You are welcome to come exactly as you are
You do not need to know anyone, be a member, or already understand Catholicism. Most of us walked in for the first time not knowing a soul. This page answers the questions people are usually too polite to ask.
The easiest first event
Friday Mass and pizza. Mass at 5:30 pm in the St John the Evangelist Chapel (51 Daley Road, next to John XXIII College), about 45 minutes, then pizza in the courtyard. Arrive a few minutes early and sit anywhere; stay for one slice or the whole evening. No registration, no cost, no expectations.
Prefer something without a liturgy first? Come to a coffee catch-up — order a drink, say you are new, and you are in.
Meet someone before you come
If walking in alone is the hard part, tell us. Message @anucatholicsociety or email [email protected] and a committee member will meet you at the chapel door and sit with you.
Your first Mass, explained
Anyone may attend
Mass is public worship — being present never requires being Catholic.
Where to sit
Anywhere at all. There are no reserved seats and no 'regulars-only' pews.
Following along
Stand and sit when others do, or don't — nobody is grading. Responses are printed or easy to pick up.
Communion
Receiving Communion is for Catholics prepared to do so. Everyone else simply stays seated or comes forward with arms crossed for a blessing. Both are completely normal.
How long?
About 45 minutes on Fridays.
What to wear
Class clothes are fine. People arrive from lectures, labs and sport.
Frequently asked, honestly answered
Do I have to be Catholic to come?
No. Mass, dinners, talks and socials are open to everyone - Catholic, other traditions, exploring, or just curious. Nobody will quiz you.
Can I come alone if I don't know anyone?
Yes, and many people do exactly that. If you'd like, contact us before you come and a committee member will meet you at the door so you walk in with a friendly face.
What should I wear?
Whatever you'd wear to class is fine. People come straight from lectures, labs and sport.
What happens at Friday Mass?
Confession and quiet adoration from 4:30 pm, Mass at 5:30 pm (about 45 minutes), then pizza in the courtyard. You can come to any part of that on its own.
I'm not sure about receiving Communion - is that okay?
Completely. Plenty of people stay in their seat or come forward with arms crossed for a blessing. Nobody minds and nobody watches.
Is there a cost or membership requirement?
No - everything regular is free and open. Formal membership (via Rubric) supports the Society and gets you voting rights and member perks, but it is never required to attend.
I'm an international or postgraduate student - is this for me?
Very much so. The Society spans undergrads, postgrads, international students and staff, and Mass is the same in every country - it's one of the fastest ways to find your feet in Canberra.
I've been away from the Church for a while. Where do I start?
Just come to Mass, or message us and ask to speak with the chaplain - no explanations required. Confession is available every Friday if and when you want it.
I'm not baptised but I'm curious about becoming Catholic. What's the path?
The path is called OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), run with the local parish - ten catechumens have come through the Society in the current year alone. Start with a conversation: email us or speak with the chaplain, any time of year.
Something we haven't covered? Ask privately — questions go only to the appropriate person, never to a public channel.