Attending Mass for the first time?

[thunderballs75]

Just saying, don’t be surprised if you see people holding hands, and loud guitar and piano music.

God bless.

 

[LARSCOUT0311]

I remember when I first attended Mass. Like you I had passed by the church and kept saying to myself that one day I was going to go in there and see what was going on. What kept me from doing it was that I had no idea what was going on, what to do during Mass, what to wear, if they still spoke in Latin, etc., etc. Finally I got brave and dressed up in a suit and walked in the Chruch…to find that Mass wasn’t going on at that time and that the doors were locked.

So, I went home and went online and googled and everything else to find out what to do at Mass. The biggest help I got was from The Dummies Guide to Catholicism though it still didn’t cover alot of the smaller things, it covered alot. Dangerously armed with knowledge and a schedule of when Mass took place I once again dressed up in a suit and went back for a second go. I walked in and saw people dipping their hands in water and making the sign of the cross. Like a chimpanzee I copied them and stepped into the main part of the church. I was really early so there were only a few people. I watched people like a hawk to find out what they were doing…I would find out why they were doing certain things like genuflecting later but for the time being I was just trying to fit in. About 10 minutes before Mass began the church was filled and I stuck out like a sore thumb anyways. I was severely over dressed. There were people in jeans and casual shirts. I began to sweat profusely, especially when the Mass began and they asked for all guests to raise their hands or stand.

It was a very embarrassing and scary experience for me for the most part but as the Mass progressed further along it was a comforting one as well. People were extremely nice and made me feel welcome. I spoke to the Father after Mass and told him of what happened. He gave me an open door to speak with him and he also directed me to who I needed to talk to about becoming Catholic. Since then I have learned alot and have enjoyed every minute of taking part in Mass and everything Catholic that I can. I even look for that deer in the headlights in people I don’t recognize so that I may offer them help.

 

[jmcrae]

Thank God you are with us, and may God continue bless you on your journey home. I only have one thing to add to the previous posts, which were all very good. One thing that wasn’t mentioned–and indeed I had not known this until recently–is that during communion you can get in line to approach the altar even if you cannot receive the Eucharist, but you can receive a blessing. Simply cross your hands over your heart and bow, and the priest or EME will bless you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (I am a convert to Catholicism, and for the 28 years I have been Catholic I did not know this!) Doing this will eliminate the awkwardness that sometimes happens when people who for whatever reason cannot receive communion are kneeling in the pews and others step around them, and it may help you feel more a part of the Church as you pursue full Communion. Peace be with you.

Please keep in mind that this is a custom only in some parishes in the English-speaking countries - the majority of priests have never heard of this and will assume that the crossed hands mean that you want to receive on the tongue.

So, make sure to ask the priest beforehand (especially if he is not from an English-speaking country), before attempting this.