I attended Catholic Mass for the 1st time.

[MyRdmrLvs]

I have wanted to see what a Catholic service was like for several weeks and I finally was able to attend one this morning. I thought it was very lovely and I admired the reverence. I tried to follow everyone standing , sitting, etc. but I did not take communion(I was told on this forum that I shouldnt). I was surprised that only one person spoke to me. She asked at the end if I was visiting and I told her yes that I had never been to a Catholic Church and she said “Oh then you didnt know what to do.” and that that was “ok”. then she left. I assume that there are other time that Catholics get together and do more fellowshipping? most people seemed to come and go without any relationship with each other. Is that normal at every mass? I was surprised how few people attended for a community of several thousand people and this is the only Catholic church. Why does the Priest pour water into the wine? Is it normal if a stranger comes to a Catholic church that no one talks to them?

 

[kozlosap]

I have wanted to see what a Catholic service was like for several weeks and I finally was able to attend one this morning. I thought it was very lovely and I admired the reverence. I tried to follow everyone standing , sitting, etc. but I did not take communion(I was told on this forum that I shouldnt). I was surprised that only one person spoke to me. She asked at the end if I was visiting and I told her yes that I had never been to a Catholic Church and she said “Oh then you didnt know what to do.” and that that was “ok”. then she left. I assume that there are other time that Catholics get together and do more fellowshipping? most people seemed to come and go without any relationship with each other. Is that normal at every mass? I was surprised how few people attended for a community of several thousand people and this is the only Catholic church. Why does the Priest pour water into the wine? Is it normal if a stranger comes to a Catholic church that no one talks to them?

I’m so sorry that your first introduction to the Church was so cold. It seems that all of us are in a hurry to get from place to place that we forget to welcome and help others that might need a little guidance in understanding the traditions of the Mass. If you go to mass again, please let one of the “greeters” at the door know that you are new to the Catholic Mass and would like someone to sit with you and explain the service as it happens. I’m sure I would be happy to help anyone who asks!

 

[JJHIII]

A reason there may not have been very much talking even among Parishoners, is that in the more traditional Churches, speaking is done outside. Upon entering the Church, Sacred Silence is observed until one leaves. This is of course out of a deep reverence for the fact that God is in the building and it is time to worship Him.

I’m more familiar with a more conservative style Church. SO I can’t answer for the newer more “modern” Churches

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Most Catholic Churches have an opportunity to fellowship afterwards in the parish halls. The Knight of Columbus provides coffee and snacks in the hall after Mass at my Church. For those who don’t go to the hall, there’s always a crowd ‘socializing’ outside the Church after Mass, as they drift off to their cars.

Many Catholics will visit a Catholic Church in other areas when travelling. We are located in a tourist area and half our congregation is often visitors. At my Church, which is small in comparison to bigger areas, the Sunday Mass is celebrated on Saturday evenings and 3 times on Sunday to accomodate all the Catholics that attend, so only the ‘regulars’ know all the local people and there’s no real way for us to recognize all the visitors from other faiths. It could very well have been accepted by the laity that you was a visiting Catholic from another area.

Being in a relatively small rural area, we see each other around. I know what’s it like to visit Churches in larger areas and if we didn’t initiate some converstations, we are rarely approached. It seems to be human nature to be slow to ‘break the ice’ with new people sometimes.

The Mass you were a part of is the same Mass that was offered in all Catholic Churches. Remember what we’ve said here, it’s one Church in many locations and we don’t recognize all at any given Mass because we will attend the closest Church at hand to celebrate the Mass.

The more you attend, I’m sure the more people will approach you just to say hello.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

This has been a complaint of mine my whole life. As an Anglican, we had greeters, tons of fellowship, coffee hour after the service to greet parishoners and new folks as well as visitors. We got greeted with great gusto and enthusiasm when we came to the Anglican Church and returned briefly to it. As Catholics, quite the opposite.

Catholicism, where fellowship is concerned, still behaves as if it is the Middle Ages and EVERYONE is a Catholic. There was no need for fellowship in the Middle Ages because every single soul in the entire town was a Catholic. You didn’t need to “greet” someone who was already a Catholic becuase all were Catholics (hope that made sense? )

So to this day the Church has not worked very hard to improve fellowship and welcoming folks into the Church. My parish just sent out a parish survey and one of the questions on there was “do you feel welcomed at each Mass? How is the welcome?” We wrote in “what welcome?” LOL…

At this point I would just focus on the Mass, the liturgy, Christ, and the theology. I would talk to a priest, inquire into RCIA if you’re interested, and check out the lay of the land. With RCIA there is a period of many weeks where one is just welcomed to inquire, no questions asked by the parish and they don’t hound or bother you if you don’t want to join. I would try to get to know folks at RCIA, talk with any Catholics you know at work or friends, keep on hanging around CAF, and try to get to know the Church that way. Mass is purely for worship and there is no fellowship nine times out of ten after Mass unless there is some special feast day, so you’ll come up empty there.

