In the temple, regardless of what denomination it belongs to, certain ethical standards apply. Some rules of conduct in a Catholic church are well known to both Orthodox Christians and atheists. But there are also some specific points that must be observed even if you did not come to a service, but, say, to an organ concert, which are quite often in churches.
Instructions
Step 1
Follow the same rules that apply to any temple. As in the Orthodox Church, you cannot smoke or drink alcohol in the church. Besides, it is not customary to make noise in the church. Remember that Lyuli come to the temple for different reasons. Someone wants to think, feel the presence of God, confess and repent. Someone is in grief, he is praying for the deceased or sick. Treat them with respect.
Step 2
Please note that the church is arranged somewhat differently from the Orthodox church. For example, there is no iconostasis, but there is an altar barrier. It is forbidden for an outsider to enter it. In large churches there are also side chapels dedicated to the saints especially revered in this place. Worship takes place in the central part, which in the Catholic tradition is called the presbytery. In the same part there is a tabernacle, next to which a lamp is always burning. The choir is located in a separate room. There is also a sacristy in the church. It is not accepted to enter these premises without permission.
Step 3
Even deeply religious Catholics do not have especially serious restrictions on clothing. Clothes should not be too revealing, that's all. An overly deep neckline, a very short skirt or shorts are undesirable. In some Catholic churches, revealing outfits are prohibited. A woman can enter the church wearing trousers. You don't need to cover your head. A man must take off his headdress.
Step 4
See how believing Catholics behave. Once in the church, they go to the sprinkler, put the fingers of their right hand there, and then cross themselves. Someone may greet you, in which case you should know what to answer. The following greetings and responses are accepted:
- Glory to Jesus Christ!
“Forever and ever, amen.
- Bless the Lord!
- Thanks be to God.
- Save me, God!
- For the glory of God.
- Bless the Lord!
- Thanks be to God.
If you do not want to get into a mess, follow exactly these speech formulas.
Step 5
Note also that Catholics kneel before the tabernacle every time they pass by. If a person cannot kneel down for some reason, he simply bows his head. This is also recommended for those who entered the church as a guest. If you don't want to kneel, just stay at the entrance, there is a bench there too. Note that Catholics are baptized a little differently from Orthodox Christians. However, for the fact that you are baptized differently from others, no one will expel you from the temple.
Step 6
You can sit on any prayer bench - they usually stand on either side of the aisle. In some churches, where the service is conducted in two languages, there is a division. On one side of the aisle, parishioners of one nationality sit down, on the other - the other. But in principle, there are no restrictions. There are small benches in front of the benches. They are needed so that believers kneel during the service.
Step 7
It is not customary in the church to interrupt someone's prayer, even if you have come to meet with this particular person. Wait for him to finish. Moreover, it is not customary to interrupt a priest who is talking with someone from the parishioners. You should not even approach them, because this can be a purely personal conversation, which in no way concerns you. If you find yourself near the confessional and voices are heard from there, move away.
Step 8
If you need to talk to a Catholic priest, it is helpful to know how to approach him. In a personal conversation, the address "father" is permissible. Regardless of whether you are talking during a divine service or at any other time, your communication with a person of the clergy must comply with the rules of good form. Do not allow rudeness, ambiguity, frivolous jokes. Just follow the rules of the most common social culture.
