First Mass today - Impressions

[sw_myers]

I attended my first Mass today, and it was a pleasant experience. I had contacted one of the priests this week via email and he met me outside the church beforehand and introduced me to an extremely nice family who helped lead me through the service. My impressions…

1. I had the feeling of participating in something ancient and sacred.

Studying Church History(Jaroslav Pelikan’s 5 book Christian Tradition Series) in a protestant university, the professor made a good attempt to offer an unbiased view of church history. So I had the understanding that, as a protestant, our church history was the exact same as the catholic up until James Arminias(Wesley-Armenian theological background for me). And even there we shared many things.

Anyways, back to my impressions, feelings of participating in something ancient was because of the rich history of Mass. The idea of sacred, was because I had never experienced transubstanciation(sp?).

1. The service inspired reverence.

Overall it was a very enjoyable experience…I’ve never recieved a blessing from a priest…it was…a good experience.

Here is a question I do have though. The classes that allow one to become catholic start in september and end easter weekend. Does that mean IF i so desired to join the catholic faith, that I would be unable to recieve communion for over a year?

And after reading some, I am unclear what the difference is for me as a person who is christian and was baptized in a protestant church.

The priest encouraged me to call him this week to talk more…I think I will…My wife is happily protestant though…Mass on Saturday and church on sunday?

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Yes, you would almost certainly need to wait. There is so much to learn about the Church and to prepare you for something that is totally unlike anything you could experience–receiving the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Jesus Christ. However, there are individual exceptions for extraordinary situations–perhaps yours could be one of them. This would rest with your bishop, with whom you would meet.

We tend to appreciate things more if we have to work for them. Now, of course one could argue that it seems unfair from a purely human standpoint for some person who was baptized as an infant and slept his way through first communion class, who shows up for mass infrequently, breaks every commandment, yet feels entitled to “take” communion anytime he is at Mass–and to deny some eager person who has not been received into the Catholic Church but who lives a life of grace and fully understands everything about Catholicism.

But we are not talking purely human standpoints. God’s ways are not our ways. Even if they seem difficult, unfair, puzzling, we have to trust Him. This trust is what pleases Him most. God understands sacrifice far better than we do. God understands humility far better than we do. Trust Him and follow Him–that is the way to salvation.

God bless.

BTW, that first person is receiving (if he has not confessed his mortal sins) improperly. Believe me, he isn’t really fooling anyone but himself. “Whoever eats the bread and drinks the wine unworthily profanes the Lord”. . .and such a person will answer to God unless he repents.

 

[1ke]

sw_myers:

Here is a question I do have though. The classes that allow one to become catholic start in september and end easter weekend. Does that mean IF i so desired to join the catholic faith, that I would be unable to recieve communion for over a year?

Yes, typically you would go through RCIA, and be confirmed and receive the Eucharist next spring.

However, although RCIA is the usual process sometimes those that are highly catechized (such as you, with college theology, etc) may be able to take private instruction and be received in earlier.

The first step is to talk to a priest regarding the policies and options in your diocese.

Also, if you do have to go through RCIA-- as I did-- then just keep in mind that although you know a lot, you do not know everything, and RCIA will be good for you. After 13 years as a Catholic I am still learning every day. So, I know how you feel about having to wait “a whole year” (because I decided to convert in January, and had to wait too). But, it will go by quickly.

sw_myers:

And after reading some, I am unclear what the difference is for me as a person who is christian and was baptized in a protestant church.

You would be what is called a Candidate. Many parishes combine the Catechumens (unbaptized) and the Candidates (baptized) because it’s efficient and they can’t run two programs. Some parishes offer a year-round RCIA with several points of entry for the already baptized, some only run the basic Sept - May program.

sw_myers:

The priest encouraged me to call him this week to talk more…I think I will…My wife is happily protestant though…Mass on Saturday and church on sunday?

Do call and talk to him.

I would point out that as a Catholic, I think regular attendance at a Protestant church service would be problematic-- it would give the impression that you are in communion with that system of belief, and you would not be. If you become Catholic you need to be prepared to be wholly Catholic.

 

[1ke]

Oh, I forgot to mention that there is a book you might look into called “When Only One Converts” or something like that. Not sure of the exact title.

 

[JaneFrances]

Hello and Welcome!!!

Great news on your first Mass!

You have been given some good answers here.

Here is a great website that I think may also help you during this time of discernment:

salvationhistory.com/bookstore/audioRsrcs.cfm

Listen to the personal testimonies first. . .they are great (especially if your wife is happily Protestant)!

 

[sw_myers]

Then I have another question. If, after talking to the Priest and serious time in prayer, I do decide to join the catholic faith, what will I be able to do in Mass until next Easter? like, genuflect? Make the sign of the cross? pretty much participate like everyone else except for recieving communion?

Or as someone who isn’t catholic not supposed to do that?

