What can I do during a Mass?

[AcornThornpicker]

Hello! My mom is seeking to become a full teacher, and she wishes to be able to teach at the Catholic as well as the Public School Board. So, she has begun attending our local church(Roman Catholic) and I wished to go with her for the experience.

Now, I used to be a Christian, and have been baptised, had reconciliation, had communion, and had my confirmation, but I recently converted from Roman Catholicism. I still adore Christianity, and enjoy listening to its teachings! I have great respect for it, and wish to keep learning about the wondrous Faith!

I am just curious, what should I do? I'll stand and rise with everyone to avoid sticking out. I'll even sing a few hymns, but I won't go up for the Eucharist. I was taught that this ritual is one of your most sacred, and I don't wish to disrespect your beliefs.

What shouldn't I do that I'm doing now? Should I sing hymns? Should I even attend the church at all?

Thanks for your replies!

 

[stray bullet]

You can do everything but receive communion. Everyone is welcomed there and welcomed to participate

 

[ACADEMIC]

Read the New Testament.

 

[ebia]

Hello! My mom is seeking to become a full teacher, and she wishes to be able to teach at the Catholic as well as the Public School Board. So, she has begun attending our local church(Roman Catholic) and I wished to go with her for the experience.

Now, I used to be a Christian, and have been baptised, had reconciliation, had communion, and had my confirmation, but I recently converted from Roman Catholicism. I still adore Christianity, and enjoy listening to its teachings! I have great respect for it, and wish to keep learning about the wondrous Faith!

I am just curious, what should I do? I'll stand and rise with everyone to avoid sticking out. I'll even sing a few hymns, but I won't go up for the Eucharist. I was taught that this ritual is one of your most sacred, and I don't wish to disrespect your beliefs.

What shouldn't I do that I'm doing now? Should I sing hymns? Should I even attend the church at all?

Thanks for your replies!

Go along. Participate in everything except when it comes to communion keep your mouth shut and your arms either behind your back or crossed over your chest and the priest will give you a blessing instead of the eucharist.

 

[prophecystudent]

I'm a little confused by your post. You seem to think that you cannot be a Christian and a Catholic at the same time. Not so. I know a lot of Catholics who are Christians.

I see no reason for you to stop going to those services if they meet your spiritual needs. If you feel more fulfilled or satisfied in another service then go there.

Salvation is not about denominations, it is about belief in Christ.

I have little experience with Catholic services, but understand that the hymns they often select (as in many non-Catholic services) are kind of sad, mournful, while worshipping God or Christ.

I prefer a more upbeat style of music as I feel that we should be JOYFUL when we worship our Savior. I love Smoky Mountain Gospel music and listen to it for hours, even during my workouts. But that is my preference.

Hellfire and brimstone sermons have a place and purpose but preaching the joys of Christ's love for us, and our salvation thru that love make a much more appealing sermon topic. At least in my opinion.

Go to the church that fulfills your spiritual needs, be it Catholic or not.

Fred

 

[AdJesumPerMariam]

You can do everything but receive communion. Everyone is welcomed there and welcomed to participate

 

[Key]

I am just going to agree with what has been said before me.

God Bless

Key

 

[BelindaP]

Catholics are just as Christian as any other Christian. Their style of worship is different from what you do now. Regardless, it is still worship, and you should participate. Feel free to sing the hymns, unless there is a passage that you no longer agree with.

If you are very nervous, then go talk to a priest before attending. I'm sure that he would be happy to give you guidance specific to your needs.

 

[RoseofLima]

If I read properly- he was writing that he no longer considers himself Christian- but still wants to offer his respect, and also like listening to the teachings. Did I get that right, Acorn?

Sounds like you are doing just the right things at MAss--and might I personally thank you for you maturity and respect for trying to do the right things- and acting so honorably. It is truly very edifying! Thank you!

 

[ChasingADream]

Hello! My mom is seeking to become a full teacher, and she wishes to be able to teach at the Catholic as well as the Public School Board. So, she has begun attending our local church(Roman Catholic) and I wished to go with her for the experience.

Now, I used to be a Christian, and have been baptised, had reconciliation, had communion, and had my confirmation, but I recently converted from Roman Catholicism. I still adore Christianity, and enjoy listening to its teachings! I have great respect for it, and wish to keep learning about the wondrous Faith!

I am just curious, what should I do? I'll stand and rise with everyone to avoid sticking out. I'll even sing a few hymns, but I won't go up for the Eucharist. I was taught that this ritual is one of your most sacred, and I don't wish to disrespect your beliefs.

What shouldn't I do that I'm doing now? Should I sing hymns? Should I even attend the church at all?

Thanks for your replies!

Sure, you can participate as much as you'd like to. I know this has already been mentioned but if you hold your arms behind your back or in an "X" across your chest the Priest will give you a blessing rather than offering you the Eucharist. Being Anglican, this is what I do anytime I attend a Roman Catholic Mass.

 

[FallingWaters]

Hello! My mom is seeking to become a full teacher, and she wishes to be able to teach at the Catholic as well as the Public School Board. So, she has begun attending our local church(Roman Catholic) and I wished to go with her for the experience.

Now, I used to be a Christian, and have been baptised, had reconciliation, had communion, and had my confirmation, but I recently converted from Roman Catholicism. I still adore Christianity, and enjoy listening to its teachings! I have great respect for it, and wish to keep learning about the wondrous Faith!

I am just curious, what should I do? I'll stand and rise with everyone to avoid sticking out. I'll even sing a few hymns, but I won't go up for the Eucharist. I was taught that this ritual is one of your most sacred, and I don't wish to disrespect your beliefs.

What shouldn't I do that I'm doing now? Should I sing hymns? Should I even attend the church at all?

Thanks for your replies!

I'm pretty sure that they prefer to serve communion to practicing Catholics only. When I go to a Catholic mass, I participate in everything else.

 

[AcornThornpicker]

If I read properly- he was writing that he no longer considers himself Christian- but still wants to offer his respect, and also like listening to the teachings. Did I get that right, Acorn?

Yes, you have that correct!

Now, instead of going up for Eucharist, I've always stayed seated and just prayed. I'll pray to my Deities, but I'll also make sure I say a quick prayer to the Christian God thanking him for allowing me in his church and to learn from the Christian faith's teachings.

If I don't worship the Christian God, is it wrong for me to give a quick prayer to Him while in His Church?

 

[BelindaP]

I think it is OK to pray to Him in His church. Many of the Old Testament people believed in multiple gods, as well. However, the Israelites were forbidden from having any god before the LORD.

I'm sure He appreciates the acknowledgement, although I'm also sure He would like to become your primary God again.