What happens during a Catholic Mass?

A Catholic Mass follows a structured liturgy divided into four main parts: the Introductory Rites (opening hymn, greeting, penitential act, Gloria), the Liturgy of the Word (Old Testament reading, Psalm, New Testament reading, Gospel reading, homily, Creed, Prayers of the Faithful), the Liturgy of the Eucharist (preparation of gifts, Eucharistic Prayer, consecration, Lord's Prayer, Communion), and the Concluding Rites (final blessing and dismissal). The entire service typically lasts 45 to 75 minutes.

Can I take communion at a Catholic church if I'm not Catholic?

No. In the Catholic Church, Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is reserved for baptized Catholics who are in a state of grace. Non-Catholics and Catholics who have not received First Communion are welcome to approach the priest or Eucharistic minister with arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing instead. This is not meant as an exclusion but reflects the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is the literal Body and Blood of Christ and requires specific sacramental preparation.

What should I wear to a Catholic church?

Dress codes at Catholic churches are generally modest and respectful but not overly formal. Business casual is a safe choice: slacks or a skirt with a nice top for women, khakis or dress pants with a collared shirt for men. Avoid very casual clothing like shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops, especially for Sunday Mass. Some more traditional parishes may expect more formal attire, while others in casual regions may be more relaxed. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly more dressed up.

When should I sit, stand, and kneel during Mass?

The general pattern is: stand for the opening hymn and processional, Gospel reading, and Creed; sit for the other Scripture readings, the homily, and the preparation of gifts; kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer (from the Holy Holy Holy through the Great Amen) and briefly after receiving Communion. As a visitor, simply follow what the congregation does — everyone moves together, so it is easy to follow along. No one will judge you if you are a beat behind.

How long does Catholic Mass last?

A typical Sunday Mass lasts between 60 and 75 minutes. Weekday Masses are shorter, usually 30 to 40 minutes, as they often omit the Gloria, the Creed, and may have a shorter homily. Special liturgies like Easter Vigil, Christmas Midnight Mass, or a Mass with confirmations or baptisms can run 90 minutes to two hours. Saturday evening Vigil Masses count as fulfilling the Sunday obligation and typically run the same length as Sunday Mass.

How do I find a good Catholic church near me?

Use FaithScout's church finder at faithscout.com/search and filter by Catholic. You can compare parishes by visitor ratings, Mass times, location, and community reviews. Look for parishes that match your preferences for liturgical style (traditional Latin Mass vs. contemporary), community size, and available ministries. Reading visitor reviews on FaithScout can give you a sense of how welcoming a parish is to newcomers before you visit.

Denomination Guide

What to Expect at a Catholic Church: A First-Timer's Complete Guide

By FaithScout TeamApril 7, 202616 min read

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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