Making Mistakes

[Lor91]

Hello!

I went to my first Adoration this evening. I’m becoming Catholic so there are new things I’m discovering and learning about everyday. It was great to visit and talk with Jesus, but I made a couple of mistakes upon my arrival. I went with a couple of my friends. Apparently, I genuflected incorrectly in front of the Blessed Sacrament and accidentally crossed myself with my left hand. My friend politely informed me that I was doing these things wrong. After that, I had the worst time focusing on Jesus because I was overly concerned with the fact that I messed up and felt AWFUL about it. Ugh! I wish my silly worries would not have gotten in the way. I understand that my friend was just trying to help so that I would know what to do in the future, though.

Did anyone else make mistakes like this at Mass, Adoration, etc. when they were first becoming Catholic?

 

[JohnGerard]

I wish more Catholics would go to Mass, Adoration, Confession, etc. more regularly and make innocent mistakes versus not going. Don’t worry at all! The King knows your heart and that’s what matters the most. Besides, plenty of cradle Catholics still make mistakes after being Catholic their whole lives (I know, I’m one and I have )

 

[Petaro]

You are in real trouble! A few more mistakes like that and Rome will have to be informed.
Seriously the rubrics and rituals of the Church are there as supports to our worship and learning them is fruitful but not essential. Practice makes perfect. Ignore your worries and be joyful that you can worship so closely to our Lord in the Eucharist.
Welcome to us silly sinners who like you make mistakes.
It reminds me of the story of the new convert who attending Mass got so confused at when to stand, sit or kneel that his wife found him crouched in that half kneeling half sitting position of the utterly confused. She whispered to him “Is your fly undone?” He responded with raised eyebrows “No, should it be?”
Enjoy the signs of adoration, they eventually become a sign of identity just like ash on the forehead on Ash Wednesday.

 

[Lor91]

Hi!

Thanks for the responses! And yes! I’m totally like the husband who wonders whether his fly should be open or not during Mass. Ha,ha. I will try to stop over thinking. But, there is something I just wanted to clarify.

I was genuflecting by kneeling down on my right knee in front of the Blessed Sacrament. But, my friend told me that the correct way is to bow on both knees and touch one’s head to the ground (if possible) when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and not in the tabernacle. I trust what he says. I just wanted to clarify.

 

[otjm]

Hi!

Thanks for the responses! And yes! I’m totally like the husband who wonders whether his fly should be open or not during Mass. Ha,ha. I will try to stop over thinking. But, there is something I just wanted to clarify.

I was genuflecting by kneeling down on my right knee in front of the Blessed Sacrament. But, my friend told me that the correct way is to bow on both knees and touch one’s head to the ground (if possible) when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and not in the tabernacle. I trust what he says. I just wanted to clarify.

Don’t trust every last thing everyone tells you.

Yes, there is generally a traditional (small “t”) that one would genuflect on both knees; but it is not a rule. and no one, in the 1950’s, bowed their head to the ground. Some do, but there is no requirement other than what they make for themselves. It is not wrong, but neither is it common. And by the way, my parish has had Adoration 24/7 for better than 15 years.

The tradition of one knee goes back to medieval times as the way to show respect to a ruler; when you are in that position, it is near impossible to attack. 'since most people are right handed, the right knee was used. It puts you off-kilter.

A fairly long time ago, there was a discussion about making the sign of the Cross. Some people thoroughly got their knickers in a tight knot over the matter. Query - who are you trying to please - God? Or the liturgical police who are going to have a hissy fit over whether you go from left to right shoulder, or use your left hand instead of your right?

Again, there is tradition with a small “t”. we kind of all do it the same way; but the Church doesn’t have a rule about it. Just people. Who perhaps need to get over it.

Welcome to Adoration! Much grace can be gained from that; God loves you visiting with His Son. And that is whether you use the left or right hand, one knee or two, bow your head slightly or have your backside higher than your head, or whatever. You are there to pray. That is what is most important. The rest is largely cultural.

 

[josh987654321]

Did anyone else make mistakes like this at Mass, Adoration, etc. when they were first becoming Catholic?