You are correct that fellowship and interaction is one of the weak points of Catholicism. NO argument there.

I’m sorry it wasn’t the experience you hoped for. I’m off to Mass right now.

I have wanted to see what a Catholic service was like for several weeks and I finally was able to attend one this morning. I thought it was very lovely and I admired the reverence. I tried to follow everyone standing , sitting, etc. but I did not take communion(I was told on this forum that I shouldnt). I was surprised that only one person spoke to me. She asked at the end if I was visiting and I told her yes that I had never been to a Catholic Church and she said “Oh then you didnt know what to do.” and that that was “ok”. then she left. I assume that there are other time that Catholics get together and do more fellowshipping? most people seemed to come and go without any relationship with each other. Is that normal at every mass? I was surprised how few people attended for a community of several thousand people and this is the only Catholic church. Why does the Priest pour water into the wine? Is it normal if a stranger comes to a Catholic church that no one talks to them?

 

[Belloc_Fan]

Why does the Priest pour water into the wine?

catholicdefense.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-bread-and-wine.html

Bascially, there are two interrelated reasons:
(1) At His Passion, Blood and water flowed from the side of Christ (John 19:34); The separation of the water from the Blood proved that Jesus died; Mixing the two celebrates the fact that He is Risen.
(3) In the waters of Baptism, we become united to the death of Christ. (Romans 6:3)

Make sense?

 

[CMatt25]

Well I’m Catholic and know what to do and I have attended many a Catholic Church in my day in different areas and I know what you are saying. At 2 local parishes where I attend now people come and go pretty much as you said. One parish does have coffee and doughnuts after @ least one of their Masses. It does have a sign on the doors saying “quiet please” although those already knowing ea other do seem to chatter some before Mass. I did have a nice gentleman though come up the side aisle from behind me and offer me the Sign of Peace on Christmas Eve when I attended there due to a better schedule there for me for Christmas Eve Masses. The folks in front of me didn’t even turn around during the Sign of Peace.

At the other parish folks chat away inside before Mass. The priests will walk among the faithful and chat along with them before Mass. When I first experienced this it kinda bothered me because it was not what I was used to. However I’ve grown to like this mingling. And ironically it is actually the more formal of the two. The EMHC wear robes. The altar flooring marble and so forth. Although I have been known to offer the sign of peace to people and will get a “look”. I figure they just don’t want my germs. But even there afterwards it is pretty much off to the races afterwards.

As far as why the attendance may not be as large as you might have expected, there are a lot of Catholics turned off nowadays by the direction the Church is going and I doubt if the scandals helped any. Perhaps too because Catholics are told they must attend or else have committed mortal sin, there could be some there only out of fear and are there only because they are told they must be.

 

[Soutane]

Because we are in the literal presence of Christ in the Tabernacle you will find most Catholics praying or meditating upon entering the Church.The only communicating is usually done in reverent whishers or sotto voce.Catholics,when praying communally rise up,as when we listen to the priest read the Gospel.We worship Christ on our knees when present on the altar.We sit for the sermon.Socializing is done after mass in front of the Church.Our Parish has coffee and sweets provided by the CWL in the basement to encourage fellowship.When I have been in a protestant church I have been taken aback by the boisterousness and general hubub prior to the start of the service(this is not a criticism)but Catholics understanding that Christ is LITERALLY and PHYSICALLY present in our Churches are restrained out of respect and awe.I have always been shocked to find that there are no kneelers in most protestant churches.

The wishing of peace to my brothers and sisters in christ certainly is fellowship.I always blow a kiss to my son who is serving on the altar as he does me.

I liken the difference between protestant and catholic fellowship to the cultural differences between Canadians and Americans.Americans are more outgoing and Canadians more reticent,but that does not reflect on either group poorly and nor should it reflect poorly on Catholics and non-Catholic Christians.

