Do you ever cry during mass?

[kresbrook]

I will never feel self conscience about it again!!

Thanks for all your thoughs! I’m so glad I’m not the only one! Sometimes I feel like my family and some of my friends think I’m a little to “religious”, I’m so glad I have this forum to know there are other people out there who love God as much as I do!!

 

[Sunflower15]

I just wanted to say something for all the great guys that have made that decision to publicly post about their “crying” [as opposed to silently nod].

Now, for clarification, this “crying” we are referring to is a prompting by the HS and of a spiritual/mystical sort…not truly the emotional kind, even if for lack of better words we refer to it as getting emotional…that’s not really what we are talking about.

I think more about your humanity and masculinity because you are not detached from your spirituality…for some reason, it seems our culture thinks it’s “cool” for men to not be spiritual…I don’t get it!

For millenniums, spiritual leadership was within the realm of men [which might explain why all ancient religions still see the male role as preeminent].

When did it become a “female thing” to pray, to do the rituals, to be unabashedly spiritual?

Thank you, guys, many other men read these posts and you guys make they ponder on many things…

 

[hilde_the_dog]

Not to the degree you do, but I have. Actually a little more than a week ago I was reading the prayer of the faithful during Mass and I got to the line prayering for those discerning the call to priest, DEACON and religious. Well I chocked up at that point and shed a tear as I had been accepted into the diaconate program a week before. In times before that line would some times send chills over me or the strange feeling it ws directed at me (the dagger in my heart - dieing to the old self). I’m glad you do.****

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I get that way too. When I first saw Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” I couldn’t control myself and sobbed.

I get this way EVERY time I see “The Passion…”. It first sets in when the centurion brutally whips Jesus. Oh man… I can’t stop sobbing during that at all. I’ve seen the movie like 50 times, and it happens each and every time. :bighanky: Once, I went through a whole box of 120 count tissues during that movie alone…

Emotions run too when I say the Stations of the Cross privately. Especially when I get to the station of Christ about to be crucified and the guards tear off His garments.

 

[East_Anglican]

I just wanted to say something for all the great guys that have made that decision to publicly post about their “crying” [as opposed to silently nod].

Bob dylan spoke for me too.
Sunflower15;5043138:

Now, for clarification, this “crying” we are referring to is a prompting by the HS and of a spiritual/mystical sort…not truly the emotional kind, even if for lack of better words we refer to it as getting emotional…that’s not really what we are talking about.

That’s right. It can be tears of joy too.

Isn’t Jesus wonderful?

He brings us Anglicans and protestants to tears too

Isn’t Jesus wonderful?

 

[Sunflower15]

He brings us Anglicans and protestants to tears too

Isn’t Jesus wonderful?

Yes, and He is Lord of ALL!

 

[allhers]

*Can someone define what he/she means by ‘dry spell?’ *

First of all yes on the crying for various reasons, not always, but much like everyone else has already said. No sobbing, but that has happened a couple of times in my life too. (Once during a public Rosary and once during a public Stations of the Cross and once during the 7 last words on Good Friday.) I was just too much “into” the prayers and what was going on to be embarressed when those times happened though, thankfully.

Anyway, as for this question, about the “dry spells”, what I would mean is the times in my life when NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING happens, not a feeling, not a thuoght, not an over-whelming presence, not a thing. Usually I “feel” “think” “hear” “know” or “sense” in some way God’s presence, in others, in a situation, just feeling His overwhelming presence, or just KNOWING that He is there, but…these “dry spells” are something else altogether, they ALMOST make you doubt, but I don’t at all think that way anymore, they tend to draw me closer to the Lord. Eventually.

I talked to a Priest about it once and he knew exactly what I was talking about, he described it as the Lord almost playing hide and seek with us, like I’m here but you can’t see me. Just believe, I do.

