I attended Catholic Mass for the 1st time.

[MyRdmrLvs]

I work with an know people from just about every denomination and there are lousy and great examples of all of them. There are so many, many Catholics in this country that the odds say many of them will be lousy, cafeteria variety Catholics who are nominal or use Mass as a weekly ritual event, something they were raised with, rather than something deep and meaningful. In my parish you will meet many people who are alive in their faith. Our confession lines are LOOOONG on Saturdays. You’ll see a legion of folks waiting in line for confession. When we have a parish mission priest come like we’re having in March, packed. Ash Wednesday Mass is bursting at the rafters, RCIA is always loaded, there are no shortages of volunteers for all ministries. Many folks you’ll meet at my parish are enthusiastic, driven, Bible-loving, and very much into their religion.

There are many Catholics on our staff at my school (I’m a sixth grade teacher, public). 7 out of 10 of them observe the fasts, are prayerful, and overall good folks. A few pigged out on Ash Wednesday and ignore it all, go through hoops. It’s the nature of the beast.

The CAF poster is not a typical Catholic anymore than most of the Anglicans, Lutherans, Evangelicals, etc. are typical of their groups either.

I hope you’ll give the Church another try. I would also recommend going to another parish, a different one, if possible. Most towns have at least two parishes usually.

Do you plan on going again, possibly considering Catholicism someday or are you just fact-finding and trying to get ideas?

Blessings upon you this Lent!

When I first came to Christ almost 10 years ago I became almost anticatholic, after I matured in Christ I came to believe that surely some Catholics probably have salvation despite of the Catholic Church. Then My daughter came to live with us with her boyfriend(long story why I would let an unmarried couple live under our roof) her boyfriend drinks, smokes, swears, and knocked up my daughter before marriage! but He swears the Catholic Church is THE true church. So I joined this forum because he couldn’t answer any of my protestant objections. Since Joining this forum I have found a respect for your church and have renewed my enthusiasm for my own. See the thread “Thank you to the people of this forum” for more about my story. So Im not looking to Become Catholic but I am convinced you love my Jesus, You worship my LORD. and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[Linda_Marie]

I dont plan to go back again unless there is a particular service you think I should attend that might be different. I wanted to see how you worship and see what was similar and what was different from how I worship. I saw much that I liked but there was also much that I missed. I made the point to my elder at my church (whos mother is Catholic) that We seam to lean heavily(maybe too heavily) on God as Abba Father, where as Catholics (feel free to correct me) approach God a the Awesome God of the Universe. I think what we need to find is a balance of the two. My elder agreed that we could benefit from being more like the Catholics in that regard. He said he needed to go and attend Mass with his mother sometime.

Try to make the Palm Sunday Mass, Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday Service and the Easter Vigil Mass.

Palm Sunday celebrates our Lord’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and is the beginning of Holy Week. The church is decorated with palms and we all hold a piece of a palm branch for the Entrance, followed by a blessing of the palms. These palms become sacramentals and are kept until the next year when we return them to the Church before the beginning of Lent. They are then burnt for the ashes for Ash Wednesday. The readings for this Mass are very long.

Holy Thursday specifically celebrates the institution of the Eucharist with the Last Supper. One of the differences is that the priest will wash the feet of 12 parishioners in recognition of what Jesus did when He washed the disciples’ feet. At the end of the Mass, the altar is stripped bare and the reserved Hosts are removed from the Tabernacle and placed on an Altar of Repose. The empty Tabernacle is left open. Adoration follows at the Altar of Repose for as long as people remain to pray.

Good Friday is the only day of the year on which we do not celebrate Mass. We have a communion service with the Hosts which have been reserved from the Holy Thursday Mass. In addition we have the Veneration of the Cross (this is NOT worship) and the gospel reading of whole of the Passion, again, long.