 

[brkn1]

catholicdefense.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-bread-and-wine.html

Bascially, there are two interrelated reasons:
(1) At His Passion, Blood and water flowed from the side of Christ (John 19:34); The separation of the water from the Blood proved that Jesus died; Mixing the two celebrates the fact that He is Risen.
(3) In the waters of Baptism, we become united to the death of Christ. (Romans 6:3)

Make sense?

Adding water to the wine is never described in the Bible for the Lord’s Supper.
Regardless of the reasoning for doing so, it is still what is known as adding to Scripture. This would be similar to what some Jewish believers tried to do by trying to require Gentile male believers to get circumcised. Paul condemned such nonsense.
You are not allowed to add stuff to God’s Word. It was unleavened bread and wine (not wine plus water). There is no end to adding more stuff once you start down the road of “It’s OK to add stuff.”.

 

[adstrinity]

Hey MyRdmrLvs!! I thought you had been to a Catholic Church before. Anyway, glad you lived to tell about it! Congrats!

The reason for no fellowshipping is because people are there (hopefully) for God, not anybody else. If anybody wants to meet & greet, there is a world outside. Church is where we go to talk to God, not everybody He created. We, as you know, believe God is sacramentally present; look at it this way. If you had a party at your house and everybody was mingling with each other but nobody really paid much attention or talked to you, what would be the point of the party at your place? They could just as easily not talk to you elsewhere…

Also, it could be that nobody really stayed because they are in between things and they had to go to do other things. In the same way, it could be that the church had to be cleared out and that the Mass you went to (let’s say you went to the 0930) was the one between the 0800 & the 1100. I don’t know if that was the only Mass there, or if there was a standing room only crowd, but, it could be that everybody had to get out quickly to make room for the next Mass.

I am glad you found it reverant. There’s so many horrible things you could have seen.

As for why does the priest add the water to the wine, the water, I have been told, represents us, and the wine, will become Christ’s blood. We become part of Christ. …I have READ (somewhere) that in Roman times, though, all decent people cut the wine with water because it was so strong. It could be something that has been retained from that (don’t know what this has to do with Passover, though…). If you note, it’s only a drop of water that was added to the wine.

stmargaretofscotlandparish.org/faq.html#waterTheWineWhy does the priest add water the wine at Mass? The mixing of water and wine is an ancient liturgical practice in both the east and west. Because of the wine’s heavy texture, it became customary in both secular and religious usage to dilute the wine with water to render it less strong. Early Christians continued this custom in the celebration of the Eucharist. Once established, it gained a symbolic interpretation. In the west the mingling came to represent the union of Christ with the faithful: just as wine receives water, so Christ takes us and our sins to himself. The eastern interpretation was that the wine and water represent the divine and human nature in Christ. At Rome the rite was eventually given a prayer expressing both meanings. The prayer today is an abbreviated version, said quietly by the priest. “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”

ascensioncatholicparish.org/AskaPriest/tabid/124/Default.aspx
WHY DOES THE PRIEST ADD WATER TO THE WINE? - March 20, 2005 This is done to signify that both water and blood flowed from the pierced side of our crucified Savior (John 19:34). The water and blood are symbols of Baptism and the Eucharist, the sacraments of new life. From that point on, it is possible “to be born of spirit and water” (John 3:5) and enter the Kingdom of God.

 

[CMatt25]

Catholics understanding that Christ is LITERALLY and PHYSICALLY present in our Churches are restrained out of respect and awe.I have always been shocked to find that there are no kneelers in most protestant churches…

Christ is present @ least spiritually in Protestant churches. Christ wouldn’t mingle among the people if He were walking the earth today? Apparently you haven’t been to a Catholic Chruch with chairs and no kneelers.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

There is no end to adding more stuff once you start down the road of “It’s OK to add stuff.”.

But it’s ok to add that the Bible is the ONLY authority, or that everyone should interpret scriptures for themselves, even if they receive different interpretations?

The explanation given was satisfactory, according to scriptures PLUS traditions.

 

[Mannyfit75]

. Why does the Priest pour water into the wine?

Both actions are very ancient and began as practical necessities, but eventually the necessities disappeared and were even forgotten. Later when Christians started to ask what these two gestures meant, they began to interpret the actions symbolically. While these symbols may never have been intended in the beginning, the better ones made sense and became part of our rich tradition.

In the ancient world, the Greeks added water to wine because it was often thick, and too strong. It was simply good taste to add water to wine before drinking it. The Romans loved all things Greek, so they adopted Greek manners and spread them to the lands they conquered. And even though it was not originally a Jewish custom to add water to wine, it soon became part of the Passover meal itself and, hence, part of our Mass.

