Now that we are done with Catholic Calisthenics, let’s go over a few points of “etiquette.” As I mentioned last week, those of us with a few gray hairs remember kinder, gentler times. When kids used to call grown ups “Mr.” and “Mrs.,” when four letter words were not part of the vocabulary, let alone routine part of the dialogue on radio, TV and in movies. So, as I said, let’s go over a few points of etiquette, because it would be awful if good manners became extinct! And no, good manners are not “old fashioned.” Here’s a refresher course on good-old Catholics do’s and don’ts.
Arrival and Departure
From church, that is. During one of his sermons, Fr. Hilton told us: “The priest should be the last to enter the church and the first to leave it.” That’s a good rule of thumb. There are always exceptions, of course: traffic jams, sudden illness etc. But these should truly be exceptions, not the norm. Would we walk late into a dinner party and leave as soon as we gulped down the last bite of dessert, without saying “hello and good -bye” to our hosts?
Dress Code
Yes, there is a dress code. The Bible—which may be “old fashioned” but it’s not about to be recalled any time soon—gives us quite a few, very detailed rules, straight from the mouth of God. For instance, Scripture describes at length which clothes priests are to wear when serving at the Altar of God, and which vessels and linens are to be used in the Sanctuary. Over the centuries, we have modernized and modified this a bit, but the basic instructions are still being followed. For instance: candles at the altar must be made of bees’ wax; the vessels that contain the Body and Blood of our Lord must be at least plated with noble metal (no, pottery won’t work), etc. etc.
When, in the summer (and not only in the summer), I see people in skimpy shorts and T-shirts go up to Fr. Hilton in his vestments, as he drips perspiration after mass and complain: “Father, it was so hot during Mass!” I want to laugh and say: “Yes, it was hot, and look at all that Father is wearing! You don’t hear him complain, do you?” So, why doesn’t Father change what he wears on the altar according to the seasons? Because he’s presiding at the Banquet of the King, that’s why. And that’s why we also should be dressed accordingly. As always, the Church asks that our actions show our feelings and beliefs—so that our bodies, minds and hearts all focus on the same realities—that’s why the church asks us to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass dressed like we would be dressed for a very special and respectful banquet.
Some jobs require a very strict dress code: everyone is required to show up every day perfectly groomed, or they would soon lose their job. It is true that more and more places are going “relaxed,” but does anyone like going to a store and being served by someone who looks like they have not bathed in a month, and slept in their clothes? So, what’s my point? Well, if we can manage to look our best when we go to work, why do we want to spend less effort to look good for the Lord?
No, I am not talking beauty contests or fashion shows. I am simply saying that, when we come to participate in the Holy Mass, we do not want to attract attention to ourselves: we want to give honor and praise to God, and the way we dress is certainly part of the package. Ladies, you may not realize it, but skimpy clothes will always attract the attention of the guys around you and take it away from the altar. Do you really wish to do that?
Receiving Holy Communion
Receiving the Eucharist is the culmination of our prayers and preparation during the Holy Mass. When I was young, we were asked to fast from midnight until the time we received the Body of Christ. Now the rules have been modified and we are only asked to fast one hour before receiving the Eucharist. So, what does “fasting” mean? It means no food, including gum or candy. Have you ever seen folks going up to receive the Lord while chewing gum? Not a pretty sight, and
not very respectful of the Gift about to be received!
Fasting one hour before receiving the Eucharist also means no drinks—such as coffee, tea or pop—with the exception of water. For easy remembering, this is the list of what is allowed:
- water
- Medicine
Why are we required this modest period of fasting before receiving our Lord Jesus in Holy Communion? Because we are reminded that we are preparing to receive the biggest Feast in the universe.
