Mass

[Caedmon]

Originally posted by Pure_Catholic
you know when you go up in the communion line to recieve a blessing? The priest gives you a blessing. Well, during benediction, Jesus himself gives you a Blessing. The Priest holds up the monstrance (with Jesus in it, of course) and makes the sign of the cross. You should check it out sometime! (usually they ring the bells when this happens, so you won't be able to miss it!)

I've never seen that. We don't have a "monstrance" or a bell ringing. I find it really difficult to figure out when the "transubstantiation" happens. I wish they would ring a bell for that at our parish.

Actually, there are alot of kids our age that are very strong in their faith! They all usually stick together, so, if you find one, you've more than likely found more!! By the way, the more I learn about the Mass, the more I realize I don't know! Same goes with my faith! There is so much out there!

I live in a place where there's not many Catholics. But one day I'll go somewhere where there are. I know the Lord will take me there one day.

In one letter, Mother Angelica asked Susie if she would just go into a Catholic Church and sit there and say, "God, if you're really truly there, prove it to me."

Ahhh!!! People keep telling me not to ask God to do that!!!!!

Ahhh!!! Ahhh!!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

She walked up and peaked her head into the room and saw a lady all dressed in blue holding a man who was dying. She looked at Susie and said, "Look what they have done to my Son!"

I don't understand this. Is it supposed to be a miracle?

I know that really doesn't go with what you are all talking about, but, when pax said to go into a Catholic Church and just sit there for a little while, that's what I thought of.

Your sister in Christ, Erin

Awwwww, thank you sissy!

 

[Pure_Catholic]

Go to www.crispinmusic.org on this page, scroll down to the first picture you see. It will be a picture of the Pope. He is holding a monstrance with Jesus in it, giving the Eucharistic Blessing.
When the priest says, "This is my body given up for you... Do this in memory of me" Then, he raises the host in the air. When it goes up it is still a piece of bread. When it comes down, it is Jesus Christ! The King of Kings!! He also does this with the wine. "This is my blood. Blood of the new and everlasting covenant....do this in memory of me." Then, he does the same with the challace (the cup that holds the wine). That's when the miracle happens!

I know what you mean about being somewhere where there aren't many Catholics! For the last 7 years of my life, I lived in part of the Bible belt...and so, I knew every Catholic and their life story within a 60 (maybe more) mile radius around me. But, with the help of God's grace, we have moved to an area that there are tons and tons of Catholics! Yipee! I hope God blesses you with the same gift soon!!

Well, if you can't ask God to prove it, then are we humans supposed to prove it? I mean, after all, humans are fanite, fallable, and not always right. Whereas God is infanite, infallable, in all places, all knowledgable (I could go on...) Surely they don't put it beyond him to prove that he's real. He proves it everyday for me. I'd say you can ask Him and have faith and trust that He will answer it in His own way, and His own time.

Actually, yes. It was a miracle. The woman was Mary and the Man was Jesus. Of course, Mother Angelica told the story much better than I did, so you were able to tell who is was after listening to her. Sorry, not much of a story teller myself...

I hope this helped! Anytime Bro...

 

[Malachi383]

Okay - my experiences.

I am 19 years old and a college sophomore. I am heavily involved with campus ministry, especially with liturgy stuff and mass stuff. I LOVE MASS!

It is my passion, it is my love. The liturgy is absolutly beautiful, especially once you start looking up where all the different parts came from. It is so rich in tradition and heritage. It is absolutly beautiful.

Sadly, many priests today dont have a true love of the mass, and hence the "rushed masses" or "not a multi-purpose line." I am truly sorry for these things.

As to the transubstantiation, it begins when the priests puts his hands out over the bread and wine. Yet whe it comes down from being raised, it is truly the body and blood, soul and divinity, of Jesus Christ!