As early as the fourth century, catechists explained that the water represented humanity and the wine, divinity. Once you put the water into the wine, it’s impossible to take it out again. Because of Jesus, humanity can never again be separated permanently from God. So the custom continues.

The practice of dropping a piece of consecrated bread into the cup may have started because of the ancient Roman custom of the fermentum. Christians in the suburbs could not always travel to Rome for Eucharist. So when the bishop broke the bread before Communion, he would set aside a piece for each missing group. A minister brought this fermentum to each place later, where the priest would drop it into the chalice to be swallowed–and most everyone drank from the cup in those days. Thus the bishop’s Eucharist “fermented” this celebration.

Eventually, the pope also began to set aside a piece for his next celebration. This was called the sacra and it, too, was added to the chalice to show that this Mass is a continuation of the one before it–the one sacrifice of Christ.

Priests began imitating the pope by breaking off a piece of the bread just consecrated. Some then explained this as a sign of Christ’s Resurrection. A body without blood is dead, but when Christ’s body is "reunited with his blood, Christ is risen. This gesture also continues to this day, being preserved probably because it is so ancient a custom.

Is it normal if a stranger comes to a Catholic church that no one talks to them?

Because in the Church everyone comes to worship Jesus Christ and pray. Most devout Catholics awake to received Jesus Christ himself when he is offered up as a sacrifice befor the alter. Most Catholics will tell you that the Mass isn’t a social gather to meet people. It is place of worship and prayer.

 

[kalt]

I have wanted to see what a Catholic service was like for several weeks and I finally was able to attend one this morning. I thought it was very lovely and I admired the reverence. I tried to follow everyone standing , sitting, etc. but I did not take communion(I was told on this forum that I shouldnt). I was surprised that only one person spoke to me. She asked at the end if I was visiting and I told her yes that I had never been to a Catholic Church and she said “Oh then you didnt know what to do.” and that that was “ok”. then she left. I assume that there are other time that Catholics get together and do more fellowshipping? most people seemed to come and go without any relationship with each other. Is that normal at every mass? I was surprised how few people attended for a community of several thousand people and this is the only Catholic church. Why does the Priest pour water into the wine? Is it normal if a stranger comes to a Catholic church that no one talks to them?

No one assumes that you are a “stranger”. At Catholic churches there are usually 5 Masses on the weekend. The count at one Mass doesn’t represent the total who attend.

At my parish there is a get-together after the family Mass. I’ve never attended, so I don’t know how many stop in for that.

The focus of a Catholic Mass is the Mass, not each other. So it’s not seen as a social event or a meet-n-greet. You’re more likely to get to know people by joining one of the committees, attending the social functions, joining the choir, etc.

 

[wolfgang]

I have wanted to see what a Catholic service was like for several weeks and I finally was able to attend one this morning. I thought it was very lovely and I admired the reverence…

I am so glad you were able to go.

:harp:

 

[Soutane]

Christ is present @ least spiritually in Protestant churches. Christ wouldn’t mingle among the people if He were walking the earth today? Apparently you haven’t been to a Catholic Chruch with chairs and no kneelers.

Christ is indeed spiritually present in non-catholic eclaisial congregaations but He is NOT there Physically And He is NOT consumed there Body Blodd Soul and Divinity.I have been to several Catholic Churches with no kneelers and this are a disgrace to the Sacramental presence to our Lord Jesus Christ.Kneelers or not my son and I kneel during the Consecration.

 

[JJHIII]

Adding water to the wine is never described in the Bible for the Lord’s Supper.
Regardless of the reasoning for doing so, it is still what is known as adding to Scripture. This would be similar to what some Jewish believers tried to do by trying to require Gentile male believers to get circumcised. Paul condemned such nonsense.
You are not allowed to add stuff to God’s Word. It was unleavened bread and wine (not wine plus water). There is no end to adding more stuff once you start down the road of “It’s OK to add stuff.”.

Obviously you don’t agree with what you call “adding” to the Scriptures, but you are ok with taking away from them? You reject Holy Tradition along with part of the Holy Scriptures! Lol Believe me, I know what I’m talking about, I am stuck in Non-denominationalism untill college.

 

[Mannyfit75]

Adding water to the wine is never described in the Bible for the Lord’s Supper.
Regardless of the reasoning for doing so, it is still what is known as adding to Scripture. This would be similar to what some Jewish believers tried to do by trying to require Gentile male believers to get circumcised. Paul condemned such nonsense.

