I attended Catholic Mass for the 1st time.

[JRKH]

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.

Trust me - Most of those around you didn’t give it s second thought. We are always “climbing over each other” at communion.
And you are definitately NOT intruding. Glad to have you come and learn.

I don’t know if you sat way in the back or not (probably did) but when you go again, try sitting far forward. It makes a huge difference in my opinion. There are less “distractions” between you and the Altar. It’s easier to concentrate on the prayers. Also you will be better able to observe people receiving communion.
As for the issue of people getting around you, if you try to sit at end of the pew near the center aisle you can just stand up and step into the aisle out of everyones way while they leave the pew. Then simply sit back down and no problem as they come back. You can also sit at the far end of the pew and step out as people come back if that is more comfortable for you. The point is that no one is going to think it odd or “wrong”. As Bernadette said, there are many reasons why a catholic will not receive communion at a particular time.

Just a quick question.
You mentioned earlier about getting certain things started at your church. What things in particular? What impressed you about the mass that you “want to take back with you”?

Peace
James

 

[Lapey]

I note that you say one drop and then you say it is to dilute the wine, which one drop does not do. There seems to be an implication that they made inferior wine back then, which I rather doubt. Christ no longer takes our sin to or upon Himself. That happened only once during the appointed time at Calvary. I understand the symbolism that might come from water, but that does not justify adding water to the wine. It is not mentioned in Scripture for the Lord’s Supper, so why do so on the assumption that it is a proper thing to add due to symbolism. You first claim that the bread and wine are not symbolic and now you add water as a symbol. Where is the consistency in this?
You might also add some leaven to the bread for our sin which Christ bore for us on the Cross. I say this to show where adding stuff might end up.
Catholics base their claim to authority on their interpretation of the Bible and then they turn around and seem to say that they can add to God’s Word.
Your church also says that “…through God’s will, grace is not conferred on anyone without Mary’s cooperation.” I will not go into this claim, but I will mention that Karl Keating defends this claim with: “True, scriptural proofs for this are lacking.” as he tries to defend such unbiblical claims some other way.
I see a strong contradiction in such a dismissal of Scripture.

You really need to get past this “it’s not inthe bible” junk, for scripture itself tells us that Jesus said not all is written.

There is a simple but meaningful prayer the priest silently prays when this is doen, “by the mixing of this wine, and this water, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ.”

The wine represents Jesus in this moment and we are the water.

Where are cars mentioned in the bible??? Do you ride a donkey to work?

 

[crazzeto]

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.

One must understand that first and formost, the Mass isn’t about community fellowship, a good homily (sermon you might call it), or even good instruction (though the Church has always done it’s best to provide that). First and formost the Mass is about the celebration of the Eucharist (communion), and I’m happy to read you decided to abstain as you can not truthfully claim to be in full communion with Rome. The Eucharist is the greatest gift given to man, it is Christ truely present to us, to be consumed so that we can have ever lasting life, and for the forgiveness of sins. Given this, the type of casual conversation some protestants may expect, is not appropriate.

Everything else is secondary to this, though I will say what seperates a very good parish from a lackluster parish is one that goes above and beyond merely providing the host validly. My parish frequently offers coffee and doughnuts after services for fellowship. Also I’d recommend taking home the bulliten they must have been handing out, in there you will (probably, if it’s a well run parish) find a wealth of ministries for people to get involved with.

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?

A number of reasons, first of all because this would have been normal in Christ’s time. Back then, wine was transported as a syrup, one needed to add water to it for it to be drinkable. Also, it serves as a symbole of our humanity being mixed in with Christ’s divinity, which allows for the divine adoption of man kind which is how percisly, we are saved. So you can think of it this way, a drop of water is poured into a much larger quantity (i.e. and ocean of) wine, for ever mixing with it and becoming indistinguishable with it.

 

[twopekinguys]

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.

I work with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in our parish. This is the process/program that helps educate adults about the Catholic faith, with the ultimate end of joining the Catholic Church.

I read, and commented on your Thank You thread, because it really touched my heart.

EVERYONE is welcome in the Catholic Church. We all have a past of one sort or another. I have heard many many stories about peoples lives before they joined the Church. I have even worked with convicted felons in a Federal Prison here in our city, helping them strengthen their faith, and helped bring them into the Church.