Hi Lor91,

I wouldn’t worry about it too much atleast it wasn’t as bad as what I accidently did once, I went to visit Christ in the Tabernacle at a different Catholic Church than what I am used to one time, so I went in through a side door and walked up the back to the Holy Water (Didn’t see it in the side door at the time) and failed to notice the small “Do not pass this point” sign and accidently set off the alarms in this Church … so there I was … in Eucharistic Adoration with the sound of BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!. lol

lol, Man what would I give to have just genuflected incorrectly, rather than accidently setting off the Church alarm

And think of it like this, when I turn up at my Pop’s place, I might press the door bell incorrectly or trip on the stairs, but he doesn’t really care about that, he’s just happy that I turned up for a visit.

 

[mrsjennymulhall]

lol, Man what would I give to have just genuflected incorrectly, rather than accidently setting off the Church alarm

LOL!!!

I went up for communion once with my posh Sunday frock tucked into my knickers. Not recently, I hasten to add! I was so mortified that I’m blushing now just thinking of it!

God sees our hearts, not our gestures. Don’t worry!

Oh, and welcome home!!

 

[Cat]

We have a 24/7 Adoration Chapel at our church, and I love visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

There are a lot of people like me who aren’t physically able to kneel on both knees. If I hold onto the pew in our adoration chapel, I can lower myself to one knee, but that’s it, and it’s not easy for me.

I’m not ancient–I’m only 56. But age doesn’t matter. Young people can suffer from injuries and disabilities that make it impossible for them to kneel.

So if I were you, I wouldn’t obsess over postures. If you can kneel on both knees and touch your head to the ground, do so. I’ve seen people do their ENTIRE hour of Adoration in that position.

But I’ve also seen people stand and do a slight bow, and then spend the entire Adoration hour reading a book (Christian).

We were told that there are no “rules” when it comes to spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, other than to show respect for Jesus and the others who are there. We are not supposed to make noise (although people tell me that if they are with Jesus alone and no one else is around, they sing out loud to Him).

We actually have certain homeless people who come in and sleep on the floor in the Presence of Jesus! They reverently adore Him for a while, then fall asleep–understandable, considering what they go through in their daily lives.

Someday, you will probably see people sobbing in the Adoration chapel. Several years ago, a young boy drowned in a tragic lake accident. That evening, I was at Adoration, and his family came in–at least a dozen of them. They sat down on the floor and sobbed and cried, while hanging onto each other. It was one of the most meaningful times I’ve ever spent with Jesus and my Christian brothers and sisters.

Anyway, just be with Him and adore Him. That’s all.

 

[paperwight66]

Be at peace! The requirement to genuflect on both knees was removed in the 1970s, as it was reasoned that it made no sense to distinguish between Jesus in a monstrance, Jesus in a tabernacle, or Jesus during Mass after the words of consecration. If you notice, the priest does not genuflect on both knees then, only one.
In other words, the Real Presence isn’t any less for being in the Tabernacle, nor is He more fully present when in the monstrance.
Not that I’m saying that it would be wrong to show as much reverence as you can! But your friend is mistaken if he/she thinks that kneeling on both knees is what the Church says is required, and touching the forehead to the floor definitely isn’t.

 

[Lor91]

Hi everyone!

Thank you so much for your responses! So, it sounds like genuflecting is always appropriate on the right knee. But, that people can totally do two knees/touch their heads to the ground if they want. I just wanted to make sure I was following.

Query - who are you trying to please - God? Or the liturgical police who are going to have a hissy fit over whether you go from left to right shoulder, or use your left hand instead of your right?

Yes, I want to please God first and foremost instead of worrying about what other people think. I prayed about this to Jesus at Adoration shortly after my friend corrected me. I have OCD, so it’s a struggle not to obsess over my less than perfect genuflection. I would very much like to have a spiritual director who can help me in these things. Can non-Catholics have spiritual directors if they are wanting to become Catholic? Thanks for the encouraging words!

so there I was … in Eucharistic Adoration with the sound of BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!. lol

Oh no!!! Ha,ha.

God sees our hearts, not our gestures. Don’t worry!

I will keep this in mind for the next time.

And think of it like this, when I turn up at my Pop’s place, I might press the door bell incorrectly or trip on the stairs, but he doesn’t really care about that, he’s just happy that I turned up for a visit.

