A Mass-ive Question

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Myrridias

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So, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to join the Catholic Church, and have stated thus in previous posts elsewhere, and the replies have said to go to mass. The problem here is that I have only been to a mass once in my conscious memory, and I wouldn’t know what to do. I know that I just observe by those around me, but other than that, not being yet a member, what should not be done?
 
Myrridias said:
So, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to join the Catholic Church, and have stated thus in previous posts elsewhere, and the replies have said to go to mass. The problem here is that I have only been to a mass once in my conscious memory, and I wouldn’t know what to do. I know that I just observe by those around me, but other than that, not being yet a member, what should not be done?
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The only thing you should not do is go up to receive Eucharist. Most parishes have Missals in them which will have instructions (when to sit, stand kneel, etc) and someone sitting by you will probably be willing to help you. If you ask an usher on the way in they can probably help seat you by someone that can help you with this if you get there early enough say 20 minutes prior to mass. God bless you and welcome home.
 
It is incredibly intimidating to go to Mass and not know what to do!
But think about this (it is what I tell myself): I never looked at visitors in my church growing up (also Baptist) and evaluated whether they knew the hymns or even if they had to look around to see what to do. Never thought about it. Or how awkward it must have been for them.
It will probably take a while for you to overcome any nervousness you feel and know/understand the Mass, but you have to start somewhere or you will never get beyond it. A bit of awkwardness is a pretty small inconvenience for all the wonderful rewards you will reap and think about what Jesus went through for us!
 
Myrridias said:
So, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to join the Catholic Church, and have stated thus in previous posts elsewhere, and the replies have said to go to mass. The problem here is that I have only been to a mass once in my conscious memory, and I wouldn’t know what to do. I know that I just observe by those around me, but other than that, not being yet a member, what should not be done?
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I think many Catholics underestimate the pressure some feel when the attend the Mass for the first time.

As a practical matter, it feels like everyone is going to judge you on how well you perform. You really don’t want to make a mistake and stand out in the crowd.

There is spiritual pressure as well. Whether they realize it or not, or some people for the first time in their life, they are participating in a sacred liturgy where God himself is made present upon the altar. Even if they don’t realize that this is taking place, there is a spiritual felling which is palpable. Mass is just different from everything else in the world.

Myrridias, many of us prepare ourselves for Mass. I suggest that you pray for peace and calm a little before and then go a little early. Introduce yourself to an usher, a deacon or a priest and just explain that it is your first time and that you are anxious. Sit up front, not all the way up front but about ten rows back and enjoy the spectacular events unfolding on the altar. Introduce yourself to the people around you, explain that it is your first time and ask for help.

Other than that, just do what everyone else does and have a good time, except don’t recieve the Eucharist.

Here is a site which explains the Mass and what to do; holyspiritinteractive.net/features/theexplanatorymass/

and another… davidmacd.com/catholic/catholic_mass_full_text.htm

-Tim-
 
Myrridias said:
So, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to join the Catholic Church, and have stated thus in previous posts elsewhere, and the replies have said to go to mass. The problem here is that I have only been to a mass once in my conscious memory, and I wouldn’t know what to do. I know that I just observe by those around me, but other than that, not being yet a member, what should not be done?
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Hi, Myrridias…to get an idea of what happens during the mass, here is a video:

youtube.com/watch?v=QADBKlI5XkI

A complete catholic mass I found on you tube:

youtube.com/watch?v=Lcs8xvUdgfo&feature=related

Here is the link to EWTN: ewtn.com

Browse through the programming, they broadcast online the daily mass. I do not know where your area is, so you will have to (name removed by moderator)ut your area.

God bless and god speed…
 
When I went to mass for the first time, I made sure I went to a busy church. I didn’t want to stand out if I did something ‘wrong’. So perhaps, if that is a choice, it’s one to consider. One thing I noticed was that not everybody did the same thing everytime: there were points when some people were standing and other people were kneeling, some people were speaking and some people weren’t. Now I realise that it depends on which type of service you’ve grown up with. At the time it made me feel even more comfortable.