Easter Vigil is the most different from other Masses. This is a long Mass, usually taking around 3 hours. We begin with the lighting of the new fire, outside of the church. The church is dark and everyone is holding a small candle. The priest blesses and light the Easter Candle from the new fire and passes the flame to first of the parishioners’ candles. We then turn to our neighbours to light their candles, signifying how the Light of Christ is passed from believer to believer. When all have their candles lit, the Exsultet is sung. (this one is in Latin, but it is usually sung in the vernacular) The lights are then turned back on and Mass continues with the readings. We have significantly more readings and psalms at Easter Vigil. After the readings, the catechumens and candidates are brought forward. The catechumens are baptised, then both the newly baptised and the candidates receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is then followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The newly Baptised and Confirmed receive Communion first as this is their First Holy Communion, followed by the rest of the parishioners. There is usually fellowship in the hall afterwards to welcome the new members of the community.

While Holy Thursday begins joyfully, we are bereft at the end as Jesus is arrested and taken away. The Good Friday service is also very somber. I have always found the Easter Vigil Mass to be very joyful, plus, for me it is the anniversary of my baptism.

Catholics regard God as both the Awesome Mighty God of the Universe and as Abba, Daddy. When you contemplate how this Awesome God is not just our Father but our Daddy, I don’t know about you, but it blows me away.

Please, consider yourself invited.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

I can recommend a small book to help one understand what’s taking place during the Mass, as well as tie it in with all the scriptures. The name of the book is [‘The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth’](http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=lamb’s supper by scott hahn&oe=UTF-8&cid=7139102190966749567&os=sellers#scoring=p). The author is Scott Hahn. Scott offers a free online course entitled ‘The Lamb’s Supper: The Bible and the Mass’. You can actually take the course without registering, if you prefer. The book or the online course would give you insight on the Mass. The online course has 6 lessons to it.

Even if you don’t attend another Mass, you would understand the Catholic view, of several things including Revelations, a bit better. The book is not a long read, and the course can be studied at your leisure.

thank you

 

[Dokimas]

It was rhetorical.​

Is telling Catholics they are wrong being responsible to yourself?​

Like men of the Church that have dedicated their entire lives to Christ, His Church, Traditions, sciptures and also come from the Church that preserved the scriptures through the ages for it to be in our hands today?

We feel the discussion between Christ and Peter in Matthew 16 is as straight forward as it gets.​

To call the mother of the Lord blessed as scriptures say, or that her soul magnifies God as scriptures say, or accept that she was full of grace as scriptures say doesn’t glorify God?

Seems we are condemned for any action we believe in and yet we do these thing to glorify God.​

Don’t worry about what I have in mind for Him, you tend my sheep as I told you to do.

What do you think of Jesus’ plan that John, the disciple that He loved, care for His mother in His earthly absence? Also, why would Jesus go against Jewish tradition that the next sibling in line care for the mother, had Mary had other children?​

To be honest, I don’t know. Are you a teacher?​

Yet, Matthew 16 is one of those straight forward reads you mentioned. I know you deny the Catholic Church was the Church of the Bible, but where does that teaching come from? It wasn’t an objection when Protestantism was formed.​

That’s right the Holy Spirit gives us the interpretation, yet you say He doesn’t give different interpretations. Then how is Protestantism justified with so many denominations with different teachings, based on private interpretations and all claiming guidance of the Holy Spirit? How is someone to know which interpretation they are following is learned or unlearned, stable or unstable, wise or unwise? Peter said the unlearned, unstable and unwise wrest scriptures even to their own destruction. He warns that we should take heed lest we be led from our own steadfastness. Seems those differences can have major implications in one’s salvation, in my opinion.​

Wait a minute, why are some Catholic beliefs challenged ‘because it’s not in scriptures’? Why are they not ‘lots of truths not mentioned in the Bible’? Can you not see the double standard here? Protestant beliefs not in the Bible are truths not mentioned, but Catholic beliefs are not biblical, period.​

Mary was immaculately conceived, perpetually a virgin and the mother of God. Peter was the leader over the Church Christ built. Christ is really present in the Eurcharist. All wrong, but we are to interpret scriptures for ourselves and the Bible is the only authority, all right. Catholics wrong, Protestants right.​

The Church of the living god is the pillar and foundation of truth. I’m wrong? The manifold wisdom of God maybe made known through the Church. I’m wrong? Christ said take disputes to the Church. I’m wrong? God did not inspire it be written that scriptures was the pillar and ground of truth. I’m wrong? God did not inspire it be written that scriptures was the place that the manifold wisdom of God maybe made known. I’m wrong? Christ did not say take disputes to scriptures. I’m wrong yet again? What happened to most of the Bible is a straightforward read?​

God did establish an authority by appointing specific men over His Church. God did not appoint multitudes, or a body of believers as the authority of His Church. Again, I see it coming, I’m wrong again and you’re right.

