Advice

[Ioustinos]

Hi folks!

I am considering attending a Catholic mass in my town just to experience worship with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I would like some advice on how I should go about doing this. I have never attended a mass before and don't know when is the best time to attend one, etc. So do you guys have any advice for me so that I may go and enjoy the service?

God Bless


Jesaiah

 

[KennySe]

Jesaiah, welcome to the Catholic forum.

Here's my advice.

Do as they do.
When they sit, you sit. When they stand you stand.

(You'll blend right in.)

At your seat is the missalette. It is the Order of the Mass, with all prayers and readings from the Bible included. (So you can follow along.)

Kindly know that the communion is closed. That is, you may not partake, as you are not in full commnunion with the Catholic Church.
Just stay in your seat while others go up.

Don't feel singled out by this. Others, even Catholics, will not go up.

***

As for a sneak peak at the Mass...
http://www.catholicsites.com/beggarking/Mass.html

***

As for "when to go"... www.masstimes.org
Any time is a good time.

 

[ukok]

Kenny, i was going to respond to this earlier but i knew you'd do a better job of replying!

Jesaiah, welcome to OBOB!

 

[epiclesis]

Nice to hear somebody is interested in attending a Mass. Nothing else to say, KennySe just about said everything.

Good luck to you

 

[kawaiiflipchica]

Kindly know that the communion is closed. That is, you may not partake, as you are not in full commnunion with the Catholic Church.
Just stay in your seat while others go up.

Don't feel singled out by this. Others, even Catholics, will not go up.

Uhm.... or he can go up and just recieve a blessing.... right?

 

[epiclesis]

Yes. but only if you go to the priest...
if you decide to do that go up and cross your arms and put them up to your shoulder (almost like giving yourself a hug ).. or put your finger over your lips.

 

[MParedon]

Yuppers... Just cross your arms infront of you when you get up to the priest. But just in case you might have to whisper, "Just a Blessing," cause some priests aren't used to it. I had to do that once, but the priest seemed tickled pink to give me a blessing. I think he was either really happy that I as a Catholic knew the difference between mortal and venial sins and actually took it seriously, Or that I was a non-Catholic going to a Mass. Either way his blessing really touched me.

 

[KennySe]

Well, yeah, he can go up to get a blessing from the priest.

I didn't say everything. I didn't even mention that Catholics have an odd practice of dashing out of the building when the Mass is over. (One could be trampled if one walks too slowly.)

 

[thereselittleflower]

The only thing about going up for a blessing is that not all priets give it, but most do . .so I would advise asking an usher when you go in if the priest gives blessings during communion to those who go up with thier arms crossed (hands to opposite shoulders) .. if yes, and you want to go up for a blessing, then go . .if no, or you don't want to go up, then just stay at your seat.

The Mass is divided up into 2 basic parts . . the first part is the Liturgy of the Word .. where passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament and Gospels are read. Then the Sermon. Then the offering. Then the 2nd part is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is where the bread and wine are consecrated which is followed by Communion.

At various points during the Mass are prayres.

I think it is wonderful that you are planning to attend a Mass . . I hope this helps make it less potentially confusion. some misselets are confusing . . the one we use at Mass is for me even still . . .too much flipping around in it . . but after a few Masses you really don't need it much at all . .All the scripture readings are written out in it so you can follow along right there.


Peace in Him!

 

[kawaiiflipchica]

Well, yeah, he can go up to get a blessing from the priest.

I didn't say everything. I didn't even mention that Catholics have an odd practice of dashing out of the building when the Mass is over. (One could be trampled if one walks too slowly.)

Or leaving before mass is even officially over >_< which is my pet peeve >_<

 

[kern]

Yeah, the "receive and leave" Catholics.

-Chris