? Little things before, during, after the Mass?

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When the priest announces that he is about to read the Gospel, the congregation responds by doing signs on the forehead, lips and neck (I think). What exactly are they doing?

For a long time I thought everyone was crossing themselves (so that’s what I did), until I looked to the side of me a few weeks ago and realized they were doing something else. Will someone explain the difference to me?

Also, I would like some clarification about blessing yourself with the holy water. I see some people dip their fingers in the holy water and cross themselves when they walk in, but others don’t (especially if they’re late). Most people do after the Mass has ended, though. Are we supposed to do it both times?

If someone is not Catholic but wants to participate in the Mass, I know they aren’t too take the Eucharist, but they are allowed to receive a blessing from the priest. Is there a proper response after the blessing is given? (i.e., Crossing oneself, saying “Amen,” or thanking the priest?)

Also, should unbaptized Christians not bless themselves with the holy water before and after Mass since they haven’t been baptized yet?
 
They are making the sign of the cross with their thumb and forefinger. God’s Word be in my mind, God’s Word be on my lips, God’s Word be in my heart.

Holy water is a sacramental. I have always blessed myself coming into Church - into the presence of the Most High and upon leaving Church as I go back into the world.

I have to say I haven’t seen any non-Catholics present themselves at Communion. I know it can be done and that the proper response is “Amen”. Catholics who are not in a state of grace can also present themselves at Communion for a blessing.

Unbaptized Christians. Hmm. Christians by definition are baptized. Unbaptized believers, say. Again, holy water is a sacramental not a sacrament. If a priest can bless our animals with holy water on St. Francis’ feast day, and our homes, etc. I would think that anyone could be blessed with holy water.
 
When the priest announces that he is about to read the Gospel, the congregation responds by doing signs on the forehead, lips and neck (I think). What exactly are they doing?

It’s called the little sign of the Cross. Done with the words “Lord be on my mind, in my heart, and on my lips”

For a long time I thought everyone was crossing themselves (so that’s what I did), until I looked to the side of me a few weeks ago and realized they were doing something else. Will someone explain the difference to me?

And that would also be just fine. But now you know.

Also, I would like some clarification about blessing yourself with the holy water. I see some people dip their fingers in the holy water and cross themselves when they walk in, but others don’t (especially if they’re late). Most people do after the Mass has ended, though. Are we supposed to do it both times?

In or out is just fine. I know at my parish he Holy water is in a central pool and not nead all the doors so not every one uses it. We should have a small font at every door, instead of one big pool.

If someone is not Catholic but wants to participate in the Mass, I know they aren’t too take the Eucharist, but they are allowed to receive a blessing from the priest. Is there a proper response after the blessing is given? (i.e., Crossing oneself, saying “Amen,” or thanking the priest?)

My personal opinon is that they should not approach, but remain in their pew.

Also, should unbaptized Christians not bless themselves with the holy water before and after Mass since they haven’t been baptized yet?

Holy water is a sacramental and can be used by anyone to receive Actual Grace.
 
GIMJ said:
If someone is not Catholic but wants to participate in the Mass, I know they aren’t too take the Eucharist, but they are allowed to receive a blessing from the priest. Is there a proper response after the blessing is given? (i.e., Crossing oneself, saying “Amen,” or thanking the priest?)
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At our Parish, those inelligible to receive communion approach in turn with arms crossed, palms flat next to body against each shoulder. This is an indication you are not elligible for communion.

Before becoming Catholic, I was told to just sit in the pew as well. Then many years later, for the children not old enough or those in RICA, they were told to approach with the arms crossed and recieve the blessing. I would guess the proper response is “Amen!”
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
Also, should unbaptized Christians not bless themselves with the holy water before and after Mass since they haven’t been baptized yet?
Holy water is a sacramental and can be used by anyone to receive Actual Grace.
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What do you mean by receiving Actual Grace? How can that be received with holy water if a person has committed mortal sin and has not yet been reconciled? Wouldn’t that be used to circumvent confessions?

**
Thanks for answering all my other questions, btw!!** 👍
 
Eileen_T said:
Try this: Why Do Catholics Scratch Their Head Before the Gospel Reading: A Very Simple Guide to the Catholic Mass
grigaitis.net/?doc=articles/guide.html
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Thanks! I read that just now and it does help. I’m glad to know more about what the priest prays during the Mass since we don’t hear everything. 🙂

I think I’m going to go to Mass again tomorrow morning so that I can put my new knowledge into practice and hopefully make it a better worship experience.
 
GIMJ said:
What do you mean by receiving Actual Grace? How can that be received with holy water if a person has committed mortal sin and has not yet been reconciled? Wouldn’t that be used to circumvent confessions?

**
Thanks for answering all my other questions, btw!!** 👍
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Sanctifying grace is what keeps us in a state of union with Christ and holiness. It is distinct from the particular “actual” graces which anyone can receive from God at anytime.
 
In our church youngsters who goto the communion rail kneel and cross their arms placing their hands on their shoulders. This lets the priest know they are there for a blessing.

Not sure if you could do that.
 
GIMJ said:
What do you mean by receiving Actual Grace? How can that be received with holy water if a person has committed mortal sin and has not yet been reconciled? Wouldn’t that be used to circumvent confessions?

Thanks for answering all my other questions, btw!! 👍
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Remember the difference between ***Actual Grace ***and Sacramental Grace, Habitual Grace or Sanctifying Grace.
An un-Baptized person receives Actual Grace from the use of Sacramentals.
 
By going to the font of water at the front of the Church we are reminding ourselves of our Baptism.
 
turtleoompa said:
By going to the font of water at the front of the Church we are reminding ourselves of our Baptism.
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Yes, that’s what the priest said at the Easter vigil after the neophytes were baptized. That’s why I wondered if it was appropriate for non-baptized believers.
 
why do some catholics NOT make these crosses when the gospel is said?
 
colverpa said:
why do some catholics NOT make these crosses when the gospel is said?
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Lack of proper catechesis. A great many catholics have poor formation, and simply do not know the gesture, nor the prayer that goes with it: “May the Lord be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”

It’s something I covered with my CCD students. Along with reviewing how to receive communion properly, both in the hand and on the tongue. The latter was not taught them prior. They now know how. But that’s not a large group.
 
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