Church Etiquette

A church is a place for adoration and carries the highest mark of respect. In worshiping, we go to church and pay Him respect. As we enter the house of God, we should respect His sanctuary the same way we respect our homes.

Most people do not realize that there are actions they do that disrespects the House of God. Thus, they ignore the solemnity of the place. Here are simple manners, which obviously has been forgotten, but nonetheless should be practice whenever entering His house.

Be punctual

Treat it as if you are going to school. Waking up few hours before school starts just to take time to prepare and travel to school is just the same as to going to church or any other meeting, gathering or event. If you are not on time, you will miss the first period and get left behind in the lessons, just like going to church. You would not be able to start the ceremony.

Dress Code

Dress codes depend on religion. For some, they are required to wear certain attire like skirts and blouses, but others have the liberty to choose what to wear provided they are not too showy and it is in accordance to the accepted standards of decency. Church dresses are the best clothing for church visit. However, if you do not own any, you can always wear anything that is suited for the occasion.

Dresses should be modest. No tank tops (or dresses with only straps at the shoulders), no short skirts (mini-skirts), and no skin-tight dresses. Dresses should have backs and should not be low-cut in the front. If women wear pants to services, they should be dress pants (not jeans or leggings). Shorts of any type are inappropriate.

If you are still unsure if you wear decently, church dresses are cautious and conservative and at the same time, you get into an individual style format while in church.

Etiquette

Often, we forget the rules and principles governing correct or civil behavior in society in general or in a specific social group or situation. At church, for instance, we make actions that are not appropriate. These are some examples of what not to do while inside the church:

– Eating inside the church

– Leaving before the mass ends

– Going in and out

– Talking during mass