Your First Visit
What to Expect at Mass
A gentle, jargon-free guide for first-timers, non-Catholics, and those returning after time away. You are warmly welcome.
A Warm Welcome
You don't need to know anything before you arrive.
If you have never been to a Catholic Mass — or if it has been a very long time — please know this: you cannot do it wrong. There is no entrance exam, no special knowledge required, no membership card. You are welcome simply because you are here.
Mass can feel a little unfamiliar at first — there are responses, postures, and moments of silence that might seem mysterious. That's completely fine. Over time, the rhythm becomes second nature. For now, simply come, be present, and let whatever happens, happen.
Our welcomers will greet you at the door and give you an order of service sheet. Please feel free to ask them any question — they are there specifically to help.
Duration
Approx. 55–70 minutes
Sunday Mass
When to arrive
5–10 minutes early
To find a seat
After Mass
Tea & coffee
In the hall — please stay!
Before You Arrive
A Few Helpful Things to Know
You'll be greeted at the door
Our welcomers are stationed at the church entrance before every Mass. They will hand you an order of service and a newsletter, and can answer any questions you have.
Find a seat wherever you're comfortable
Seats at the front fill up last — many people prefer the middle or back initially. There are no reserved pews (except the accessible area at the front-left).
Mobile phones
Please switch your phone to silent before Mass. Photography during the liturgy is not permitted out of respect for worshippers and the sacredness of the Mass.
The music
We sing at Mass. You'll find the hymns in the booklet or projected on screens. Singing is entirely optional, but many people find it one of the most moving parts of the experience.
The Structure of Mass
Four Parts of the Catholic Mass
Every Catholic Mass everywhere in the world follows the same basic structure. Here's what to expect, step by step.
The Introductory Rites
approx. 5–10 minutesMass begins with the congregation standing as the priest and servers process to the altar. After the Sign of the Cross and a greeting, everyone takes a moment to acknowledge our need for God's mercy in the Penitential Act. We then sing or say the Gloria — a great hymn of praise — on Sundays and feast days.
What you can do
Stand when the priest enters. If you don't know the responses yet, simply listen. There's no test — just let the words wash over you. You'll pick them up naturally over time. Books and Mass sheets are available from the welcomers.
The Liturgy of the Word
approx. 15–20 minutesAt Sunday Mass, we hear three Scripture readings: the First Reading (usually from the Old Testament), the Responsorial Psalm (which the cantor sings and the congregation responds to), and the Second Reading (from a New Testament letter). These are read from the ambo (lectern) by lay readers. Then everyone stands for the Gospel — the words of Jesus himself — proclaimed by the deacon or priest. After the Gospel comes the Homily: the priest's reflection on the readings. This is followed by the Creed (our profession of faith) and the Prayers of the Faithful.
What you can do
Sit for the readings, stand for the Gospel (we stand out of reverence for Christ speaking directly to us). If there are children at the 11:00 am Sunday Mass, they may be invited to leave for their own Liturgy of the Word before the First Reading, returning after the homily.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
approx. 20–25 minutesThis is the heart of the Mass. The priest takes bread and wine, gives thanks to God, and — in the words of consecration — the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Catholics call this the Real Presence: Christ truly present, not symbolically. The Our Father is prayed together, followed by the Sign of Peace (a handshake or nod to those around you). Then Communion is distributed. Catholics who are in a state of grace receive the Body of Christ on the tongue or in the hand, and the Precious Blood from the chalice if available.
What you can do
If you are not Catholic, or if you are not yet ready to receive Communion, you are warmly invited to come forward with everyone else and receive a blessing instead. Simply cross your arms over your chest as you approach the priest — he will understand and give you a blessing. You are in no way excluded or diminished — God loves you exactly as you are.
The Concluding Rites
approx. 5 minutesAfter a brief period of thanksgiving, the priest gives any parish notices, then offers a final blessing. The congregation makes the Sign of the Cross. The deacon or priest then says the Dismissal — “Go forth, the Mass is ended” — to which we respond “Thanks be to God.” The procession leaves and the congregation slowly disperses. Tea and coffee are often served in the hall after Sunday Mass.
What you can do
Please feel free to remain and pray quietly after Mass. Our welcomers will be near the door if you have any questions. We actively encourage people to stay for a cup of tea — it's a lovely way to meet the community.
For Our Non-Catholic Guests
What if I can't receive Communion?
The Catholic Church asks that only Catholics who have been baptised and who have received their First Holy Communion receive the Eucharist. This is not a way of excluding non-Catholics — it is an honest acknowledgement that we are not yet fully united in faith, and that the Eucharist expresses a unity that is still being prayed for.
If you cannot receive Communion, please know that you are still very much part of the celebration. You can remain in your pew, or — and many people find this deeply moving — you can come forward in the Communion procession with your arms crossed over your chest. This is a universal signal that you are seeking a blessing rather than Communion. The priest will place his hand on your head (or simply gesture in blessing) and pray over you.
God is present to you in this moment just as surely as to those who receive the Sacrament. You are loved, you are seen, and you are welcome.
Questions & Answers
First Timer FAQs
Some of the most common questions from people attending Mass for the first time.
What if I haven't been to Mass in a very long time?+
You are warmly welcome. Many people at our Masses are in exactly that position — returning after years, even decades, away. Come as you are. You'll find things have changed, and things have stayed the same. The important thing is that you're here.
Do I have to do anything?+
Not at all. You can simply sit and observe if that's where you are. Over time you may find yourself joining in the responses and prayers. There's no obligation and no pressure. You are a guest and you are welcome.
What's the Sign of the Cross?+
Catholics begin and end prayer by touching the forehead, chest, left shoulder, and right shoulder, saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” It's a simple action that roots us in the Trinity. You do not need to do it if you're not comfortable.
When do I sit, stand, and kneel?+
Follow the people around you! In brief: we stand for the Gospel and the Prayers; we sit for the readings and the homily; we kneel (or bow in reverence) during the Eucharistic Prayer and after receiving Communion. Some people kneel more than others — there's no wrong way to show reverence.
What should I wear?+
Come as you are. Many parishioners dress smartly for Mass as a sign of respect, but casual clothing is entirely welcome. What matters is that you come.
Can I bring my children?+
Please do! Children are a joy at Mass. At the 11:00 am Sunday Mass, children from Reception to Year 3 are invited to their own Liturgy of the Word in the hall, returning for the Eucharist. Baby-changing facilities are in the accessible toilet. Pew cards with simple activities for young children are available from the welcomers.
Ready to Join Us?
We'd love to see you at Mass. Come as you are, bring your questions, and know that you are welcome.