I'm not yet a Catholic

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cccw2009

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So what can and can’t I do during mass? I know that I cannot take communion but can I do everything else, such as making the sign of the cross, or taking holy water they set out in church? My husband, who is a Catholic, says that I can make the sign of the cross and that I should, as to not be disrespectful. But when I do, I always feel uncomfortable because I’m not sure he is right. I want to do right by the Church and be respectful, so can someone please help me out? I remember reading somewhere that I should leave when they start Communion but I never do, I just stay in my seat. Is this true, should I leave? If so, I feel so embarrass that I stay during Communion but the priest never says anything. So what can I do and what can’t I?

Thank you!
 
You can do everything at Mass except receive communion and serve in certain roles like lector. You can cross yourself, use holy water, receive ashes on Ash Wednesday and palms on Palm Sunday, you name it. Nice to have you with us!
 
Many people, for various reasons, do not go forward for communion. No one will question you or be in any way critical.

It is perfectly okay for you to remain in your seat, pray and meditate.
 
I am not yet confirmed and I participate as much as I am allowed. No eucharist or Alter serving, but I do enjoy everything else…🙂
 
I’m a baptized, but not confirmed Catholic, and I second what everyone else has said. I’ve even been invited to join the choir. Really, only lectoring, Eucharistic ministering and other highly spiritually important positions are forbidden you at this time in regards to particiapting in Mass. Depending on the parish, you may or may not be allowed to stand in the communion line, but if you do, cross your arms over your heart to let the priest or server know you can only have a blessing at this time and can’t receive the Body or Blood of Christ.

You do NOT have to leave the church at Communion. What you may have seen was the dismissal of RCIA candidates who are escorted out with their leaders after the Liturgy of the Word to gain more instruction in the readings and Sacraments.
 
cccw2009 said:
Thank you so much!
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You can even go to confession! You see, some Catholics do not recieve our Lord in the Eucharist for other reasons too, mainly because he is probably in Mortal Sin, though we must not cast judgements upon that person. That is between them and God, and we have no right to interfear.
 
LoyalViews said:
You can even go to confession!
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Actually, I’m confused about thast one. I’d gone to confession a couple of times, until the priest noticed I was not receiving communion, and asked me to not go to Confession until I was ready to receive. However, our Parish Director said it was OK to go to confession, so I dunno… 🤷
 
It is important to keep in mind that these restrictions are in place even within the whole Catholic community. For instance, children who are in preparation for First Communion are not allowed to receive. Many people I know have complained that they cannot receive communion in a Catholic Church, and are offended, as such. It has always been the practice of the Church to prepare the catechumen first before they receive communion. It can be found in early documents.

See it in Justin Martyr’s 1st Apology written in the mid 2nd century, chapter 66.

Subrosa
 
As others have answered, you may make the Sign of the Cross (anytime, anywhere) and cross yourself with the holy water from the font at the church. You may even take Holy Water home and bless your own house with it, or yourself. Some people keep a small font at home for Holy Water so that they bless themselves when entering and leaving their homes. You may use any sacramental (such as Holy Water or a blessed Rosary)

You may not do that which requires full initiation, such as serve at the altar, read or cantor or receive any of the (other) Sacraments until you have been Baptised and Confirmed. Confession is somewhat different in that it depends on whether you have been Baptised or not. You may recieve Confession if you have been Baptised but not yet Confirmed, but if you haven’t been baptised, then you must wait until such time as you have before you may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You may sing in the choir, if you so desire, but the Cantor is a liturgical position which requires the fully initiated to perform.

I wish I had known this prayer when I was preparing to receive Baptism and Confirmation.

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
 
It’s hard to say what you will feel comfortable about, but if you were validly baptized, with the correct form (I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit) then you are baptized beyond all doubt.

The sign of the cross, saying the rosary, etc. are sacramentals, and you can participate in those.

Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the activities that are set up for those preparing to enter the Church - RCIA training, other group gatherings, etc.

You should learn to be at ease.

The restriction against receiving the Eucharist is very ancient and meant to teach you and as the case may be – warn you – about the holiness attached to it. This is a good thing so it is a good time to meditate on the Eucharist, for sure.

The action of partaking in the Eucharist is so simply in form but infinitely rich in meaning. It is a very profound belief we have and you can enjoy the anticipation.

When I receive the Eucharist, I pause ever so slightly to behold our Lord as the sacred bread and cup. The action should never be rushed or automatic.
 
Linda_Marie said:
As others have answered, you may make the Sign of the Cross (anytime, anywhere) and cross yourself with the holy water from the font at the church. You may even take Holy Water home and bless your own house with it, or yourself. Some people keep a small font at home for Holy Water so that they bless themselves when entering and leaving their homes. You may use any sacramental (such as Holy Water or a blessed Rosary)

You may not do that which requires full initiation, such as serve at the altar, read or cantor or receive any of the (other) Sacraments until you have been Baptised and Confirmed. Confession is somewhat different in that it depends on whether you have been Baptised or not. You may recieve Confession if you have been Baptised but not yet Confirmed, but if you haven’t been baptized, then you must wait until such time as you have before you may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You may sing in the choir, if you so desire, but the Cantor is a liturgical position which requires the fully initiated to perform.

I wish I had known this prayer when I was preparing to receive Baptism and Confirmation.

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You have already come, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
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Crumpy said:
It’s hard to say what you will feel comfortable about, but if you were validly baptized, with the correct form (I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit) then you are baptized beyond all doubt.

The sign of the cross, saying the rosary, etc. are sacramentals, and you can participate in those.

Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the activities that are set up for those preparing to enter the Church - RCIA training, other group gatherings, etc.

You should learn to be at ease.

The restriction against receiving the Eucharist is very ancient and meant to teach you and as the case may be – warn you – about the holiness attached to it. This is a good thing so it is a good time to meditate on the Eucharist, for sure.

The action of partaking in the Eucharist is so simply in form but infinitely rich in meaning. It is a very profound belief we have and you can enjoy the anticipation.

When I receive the Eucharist, I pause ever so slightly to behold our Lord as the sacred bread and cup. The action should never be rushed or automatic.
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Thank you guys! I was never baptized. I plan to take RCIA. I want to this fall. I just have to overcome my shyness and ask someone in the church. That prayer was beautiful.
 
I just wanted to add that it is not necessary to go up with your arms crossed for a blessing. This is a new phenomenon that has gained in popularity, around the English speaking world at any rate, and is not really liturgically correct. There is no need for a separate blessing because everyone receives a blessing from the priest at the end of Mass. Besides which, it allows for much more time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Having remained in my pew for nearly 2 years before I was able to receive the Sacraments, I can say that the joy of finally being one with everyone and able to join them to receive the Lord was nearly overwhelming.
 
Linda_Marie said:
I just wanted to add that it is not necessary to go up with your arms crossed for a blessing. This is a new phenomenon that has gained in popularity, around the English speaking world at any rate, and is not really liturgically correct. There is no need for a separate blessing because everyone receives a blessing from the priest at the end of Mass. Besides which, it allows for much more time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Having remained in my pew for nearly 2 years before I was able to receive the Sacraments, I can say that the joy of finally being one with everyone and able to join them to receive the Lord was nearly overwhelming.
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Thank you so much for clarifying this!
 
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