Father Pasley raises the now consecrated host for the faithful to adore.  This picture was taken at the Solemn High Assumption Mass which was celebrated in the Camden Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  The Deacon assists the Priest by raising his chasuble while the Subdeacon kneels and covers his face with the Humeral Veil.

When attending Holy Mass at Mater Ecclesiae Roman Catholic Church, we request that everyone adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Current Church law requires that in order to receive Holy Communion all communicants must fast for one hour prior to receiving Holy Communion.  Water does not break the fast.  
   
   The Eucharistic fast that was in place during 1962 of no food or water (unless water is for the purpose of washing down medicine) for three hours prior to Holy Communion is commendable.  The Traditional Eucharistic Fast (prior to 1962) of no food or water from Midnight until reception is highly commendable.
   
   
2. There should be no talking in Church.  Please maintain a reverential silence at all times.  Why no talking?  Click here.
   
   
3. Communion Reception: Non Catholics and Orthodox, please click here.
   
   
4. All who receive Holy Communion must not be conscious of Mortal Sin.  If you are conscience of Mortal Sin you must go to confession and be reconciled to God and to His Church before receiving Holy Communion.  The Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation is available before every Mass.
   
   
5. Communion is distributed at the Communion Rail and is received in the kneeling position and on the tongue ONLY. The faithful must not attempt to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
   
   
6. At the Traditional Roman Liturgy, the communicant does not say "Amen"  when receiving Holy Communion.  This is because in the Traditional Rite the priest gives you Holy Communion while praying the following prayer:
   
   "Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi  custodiat animam tuam in vitam aeternam. Amen." (May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto Life Everlasting. Amen) while making the sign of the Cross with the Sacred Host over the Ciborium. 
   
    The response of "Amen" comes from the changing of the Communion Rite in 1965  when the Priest would say to you "Corpus Christi" (The Body of Christ) and not make the sign of the cross over the ciborium and you would respond, "Amen" (So be it / I believe).
   
   Even in the New Mass, if you should choose kneel on the floor, genuflect or receive Holy Communion at the communion rail, the response of "Amen" is not required because your kneeling or sign of reverence shows your belief.  The New Rite has a dialogue- "Body of Christ" and the person receiving says "Amen".  There is no dialogue between the priest and the person receiving Holy Communion in the Traditional Rite.
   
   
7. The priest alone sings or recites the "Pater Noster" (The "Our Father"). The people are to respond only at the end with "Sed libera nos a malo."
   
   
8. Men and women are not permitted to wear shorts or tank tops and should always dress modestly for Holy Mass.
   
   
9. Women are asked to wear a head covering or a veil while attending Holy Mass in keeping with the traditional practice of the Roman Catholic Church and 1 Cor 11:2-16. (Note Vatican II did NOT do away with this tradition)  Veils are available for purchase in the gift shop or at the door to the entrance to the church.
   
   
10. As per 1962 liturgical law, when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed the DOUBLE GENUFLECTION replaces the SIMPLE GENUFLECTION when entering or leaving the Church.
    
    
11. At Holy Mass the servers only respond during the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar.  At High Mass the people may join with the choir singing the Asperges and the responses that conclude the Asperges.  The people are encouraged to say or sing during the Mass the Latin responses designated for them after the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar.