Going to first Sun Mass in years

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Hello everyone! I’m Jennifer and I’ll be going to my first mass in over 10 years. I’m looking for any advice and tips you may have. I really need help with what is appropriate to wear to Sunday Mass, like is slacks with a nice blouse okay?

For the past six years I went to a nondenominational, contemporary, very laidback church. I left them last year because it started getting on my nerves and didn’t feel right anymore. I know the catholic church is very different and I need help. Thanks.
 
Hello everyone! I’m Jennifer and I’ll be going to my first mass in over 10 years. I’m looking for any advice and tips you may have. I really need help with what is appropriate to wear to Sunday Mass, like is slacks with a nice blouse okay?

For the past six years I went to a nondenominational, contemporary, very laidback church. I left them last year because it started getting on my nerves and didn’t feel right anymore. I know the catholic church is very different and I need help. Thanks.
Welcome Jennifer! Yes, a pair of slacks and a nice blouse is ok for Mass. When you go, the best thing is to seat yourself where you can observe what is going on, that is where you can see the altar, watch the posture of the people,etc. Most parishes have a booklet which has the Mass printed so you can follow, you can ask one of the ushers to assist you. Most people refer to this booklet as a missalette. Just do what everyone else does, or you may just sit and observe. Since you are not Catholic, we ask that you not go up for Communion, but you may stay in your seat. No one will pay attention, not everyone goes up for Communion. Some people go up with their arms crossed to just receive a blessing, but this is not really approved and many parishes do not observe this custom, so I would advise you just stay seated to avoid confusion.

There is not much socializing done in a Catholic Church, so don’t feel as if people are not friendly. After Mass is when many parishes will have a coffee and donuts time, but at first you will notice the difference from your usual non-denominational churches which have plenty of greeters. People get to know each other usually by participating in parish activities and small groups. Take notice of these things in the bulletin.

The Mass is structured, and the basic parts do not change. There are 3 scripture readings and a psalm, which is usually sung, and you will notice that the prayers and responses have a lot of scripture in them. There are two basic parts of the Mass: the Liturgy of the Word, in which scripture is read and the priest or deacon preaches a short homily based on the readings, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist in which the priest prays the Eucharistic prayers and consecrates the bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Jesus, and Holy Communion is distributed. Depending on the parish and the formality of the Mass, there may be contemporary songs, traditional hymns, chanting, various instruments, no two parishes or Masses are alike in this.

The best thing is to just relax and observe and go to enough Masses to become familiar with it, and listen carefully to the prayers. There is a lot of praying. There should be cards or booklets to assist you in the pews. You also will notice various artwork, statues of Jesus and Saints, stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and of course a Crucifix. We never worship these objects. They are there to remind us of Christ and teach us and inspire us to live holy lives. We use all of our senses in our worship, from crossing ourselves with holy water to remind us of our Baptism, to hearing beautiful music, seeing the beautiful artwork, often smelling incense and flowers, and tasting the Eucharist. Everything is there to experience God more fully in our worship.

This is long and very basic, but I hope you enjoy your experience. Liturgical worship is quite different from the worship style in many Protestant churches. I have always found peace and the feeling of being safe in the rhythms and familiarity of the rituals, like a small child does when his parents read him a bedtime story. I know God is there and I am safe at home, yet it never grows stale. God bless you.
 
Hello everyone! I’m Jennifer and I’ll be going to my first mass in over 10 years. I’m looking for any advice and tips you may have. I really need help with what is appropriate to wear to Sunday Mass, like is slacks with a nice blouse okay?

For the past six years I went to a nondenominational, contemporary, very laidback church. I left them last year because it started getting on my nerves and didn’t feel right anymore. I know the catholic church is very different and I need help. Thanks.
Wonderful. You can come in any attire that you are comfortable with. It would range from suit and tie to casual wear, depending on the location of the parish and the occasion. Some parishes do have dress code to prevent parishioners from being improperly attired or rather lack of it, bearing in mind that we are coming to worship in God’s house.

