Well, I noticed that people were crossing themselves upon entering the chapel, but I wasn’t really sure how to do it right, so I just walked in and sat down.
I’m not sure exactly which part you had trouble with, but, we typically dip the right hand in the font, and cross ourselves in the name of the Father (Head), Son (chest) and the Holy (right shoulder) Spirit (left shoulder). Eastern Christians have a slightly different practice about it, but I wouldn’t worry about it (unless you’re planning on attending an Eastern Catholic mass…).
Some people did some sort of kneeling thing in the aisle too, and I wasn’t really sure what that was supposed to be.
It’s so hard for a cradle Catholic to realize that many things we do
are uncommon to other Christians. Genuflecting is one of those things, apparently. I think you’re supposed to use your right knee. I don’t recall if I was ever formally taught about that, or if I just picked it up.I probably was. Kneel on one knee and cross yourself as I described above. Notice how most people get lazy on the genuflect and kind of just do some bizarre curtsey. Hehe.
… had to cut stuff to make this post… on the creed
Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. You can follow along with the Eucharistic Prayer in the book as well, in case you didn’t know. And after a while, you’ll just find yourself reciting the whole thing to yourself like a lot of us cradle Catholics do.
In the future though, you could probably earmark the pages you want to turn to before Mass begins if you feel that would make it easier to follow.
I was impressed by the amount of Scripture that was read. Most Protestant ministers I have heard usually read a very short segment of Scripture and then talk about something related to it. I thought it was especially timely for me that the readings were from Isaiah 22 and Matthew 16, which speak of “the keys” and authority.
The way Scripture is weaved into Mass not just in the readings is good too. The Psalms too. My priest decided to talk about the Scripture reading in a personal way, which, I must say, disappointed me. I would have loved to hear a homily on authority. What can I say, though Splendid timing.
When it came time for the Eucharist, I was planning to just remain seated, but my friend told me I could cross my arms when I approached the priest and receive a blessing instead. …
Personally, if your friend knows that you can receive a blessing, I have the impression that he knows more about his Catholic faith than *most *people. That’s not a bad thing. You could also pray
the Spiritual Communion.
Before the Mass was over, the priest/chaplain told us that there were RCIA classes…
With all the research you’ve been doing, you’ll probably be sighing during the meetings trying to give a more orthodox response to everything.
So, that was my first Mass experience. My friend told me it was shorter than a normal Mass (we didn’t do any singing and the homily was short)… It was a very good experience, though, and I look forward to going again.
Personally, the quiet Mass can be just as good, if not better than the one with music-- better, even, if the quality of the music isn’t too high. Unfortuantely, being a teen, I don’t relish the idea of getting up early to go to 7:30 Mass in the morning on Sundays. But I see what the old people like about it.
(Personally, I’m not sure you’re missing out on much with the singing… but my personal bias is for the quietude.) The quiet Mass is also *shorter *due to the lack of singing.
When one speaks the words wholeheartedly, however, they are a wonderful confession of faith. I also noticed a far more reverent attitude in the chapel. As soon as I entered, it felt different. I’m used to going to churches where, as I walk in, the worship band is playing loud, energetic music and people are talking to each other about all kinds of things. I’m not saying this is bad, but I definitely appreciated the quiet, respectful attitude of worship in the chapel, even before the priest arrived.
Well, there will be plenty of parishes back in the US that have a low-buzz of chatter, but my experience
is that it is generally quiet. Of course, I don’t know what you’re comparing it to. As the genuflecting incident showed me, we take vastly different things for granted. What I consider loud you may consider quiet. (And what I consider quiet, some may consider loud!)
The quiet, respectful attitude, though, proceeds from the different views we have on the nature of the Eucharist.
It’s been amazing reading your posts, and I’ve been following them since I chanced upon your first one. Believe it or not, converts like you inspire us cradle Catholics to live our faith better sometimes. God bless.
-Rob
). When the time came to greet people and say “Peace be with you.” I had no idea what was coming and when the guy in the pew in front of me just spun around like a whirlwind and almost yelled it at me I jumped back and fell into the pew witch I think pushed the pew back an inch or to. Scared me half-to-death. The guy looked at me in a rather confused fashion, as well as most the people around me. So embarracing. But luckly I have caught on scince then.
**