Going back to church

[livingpeace]

I was baptized a Catholic as a child. I just recently started going back to church. I’m not real sure on what I’m supposed to be doing. I try to follow along and watch the others but I can’t always hear what they are saying. I see them make the sign of the cross and then there is a time when they do “something” else. I can’t make out what it is so I don’t follow. I’m not sure when to sing or kneel or any of that. Can someone fill me in on what to do? Also, I don’t think I’m supposed to go up for the communion I think it’s called. What should I do during that time? Stand, kneel? I just really don’t have a clue, but really would like to attend. Can anyone help?

 

[nicolep]

Keep going, you will catch on quickly. If there isn’t a Missalette in the pew, you can purchase one here. I think there are some online for free, but I can’t seem to locate them at the moment.

Regarding Holy Communion, please stay at your pew and kneel. You can also inquire about RCIA at your parish and at the end be in full communion with the Church.

In the meantime, come here and ask any questions you’d like.

 

[ericka1701]

First, I want to welcome you back to the Catholic Church! May God shower you with his graces.

Here is a good website that breaks down the parts of Mass and explains them really well. There is also one that gives a more in depth explaination on the same site.

I hope you are blessed by learning about Mass as much as I have these past years.

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[japhy]

Hopefully, your pastor (or another priest or a deacon) at your parish would be more than happy to give you some instruction before or after Mass.

 

[rkrispies]

Keep going, you will catch on quickly. If there isn’t a Missalette in the pew, you can purchase one here. I think there are some online for free, but I can’t seem to locate them at the moment.

Regarding Holy Communion, please stay at your pew and kneel. You can also inquire about RCIA at your parish and at the end be in full communion with the Church.

In the meantime, come here and ask any questions you’d like.

If you were baptized as a Catholic, you may not need to go through RCIA. If you are unsure, talk to your parish priest. He may suggest something else.

Chris

 

[Seatuck]

I was baptized a Catholic as a child. I just recently started going back to church. I’m not real sure on what I’m supposed to be doing. I try to follow along and watch the others but I can’t always hear what they are saying. I see them make the sign of the cross and then there is a time when they do “something” else. I can’t make out what it is so I don’t follow. I’m not sure when to sing or kneel or any of that. Can someone fill me in on what to do? Also, I don’t think I’m supposed to go up for the communion I think it’s called. What should I do during that time? Stand, kneel? I just really don’t have a clue, but really would like to attend. Can anyone help?

I think the something else that you are seeing is what happens right before the priest or deacon reads the Gospel. We make 3 crosses once each on our forehead, lips and heart. We pray" Lord may your words be always on my mind, on my lips and in my heart "or a variation close to that.

Does anyone follow along in missalettes ? They might be under the pews, at the sides ,in the back or under chairs. Or there might be a stack of them as well as the music books in a prominent place.

Welcome Back. It won’t take you long to feel your way around. Keep asking questions. Make an appointment with the Parish priest to discuss what your next step is. Yes, refrain from communion until the priest says you may go to confession.

Book Recommendations-

Catholicism for Dummies

The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Hope your journey is smooth.

 

[nicolep]

If you were baptized as a Catholic, you may not need to go through RCIA. If you are unsure, talk to your parish priest. He may suggest something else.

Chris

Thanks for clarifying. I take it for granted that everyone is lumped together at RCIA at my parish. That is not the case at all parishes.

 

[06convert]

Welcome Home!

When you see them doing “something else” is it right before the Gospel reading?

When I joined the Church I wasn’t sure what was going on there either.

You are using your right thumb to make the sign of the cross on your forehead, your lips, and your heart. While doing this say to yourself, “may the word of God be upon my mind, my lips, and my heart”.

Seatuck got it. .