You will be alright in slacks and blouse. 👍

I would always say this for people coming for the mass for the first time - be relax and do not worry if you do not know about the order of the mass. It is normal to be conscious and to think that people are looking at you. Well, they may do if it is a small parish where newcomers are instantly recognizable but when the mass start, everybody would be to his/her own. You just flow along. It is not required for you to say anything but you may if you know how or able to use the missal booklet or the songs that are being sung. As for when to kneel or stand, just follow the crowd.

God bless.
 
Welcome Jennifer!! You are about to embark on an amazing spiritual journey!

Slacks and a blouse is fine 🙂 As long as you are dressed modestly, (no skimpy stuff), you’ll be okay 😃 I am a newly baptized Catholic, so please feel free to message me with any questions!

HUGS
 
Yes, CB Catholic, that was a great message. Definitely inspired! 🙂
 
Great job, CB, Heather and Reuben!

If you want to know more about Catholicism, you may read Catholicism for Dummies,
Youth Catechism, or Catechism of the Catholic Church This website has many articles that explain what we believe under Topics.

Also, you may attend at no obligation a local parish’s RCIA group which explains the basics of the Faith with the option of receiving, Baptism, First Communion and or Confirmation as needed and desired in the future with no pressure.

Welcome, and God bless you. Try different parishes until you feel at home.
 
Clean, neat and modest. This morning I saw one old fellow wearing long, knee length shorts and a matching shirt. God was happy to see him and so was I. 🙂 Peace.
 
Welcome Jennifer! Yes, a pair of slacks and a nice blouse is ok for Mass. When you go, the best thing is to seat yourself where you can observe what is going on, that is where you can see the altar, watch the posture of the people,etc. Most parishes have a booklet which has the Mass printed so you can follow, you can ask one of the ushers to assist you. Most people refer to this booklet as a missalette. Just do what everyone else does, or you may just sit and observe. Since you are not Catholic, we ask that you not go up for Communion, but you may stay in your seat. No one will pay attention, not everyone goes up for Communion. Some people go up with their arms crossed to just receive a blessing, but this is not really approved and many parishes do not observe this custom, so I would advise you just stay seated to avoid confusion.

There is not much socializing done in a Catholic Church, so don’t feel as if people are not friendly. After Mass is when many parishes will have a coffee and donuts time, but at first you will notice the difference from your usual non-denominational churches which have plenty of greeters. People get to know each other usually by participating in parish activities and small groups. Take notice of these things in the bulletin.

The Mass is structured, and the basic parts do not change. There are 3 scripture readings and a psalm, which is usually sung, and you will notice that the prayers and responses have a lot of scripture in them. There are two basic parts of the Mass: the Liturgy of the Word, in which scripture is read and the priest or deacon preaches a short homily based on the readings, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist in which the priest prays the Eucharistic prayers and consecrates the bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Jesus, and Holy Communion is distributed. Depending on the parish and the formality of the Mass, there may be contemporary songs, traditional hymns, chanting, various instruments, no two parishes or Masses are alike in this.

The best thing is to just relax and observe and go to enough Masses to become familiar with it, and listen carefully to the prayers. There is a lot of praying. There should be cards or booklets to assist you in the pews. You also will notice various artwork, statues of Jesus and Saints, stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and of course a Crucifix. We never worship these objects. They are there to remind us of Christ and teach us and inspire us to live holy lives. We use all of our senses in our worship, from crossing ourselves with holy water to remind us of our Baptism, to hearing beautiful music, seeing the beautiful artwork, often smelling incense and flowers, and tasting the Eucharist. Everything is there to experience God more fully in our worship.

This is long and very basic, but I hope you enjoy your experience. Liturgical worship is quite different from the worship style in many Protestant churches. I have always found peace and the feeling of being safe in the rhythms and familiarity of the rituals, like a small child does when his parents read him a bedtime story. I know God is there and I am safe at home, yet it never grows stale. God bless you.
👍
 
Welcome Jennifer! Yes, a pair of slacks and a nice blouse is ok for Mass. When you go, the best thing is to seat yourself where you can observe what is going on, that is where you can see the altar, watch the posture of the people,etc. Most parishes have a booklet which has the Mass printed so you can follow, you can ask one of the ushers to assist you. Most people refer to this booklet as a missalette. Just do what everyone else does, or you may just sit and observe. Since you are not Catholic, we ask that you not go up for Communion, but you may stay in your seat. No one will pay attention, not everyone goes up for Communion. Some people go up with their arms crossed to just receive a blessing, but this is not really approved and many parishes do not observe this custom, so I would advise you just stay seated to avoid confusion.

