FAQs

Question

I’ve never been to a Catholic Church… what’s the basic etiquette?

Answer

Glad you asked! Despite being a massive church, we value respectfulness and ask that you keep voices down to whispers once inside the sanctuary. One of the ushers will escort you to a pew of your choosing. Take in the sights of the structure and design by very talented artists and enjoy the prelude music.

Question

I’m not Catholic, so what do I do when communion happens?

Answer

While we as Catholics are overjoyed that you are here visiting, we ask that you sit back and not take communion. As Catholics, we believe that the real Presence of Jesus Christ is in the bread and wine. Those who have been baptized, confirmed, received their first communion within the Catholic Church, and have been to confession lately may receive. Please respect our faith and understand that this is not because we don’t want you coming to receive communion. Because Catholics have a different view of communion than that of many, many other churches, we ask that you refrain from joining the communion line as we understand communion to be the real presence of God Himself and since most attending do not believe this, please respect our faith and remain sitting or kneeling in the pews.

Question

People are kneeling before sitting in the pews. Why?

Answer

We as Catholics believe that the real presence of God lives in what we call the Tabernacle. For Prince of Peace, ours is at the back enclosed among the marble. People who are kneeling (or genuflecting) before getting in their pew are paying their respects to God’s presence in the church.

Question

Some people know the responses, but I don’t. What do I do?

Answer

When in doubt throughout the Mass, either sit or stand as you see people doing. We will have programs where you may follow along with the readings, psalm, gospel acclamation, see our list of FAQs, order of events, and more. If your question is not in the program, please ask the father of the bride for more details.