Go to mass, and expect nothing. Expect nothing because every mass experience is different. If you dont feel anything, dont worry. Dont try and feel something. Let the love and joy simply overcome you. Sometimes this takes time. I have a good friend who converted to Catholicism from Baptist a few years back who in the beginning felt like he should feel something so he forced it. That doesnt work. Christ cares that we are there, and that we believe in Him. Yes, there will be questions, doubts, times of unfeeling, but that is when we imitate the words found in Mark - "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!" Also, you are asking for a miracle, a sign, and one is happening right before you, whether you know it or not - for Christ is truly present. There have been many times that priests didnt believe in the Eucharist, or a parish was struggling, and not only the "stuff" of the bread changed into Christ, but also the physical aspect, so that there was no trace of bread left; same with the wine into blood. These are called Eucharistic Miracles.

Just open your heart and pray. You dont know the words to the certain parts? Dont worry, they will come - just pray with your heart in the mean time. God will understand.

We dont have Misseletes at our church because the parts of the mass are in the beginning of the songbook. Try that maybe.

The mass and the liturgy are absolutly beautiful. They are a passion of mine. I absolutly love setting up for mass, making sure everything is just right. I love setting out the chalice and ciborium (coverable bowl-type thing that contains the bread) knowing that soon Christ will be truly present in them. I take great care in cleaning them after mass, making sure that there are no particles of Christ left. I also make sure there are no fingerprints on them when I put them away.

Dont expect the know the parts of the mass right away. It takes some time. But learn to love and respect all that happens.

God bless you in this wonderful adventure, this wonderful blessing, that is the Eucharist

Matt

 

[Loki]

Just go and grow accoustomed to it.  There's a definite rhythm to the mass, and once you're used to it, you get in the groove and go.  Granted, there's a learning period, but please have patience and see yourself through this period.  I suppose it's different for each person, but when I'm in a church, especially a quiet, empty church, I just feel good. 

Good luck with all.

 

[pax]

Originally posted by humblejoe
I've never seen that. We don't have a "monstrance" or a bell ringing. I find it really difficult to figure out when the "transubstantiation" happens. I wish they would ring a bell for that at our parish. 

The Monstrance isn't used during Mass, only during Eucharistic Adoration outside of Mass.  Its primary use is to "show" Jesus to you.  Parishes often call them "Holy Hours" sometimes there is recitation of the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  If you get EWTN you can see an example on Sundays @ 6 Eastern time (I think).  Usually parishes will provide a little booklet for these since there are (usually) A LOT of responses that would take a very long time to learn.

 

[Theresa]

Can you imagine a little girl about five years old being so upset and crying that she couldn't have a "chip" and that she didn't know the responses like her Grandma did? That was me. And that resembles you. My Dad converted fully into the Church from an athiest and I he now says the responses and prayers with ease!!!

Remember, put your trust in Christ.

Jesus, I trust in You!

Oh, Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a font of Mercy for us, I trust in You!

Theresa

 

[Caedmon]

Well, I did a little bit better singing tonight. I still got lost a little bit though. They don't put up the numbers for all the readings and replies, not even all the little songs. That's so frustrating, grrr...

I'm still having trouble believing in the Eucharist too. I was getting really frustrated and started to tear up before and after communion. I just didn't feel anything. It's blank. But I did hear God "speak" to me around that time. He said, "Ok joe, we're gonna do it your way." I was like, eh?!? But I had the most incredible feeling of God smiling down on me. I'm gonna learn all about the mass and memorize all the parts, so I'll be ready for it. I don't mean to be like this, it's just who I am. All these little details are a real stumbling block for me, and I just have to get them out of the way. It's just the way I work.

 

[isshinwhat]

But I had the most incredible feeling of God smiling down on me. I'm gonna learn all about the mass and memorize all the parts, so I'll be ready for it. I don't mean to be like this, it's just who I am.

And that is exactly how God loves you, just as you are.

 

[seebs]

That's so cool, Joe!

Just don't learn too fast. I'm sure God has the same problems as any parent - they grow up too fast, and it's the little stumbles and falls along the way that are cute.