He said that the Lord is drawing us closer to HIMSELF during those times, and indeed He does. I don’t understand how but I think its because its almost a little scary, like…“Where are YOU”??? - You haven’t abandoned me have you, did I do something to REALLY offend You? (NOW I know that He hasn’t abandoned me, I know He loves me, I know that at times I do indeed offend Him and I never want to and I do go to confession more now than I use to.) But, these “dry spells” are just God’s way of bringing us closer to HIM, that I do know now.

Sometimes the “dry spells” last for months, but still I know He loves me. Of that I have no doubt anymore. I’m not fond of them but I no longer fear them, I just keep on keeping on because I know from experience from the past, when I was worried about those times, when they first started happening, that just about the time I convinced myself that God was tired of me, WHOA, did HE ever set me straight in a most humbling and loving way.

Now I can just say, “Okay Lord, I know You’re there, I love you and thank You for getting my attention this way…help me to love you more and to try to be more like You.” (because I sure am far from there.)

 

[JohnPaul64]

*Can someone define what he/she means by ‘dry spell?’ *

Whatevergirl, I took it as and meant it as a feeling of stagnation in your prayer life. There are days when I pray and have all these wonderful feelings and things happen but there are days when you feel like your going through the motions and don’t feel the Lords or Holy Spirits presence. I don’t look into it much. I feel as long as my heart is right then these things will pass and they do. Its my turn at the Adoration chapel tonight and can’t wait 2 AM just me and the Lord

 

[JohnPaul64]

I just wanted to say something for all the great guys that have made that decision to publicly post about their “crying” [as opposed to silently nod].

Now, for clarification, this “crying” we are referring to is a prompting by the HS and of a spiritual/mystical sort…not truly the emotional kind, even if for lack of better words we refer to it as getting emotional…that’s not really what we are talking about.

I think more about your humanity and masculinity because you are not detached from your spirituality…for some reason, it seems our culture thinks it’s “cool” for men to not be spiritual…I don’t get it!

For millenniums, spiritual leadership was within the realm of men [which might explain why all ancient religions still see the male role as preeminent].

When did it become a “female thing” to pray, to do the rituals, to be unabashedly spiritual?

Thank you, guys, many other men read these posts and you guys make they ponder on many things…

Thank you for your kind words Sunflower, It feels good to tell someone about it. I’ve never told anyone about any of it.

 

[Rose71]

I’ve cried a few times as I’ve left Mass and got back to the safety of my car, because I used to feel so terribly isolated at my parish church. I grew up attending the local church with my family and we knew everyone and everyone was friendly. At university I met a little group of Catholics and we all went to Mass together and where I used to live, it was a tiny church and after Mass the priest used to say ‘right - get the kettle on!’ and we would all have tea and biscuits! During the tourist season, it was full, but he knew his ‘regulars’ and before Mass he’s stalk down the aisle and pick one of us to do the readings

I’ve lived where I do now for nearly 10 years and although I have attended Mass regularly, it has sometimes been a lonely experience. People stand at the edge of the benches and rather than move up to let you in, they make a big performance out of pressing themselves against the bench and making you squeeze past. As a single woman, I seem to be regarded with suspicion. To me, the fact that I actually attend Mass should be an indication that I am not a marriage-wrecker, or some kind of deviant, but some people are downright hostile towards me.

At the sign of peace, if anyone does shake my hand, they use such a limp grip and do it so quickly, its like they think they will catch something! I asked a younger woman, similar in age to me, where I could get a Mass card once and she made such a big thing out of saying how awful it was that nobody had ‘welcomed’ me to the parish - but then when she realised I was single and childless, she seemed to lose interest and has never spoken to me since. She does not even acknowledge me in the street, nor does her husband. I used to smile when I saw them and say hello, but I’ve given up!

A few days later, a woman knocked on my door and thrust a magazine at me, saying ‘this is a parish magazine: it’s out of date coz the new ones aren’t printed yet.’ I asked if she wanted to come in for a cup of tea and she just said ‘no’ and left. She never speaks to me either and she only lives around the corner.