EDITED TO ADD: I’m sorry again MyRdmrLvs. "I truly didn’t realize I was posting in this thread debating once again. I’m off for tonight, I’m too tired to know which threads I’m in at this point…goodnight and God Bless.

You don’t have my answers in context so how do we know what ‘yes’ is for??? Your way doesn’t work. I tried and it fails because you don’t bring the whole conversation forward!!!

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

When I first came to Christ almost 10 years ago I became almost anticatholic, after I matured in Christ I came to believe that surely some Catholics probably have salvation despite of the Catholic Church. Then My daughter came to live with us with her boyfriend(long story why I would let an unmarried couple live under our roof) her boyfriend drinks, smokes, swears, and knocked up my daughter before marriage! but He swears the Catholic Church is THE true church. So I joined this forum because he couldn’t answer any of my protestant objections. Since Joining this forum I have found a respect for your church and have renewed my enthusiasm for my own. See the thread “Thank you to the people of this forum” for more about my story. So Im not looking to Become Catholic but I am convinced you love my Jesus, You worship my LORD. and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Hey MyRdmrLvs,

Send the boyfriend to us, maybe we can ‘kindle’ his fire.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

You don’t have my answers in context so how do we know what ‘yes’ is for??? Your way doesn’t work. I tried and it fails because you don’t bring the whole conversation forward!!!

I moved your points and my responses to the Mary thread so we don’t derail this one any further than we have already…

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

I was just thinking how this thread turned, before you posted your post, and apologize for my part in it. I’m glad you at least went to see for yourself, that we worship Jesus, the very same Jesus that Protestants worship, with sincere reverance for all that He did for ALL of us.

Whether you’ve seen it before or not, I meet my obligations to the Catholic Church and then go to Protestant Churches with family/friends to worship together, at times. It’s strange how my faith is never challenged in those situations as it is here.

There are Christians in this area that know me and they know that I pray for every patient we pickup, because I speak of it openly. Many of them tell me because of this, they want me if they ever need an ambulance. Of course I pray they don’t need my services, but if they do they can rest assured I’m communicating with the divine physician on their behalf.

I hope no one finds offense at my analogy of Him being a divine physician.

My new grandson had to travel two hours in the snow in an ambulance to get him to Denver to a NNIC ward. I hope that driver was praying! I would be honored to worship the Lord with you.

 

[Dokimas]

It was rhetorical.​

Is telling Catholics they are wrong being responsible to yourself? If you are wrong, it’s being responsible to you.-

Like men of the Church that have dedicated their entire lives to Christ, His Church, Traditions, sciptures and also come from the Church that preserved the scriptures through the ages for it to be in our hands today? Oh the Holy Spirits job is done by the CC???

We feel the discussion between Christ and Peter in Matthew 16 is as straight forward as it gets. What does this have to do with our discussion?​

To call the mother of the Lord blessed as scriptures say, or that her soul magnifies God as scriptures say, or accept that she was full of grace as scriptures say doesn’t glorify God? Are the ‘Beatitudes’ speak of Mary then???

Seems we are condemned for any action we believe in and yet we do these thing to glorify God. I have no clue what you feel condemned by me about.​

Don’t worry about what I have in mind for Him, you tend my sheep as I told you to do. In other words, mind your own business.

