the church clean.
We have always been told that foods and drinks are not allowed inside the church and chapels. Aside from paying respect, it is also to keep our areas garbage-free. If you didn’t notice the trash cans in the area, it is because you never intended to look for them to throw your garbage. Throwing your food packaging in plant pots and plant boxes can kill the plants which help beautify our patio. The devotional area where we can light candles isn’t also the perfect place to throw your milk tea cups. Keep your candy wrappers and disposable water bottles in your pockets or bags and throw it as soon as you find a proper place for disposal.
- Arrive on time (or earlier).
Whether you plan to attend the mass in the morning or in the evening, make sure to come to the church a few minutes earlier than the time of your chosen mass schedule. Rushing inside the church when the mass has already started can distract other parishioners who may be quietly praying or attentively listening to the preaching. If ever you come in late, it’s better to occupy the back seats or stand at the back or sides instead of trying to go in front. This is to avoid distracting more church goers who are having their religious time.
- Keep the mass solemn.
We have seven days in the week, and the sad truth is that we usually only give him a one hour of our week. That is when we go to church. Regardless of the duration, make this time a solemn one. Focus your minds and hearts to the Lord. Refrain from using your cellphones and other gaming devices during the mass. Our children are not excused. Teach them to respect this holy time. Keep our phones in silent mode or better turn it off. If you wish to take pictures inside the church, you have the freedom to do it after the mass. There are selected church people who are allowed to take photos and videos during the mass.
- Observe silence.
You are in the church for two reasons: to listen to God’s words and to speak to him and not to your friend beside you. You may talk to your friend but this is not the time for your “catching up” moments. Talking aloud and laughing during the mass shows lack of respect to God, to the priest in front and to the rest of the church goers who you could distract. Instead, use this time to catch up with the Lord.
- Fall in line.
Recently, a new policy was introduced when receiving the communion, fall in line according to the row where you are seated. Every Sunday, there are still people from the back who walks in front, passing through all the seated rows of parishioners. The front rows must go first; be patient and wait for your turn. These policies are introduced to make our mass more organized and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.
- Do not step on the kneelers.
Pews (the term for the benches we sit on inside the parish) are customized with cushion kneelers. These are provided for parishioners so we don’t have to kneel on the ground. These are for our convenience especially for the elderlies. Stepping on it with our muddy shoes won’t preserve its quality.
According to the story of creation, God completed creating everything on the seventh day of the week. That is also why the number 7 is associated with completeness. Let us make these reminders a habit every time we visit the church so we can also claim our week to be complete! (Camille Cabal)