Sorry if that is a dumb question…but I don’t know the answer.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Not dumb at all. Yes, you can genuflect (thank goodness for someone who WANTS to kneel), go to Mass (whatever your diocese guidelines are; some have you stay for the Liturgy of the Word and then go to a separate place for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, at least they did aeons ago, but that would not start until the day you start preparation in September, between then and now you can of course go for the entire Mass, which is great because you’ll get quite familiar with it) say the prayers, make the sign of the cross. However, you cannot receive the sacraments of the Church until you are received. If you have already been baptized with a Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) you will not need baptism. When you are received into the Church you will receive the sacraments of the Eucharist (just before which you will have made your first reconciliation, the sacrament of Penance, usually on Holy Saturday with your reception at the Easter Vigil Mass later that day), and the sacrament of Confirmation.

I hope this doesn’t confuse you! It is getting late and I am rambling, but refusing to stop because I’m only posting on Sundays during Lent. Aren’t you lucky?

(That sounds strange. It’s part of my chosen lenten penance, you see. During Lent I’m giving up posting on the forums, because I really ENJOY posting, so it is a sacrifice. But in Catholic Tradition, Sundays --even during Lent–are never days for sacrifice. A Sunday is always like a “little Easter”–a feast. So since Sundays are not sacrifice days, on Sundays I post.)

 

[JaneFrances]

ABSOLUTELY. . .Even if you don’t know if you are going to ever be Catholic, you can genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament and make the sign of the Cross!!!

Genuflecting before the Blessed Sacrament is a sign of respect and supplication before the Lord–you certainly don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate that! And even if you are not presently recieving the Lord sacramentally in the Eucharist, you can certainly ask him at any time to come into your soul. The posture of genuflecting is merely a way of humbling yourself before the Lord. DO IT!!!

And making the sign of the Cross is a prayerful act which ANY and ALL Christians can and (in my humble opinion) should do! Several “Protestant” denominations do make the sign of the Cross.

 

[scylla]

You can also recieve ashes and participate in Palm Sunday among many other things, as the Church season cycles.

You can also participate in Bible studies, choir, anything like that. It took me about 6 months before I was able to recieve the Eucharist as I was in a marriage that was done by a rent a judge guy. I ended up going to Mexico and having a large traditional wedding and happily recieved the Eucharist in the Mass of my Marriage.

God Bless
Scylla

 

[LilyM]

sw_myers:

I attended my first Mass today, and it was a pleasant experience. I had contacted one of the priests this week via email and he met me outside the church beforehand and introduced me to an extremely nice family who helped lead me through the service. My impressions…

1. I had the feeling of participating in something ancient and sacred.

Studying Church History(Jaroslav Pelikan’s 5 book Christian Tradition Series) in a protestant university, the professor made a good attempt to offer an unbiased view of church history. So I had the understanding that, as a protestant, our church history was the exact same as the catholic up until James Arminias(Wesley-Armenian theological background for me). And even there we shared many things.

Anyways, back to my impressions, feelings of participating in something ancient was because of the rich history of Mass. The idea of sacred, was because I had never experienced transubstanciation(sp?).

1. The service inspired reverence.

Overall it was a very enjoyable experience…I’ve never recieved a blessing from a priest…it was…a good experience.

Here is a question I do have though. The classes that allow one to become catholic start in september and end easter weekend. Does that mean IF i so desired to join the catholic faith, that I would be unable to recieve communion for over a year?

And after reading some, I am unclear what the difference is for me as a person who is christian and was baptized in a protestant church.

The priest encouraged me to call him this week to talk more…I think I will…My wife is happily protestant though…Mass on Saturday and church on sunday?

Woohoo! Congratulations on your first Mass! :clapping: :clapping:

Glad you liked it :bounce:

If you’re very keen to start RCIA (assuming that you need to do it as previous poster has said), perhaps ask the parishes around you if any of them run earlier programs?

 

[sw_myers]

So I am pretty much able to involve myself in all the catholic beliefs, save communion.
I feel silly asking this, but then is it alright to learn about and practice the veneration of the saints and Mary? I only ask not because its a doctrine i’m opposed to, but its a doctrine that i’m not quite sure how to experience(blame my protestant upbringing) I believe I read somewhere that you choose a patron saint during the classes you take to become a catholic…so much I wait till then? Or is that an issue that is entirely up to the person?

I appreciate your helpfulness and patience with me and my questions.

 

[BlestOne]

SW…Congrats!!! Oh, but now you know that we don’t sacrifice protestants at the mass… Glad you liked it! RCIA is the usual mode for coming into the church but not the only way…talk to your priest. Yes to genuflecting and the sign of the cross, ashes, palms, annointing of the sick and penitential services…you can participate now no problem. The big restriction is the Eucharist because we so thoroughly believe in the true presence we can’t even receive as Catholics if we are aware of sins that we haven’t confessed that keeps us from God. Pray for your wife, she may come around when she sees how much it affects or means to you. Again…Welcome Home!!!

