Hello all,
I am a practicing Evangelical who is thinking about attending a Catholic Mass to experience what it is like and to respectfully observe the proceedings because I am curious as to the similarities and differences with my church. I haven’t been to a Catholic church in ages. I am thinking about attending on a Saturday night because I feel it would be wrong to miss my normal church service on Sunday. The Catholic churches in my city have Mass on Saturday evenings as well Sundays.
Questions:
- Would I be welcome, even if I have no intentions to convert? I am an inquirer only.
- Is there any kind of special protocol to follow besides not participating in communion or any of the other sacraments?
I don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb (a term my mother used a lot) or be disruptive in any way, although I have a feeling people will probably discern I am not Catholic by observing my deer-in-the-headlights demeanor.
Thanks in advance for your time and advice.
There may or may not be someone at the door greeting people–this is different than most Protestant parishes, and you may or may not be ushered to a seat. There usually are ushers available, though, to assist you if you need it. If you follow what the others are doing, you will be fine, although we don’t expect you to kneel during the Eucharistic prayers and Consecration as a Protestant. People don’t really think anything about it when someone does not go up to Communion, so don’t worry about that.
The first part of the Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word and consists of greetings, prayers, maybe a prayer called the Confetior (confession), prayers asking for God’s mercy for our sins, a reading from the OT (except now it’s from the book of Acts), a sung psalm with responses (sometimes it is just recited), a reading from the Epistles, and a reading from the Gospel, followed by a homily and intercessory petitions. You will hear a LOT of Scripture during the Mass. Then there is the Offertory when the collection is taken and bread and wine are brought to the altar. and the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins. The main part is the Eucharistic Prayer and the Consecration of the bread and wine and Communion. If you listen carefully to the prayers said, you will find much taken from the Bible and will be familiar with a lot of the wording. The Lord’s Prayer is recited and the Sign of Peace (usually a handshake with those around you) is given before Communion begins. Throughout the Mass there are songs and hymns, the priest may chant or sing some of the prayers. Some are standard and heard at every Mass, such as the Gloria, the Holy, Holy, Holy, and the Lamb of God. Catholics generally do not sing as enthusiastically as Protestants do in my experience, don’t be surprised.
Then we are dismissed. Don’t be afraid. If you listen to what is being said and sung , you will hear God being praised most beautifully and, like I said, a lot of Scripture. We are though, much more subdued than your average Pentecostal service, so that will be a big change for you. You will not usually see any hand-raising, hand-clapping, etc.
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, a very special day on the Church calendar. There may be incense used and the vestments worn by the priest and deacon (if there is one) will be red. Relax and enjoy the Mass. It is a beautiful prayer.
