Fredrica Matthewes Greene put together a pamphlet to be handed out to visitors and made available to “regulars.” It was a light-hearted look at what to expect on visiting an Orthodox Church.
frederica.com/12-things/
If somthing along those lines could be done in the Western tradition, it could be very helpful . . .
Sample topics could be:
Don’t be afraid of silence.
Spot the Tabernacle: “Who is there and how do we reverence Him?”
Sit, Stand, Kneel: when, where and why?
When and how should (or shouldn’t I) receive Communion?
Just for the fun of it, I started my own:
*“There’s a Kind of Hush All Over . . .”
*Upon entering you’ll notice that “There’s a kind of hush all over” as folks make their private preparations for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. A rosary group may be reviewing quietly central points of Jesus’ ministry through viewing events through the eyes of His Mother and praying in muted voices with their Rosary Beads. Others may be reviewing the Passion of our Lord Jesus by praying quietly before each of the 14 Stations of the Cross in turn. Others may be lighting candles as an outward sign of their fervency in a particular prayer request. There may even be a line of penitents outside the Confessional, each awaiting his/her turn to make confession of sin before the Mass begins.
At the doorway, you’ll notice a bowl of Holy Water. If you wish, you may dip your hand into the water and make the sign of the cross, in renewal of your Baptism. There will probably be some sort of worship aid that lists the hymns, Psalms, Lessons and congregation responses for the day; take one, you’ll need it later!
If you decide not to join those making the Stations, Rosary or Confession, find a place to sit. Before you get into your pew, glance around to locate the Tabernacle, where Jesus Christ, under the outward form of bread and wine dwells. Make a genuflection (kneel on one knee) in His honor. Remember that there will be others arriving later, so, unless physical disability prevents you, take your place toward the middle of the pew and quietly begin your own internal preparation to assist at the Holy Mass. The Crucifix near the Altar and the Tabernacle are great focus points for your internal preparation. There may also be written aids in the pews. If you see friends or acquaintances, smiling or nodding is appropriate, but never conversation. Preparation for the Holy Mass is serious business; failing to make one’s own preparation or
worse interfering with others’ preparation by causing a distraction is never appropriate.
The Mass Begins: *“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
*This is where your foresight in taking a worship aid comes in handy! Stand Up for the procession! If you know the tune, or read music, join in the singing. If you don’t know it, don’t worry, by the second stanza, you’ll catch on! At any rate, sing! As the procession . . . .
Just my modest beginning for such a project. . . .
I forgot when I made my list to mention clothing also. I have seen some very inappropriate clothing. Two weeks ago it was on a young woman reading the first reading. No cleavage but strapless. Trust me, totally inappropriate. While I was happy to see her in church reading I wonder what in the world possessed her to think she was dressed appropriately. Poor Father just put his head down and looked down. I’m sure he was mortified!