What should a non-Christian do and not do at Mass?

[modelrrfan]

I’m thinking of bringing my non-Christian friend to a Catholic Mass. What kinds of things would be appropriate for her to participate in? For example: Making the sign of the cross (with holy water upon entering the church, and also throughout the Mass), genuflecting, joining in responses (“Amen,” etc.), singing, shaking hands at the sign of peace, holding hands during the Our Father, receiving a blessing at Communion, receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, and so on.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

The only absolute requirement is that a non-Christian refrain from receiving Communion. Other than that, a non-Christian is free to participate (or not) to the extent such participation is in accord with individual conscience. If your friend is investigating Catholicism and has come to share in some Christian beliefs, then she may wish to participate in distinctively Christian rituals (e.g., the sign of the cross, genuflection). If she is just there as a non-believing guest, she should stand when the congregation stands and otherwise observe silently.