The rule of fasting from solid food for an hour before one receives the Eucharist still holds and thus makes the chewing of gum in church completely disrespectful and inappropriate.

Although the Church does not require everyone to be dressed in their “Easter finest” every week for Mass, please remember that the way we dress for church is, oftentimes, a sign of how important the celebration of the Eucharist is to us.  Overly revealing clothing or bare midriffs are never appropriate.

Churches are meant to be sacred space, places where all can pray and worship.  While a cordial greeting is never out of place, carrying on an audible and protracted conversation is never appropriate.

External gestures of reverence can become a witness to the truths of our faith.  The bow immediately before receiving Holy Communion should be done with the conscious recognition that it is the Lord Himself before Whom we bow.  He is truly present in the Eucharist, in both the host and the cup.  The extension of the hands must acknowledge our acceptance of a gift, not a grabbing for something owed us.  The hands are completely empty, extended in the gesture of acceptance.  The Lord would not be just another item among keys or other personal items.

Our spoken and sung responses at Mass are always meant to be done communally, with whatever abilities were bestowed on us by our Father.  What is believed and held in our hearts ought to be expressed outwardly during the Mass in word and in music.

Finally, out of respect and reverence for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, arriving at Mass on time and remaining until the priest has recessed down the aisle is appropriate behavior.  Leaving Mass early and disturbing the flow of communion in order to exit is never appropriate.  Please place cell phones in the silent mode and please remain in church till the end of Mass to e blessed and commissioned to go forth in Christ’s name.