first mass

[liter]

I am super excited i'm goin 2 my first mass tomorrow.

Is there anything I need to be aware of

I know that I can't take the Eucharist, but I can receive a blessing from the priest.

any words of wisdom and experience please help because I don't want to do something disrespectful or embarrassing

 

[CathNancy]

I am happy for your liter, I hope you find the Mass to be as special as I do. Since you said you are going tomorrow and tomorrow is Friday, the Mass will not be as long as it is on Sundays, usually about a half an hour. I would say follow the movements of those around you and you will be fine. There should be no reason why you should not be able to receive a blessing from the priest, just cross your arms over your chest which should indicate to the priest that you are there for a blessing and not communion.

Please share with us what you think.

Peace and all good,
Nancy

 

[Just Dave]

Liter, I remember my first mass four years ago like it was yesterday. I went to that mass on a Sunday and never returned to my old church again!! I have been going ever since and it always brings me peace. I love the Catholic Church!!!

A former evangelical.

 

[MoNiCa4316]

I am super excited i'm goin 2 my first mass tomorrow.

Is there anything I need to be aware of

I know that I can't take the Eucharist, but I can receive a blessing from the priest.

any words of wisdom and experience please help because I don't want to do something disrespectful or embarrassing

that's so wonderful! do let us know how it goes! I hope you enjoy it. Do as much as you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind the Friday (weekday) Mass is shorter than the Sunday/Saturday one, and there is (much..) less singing, and in a way it's more informal. But the Eucharist is still there try to focus on the Eucharist during the Mass. It's the most important part. If you want, you can genuflect (kneel down briefly on one knee) before you enter your pew. This is a sign of respect to the Blessed Sacrament.

Also, don't feel overwhelmed if you don't know all the responses, or any of them, when I came to my first Mass I knew nothing and no one minded.

God bless

 

[MoNiCa4316]

Liter, I remember my first mass four years ago like it was yesterday. I went to that mass on a Sunday and never returned to my old church again!! I have been going ever since and it always brings me peace. I love the Catholic Church!!!

A former evangelical.

I'm a former evangelical too.

 

[G-Com]

God bless you, Liter.

Wait until you get into RCIA.

 

[liter]

that's the thing that i'm very concerned about.
I am very brawn to the RCC. I agree that it was established by Christ before he was seated at the right hand of the Father.
But I come from a charismatic heritage and believe very strongly in the power of Pentecost and the later day out pouring.
I have not been able to find where the RCC believes in that as well.
that is something that I wouldn't give up. So i am not sure about joining the RCC, but I want to follow Christ as far as I can without turning m back on this truth.

 

[Winter]

But I come from a charismatic heritage and believe very strongly in the power of Pentecost and the later day out pouring.

Hi Liter.

I don't know what the "power of Penecost and the later day out pouring" means - but there are charismatic Catholics, though not as prevalent as Protestant charismatics. Remember one thing though - the Mass is all about the Eucharist (communion). Everything leads up to the Eucharist. Sunday service is the Eucharist. Keep focused on that so you can enjoy the real richness of Christ.

If you can explain what the above quote means, I'm sure someone here can give you more insight as to how that translates into Catholicism and what we believe in that regard.

Wishing you a beautiful and peaceful Mass.

 

[WarriorAngel]

You will find our Charismatic Rite forum.

But the thing with the Catholic Church is, in the Roman Rite, I should say, is the Holy Spirit is subtle.
Try the RCC and if you like the Spirit filled, go ask in the Charismatic section.



ETA - the Charismatic is in the faith groups. My bad.

 

[MoNiCa4316]

that's the thing that i'm very concerned about.
I am very brawn to the RCC. I agree that it was established by Christ before he was seated at the right hand of the Father.
But I come from a charismatic heritage and believe very strongly in the power of Pentecost and the later day out pouring.
I have not been able to find where the RCC believes in that as well.
that is something that I wouldn't give up. So i am not sure about joining the RCC, but I want to follow Christ as far as I can without turning m back on this truth.

Do you mean the charismatic gifts, like speaking in tongues? There are Catholics who practice these gifts there's even something called a Catholic Charismatic Renewal. I know some people who are involved in it. So don't let that stop you..

Also, I want to share something with you.. before I was Catholic, I really feared that the Catholic way of worship was too "dry" for me. I was used to something entirely different. But over time, God changed my heart and my mind, and I didn't see it as "dry" but something contemplative, reverent, and yes spiritual, and full of the Holy Spirit. Especially when the Eucharist is around. I tried to focus on the Eucharist during Mass and went to Adoration, and really I began to experience God's presence like I never have before. All I can say is that ..God will make a way if it's His will

God bless.

 

[KeenanParkerII]

Everything these fine people said.

And a word of advice; if you latch on to a particularly sharp couple you can often time your standings and kneelings with everyone else. Though your bound to miss one or two times.

 

[D'Ann]

Welcome and I pray all goes well at your first Mass and I agree with all of the advice here in this thread.

I grew up Full Gospel Assembly of God - Pentecostal... When I first started to attend Mass, I found that the mass put it all together for me, I gained a deeper understand and appreciation of the Scriptures and Tradition... it like all connects... all of the dots and all of the unknown things click... it's awesome and I pray that you will have a blessed time at Mass tomorrow.

 

[Rhamiel]

that's the thing that i'm very concerned about.
I am very brawn to the RCC. I agree that it was established by Christ before he was seated at the right hand of the Father.
But I come from a charismatic heritage and believe very strongly in the power of Pentecost and the later day out pouring.
I have not been able to find where the RCC believes in that as well.
that is something that I wouldn't give up. So i am not sure about joining the RCC, but I want to follow Christ as far as I can without turning m back on this truth.

i am so happy that you are attending your first mass,
I do not know what you mean by later day pouring out, that is one thing that seperates Catholics and Protestants, culture, we use differant terms and words have ever so slightly differant meanings, but we both also have Christ, so He is greater then any cultural differance
A lot of Catholics have great respect for the gifts of the Spirit, i hope you can feel the presance of the Holy Spirit at mass

 

[Virgil the Roman]

I'm very glad. Just humbly pray to our Blessed Lord and Saviour; I'm sure if you've got any trouble, just politely ask a neighbor in the pew to help you out a bit with a missal. Most folks will gladly do so. Or if find it too confusing at first to use a missal: then don't. Just immerse in the praying and the Scripture readings. And above, be open and docile towards our Good Lord.

This is very similar to when I went to Divine Liturgy for the first couple of times. I stopped trying to follow the Missal; and I just followed the rest of the parishioners lead; and crossed myself and bowed, and sat when everyone else did. And prayed from the heart, which I couldn't follow along by praying with others.

Don't fret; Just pray with your utmost heart. Our Good Saviour Jesus knows your heart and intent.

 

[liter]

Mass was so beautiful. I have never felt that refreshed after a service. thanks for all the advice and help me pray for continued guidance in god's plan for me

 

[Virgil the Roman]

God bless you! And we'll be praying for you!

 

[MoNiCa4316]

Mass was so beautiful. I have never felt that refreshed after a service. thanks for all the advice and help me pray for continued guidance in god's plan for me

that's wonderful! thanks for sharing
prayers

 

[G-Com]

Mass was so beautiful. I have never felt that refreshed after a service. thanks for all the advice and help me pray for continued guidance in god's plan for me

Definitely.

 

[Rhamiel]

Mass was so beautiful. I have never felt that refreshed after a service. thanks for all the advice and help me pray for continued guidance in god's plan for me

i am so happy for you, if you have any questions please ask them