What do you think of Jesus’ plan that John, the disciple that He loved, care for His mother in His earthly absence? We’ve discussed this before. Find my comments. Also, why would Jesus go against Jewish tradition that the next sibling in line care for the mother, had Mary had other children? Jesus was accused more than once for going against Jewish tradition, because He did go against tradition more than once. So what’s your point?-

To be honest, I don’t know. Are you a teacher? You don’t know what??? I have taught for many yrs. Right now, no.-

Yet, Matthew 16 is one of those straight forward reads you mentioned. I know you deny the Catholic Church was the Church of the Bible, but where does that teaching come from? It wasn’t an objection when Protestantism was formed. No comment. I don’t know what you are responding to.-

That’s right the Holy Spirit gives us the interpretation, yet you say He doesn’t give different interpretations. Then how is Protestantism justified with so many denominations with different teachings, based on private interpretations and all claiming guidance of the Holy Spirit? I have no clue. How is someone to know which interpretation they are following is learned or unlearned, stable or unstable, wise or unwise? Using your logic, I’ll just ask my church. Peter said the unlearned, unstable and unwise wrest scriptures even to their own destruction. Am I destroying myself? He warns that we should take heed lest we be led from our own steadfastness. Agreed. Quite scary. Seems those differences can have major implications in one’s salvation, in my opinion. Is my salvation based upon whether or not Mary was perpetually a virgin?​

Wait a minute, why are some Catholic beliefs challenged ‘because it’s not in scriptures’? Why are they not ‘lots of truths not mentioned in the Bible’? Can you not see the double standard here? We spoken on this issue before. And I think I answered it above but you did not add it to your comment so I don’t know for sure. Protestant beliefs not in the Bible are truths not mentioned, but Catholic beliefs are not biblical, period. That’s not what I’ve said so please don’t but words in my ‘mouth’.-

Mary was immaculately conceived, perpetually a virgin and the mother of God. Peter was the leader over the Church Christ built. Christ is really present in the Eurcharist. All wrong, but we are to interpret scriptures for ourselves and the Bible is the only authority, all right. Catholics wrong, Protestants right. This is getting quite tiring. According to you, my beliefs on the issue is wrong and yours are right. So what’s your point?-

The Church of the living god is the pillar and foundation of truth. I’m wrong? The manifold wisdom of God maybe made known through the Church. I’m wrong? Christ said take disputes to the Church. I’m wrong? God did not inspire it be written that scriptures was the pillar and ground of truth. I’m wrong? God did not inspire it be written that scriptures was the place that the manifold wisdom of God maybe made known. I’m wrong? Christ did not say take disputes to scriptures. I’m wrong yet again? What happened to most of the Bible is a straightforward read? Round and round the merry-go-round and I’m not sure well be getting off soon enough to get anywhere. I don’t mean to be unkind but this is tiring.​

God did establish an authority by appointing specific men over His Church. Yep God did not appoint multitudes, or a body of believers as the authority of His Church. So you say; oh yes, it’s your church that told you. Again, I see it coming, I’m wrong again and you’re right. I’m confused too.

EDITED TO ADD: I’m sorry again MyRdmrLvs. "I truly didn’t realize I was posting in this thread debating once again. I’m off for tonight, I’m too tired to know which threads I’m in at this point…goodnight and God Bless.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

EDITED TO ADD: I’m sorry again MyRdmrLvs. "I truly didn’t realize I was posting in this thread debating once again. I’m off for tonight, I’m too tired to know which threads I’m in at this point…goodnight and God Bless.

thats ok you are both my friends. God Bless

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

Hey MyRdmrLvs,

Send the boyfriend to us, maybe we can ‘kindle’ his fire.

When I told him that the people on the forum were not sympathetic to his excuse for not attending Mass he basically questioned how well informed you all were, and cautioned me about getting answers about the Catholic Church on the internet. then I decimated his claim that he should only attend a latin mass with what I learned here. then he changed his whole story to the local priest goes on tangents that contradict Catholic Dogma! they moved out last week so I dont see him much any more.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

When I told him that the people on the forum were not sympathetic to his excuse for not attending Mass he basically questioned how well informed you all were, and cautioned me about getting answers about the Catholic Church on the internet. then I decimated his claim that he should only attend a latin mass with what I learned here. then he changed his whole story to the local priest goes on tangents that contradict Catholic Dogma! they moved out last week so I dont see him much any more.

