The Mass/ some questions

This article deals with lots of different questions on the Mass: http://www.ewtn.com/library/liturgy/liturind.HTM

What about silence during or before and after the Mass?  this link answers some questions:

Here is a good article (which actually is 2 articles) on the silence topic relating to the Mass.  If you read down near the bottom it says:

Before Mass there should be a general atmosphere of silence. This does not exclude a quiet word of greeting, a nod of recognition or a friendly handshake among the parishioners. What should be avoided is the steadily rising hum of multiple conversations in the pews, often on frivolous themes, interrupted only by the announcement that the celebration is about to begin. 

"The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, in No. 45, says: "Even before the celebration itself, it is commendable that silence to be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner." 

But here is the  link--which is  is good https://www.ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/zlitur17.htm

"It is true that this may sometimes hinder the formation of a parish community spirit —although this is above all a fruit of the liturgy rather than a result of human endeavor." 

Concerning candles; [http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=236270

From the 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) approved for the USA, which can be accessed from http://www.romanrite.com/girm.html :
"117. The altar is to be covered with at least one white cloth. In addition, on or next to the altar are to be placed candlesticks with lighted candles: at least two in any celebration, or even four or six, especially for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. If the Diocesan Bishop celebrates, then seven candles should be used. Also on or close to the altar, there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified."

also http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_P3C.HTM#C0  the code of canon law-

Can.  940 A special lamp which indicates and honors the presence of Christ is to shine continuously before a tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved.


from  https://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/euchb1.htm

The chief liturgical divisions of the Mass are: the penitential rite, the liturgy of the word, the liturgy of the eucharist, the communion rite, and the concluding rite. For the sacrifice as such, only the double consecration is essential. Hence Pius XII taught, "When the consecration of the bread and wine is validly brought about, the whole action of Christ is actually accomplished. Even if all that remains could not be completed, still, nothing essential would be lacking to the Lord's offering" (Vous nous avez, To the Liturgical Conference of Assisi Sept 22, 1956). Hence the Great Amen is not the offering, it is a sort of extension, to give us further opportunity to join with Christ. The Communion follows up, giving us a share in the Divine Victim as He has commanded.