Going to mass alone

[beegirl]

As most of you know, my entire family is Baptist. My only other catholic family member is my 97 year old great-great-great Aunt Ethel
I got to mass with my two best friends and their family on Saturday nights.
However, for the next few weeks my friends are going to be on vacation, so I’ll have no one to go to mass with.
I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people…but it kind of is to me.
Even though Saturday night is what I like to call “the old people mass” p), with very few people, I don’t feel comfortable going and sitting alone…especially since I’m still relatively new here, and I like having someone next to me in case I forget where to kneel, stand, bow etc
I know I’m there to worship God and I shouldn’t care what people think, but still…
Anyone else go to mass alone?

 

[Sandalwood]

yes, just yesterday I went alone. I sit towards the back so if I forget to kneel or stand, I can follow other people’s leads.

It is awkward at first but after a while, you’ll feel comfortable going by yourself and may even enjoy the time, you focus totally on the Mass and don’t have a safety net of friends, just the safety net of the Lord (how corny does that sound ) It’s true though!

 

[Theophorus]

As most of you know, my entire family is Baptist. My only other catholic family member is my 97 year old great-great-great Aunt Ethel
I got to mass with my two best friends and their family on Saturday nights.
However, for the next few weeks my friends are going to be on vacation, so I’ll have no one to go to mass with.
I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people…but it kind of is to me.
Even though Saturday night is what I like to call “the old people mass” p), with very few people, I don’t feel comfortable going and sitting alone…especially since I’m still relatively new here, and I like having someone next to me in case I forget where to kneel, stand, bow etc
I know I’m there to worship God and I shouldn’t care what people think, but still…
Anyone else go to mass alone?

This may sound corny but you are never alone when you go to Mass, Our Lord is present in very real way in the tabernacle and shortly thereafter on the altar.

I know what you mean though I have often been in a similar situation, you do get used to it, I would sit behind one of the regulars and follow their lead

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

As most of you know, my entire family is Baptist. My only other catholic family member is my 97 year old great-great-great Aunt Ethel
I got to mass with my two best friends and their family on Saturday nights.
However, for the next few weeks my friends are going to be on vacation, so I’ll have no one to go to mass with.
I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people…but it kind of is to me.
Even though Saturday night is what I like to call “the old people mass” p), with very few people, I don’t feel comfortable going and sitting alone…especially since I’m still relatively new here, and I like having someone next to me in case I forget where to kneel, stand, bow etc
I know I’m there to worship God and I shouldn’t care what people think, but still…
Anyone else go to mass alone?

It is so cool that you are this interested in Mass. May God bless you always.

 

[Rochester]

I have gone to Mass alone since I was confirmed in 2008. It is a very powerful experience, and I never feel lonely, since it is an intimate worship between God and me.

Plus, without no one to watch for. and speak to, your attention is more free to go to Christ.

 

[Scoobyshme]

As most of you know, my entire family is Baptist. My only other catholic family member is my 97 year old great-great-great Aunt Ethel
I got to mass with my two best friends and their family on Saturday nights.
However, for the next few weeks my friends are going to be on vacation, so I’ll have no one to go to mass with.
I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people…but it kind of is to me.
Even though Saturday night is what I like to call “the old people mass” p), with very few people, I don’t feel comfortable going and sitting alone…especially since I’m still relatively new here, and I like having someone next to me in case I forget where to kneel, stand, bow etc
I know I’m there to worship God and I shouldn’t care what people think, but still…
Anyone else go to mass alone?

Well, sometimes I like to go to Mass alone, rather than with others. It allows me to concentrate more on what’s going on. If I were you I would definitely go, and just watch someone else, in front of you, as to the sitting, kneeling, standing, etc.

Keep in mind that your guardian angel is always there with you. And at the consecration of the Mass, choirs of angels come down from heaven, and kneel in adoration around the altar. Too bad we can’t see 'em, but they’re there!

And your prayers are heard the loudest during the consecration, don’t forget.

 

[Chopstick]

Yeah, I’ve been going alone since a bit before Easter. I’m not aware of having any Catholic relatives, and my one Catholic friend doesn’t live in my area. And just to be difficult, I have to go Saturday night, instead of Sunday morning with the rest of my RCIA group. I always just follow what everyone else is doing, though, and really haven’t had any problems with being by myself.

 

[T_Hope]

As most of you know, my entire family is Baptist. My only other catholic family member is my 97 year old great-great-great Aunt Ethel
I got to mass with my two best friends and their family on Saturday nights.
However, for the next few weeks my friends are going to be on vacation, so I’ll have no one to go to mass with.
I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to some people…but it kind of is to me.
Even though Saturday night is what I like to call “the old people mass” p), with very few people, I don’t feel comfortable going and sitting alone…especially since I’m still relatively new here, and I like having someone next to me in case I forget where to kneel, stand, bow etc
I know I’m there to worship God and I shouldn’t care what people think, but still…
Anyone else go to mass alone?

I go alone quite often! And I’m new to Mass, as you are.

Yes, it can feel intimidating. But we are there to worship God, as you say, and the truth is, no one is critiquing us new kids. Rather, they are very happy we are worshiping with them. It seems that some have noticed that I don’t receive the Eucharist, and a few Saturdays ago a woman asked me about it. I told her because I was not yet Catholic, and then we had a lovely talk, and I made a new friend. That was really nice.