We are ALL sinners. (even though some may not think so) Remember, Christ didn’t hang around with all the Kings, wealthy, etc. He ministered to tax collectors, thieves, and regular sinners, just like you and me.

One portion of the Mass that strikes my heart each time we recite it is, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the world and I shall be healed”

Remember, you ARE welcome, and don’t let anyone try to tell you otherwise.

 

[JRKH]

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.

Thank you for sending me to that thread. I had no idea. I guess we really Don’t know a lot about the folks on here do we.

But let me say this. I was not far behind you. Maybe a little less volatile but just as self centered and sinful.
I was raised catholic and slid away from the Church after getting my girlfriend pregnant and getting married. We then proceeded to realy mess up our lives and the life of our son. I won’t go into details but it involved much fighting, much drugs, and much self centered and destructive behavior. We finally Split and I remarried outside the Church. I figured I could not get an annullment (necessary for me to return to the sacraments) so I figured I was out of luck since I had already eliminated protestantism as an option.
So here I was - a “Catholic” who wasn’t - and couldn’t be
A wife whom I love dearly and who developed Alzheimer’s had to be my first priority.
Then - Like you - someone stepped in.
First God gave me a message that He was looking out for my wife and I. I was very clear and unmistakable. It took be back when I “heard it”.
Then My Godfather (who is my uncle), whom I hadn’t talked to for sometime wrote me a letter encouraging me to seek an anullment. Long story short, I did and it was granted.

God works in many wonderful and mysterious ways and one thing I can assure you of. He would never give you an interest in the Catholic Church only to prevent you from joining if you wanted to. So with that in mind, and not trying to press you, Just keep trusting in The Lord. If he is calling you home into The Church, He will provide the way.

Peace
James

 

[BernadetteM]

This is probably incorrect, but I always felt that mixing the water with the wine was because when Christ was on the cross water poured out of Him.

If someone who knows please post if that might be the reason.

Yours in the Hearts of Jeus and Mary

Bernadette

 

[Jimmy_Reno]

I know how you feel. When my wife and I first visited the parish we still attend to this day, not only was it somewhat unwelcoming, but our oldest son, who was about 3 at the time, made a slight noise and the lady in front of us turned around and said she wished we would just leave as our child was a distraction.

He wasn’t crying and literally made one small noise. We were horrified and almost didn’t go back. Thanks to the persistence of a very special permanent deacon at that parish we did return, converted and realized there were many wonderful people in that community.

The lack of feeling welcomed and wanted is an area I wish the parish’s would focus more on. Ours has and it has led to growth for us.

 

[JRKH]

This is probably incorrect, but I always felt that mixing the water with the wine was because when Christ was on the cross water poured out of Him.

If someone who knows please post if that might be the reason.

Yours in the Hearts of Jeus and Mary

Bernadette

This was always my take on it as well and I believe the Church recognizes this as a legitimate aspect. However the main reason seems to be that adding water to wine was a normal practice in the 1st century.

Peace
James

 

[adstrinity]

This is probably incorrect, but I always felt that mixing the water with the wine was because when Christ was on the cross water poured out of Him.

If someone who knows please post if that might be the reason.

Yours in the Hearts of Jeus and Mary

Bernadette

I already posted this and a link to this earlier in the thread.

 

[BernadetteM]

I already posted this and a link to this earlier in the thread.

Thank you for informing me. I didn’t read through all the posts. Which number post was it? Were you able to give the correct reason for the water, I would be interested in knowing myself.

God Bless

Bernadette

 

[LindaSK]

Daily Masses are usually attended by ‘regulars’. I love Daily Mass. I don’t miss the music anymore - I’m a church musician. People at Daily Mass are more likely to recognize you as a new face. It’s a different, more personal experience. It’s easier to be just part of the crowd at a weekend Mass. Responses are recited, rather than sung, so you could follow more easily in the Missal, and participate at your comfort level. It’s a little difficult to put the differences in words, but, I wish, if you have an interest in experiencing Catholic worship again, you would attend a Daily Mass.

God bless

 

[Holly3278]

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?