There is not much socializing done in a Catholic Church, so don’t feel as if people are not friendly. After Mass is when many parishes will have a coffee and donuts time, but at first you will notice the difference from your usual non-denominational churches which have plenty of greeters. People get to know each other usually by participating in parish activities and small groups. Take notice of these things in the bulletin.

The Mass is structured, and the basic parts do not change. There are 3 scripture readings and a psalm, which is usually sung, and you will notice that the prayers and responses have a lot of scripture in them. There are two basic parts of the Mass: the Liturgy of the Word, in which scripture is read and the priest or deacon preaches a short homily based on the readings, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist in which the priest prays the Eucharistic prayers and consecrates the bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Jesus, and Holy Communion is distributed. Depending on the parish and the formality of the Mass, there may be contemporary songs, traditional hymns, chanting, various instruments, no two parishes or Masses are alike in this.

The best thing is to just relax and observe and go to enough Masses to become familiar with it, and listen carefully to the prayers. There is a lot of praying. There should be cards or booklets to assist you in the pews. You also will notice various artwork, statues of Jesus and Saints, stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and of course a Crucifix. We never worship these objects. They are there to remind us of Christ and teach us and inspire us to live holy lives. We use all of our senses in our worship, from crossing ourselves with holy water to remind us of our Baptism, to hearing beautiful music, seeing the beautiful artwork, often smelling incense and flowers, and tasting the Eucharist. Everything is there to experience God more fully in our worship.

This is long and very basic, but I hope you enjoy your experience. Liturgical worship is quite different from the worship style in many Protestant churches. I have always found peace and the feeling of being safe in the rhythms and familiarity of the rituals, like a small child does when his parents read him a bedtime story. I know God is there and I am safe at home, yet it never grows stale. God bless you.
It’s been my experience that those parishes that do not bestow blessings or prayers during Holy Communion usually make a big deal out of announcing they do not. Therefore if no such comment is made before Holy Communion, if you are so inclined by all means present yourself to a cleric for a blessing!
 
Every parish seems to operate differently.

Different “traffic patterns” owing to the physical layout of the church building.

Sit toward the back and observe what the others do.

Say an act of contrition. Look up the text on the internet if you are unsure.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Contrition

I say many acts of contrition.

I say “I’m sorry for my sins. Hold me in your arms, forgive my my sins, make me the way You want me to be.”

Turn your life over to Jesus.

“Lord, I turn my life over to You.”

He alone is The Judge.

Or just stay in your seat during communion. Just observe the others.

Observe for a week or two … or several weeks.

Attend daily Mass … and ask the priest after daily Mass to hear your confession. Usually there is a noon Mass and an early Mass. Check the bulletin for days and hours.

Make sure you pick up a parish bulletin after Mass … and then go to confession at the next opportunity. Hours are posted in the bulletin. Or call during the week and make an appointment with the pastor for an individual confession. My friends who did this, all said that the priest said “Welcome back”.

This is a big deal.
 
Monte, the OP is not yet Catholic, so is not eligible to go to confession yet.
Sorry … I missed that.

Many “former Catholics” have asked me how to “get back”.

But except for receiving Holy Communion, the OP can visit a Catholic Church for daily Mass and /or Sunday Mass.

Pick up a copy of the parish bulletin in the vestibule of the church building and call the priest for an appointment.
 
Every State has a style of dressing for Sunday Mass, formal or casual, but you can’t go wrong with the suggestions here with a modest & neat outfit. The first time observe what the others are wearing & adjust accordingly.
 
Thank you all for your tips and advice, I appreciate all your help. I originally converted to Christianity through the Catholic faith but never joined. So I am somewhat familiar with Catholicism. After a few years I ended up joining the mormon church, which I regret. After I left the mormon church, I started going to the nondenominational church. I feel I need to come back, but it’s been a while and I understand some changes were made. Thanks again.
 
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