Through ignorance or simple carelessness, some Catholics make mistakes during Mass. Has this ever happened to you?
The Heralds of the Gospel offer practical guidance on how to avoid these errors, enabling us to experience the Eucharist with greater reverence and love.
On their social media platforms, the religious association shared tips for improving our participation in Mass, reminding us that even small corrections help safeguard what is sacred.
“The liturgy is not a human invention. It is the living heritage of the Church, which, as Mother and Teacher, shows us the most worthy way to worship God,” they emphasize.
Here are six common mistakes during Mass—and how to correct them as opportunities for spiritual growth:
1) After the offertory
Some parishioners are unsure when to stand. Once the priest has prepared the offerings and washed his hands, he addresses the congregation, saying: Pray, brothers… At that moment, everyone should rise to respond: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands…
2) At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer
Some faithful recite the final doxology along with the priest. However, only the celebrant proclaims: Through Him, with Him, and in Him… Not even concelebrating priests join in aloud. At this point, the rest of the congregation remains silent.
3) Adding “Amen” to the Lord’s Prayer
At Mass, the Lord’s Prayer does not end with “Amen” because it continues immediately with the priest’s prayer: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil… Only afterward do the faithful respond: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
4) Saying the Prayer for Peace
The words Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you,” belong to the priest alone. However beautiful this prayer may be, it is not said by the congregation.
5) Leaving during Mass
Mass is a sacred celebration. If you were present at Calvary, would you step away for a glass of water? Unless there is a serious health need, remain and offer that sacrifice to God.
6)Arriving late to Mass
We strive to be punctual for important appointments—a meeting, dinner, visit, or party. How much more effort should we make to be on time for an encounter with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
The Heralds stress that these points are not merely external rules. Rather, they “serve as a thermometer to gauge the value we give to the sacred sacrifice of Calvary.”
As Scripture reminds us:
“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.” (Luke 16:10)