At most Catholic Churches, people are silent before Mass out of reverence for the presence of Jesus (the Eucharist) in the tabernacle. There are plenty of other opportunities for fellowship such as Bible studies and RCIA. I would highly encourage you to join RCIA so that you may learn more about what Catholicism teaches and then you can even join Catholicism if you feel led to do so.

 

[adstrinity]

Thank you for informing me. I didn’t read through all the posts. Which number post was it? Were you able to give the correct reason for the water, I would be interested in knowing myself.

God Bless

Bernadette

Post 10. forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=6317512&postcount=10 There were a few reasons given and two posts.

 

[eucharisteo]

I have this idea in my head that I gained from my Protestant experience. I’ve heard there are parishes (I almost said congregations) that actually exist like my thoughts. But I would think that building a parish Church within a …say dome… would provide a place for the congregants to gather within an enclosure for shopping in a book store, Coffee shop, gift store, etc…maybe even bible classes manned like CCD…And of course CCD for adults as well as children at the same time. Protestants really have this part greased like a fine machine. We see similar structures like this popping up all over the country called mega churches or non-denoms. There is something to this. This provides the feeling of community. Maybe we perceive differently now or in this country.

Just brain storming for solutions.

 

[JRKH]

I have this idea in my head that I gained from my Protestant experience. I’ve heard there are parishes (I almost said congregations) that actually exist like my thoughts. But I would think that building a parish Church within a …say dome… would provide a place for the congregants to gather within an enclosure for shopping in a book store, Coffee shop, gift store, etc…maybe even bible classes manned like CCD…And of course CCD for adults as well as children at the same time. Protestants really have this part greased like a fine machine. We see similar structures like this popping up all over the country called mega churches or non-denoms. There is something to this. This provides the feeling of community. Maybe we perceive differently now or in this country.

Just brain storming for solutions.

Yes - and many parishes are trying to reach out to others in evangelization. Our parish has information in the vestibule including CD’s that can be taken for a small donation. We offer Bible studies, and coffee after some of the masses etc.
We just don’t make “evangelization” a top priority for every member of the parish like some of these “megachurches” do. This is a good thing in my opinion.

Most catholics are simply not properly prepared to preach and defend their faith.
The Catholic faith, with its nearly 2000 years of teaching history is so deep and so full, and so misunderstood, that most catholics (myself included) have only scratched the surface of understanding all that is available in our rich and fertile faith. These “catholics” could do more harm than good.
But I digress

I wonder how many people just “walk into” one of these non-denominational magachurches like MyRdmLvs did when coming to mass and are overwhelmed with “welcome”. I suspect that in most cases someone comes to The Church as the guest of, or at least knowing, another member. Perhaps they spoke to someone at work, or on a street corner. They then see this person and they begin talking. In other words it’s not as much of a “common” welcome as some might imagine.

In any event The Church, in each parish, should continue to do outreach, try to be open and inviting and welcoming. They should also work to “re-catachize” and to help fallen away catholics to return to and grow in the faith.

Peace
James

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

Trust me - Most of those around you didn’t give it s second thought. We are always “climbing over each other” at communion.
And you are definitately NOT intruding. Glad to have you come and learn.

I don’t know if you sat way in the back or not (probably did) but when you go again, try sitting far forward. It makes a huge difference in my opinion. There are less “distractions” between you and the Altar. It’s easier to concentrate on the prayers. Also you will be better able to observe people receiving communion.
As for the issue of people getting around you, if you try to sit at end of the pew near the center aisle you can just stand up and step into the aisle out of everyones way while they leave the pew. Then simply sit back down and no problem as they come back. You can also sit at the far end of the pew and step out as people come back if that is more comfortable for you. The point is that no one is going to think it odd or “wrong”. As Bernadette said, there are many reasons why a catholic will not receive communion at a particular time.

Just a quick question.
You mentioned earlier about getting certain things started at your church. What things in particular? What impressed you about the mass that you “want to take back with you”?

Peace
James

I thought it was beautiful when the congregation recited the statement of faith and other responses to things the priest said.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

I work with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in our parish. This is the process/program that helps educate adults about the Catholic faith, with the ultimate end of joining the Catholic Church.

I read, and commented on your Thank You thread, because it really touched my heart.

