Thank you for asking! It’s been presumed, based on my (admittedly loose) use of the word “supposed”, that I am being required by my employers to attend. This is not the case!
The Mass is being held prior to a day-long celebration of the new and returning faculty. Attendance was not required for the Mass portion, but it was encouraged. I saw it as an opportunity to broaden my understanding of Catholicism and so made arrangements to attend (hence my choice to use “supposed”- I meant that I’m being held to my own commitment by my own will rather than an outside influence as I now see the wording does suggest).
Seeing the presumptions made throughout the comments, I was ready to reply to them in order to straighten out the misunderstanding. Unfortunately, my curiosity took control and I decided to see how it played out uninterrupted! Probably a mistake, but here we are.
However, the strong reactions from a few members here have made new (general) questions arise. Such as: are non-Catholics not really “allowed” to ask questions? Is this reaction based on my self-proclaimed Protestantism? Why would some Catholics prefer to write off potential converts as trolls/overthinkers/facetious instead of enjoying the opportunity to engage in meaningful discourse and share their ideals and beliefs? (I, myself, enjoy this type of discussion. I come away with new information and I get a chance to hopefully change my “opponent’s” mind about their own preconceived notions of my views. It’s informative and sometimes life-changing!)
Let’s just say… I’m resisting the urge to conduct a social experiment now! (THAT IS A JOKE, BTW)
And I definitely hasten to add: I am genuinely appreciative of the non-hostile and authentic responses from the majority. I am not allowing the responses of a few to damage my view of the whole!
As a further qualifier: I could most definitely ask my coworkers or anyone else at the school. However, I am by nature a shy and introverted person. I know that by going to the Mass I will already be in a state of discomfort (due to the new environment and people). I would rather ask my questions semi-anonymously and ahead of time so that I feel more confident and less self-conscious when I go.
Thanks for reading all of this! My reply has been lengthy and detailed (more than your question called for) but I felt it was a good opportunity to express everything all at once while we were on the topic, for the good of anyone who might read it.
