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For visitors stepping into a Catholic church for the first time, the Holy Mass can seem like a beautiful but unfamiliar sequence of prayers, gestures, and responses. At St. Ann's Catholic Church in Pokhara, we regularly welcome guests of every background who are curious about what happens during Mass — so we thought it would help to walk through the basics.

What Is the Mass?

The Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church. Catholics believe it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples, and it has been celebrated in some form since the earliest days of Christianity. Every Mass follows a similar structure, whether celebrated in a small parish like ours or in a great cathedral.

The Two Main Parts

Broadly, the Mass is divided into two parts:

• The Liturgy of the Word — readings from Scripture, including a Gospel reading and a homily (a short reflection from the priest), along with communal prayers.
• The Liturgy of the Eucharist — the consecration of bread and wine, which Catholics believe become the Body and Blood of Christ, followed by Holy Communion.

What to Expect as a Visitor

You'll notice the congregation stands, sits, and kneels at different points — don't worry about following along perfectly. Many visitors simply remain seated throughout and observe respectfully, which is completely welcome. Only baptized Catholics who have made their First Communion are invited to receive the Eucharist, but everyone is welcome to come forward with arms crossed over the chest to receive a blessing instead.

Dress and Etiquette

Modest, respectful dress is appreciated, and phones are typically kept silent. Beyond that, there's no need to feel anxious — our community is warm and understanding of visitors who are unfamiliar with the customs.

When to Visit

St. Ann's holds Mass throughout the week, with our main community gathering on Sundays. Visit our Mass Schedule page for exact days and times, and we look forward to welcoming you.