EVERYONE is welcome in the Catholic Church. We all have a past of one sort or another. I have heard many many stories about peoples lives before they joined the Church. I have even worked with convicted felons in a Federal Prison here in our city, helping them strengthen their faith, and helped bring them into the Church.

We are ALL sinners. (even though some may not think so) Remember, Christ didn’t hang around with all the Kings, wealthy, etc. He ministered to tax collectors, thieves, and regular sinners, just like you and me.

One portion of the Mass that strikes my heart each time we recite it is, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the world and I shall be healed”

Remember, you ARE welcome, and don’t let anyone try to tell you otherwise.

thank you for your kind words!
She is twice divorced, once for her first husband who molested her daughter and once from a guy who was having sexual fantacies about the same daughter when she was 12, are these proper grounds for divorce in the Catholic church? When we were first told by a very funamentalist minister that we were living in sin and needed to move apart or marry, we had not yet read the Bible and we were willing to do whatever He told us to be right with God. We marriied and then I read the scriptures on divorce a short time later. I went and asked my boss If I shouldnt stay with my new wife and he told me “you cant undo one sin by committing another” so we stayed together.

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

Thank you for sending me to that thread. I had no idea. I guess we really Don’t know a lot about the folks on here do we.

But let me say this. I was not far behind you. Maybe a little less volatile but just as self centered and sinful.
I was raised catholic and slid away from the Church after getting my girlfriend pregnant and getting married. We then proceeded to realy mess up our lives and the life of our son. I won’t go into details but it involved much fighting, much drugs, and much self centered and destructive behavior. We finally Split and I remarried outside the Church. I figured I could not get an annullment (necessary for me to return to the sacraments) so I figured I was out of luck since I had already eliminated protestantism as an option.
So here I was - a “Catholic” who wasn’t - and couldn’t be
A wife whom I love dearly and who developed Alzheimer’s had to be my first priority.
Then - Like you - someone stepped in.
First God gave me a message that He was looking out for my wife and I. I was very clear and unmistakable. It took be back when I “heard it”.
Then My Godfather (who is my uncle), whom I hadn’t talked to for sometime wrote me a letter encouraging me to seek an anullment. Long story short, I did and it was granted.

God works in many wonderful and mysterious ways and one thing I can assure you of. He would never give you an interest in the Catholic Church only to prevent you from joining if you wanted to. So with that in mind, and not trying to press you, Just keep trusting in The Lord. If he is calling you home into The Church, He will provide the way.

Peace
James

I am so pleased that you found your way home. I am too open minded to not admit that God could be using this forum to move me to the Catholic Church but He has a few big hurtles to bring me through( He is able if that is His will). How is your wife now?

 

[JRKH]

thank you for your kind words!
She is twice divorced, once for her first husband who molested her daughter and once from a guy who was having sexual fantacies about the same daughter when she was 12, are these proper grounds for divorce in the Catholic church? When we were first told by a very funamentalist minister that we were living in sin and needed to move apart or marry, we had not yet read the Bible and we were willing to do whatever He told us to be right with God. We marriied and then I read the scriptures on divorce a short time later. I went and asked my boss If I shouldnt stay with my new wife and he told me “you cant undo one sin by committing another” so we stayed together.

First allow me to jsut make one small correction. The Catholic Church does not speak in terms of “divorce”. That is a secular legal term. The Church speaks in terms of annulment. That is, the Church looks at whether the previous marriage(s) were sacramentally valid or not.
The best bet in your case would be to speak to a priest and get hooked up with someone who knows the process. They would be able to tell you if an annullment is probable and how best to proceed.
This at least would give you some peace of mind should you continue to feel drawn to The Church.

Peace
James

 

[MyRdmrLvs]

I know how you feel. When my wife and I first visited the parish we still attend to this day, not only was it somewhat unwelcoming, but our oldest son, who was about 3 at the time, made a slight noise and the lady in front of us turned around and said she wished we would just leave as our child was a distraction.

He wasn’t crying and literally made one small noise. We were horrified and almost didn’t go back. Thanks to the persistence of a very special permanent deacon at that parish we did return, converted and realized there were many wonderful people in that community.

The lack of feeling welcomed and wanted is an area I wish the parish’s would focus more on. Ours has and it has led to growth for us.

So much for “suffer the children to come”! Without love we have nothing.