Considering conversion to Catholicism - Open Forum on the topic

[Will_Thibbs]

Many thanks for all the polite, accommodating, and insightful comments so far. As things go, I’m also curious about the process of the Mass. Is it similar to an Episcopal Mass? Both churches believe communion is the Body and Blood. At my church, a brochure is given out every Sunday pre-service which outlines the specific readings/hymns of the day.

 

[MarkBrown]

Many thanks for all the polite, accommodating, and insightful comments so far. As things go, I’m also curious about the process of the Mass. Is it similar to an Episcopal Mass? Both churches believe communion is the Body and Blood. At my church, a brochure is given out every Sunday pre-service which outlines the specific readings/hymns of the day.

Hello Will,

Glad you are here. I was a REC priest who converted to the Church this Easter.

Which Anglican/Episcopal Mass are you comparing? 79 BCP, 28BCP, 1662, the New REC, Anglican Missal?

Generally, both have liturgy of the Word and Eucharist. The Mass has collects, hymns, the Gloria is different and in the beginning of the Mass, no humble access prayer, no thanksgiving. Eucharistic prayers are closes, homily is usually much much shorter, in my parish about 7 minutes.

No brouchure is given out, the Missal in on the pew. Most do not use it as the prayers the laity pray are committed to memory. They are short enough for that, whereas the Anglican prayers can go on for a bit. Responses can and do change week to week.

Is this what you are looking at?

Keep asking questions. PM me if you like.

Mark

 

[CopticChristian]

So essentially, the Saints and/or Mary are like Biblical middle-man. Used more to ask for their contribution in our prayers and to pray for us? Alrighty. Part of my confusion on that matter also came from the “Hail Mary’s” used for absolution. The word Hail seemed more indicative of worship to me. Could anyone explain the usage of that more in-depth?

Absolution precedes any prayer. The prayers or penance are to correct your mindset after absolution. Mary has no role in absolution.

Protestants routinely ask someone to pray for them. Hey, I need some prayer. Hey lets start a prayer chain. Is God the God of the living or the dead. Protestant often speak of the departed as 'well they are with the Lord". If the dead are now living and the living are with God then to ask for them to pray for us is to ask for prayer.

The Catholic Church is the family of God. God revealed himself in Genesis, let us make…etc…Part of the Theology of the Trinity is the Trinity as family. We are part of that family and as one big happy family alive here and there we ask all our family to join us in prayer.

 

[FabiusMaximus]

Actually, “Hail” has multiple meanings, as nearly EVERY word in the English language: “to acclaim; approve enthusiastically”.

Well other biblical translations say ‘Greetings, favored one!’ which to me means the same as ‘Hail, full of grace!’ The meaning of words changes over time. There are plenty of works of English literature that use the term ‘Hail’ meaning strictly a greeting.

 

[CopticChristian]

So essentially, the Saints and/or Mary are like Biblical middle-man. Used more to ask for their contribution in our prayers and to pray for us? Alrighty. Part of my confusion on that matter also came from the “Hail Mary’s” used for absolution. The word Hail seemed more indicative of worship to me. Could anyone explain the usage of that more in-depth?

As an Episcopalian you should be familiar with Cardinal Newman, an Anglican convert. It would behove you to read his understanding of Mary as he wrote to convey the thoughts of consideration as he understood and taught what Mary meant to him as a convert. If you truly have confusion then read this and come back because you may be asking very good questions and truly what you want is the best answers. Who better than someone like Newman.

 

[Newsy]

Dr. Edward Sri gave an amazing talk on Mary and the Rosary that explains this prayer very well. It is on CD from Lighthouse Catholic Media, called Pray the Rosary like never before.

As a recent convert, I had some problems with “praying to Mary and the Saints”. It seemed like idolatry to me, but after much study, I realized it wasn’t the concept I had a problem with. It was using the term “praying” as prayer is reserved for God, if I asked Mary or the Saints to offer prayer on my behalf it made more sense to me.

Intercessory prayer from others was familiar, from the Church Triumphant was a new idea.

Continue to pray about your conversion, I found it was the most reassuring aspect of my journey to the Church.