I think I’m thicker-skinned now because I go to Mass and I’m glad that I do. I’ve also managed to make 1 friend, who I actually knew vaguely already but had no idea she was a Catholic too until I saw her.

 

[whatevergirl]

Thank you for your kind words Sunflower, It feels good to tell someone about it. I’ve never told anyone about any of it.

We bring everyone’s feelings out in the open in here, like drinking truth serem. It’s all good, though, no?
I am glad to see I’m not alone in my sentiments with crying on occasion during mass.

Why I feel subconscious about it I don’t know. *

 

[Mintaka]

Rose71 –

I’m so sorry to hear that. Some people just don’t know what to do with us singles.

OTOH, it might be just as well to let some families sit on the aisles. There were plenty of times when my parents had to make a quick exit with one of us…

 

[whatevergirl]

I’ve cried a few times as I’ve left Mass and got back to the safety of my car, because I used to feel so terribly isolated at my parish church. I grew up attending the local church with my family and we knew everyone and everyone was friendly. At university I met a little group of Catholics and we all went to Mass together and where I used to live, it was a tiny church and after Mass the priest used to say ‘right - get the kettle on!’ and we would all have tea and biscuits! During the tourist season, it was full, but he knew his ‘regulars’ and before Mass he’s stalk down the aisle and pick one of us to do the readings

I’ve lived where I do now for nearly 10 years and although I have attended Mass regularly, it has sometimes been a lonely experience. People stand at the edge of the benches and rather than move up to let you in, they make a big performance out of pressing themselves against the bench and making you squeeze past. As a single woman, I seem to be regarded with suspicion. To me, the fact that I actually attend Mass should be an indication that I am not a marriage-wrecker, or some kind of deviant, but some people are downright hostile towards me.

At the sign of peace, if anyone does shake my hand, they use such a limp grip and do it so quickly, its like they think they will catch something! I asked a younger woman, similar in age to me, where I could get a Mass card once and she made such a big thing out of saying how awful it was that nobody had ‘welcomed’ me to the parish - but then when she realised I was single and childless, she seemed to lose interest and has never spoken to me since. She does not even acknowledge me in the street, nor does her husband. I used to smile when I saw them and say hello, but I’ve given up!

A few days later, a woman knocked on my door and thrust a magazine at me, saying ‘this is a parish magazine: it’s out of date coz the new ones aren’t printed yet.’ I asked if she wanted to come in for a cup of tea and she just said ‘no’ and left. She never speaks to me either and she only lives around the corner.

I think I’m thicker-skinned now because I go to Mass and I’m glad that I do. I’ve also managed to make 1 friend, who I actually knew vaguely already but had no idea she was a Catholic too until I saw her.

I’m sorry too, Rose. You know, experiences can vary from parish to parish–I felt isolated, and not very spiritually fed at the last parish we were attending, and the parish before that, I just felt that the emphasis was too much on raffle tickets, etc…I want my kids to hear about God, about Christ’s impact on our lives, and to belong to a vibrant faith community, that believes in traditional mass. I think we have found it, but it took us nearly two years…so, maybe seek out a parish you feel more at home with…I believe that can make all the difference. Have a blessed holy week, hey–you have us as your Catholic friends, right? We count. :hug1:

 

[Rose71]

I’m sorry too, Rose. You know, experiences can vary from parish to parish–I felt isolated, and not very spiritually fed at the last parish we were attending, and the parish before that, I just felt that the emphasis was too much on raffle tickets, etc…I want my kids to hear about God, about Christ’s impact on our lives, and to belong to a vibrant faith community, that believes in traditional mass. I think we have found it, but it took us nearly two years…so, maybe seek out a parish you feel more at home with…I believe that can make all the difference. Have a blessed holy week, hey–you have us as your Catholic friends, right? We count. :hug1:

:thankyou: That is really kind of you - thanks!
I really enjoy coming on here because it reminds me that there are lots of really good people out there! I’ve been laughing my head off over the ‘list’ thread for single Catholics too:thumbsup:

 

[JohnPaul64]

Rose I’m so sorry to hear your experience. Its a sign of the times we live in…I’m single and really never had anyone come to me to welcome me at my parish, most seem nice but not willing to go any further. I go for the Lord anyhow and try not to think bad of anyone.

