One becomes a Christian in baptism and grows as a Christian by trusting God in the fellowship of the congregation. Prayer, participation in worship, and service to one’s neighbour belong to Christian life.
Confirmation affirms the baptised as full members of the Church. Read more about confirmation.
As a member of the congregation, you have the right to
- receive Holy Communion; a baptised child may receive Communion under the care of a parent or guardian, in agreement with a member of clergy, if the child has been taught to understand the meaning of Communion;
- make confession;
- receive pastoral rites, such as marriage, anointing of the sick, blessing of the home, and funeral rites;
- have your children baptised and serve as a godparent;
- ask for the congregation’s intercessory prayer in worship or privately;
- invite a member of clergy to visit you if you feel the need and cannot come to church yourself;
- ask the congregation for material assistance;
- vote and stand for election to the governing bodies of the congregation and the Church as a whole;
- be buried with a church funeral and share in the promise of eternal life.
As a member of the congregation, you are called to
- live as a disciple of Jesus Christ and a child of God;
- take part in Sunday Masses and major church festivals;
- pray for the congregation, its members and clergy, and for all people;
- support your neighbours spiritually and, when necessary, materially;
- support the work of God’s kingdom with a donation according to your means. Some give a tithe, that is, 10% of their income; others give another amount that is right for them. (See also: Donate!)
How should I participate in worship?
- Please come on time whenever possible. Those who arrive late are welcome too; if you need to move about during the service or leave early, do so quietly and, whenever possible, during a congregational hymn, not during a prayer.
- Turn off your mobile phone or set it to silent mode. Ask permission before taking photographs.
- Dress respectfully and comfortably. Men remove their hats in church.
- Take a hymnbook or song sheet from the entrance. The order of service is in the Mass leaflet; return the hymnbook after the service.
- During prayers, the song of praise, the Gospel reading, the Creed, the Eucharistic liturgy, and the blessing, the congregation normally stands. You may also kneel during confession and the consecration of the Eucharist.
- Confirmed church members and the baptised children who are with them, and who have been taught to understand the nature of Communion, receive Holy Communion. If you would like a blessing, come to the altar with the others and place your right hand on your chest.
- If you would like intercessory prayer or someone to be remembered, speak with a member of clergy or the parish office before the service. For a longer conversation, arrange a time with a member of clergy during the week.
- At a concert, applause is appropriate at the end of the whole programme; there is no applause after a prayer, church hymn, or devotional song.
- Children are welcome in church. It is the parents’ task to help them learn how to behave in church.
Prayer and fellowship in the congregation
Prayer, such as morning, evening, and meal prayers, together with the habit of taking part in worship, is important in the life of every Christian. View the most important prayers.