 

[LilyM]

BlestOne:

SW…Congrats!!! Oh, but now you know that we don’t sacrifice protestants at the mass…

Sacrifice protestants? I thought it was just goats and babies …

 

[Tonks40]

sw_myers:

So I am pretty much able to involve myself in all the catholic beliefs, save communion.
I feel silly asking this, but then is it alright to learn about and practice the veneration of the saints and Mary? I only ask not because its a doctrine i’m opposed to, but its a doctrine that i’m not quite sure how to experience(blame my protestant upbringing) I believe I read somewhere that you choose a patron saint during the classes you take to become a catholic…so much I wait till then? Or is that an issue that is entirely up to the person?

I appreciate your helpfulness and patience with me and my questions.

Keep the questions coming!

Definately learn about the doctrine of Mary - get a good understanding of it and about the saints. Exploring the Catholic faith isn’t something that really comes overnight…it takes time (for me, 42 years as a cradle Catholic). Take some time to check out books or do a web search on the lives of the saints. You do have the option of chosing a patron saint when you are confirmed in the Church; usually, most choose one, but I believe it’s not required (someone correct me if I’m wrong).

Another thing you can do is learn about prayer through the Rosary. It’s a great way to contemplate not only on the life of Christ, but to see things in Our Holy Mother’s perspective. It’s very Biblical-based, and you can probably find a pamphet to help you go through it (I personally like the ones that quote Bible passages with each Mystery).

God bless you on your journey!

 

[freshwind]

A very good understanding of the Mass can be gained from Scott Hahn’s :The Lamb’s Supper".
He also has a good book about Mary, “Hail Holy Queen : The Mother of God in the Word of God”.
He is a former protestant who has converted to Catholocism.
As you move forward the writings available will take you as deep as you are willing to journey…Pope John Paull II and Pope Benedict XVI have also written some incredible works…
Good luck on your journey, may the Holy Spirit guide you, and as previously stated - welcome home…

 

[Chipper]

sw_myers:

So I am pretty much able to involve myself in all the catholic beliefs, save communion.
I feel silly asking this, but then is it alright to learn about and practice the veneration of the saints and Mary? I only ask not because its a doctrine i’m opposed to, but its a doctrine that i’m not quite sure how to experience(blame my protestant upbringing) I believe I read somewhere that you choose a patron saint during the classes you take to become a catholic…so much I wait till then? Or is that an issue that is entirely up to the person?

I appreciate your helpfulness and patience with me and my questions.

Your questions are very revealing about your heart. In fact your questions bring a little tear to my eye. You can study the Saints and venerate Mary etc… My cousin’s whole family came into the Catholic church a couple of years ago, seems like they were praying the Rosary as a family for a few years, then finally decided to join the Catholic Church.

I have a link below, from Scot Hahn’s website that shows just how closely tied the Mass and the bible are. I think it’s awesome information.

salvationhistory.com/online/Beginner/index.cfm

Regards,
Calvin

 

[1ke]

sw_myers:

Then I have another question. If, after talking to the Priest and serious time in prayer, I do decide to join the catholic faith, what will I be able to do in Mass until next Easter? like, genuflect? Make the sign of the cross? pretty much participate like everyone else except for recieving communion?

Everything the rest of the congregation does except receive communion. You can stay in the pew at communion, or go up with arms crossed over your chest and receive a blessing.

(also you could not be a lector, or extraordinar minister of holy communion, etc-- you must be a confirmed catholic to do those particular functions at mass).

The things like genuflecting, crossing yourself, using holy water, etc, are not limited to confirmed Catholics.

sw_myers:

Sorry if that is a dumb question…but I don’t know the answer.

No such thing as stupid questions. It’s all new to you, so ask away.

 

[1ke]

sw_myers:

So I am pretty much able to involve myself in all the catholic beliefs, save communion.
I feel silly asking this, but then is it alright to learn about and practice the veneration of the saints and Mary?

Yes, certainly. You could go to a Catholic bookstore (or online) and get a Rosary and a book/CD about how to pray it, or any other devotion that interests you. The Saints are available to everyone.

sw_myers:

I only ask not because its a doctrine i’m opposed to, but its a doctrine that i’m not quite sure how to experience(blame my protestant upbringing) I believe I read somewhere that you choose a patron saint during the classes you take to become a catholic…so much I wait till then? Or is that an issue that is entirely up to the person?

Typically those who are approaching Confirmation (kids raised Catholic as well as converts) take a saint name, especially if their given name (first and/or middle) is not already a saint name. They could choose one that interests them, that they have a special love for, or they can use their given name.

I did not choose a Confirmation name of a Saint (although my given name is a Saint name). In retrospect, I wish that my RCIA instructor had put more emphasis on it, and I would likely have chosen a Saint for myself.

It’s not strictly necessary.

You don’t have to wait-- you can read up on Saints and if one particularly draws you, then you can have that one picked out for your Confirmation name.