You know, I think you and I will agree, and I’m sure some Catholics will disagree with me, but Peter spoke in tongues so that everyone heard the Gospel in their native tongue. There are Latin Mass Catholic proposers that don’t seem to understand that a Latin Mass is not understood by a large portion of people who don’t speak Latin. How are we to understand what the Church teaches if we don’t speak the language? I think the Mass in native languages is a good thing myself, but hey that’s just me.

The boyfriend would have been shocked silly to see how informed most Catholics are on these forums, and if we’re not, the forum ‘administrators’ are extremely well informed. There are some very big apologist names behind the scenes here and on the materials being offered, but he should’ve come here to see for himself.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

.

See responses on the Mary thread…

 

[BernadetteM]

Most Catholic Churches in my area are very large with many people attending. The one I attend is smaller and I have been there for two years now and I am just now gettng to know more people.

I have been on both sides of the fence as I am a convert from the Episcopal church and I really had no one come up to me to greet me or converse with me at the coffee hour.

I did meet a couple who became friends with me and still are. In my last parish that was Anglo Catholic I did get to know several members. I am going to be joining an organization in my parish and that will be very helpful in getting to know more of the parishioners.

Also this is just my opinion, but I have never liked people coming over to me in church and making any kind of fuss over me being new. I like to spend my time praying and feel uncomfortable when others are all over me. I guess this comes from attending protestant churches with my friends when I was younger, as usually their motive was to get me to attend their church.

In most of the Catholic parishes I have visited there will always be one or two who say hello. I think a person needs to become involved in their parish and not expect others to always be the ones to approach you.

I understand that many do need the feeling of being part of the community, but there are people who like me want to make friends on my own terms.

Also when I attended Episcopal churches I found many clicks. If your husband didn’t attend you were left out when others got together. As I said the only parish that welcomed me was the Anglo Catholic parish I attended for years. Apparently there are friendly parishes in all denominations and some that aren’t. It is always easier to feel more a part of a small parish than when thousands of people come to one of several Masses. I attended Ash Wednesday and only recognized one or two people.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[CMatt25]

Since Joining this forum I have found a respect for your church and have renewed my enthusiasm for my own. See the thread “Thank you to the people of this forum” for more about my story. So Im not looking to Become Catholic but I am convinced you love my Jesus, You worship my LORD. and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

brother and you are ours.

 

[BernadetteM]

Sounds good, thanks, I did think it was a very nice presentation of communion(cant spell eucerist:blush I would have been completely lost were it not for what I have learned here at CAF. I was noticing how the Priest wiped the implements as if to save every crumb. And only a few people drank the blood. I wondered what they thought when I didnt participate.

I wouldn’t worry one bit about what others thought about you not receiving, many Catholics do no receive for various reasons. The one thing I like about the Catholic Church is people aren’t watching what I am doing, they are or should be worshiping Christ during Mass.

I don’t think others really pay much attention to how others are saying the prayers or singing, this attitude might also be why it appears Catholics aren’t friendly, maybe they don’t want to embarrass the person by assuming they don’t know what they are doing and are afraid to offend the person by showing them how to follow the missal etc.

I attended my friends mega church and not one person said hello to me, I believe that when you have hundrends of people attending a service people don’t appear to be that friendly. This doesn’t bother me at all.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[JRKH]

Oh I wouldnt say it was cold, that would be over stating it. I actually got a nice feeling from that lady who spoke to me. I was embarrassed when she turned to me and said “blessings to you” and i just said “thank you” then I realized everyone was saying “blessings to you” to each other:blush:. there were no greeters one lady did say “good morning” as she walked by. this is very different from my church but I wasnt meaning to sound critical. I spoke with some people at my church about my experience at the Mass and they said that the Mass is not a time that Catholics fellowship but that they have other events that are for that.Is that correct? though I do wonder how would someone find themselves at these other events if they are not invited? they did mention a soup dinner on Friday night but I couldnt tell if they were saying anyone could attend or was it something that only members should go to.

As far as events and “groups” etc. There should be weekly bulletins available at the exits after mass. Pick one up on the way out. It should list any events upcoming.
Dinners and such are generally open to the public, and are often a way to raise money. The boy scouts at our Church raise money every year with Friday Fish Fry’s during lent.
Other things like Bible study and such would also be open to you but you may want to contact the parish office to find out when a “new one” is starting. Unless you don’t mind just strting in the middle of something.