No. Paul did not condemned such non-sense. Paul condemned circumcision for the Gentiles and that issue was resolved in the Council of Jerusalem by Peter.

Second, it is not adding into the Bible. The practice of adding water into wine is a “custom” or part of the liturgical norms which is ancient in origin.

You are not allowed to add stuff to God’s Word. It was unleavened bread and wine (not wine plus water). There is no end to adding more stuff once you start down the road of “It’s OK to add stuff.”.

According to whom? Paul didn’t condemned such act. In fact adding water into the wine at Mass is symbolizes the blood and water which pour out from Jesus’ side. When the Roman Soldier pierced a lance on Jesus’ side, blood and water pour forth.

 

[JRKH]

I have wanted to see what a Catholic service was like for several weeks and I finally was able to attend one this morning.

Congratulations and thank you for your open heart. I hope this will not be the last time that you attend. The mass is very beautiful and can take a few trips to really comprehend adequately.

I thought it was very lovely and I admired the reverence. I tried to follow everyone standing , sitting, etc. but I did not take communion(I was told on this forum that I shouldnt).

I was surprised that only one person spoke to me. She asked at the end if I was visiting and I told her yes that I had never been to a Catholic Church and she said “Oh then you didnt know what to do.” and that that was “ok”. then she left.

I’m sorry more people did not speak with you, bu tI’m Glad that someone DID ask. I’ve heard other people say that NO ONE spoke to them.

I assume that there are other time that Catholics get together and do more fellowshipping?

Most parishes do have other activities that are forms of “worship” such as bible studies, rosary groups, Eucharistic Adoration and so forth. But the mass is our Primary celebration. And OH what a great and marvelous thing it is - Nothing less than a personal participation in the One Sacrifice and the Grace and blessing of receiving Christ’s body Blood Soul and Divinity into ourselves at communion.
I’m sure you are use to “worship” including song and prayer but being built primarily around a sermon. The Catholic Church worship is different. Teaching is done at other times. The mass is about pure worship of God in the most Blessed Sacrament.

most people seemed to come and go without any relationship with each other. Is that normal at every mass?

Unfortunately parishes in general are NOT terribly good a welcoming strangers. Partly I think that, because parishes generally have multiple masses and people might not go to the same mass wvery week they assume a “stranger” is just someone who normally attends a different mass, or who might be visiting from another parish.
I hope you won’t let this deter you from visiting again. After all the most important person - Jesus - knew you were there.

I was surprised how few people attended for a community of several thousand people and this is the only Catholic church.

How many masses are offered on the weekend? It could be that this is not the most well attended of the masses.
Unfortunately we also have catholics who fail to live up to their “Sunday obligation”. We pray for them.

Why does the Priest pour water into the wine?

I’ve heard a couple of different reasons for this.
One is that it was a normal custom in the Jewish community to “cut” wine by the addition of water.
Another (and the one I always assumed) is that the water and wine, match the blood and water that flowed from Christ’s side at teh Crucifiction.

Is it normal if a stranger comes to a Catholic church that no one talks to them?

As I said before it is unfortunate that we do not have a robust “welcoming committee” to recognize and welcome strangers. I hope that you won’t let this deter you from future visits. The Mass has so much to offer.

I hope you are getting good answers to your questions.

Peace
James

 

[LindaSK]

As this is the first Sunday of Lent, you would have noticed more silence before and after Mass in our church, because our priest is encouraging it through Lent. We have no opening or closing hymn to promote more silence and prayer before and after Mass.

You do have a point, though. Our church has recently established an Evangelization Committee to address this very concern. The main reason is to join the congregations of 6 churches. 4 have closed within the past 2 1/2 years. One of the two still open has gone from being its own parish to being a ‘secondary worship site’ for the other. We are also hoping to be more welcoming to newcomers and visitors.

Personally, when I attend Mass at another church, I prefer to be inconspicuous. I don’t like all the chatter. I grew up in a church where quiet was expected from the moment you entered the church out of reverence to God. Personal preference and upbringing. I try to keep conversation for outside after church, with just a smile and “Hello” or nod before Mass. The time before the Mass should be a time of prayer and reflection, and preparation for worship, not socializing. Many people feel that way, so, I would hope you wouldn’t see them as being rude or offensive.

Welcome!! I hope you go back, or go to Mass at another church. Each has its own collective ‘personality.’