Then, go with the full and certain knowledge that you’re a beginner! It’s okay to mistakes. Better to be there and watching and learning and enjoying; God won’t mind if you kneel a few seconds after everybody else, or get lost in the missal! (:o That would be me, then, for at least the first 4 masses I attended! And then I recently went to a TLM and, once again, had no clue at all and gave up trying to follow the booklet that was there. Oddly, it didn’t change my experience at mass, and in fact it was one of the most powerful masses I’ve attended. Go figure).

Go with the determination to enjoy and learn. Make sure you get there with time to spare and take a look around for any booklets or Order of Mass leaflets. (Alternatively, CTS do a some little mass booklets that are very cheap. Perhaps, if you can, and you know what kind of mass is held, you can buy one of those beforehand and read through it so you know what to expect). Relax. Watch, listen. And yes, enjoy. It’s possible to simply sit and listen and still feel the immense peace of God by the end.
 
Try to sit in the second or third row. That way you have enough people in front of you to see what they are doing, but also have a clear view of what is going on at the altar.
 
Myrridas:

The good news is this, when you go to Mass you will be unfamiliar with the responses and the gestures (kneel, stand, etc.). But in about 9 months, you will not be alone. WHen the new Mass translation comes out many of the responses will change and EVERYBODY, even cradle Catholics will not know all the responses and gestures - and it will be harder for them, because they will be going from certainty to uncertainty.

So go to Mass study the missal and watch those around you. Pray the responses silently if you like until you are comfortable with them. Come Advent you will get to do it all again, but with company.
 
One thing makes it easier to attend Catholic Mass for an outsider: Catholics care much less of outsiders than other religions. You can go there and unnoticed by anyone quite probably.

The short sequence of the Mass is: we gather, learn, offer what we have (prayers, donations); and also we participate in Jesus sacrifice, meal and mission.
 
Myrridias said:
So, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to join the Catholic Church, and have stated thus in previous posts elsewhere, and the replies have said to go to mass. The problem here is that I have only been to a mass once in my conscious memory, and I wouldn’t know what to do. I know that I just observe by those around me, but other than that, not being yet a member, what should not be done?
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See the priest and ask if he will arrange for a parishoner to answer a few questions regarding the mass and attend mass with you. This will ease you into the mass with less expectations regarding your participation and much less anxiety. God Bless !
 
thomas_jd said:
See the priest and ask if he will arrange for a parishoner to answer a few questions regarding the mass and attend mass with you. This will ease you into the mass with less expectations regarding your participation and much less anxiety. God Bless !
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Great idea!
 
Hi there,

Until a few months ago, I had not been for Mass for a very long time.

It’s a difficult thing to do for the first few times. Like it has been mentioned, I was scared of sticking out, I was worried about not knowing what to do, I was anxious that other people would wonder who I was and what I was doing there, and I also felt that I was in no way worthy to be there.

I managed to contact the priest of my local church through e-mail and explained my situation, he was really kind and gave me some advice, I met him and he showed me around the church prior to me going to Mass, that helped me a lot as I then knew the practicalities of the lay -out of the seats etc.

I still am not fully familiar with all the practices etc, I just follow those around me, the first few times I attended I was particularly nervous about how out of place I would look when I didn’t go for Communion.
Once you go a few times, I am sure you will start to feel a little more comfortable. I like to sit in the back half of the church, I like to arrive in good time so that I can find my sit and have a bit of quiet time to gather my thoughts. I have felt immense peace whilst at Mass and feel that I am no longer so nervous and anxious about going, I look forward to it every week.

I know how daunting it must feel to you now, but I hope you can get to Mass soon.
God bless. 🙂
 
I was really worried about this when I started attending Mass, but now, having gone daily for the past month, it all seems pretty natural. I have many of the responses memorized (something I worried about) and when I don’t, I just don’t say them. I don’t think anyone notices (and at this point most of the parish regulars know I’m in RCIA anyway).

With the way Communion is done at my parish, it is easier for me to sit in the middle of a pew because people go up from both sides to receive. That way I can just stay and kneel without being in anyone’s way. I felt much less awkward once I figured that part out.