If you are concerned about knowing when to kneel, stand, etc. If you’re not sure, just notice what other people are doing and follow them.

When I first began coming to Mass our Monsignor told me to give those things time. So, I would share that same thought with you. Just relax and enjoy this time of newness and the wonder and the gratitude. I still don’t know all of the responses. But it’s ok. There’s time.

So, go and enjoy the experience!!! And remember, you really are never alone, particularly at church. There are a great many unseen saints and others who are so happy you are there!! Have you noticed that? You are so not alone.

Welcome Home!

Hope

 

[GODISLOVE1970]

Hi!!! I go to Mass alone all the time!!! I am divorced 39 year old Catholic with no children and NO ONE AND NOTHING will keep me away from MY GOD - MY STRONG TOWER!!!
I go to Church to worship my GOD and all things HOLY!!! I love my fellowship with the HOLY SPIRIT as well!!! So no mortal rag whether they look at me funny or whatever will keep me away from any Church or Religious Function. They are not the judge of my soul - the GOOD LORD is!!! So please, friend, go enjoy your Mass - you are not alone anyway - you have the company of GOD, JESUS CHRIST, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY and ALL THE ANGELS AND SAINTS IN HEAVEN. You are in good company, friend, go and worship OUR GOD and be happy like me!!!

 

[judechild]

Hi beegirl,

I know how you feel; I’ve gone to Mass alone for close to five years now (since I was fourteen). Hopefully, the people at your parish will be welcoming to you, and “adopt” you so to speak. Try getting to know a few of them, and see what happens.

 

[beegirl]

Thanks guys

And just to be difficult, I have to go Saturday night, instead of Sunday morning with the rest of my RCIA group.

Ha…thats just like me I like the less crowded masses anyway.

 

[coolduude]

Just wanted to contribute to this thread.

I go to Mass alone 90% of the time, even though my family is Catholic. The first few times it was painful and awkward for me to go by myself. I say painful because it hurt having no one there beside me. Not even my own family. And it felt as if they were making fun of me back at home (I don’t know if they were or not). I almost cried a few time (I’m a guy by the way). I say it was awkward because I know a lot of people in my parish and they know my family. I figured that if they saw me there alone they would make a comment and I’d get laughed it. Secondly, I feared that if I didn’t receive the Eucharist they would make a comment and embarrass me. it was a dark time.

That was a few months ago and it’s better now, even if they don’t attend with me. I’m stronger now It might be awkward at first, but don’t sweat it. You’ll do fine

 

[Jez1519]

I always got to Mass alone, a Saturday vigil Mass. I’ll admit, i was awfully nervous the first time i went this January and felt terribly self conscious, especially when it becomes apparent that i can’t receive the Eucharist. However, once i sat and prayed awhile i remembered i was there first and foremost for Jesus so i felt more relaxed.
I wouldn’t worry about it, beegirl.

 

[army_girl]

I go to mass alone as well, since I started my journey some years ago to convert I have been alone. I know how you are feeling, I was always fearful to go alone, that I would do something wrong and offend someone … so I always sat at the back as far away from everyone else as possible. Then one day it dawned on me, who cares that there are other people there it is not them I am going to see, it is God.

 

[Musicadmirer]

And your prayers are heard the loudest during the consecration, don’t forget.

Agreed! Isn’t it wonderful? But as it is, the Mass is a prayer, and the most powerful prayer, at that.

I do go to Mass alone some of the time. Yes, it’s nice to have family with you, especially for Easter and Christmas Masses, but I don’t feel bad about attending Mass by myself when I do. In fact, when I offer up the Masses that I participate in for my loved ones, or for others that desperately need prayers, I am happy that I was able to ask for help on their behalf in this way. I also have gone to many Masses where I was the youngest by generations so I can relate to you on that aspect.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

I used to go to Mass alone all the time. Now that one of my younger brothers has converted, I go with him.

You might pray, before going, that your Mother Mary will go with you to Mass. What a blessing it would be to have her company with you in your soul throughout the experience!

 

[beegirl]

Wow. After hearing that SO many people go to mass alone, I don’t feel so bad. I’m only going alone for 2 or 3 weeks…I guess I’m really lucky to have someone to go with at all, considering I wasn’t raised catholic

I also have gone to many Masses where I was the youngest by generations so I can relate to you on that aspect.

Actually I don’t so much mind that part…call me crazy, but as a teenager i find “elderly” people much more approachable than people my own age Not like i don’t have friends my age…but I have a soft spot for little old people

 

[raaucoin]

I usually go to Mass “alone”. Particularly daily Mass. One morning one of those “older people” smiled at me. I introduced myself. They introduced me to some other older people. We look for each other every day and now- actually- I never go to Mass alone.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

I usually go to Mass “alone”. Particularly daily Mass. One morning one of those “older people” smiled at me. I introduced myself. They introduced me to some other older people. We look for each other every day and now- actually- I never go to Mass alone.

That’s lovely .

 

[Monica4316]

Hi beegirl, I always go to Mass alone… I’m a young adult… and my family is not Catholic either.