St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church

"What to Expect: A Guide for First-Time Visitors to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Reading, Pennsylvania"

Dress Code: St. Mary's is a traditional Roman Catholic church, so we recommend dressing modestly and respectfully. Most parishioners wear business casual or dressy casual attire, such as slacks, dresses, or skirts of reasonable length. Avoid overly casual clothing like shorts, tank tops, or very short skirts. The goal is to show reverence for the sacred space.

Service Format: Mass at St. Mary's follows the standard Catholic liturgy. The service typically lasts around 60 minutes and includes the following elements:

- Entrance Procession: The priest, altar servers, and other ministers will process down the aisle as the congregation stands and sings. - Liturgy of the Word: Readings from the Bible, a homily (sermon) by the priest, and prayers. - Liturgy of the Eucharist: The consecration and distribution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). - Concluding Rites: Final blessing and dismissal.

The congregation will sit, stand, and kneel at various points throughout the service. Feel free to follow the lead of those around you.

Tips for Visitors: - Arrive a few minutes early to find a seat and get settled. - Participate as you feel comfortable - you can stand, sit, or kneel with the congregation. - Communion is offered to practicing Catholics in a state of grace. If you are not Catholic, you can receive a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. - Silence your phone and avoid unnecessary movement during the service. - Greet those around you and introduce yourself if you feel comfortable. - Explore the beautiful church interior before or after the service.

We hope these tips help make your first visit to St. Mary's a welcoming and meaningful experience. Our community looks forward to having you join us.