 

[JohnPaul64]

I had a great experience at the Adoration Chapel last night I’d like to share. I am going to this chapel every Monday night at 2 AM to 3 AM to help watch over it because my parish is leaving it open 24 hrs a day through Lent. Last night I said my rosary first and I took my Catholic 1 year bible with me to read my daily readings of the old and new testament. Its the first time I took my Bible with me. I’m in Luke in the new testament. After I said my rosary I was praying to Jesus telling him how I want to totally trust him and quit worrying about my daily problems and worries in life and to just let Him take care of things. So I sit down after praying and start reading and I get to Luke 12:8-34 as my daily reading for 4/7. This passage was part of the reading.
**
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
**
It felt like he was talking right at me with this. Maybe I’m looking in to this too much but it was bizarre that this reading was there right after I prayed to him about it. I’m going to take my bible with me from now on.

 

[wisdom_3_5]

One time when my husband and I were having serious problems, wondering if we would stay married etc. and the organist started playing the song I walked down the aisle to at our wedding. The song is usually only played during Advent and this was in June! It felt like God was hearing our prayers and answering them. I just broke down crying (well it was laughing and crying at the same time-which is a weird feeling), that was more than 6 years ago and we are still married and doing well.

During Easter when we sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today!” I get really choked up and emotional. I really have to fight to keep singing (since I’m in the choir).

I also have to fight it when I cantor sometimes, the psalms are just so beautiful and I can really get caught up in the words if I don’t keep my wits about me!

 

[benedictgal]

When our bishop came to take possession of the Cathedral, it fell to me to plan the Mass. The deacon’s wife was more of a hindrance than a help. It was just difficult. However, everything fell into place, including getting the pontifical march down pat and ensuring that the bishop was greeted at the door by the rector in the traditional manner (holy water with the crucifix). The music was incredible (we had the philharmonic chorale serve as the choir) and the bishop was pleased.

Somehow, at one point of the Mass, towards the end, I started crying. The pressure had finally gotten to me. During these kinds of Masses, I relegate myself to the sacristy so that if anything happens, I am right there to fix the problem. I just sat down in the chair and flopped. My rector, who had been in the sacristy with me (he was serving as MC), saw that I was flustered. He told me that whether we would be there 2 years or 20, this was the best Mass that we ever planned and that he enjoyed working with me. That made me cry even more.

 

[JohnPaul64]

wisdom…I could never be part of mass at all…there would be lots of times I couldn’t finish what I’m saying or singing…it would be so embarrassing. I saw a special on Padre Pio recently on EWTN and he used to cry and sob when he was consecrating the host. They said mass would take hours with him sometimes because he was in a state of ecstasy doing this.

 

[Galnextdoor]

I had a great experience at the Adoration Chapel last night I’d like to share. I am going to this chapel every Monday night at 2 AM to 3 AM to help watch over it because my parish is leaving it open 24 hrs a day through Lent. Last night I said my rosary first and I took my Catholic 1 year bible with me to read my daily readings of the old and new testament. Its the first time I took my Bible with me. I’m in Luke in the new testament. After I said my rosary I was praying to Jesus telling him how I want to totally trust him and quit worrying about my daily problems and worries in life and to just let Him take care of things. So I sit down after praying and start reading and I get to Luke 12:8-34 as my daily reading for 4/7. This passage was part of the reading.
**
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
**
It felt like he was talking right at me with this. Maybe I’m looking in to this too much but it was bizarre that this reading was there right after I prayed to him about it. I’m going to take my bible with me from now on.

I was in a similar situation one time, when I read Matthew 6 vs. 25-31. It was very consoling.