Hope that helps.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

I know several people who say they are Catholic or at least were raised in a Catholic family but I dont know anyone who attends mass or lives their lives in a way that seems to indicate that Christ is important to them. It is really friends Ive met on this forum that made me want to see how Catholics worship.

I’m sorry your experience of “catholics” have not been good examples. But I’m glad you rexperience here has been a positive one. The folks you have met are what we refer to as, “Fallen away Catholics”. I was one for many years, though I did not refer to myself as catholic most of that time. It seemed hypocritical to me to claim to be catholic when I was not active and was not believing. Unfortunately many do not seem to share that view.
i’m sure you will meet many good catholics as you continue to explore The Church and you will be impressed by them.

I thought the things recited by the congregation were beautiful! I wondered if I could get something like that started in my church.

Perhaps you could, but my suspicion is that they would find it to be “Too Catholic”.
Most protestant communities still seem to have an aversion to anything that smacks of catholicism. Perhaps yours is different.

Of course you could just come on Home to the Church and be able to participate fully in the mass and communion. (hint hint )

Peace
James

 

[eucharisteo]

Imagine for a moment that your are in a pallace before the king. Most people would not break out in casual conversation until they have exited the Kings court. Many Catholics would feel very awkward to do so and most likely they’d avoid the conversation until much later. They would most likely make their way outside or into a gathering area before speaking.

After mass, we are sent to bring Christ to the world, Literally. We have just consumed the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ in the real presence of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Mass, the Eucharist. Protestants or uncatechized Catholics may not realize the importance of this sending. But as a way of helping people socialize our parish offers a time for coffee and donuts in a room next door adjacent to the parish school. It’s open after every mass except on certain solemnities. Sometimes there are booths setup to show what’s happening in the parish or diocese. It’s possilbe that the parish you visited had something like this.

Socializing is separate from the worship, rightfully so, because we are there to worship Christ the King, not entertain ourselves. At least that’s the idea. Reverence is appropriate. But I’m impressed that you noticed the reverence. Sounds like a good parish.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

I wouldn’t worry one bit about what others thought about you not receiving, many Catholics do no receive for various reasons. The one thing I like about the Catholic Church is people aren’t watching what I am doing, they are or should be worshiping Christ during Mass.

I don’t think others really pay much attention to how others are saying the prayers or singing, this attitude might also be why it appears Catholics aren’t friendly, maybe they don’t want to embarrass the person by assuming they don’t know what they are doing and are afraid to offend the person by showing them how to follow the missal etc.

I attended my friends mega church and not one person said hello to me, I believe that when you have hundrends of people attending a service people don’t appear to be that friendly. This doesn’t bother me at all.

Yours in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Bernadette

my consern was mostly that I was intruding or that I might be a distraction to the worshipers. I wanted to observe in a way that wouldnt take away from what others were there for. Part of me though, Im not a Catholic and dont plan to become Catholic so I am intruding on their worship. The other part of me thought this place belongs to Christ and I belong to Christ so sit in the back and try not to be distracting. then others arived after me and filled in around me and durring communion they all filed past me.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

Perhaps you could, but my suspicion is that they would find it to be “Too Catholic”.
Most protestant communities still seem to have an aversion to anything that smacks of catholicism. Perhaps yours is different.

Of course you could just come on Home to the Church and be able to participate fully in the mass and communion. (hint hint )

Peace
James

My wife and I joined our church about 8 1/2 years ago and I dont think Ive ever heard a negative word about the Catholic Church from the pulpit. My wife and I have a very ugly history and I dont think we would be welcome at the Catholic church. see the thread “thank you to the people of this forum” and you will understand. we were very messed up people before coming to the Lord and people at the church we are in really embraced us and came along side us and helped us learn how to live as Christians. My wife has has a horrible life story and she bore many emotional scars, she has really learned that there are people who do love her and care about her and I cant imagine the Lord would want me to pull her away from those people.