So, I guess my advice is, just go! At this point I even have a favorite section of pews (where I can see the Pieta as well) up near the front and I am no longer afraid of looking silly. I am there to worship God. And as someone with an anxiety disorder, that is saying something.
 
What do I do during communion since I can’t participate. I did feel a little awkward just sitting there, but I wasn’t alone.
 
TrueLight said:
What do I do during communion since I can’t participate. I did feel a little awkward just sitting there, but I wasn’t alone.
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I just remain kneeling in the pew. If I need to move out of the way so someone else can get out, I stand up, walk to the end, stand out of the way, then walk back in and resume kneeling, praying for spiritual communion with Christ. I think there are a few 7am-daily-Mass-goers who wonder why I’m there every day and do not go up, but then again, I imagine they know by now I am still in RCIA.

I think I said earlier, but after observing how people leave the pews to receive, I have found it easiest at my parish to sit in the middle since people exit from either side, and I can stay where I am the whole time. I feel less awkward when I’m not shuffling around. And even though I wish I could receive, it is a great time to talk to Christ as he is exposed in the Eucharist. So I don’t mind as much as I once did.

Oh, I also remain kneeling until the Tabernacle is closed and the altar cleared (that is probably the wrong word), and the priest resumes his seat. Then I sit.
 
Myrridias said:
So, I believe it is the Lord’s will for me to join the Catholic Church, and have stated thus in previous posts elsewhere, and the replies have said to go to mass. The problem here is that I have only been to a mass once in my conscious memory, and I wouldn’t know what to do. I know that I just observe by those around me, but other than that, not being yet a member, what should not be done?
Click to expand...
I’ve been going for a few weeks now, a couple times a week, and mostly by myself. At first I was a bit nervous, but I quickly realized that these people are Christians. They’re not going to judge me (and even if I’m wrong and they do that is not my problem), and I also realized that some of them would probably be a ble to relate to my “mistakes” during the liturgy and have empathy for me!

So my suggestion is to sit near the back but also try to sit close enough to somebody else that you can observe them. An older person is usually a good choice since they’re probably quite aware of what to do. Please do not worry about doing something wrong. I can honestly say that NOBODY CARES and they’re just glad you’re there, trying to do the right thing.
 
TrueLight said:
What do I do during communion since I can’t participate. I did feel a little awkward just sitting there, but I wasn’t alone.
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You cannot accept communion but you can participate. Follow the line up to the priest with your arms folded like an “X” (elbows down and hands at opposite breast/shoulders). This signifies to the priest that you are not accepting communion but would like a blessing. Once he delivers the blessing, follow the line towards the extraordinary minister or deacon with the Blood of Christ. However, you will pass him by and go back to your seat. Even many people who do take communion skip the cup because of germs drinking out of a communal cup.

So do not feel self-conscious!

God Bless and welcome!
 
TarlsQtr said:
You cannot accept communion but you can participate. Follow the line up to the priest with your arms folded like an “X” (elbows down and hands at opposite breast/shoulders). This signifies to the priest that you are not accepting communion but would like a blessing. Once he delivers the blessing, follow the line towards the extraordinary minister or deacon with the Blood of Christ. However, you will pass him by and go back to your seat. Even many people who do take communion skip the cup because of germs drinking out of a communal cup.

So do not feel self-conscious!

God Bless and welcome!
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Check with the priest before you do this. There is some controversy over this practice. Some priests will bless you; others will refuse.
 
TimothyH said:
I think many Catholics underestimate the pressure some feel when the attend the Mass for the first time.

As a practical matter, it feels like everyone is going to judge you on how well you perform. You really don’t want to make a mistake and stand out in the crowd.

-Tim-
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In my experience, the more you participate, the more you will stand out in the crowd. If you simply stand when others stand, sit and kneel likewise, and pay attention with reverence you will do very well. Reading up on the Mass like others suggest is an excellent way to begin to appreciate the miracle that happens every time there is Mass.
 
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