That’s a great way to think about it. I will keep that image in my head for the next time.

Thank you everyone for all of the encouragement.

 

[CB_Catholic]

As far as the Sign of the Cross goes, there is no rule about which hand to use. Use the hand that is most comfortable–most people use the right because most people are right handed, but if you are left-handed, it’ ok to use your left hand.

Sometimes it is hard to discern what is “tradition” and what the Church prescribes–you just have to ask around. Much of it is cultural, and even varies in the different parts of the country.

Don’t get upset if you see people doing some things differently than you were taught, or if you do things differently than them. Most things are not regulated, unless they are part of the Church’s official liturgies, and even then, exceptions are made if one is physically not able to perform a gesture or posture.

 

[CathConvert2013]

Biggest mistake for me: taking the host directly from the EM’s hand. I said Amen and grabbed it. What the what was I thinking??!!

I walk out almost every time rolling my eyes at myself for something I did or didn’t do.

I have been official for 1 year. Attending mass for about 1.5.

 

[sirach2v4]

In most older Catholic Churches, the tabernacle is behind the altar in the back/center of the sanctuary.

Theologically, it is no different if the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration or whether it is not. The consecrated bread is the body and blood of Jesus Christ, with the Father and the Son.

Kneeling on two knees and profoundly bowing is a matter of devotion and practice.

I can’t find a church in my hometown where the congregants aren’t yakking and yakking right there in church, while others are conspicuously trying to pray before Mass.

 

[babochka]

Hello!

I went to my first Adoration this evening. I’m becoming Catholic so there are new things I’m discovering and learning about everyday. It was great to visit and talk with Jesus, but I made a couple of mistakes upon my arrival. I went with a couple of my friends. Apparently, I genuflected incorrectly in front of the Blessed Sacrament and accidentally crossed myself with my left hand. My friend politely informed me that I was doing these things wrong. After that, I had the worst time focusing on Jesus because I was overly concerned with the fact that I messed up and felt AWFUL about it. Ugh! I wish my silly worries would not have gotten in the way. I understand that my friend was just trying to help so that I would know what to do in the future, though.

Did anyone else make mistakes like this at Mass, Adoration, etc. when they were first becoming Catholic?

I’m a cradle Catholic in my mid 40s. I was taught by nuns (in habits) for 12 years of Catholic schools. I totally did not know until about 5 years ago that genuflection should be on the right knee. I always genuflected on my left knee, as that is physically easier for me. I had no idea that it “mattered”. I do try to genuflect on my right knee now, but I miss doing it on the left.

 

[Rae8]

Hi!

Thanks for the responses! And yes! I’m totally like the husband who wonders whether his fly should be open or not during Mass. Ha,ha. I will try to stop over thinking. But, there is something I just wanted to clarify.

I was genuflecting by kneeling down on my right knee in front of the Blessed Sacrament. But, my friend told me that the correct way is to bow on both knees and touch one’s head to the ground (if possible) when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and not in the tabernacle. I trust what he says. I just wanted to clarify.

Oh my! Your friend means well I’m sure but that is not necessary. I have seen a couple of people go overboard like that. I even saw one guy, after the mass was over get down on both knees and lay his head on the floor for quite a while in front of the alter. You don’t see this type of thing often where I live. Its very rare (& for the young and flexible I might add). How embarrassing it would be to get down like that and not be able to get up or worse, to fall over! LOL.

 

[Rae8]

I’m a cradle Catholic in my mid 40s. I was taught by nuns (in habits) for 12 years of Catholic schools. I totally did not know until about 5 years ago that genuflection should be on the right knee. I always genuflected on my left knee, as that is physically easier for me. I had no idea that it “mattered”. I do try to genuflect on my right knee now, but I miss doing it on the left.

I injured my right elbow recently and have refused to wear a sling because its uncomfortable. A couple of times had to genuflect with left hand. I guess someone may have caught that and criticized me. Some people have physical issues and have to do things the way they can. Its a silly thing to worry about. I don’t excessively cross myself either.

 

[Lor91]

Oh my! Your friend means well I’m sure but that is not necessary. I have seen a couple of people go overboard like that. I even saw one guy, after the mass was over get down on both knees and lay his head on the floor for quite a while in front of the alter. You don’t see this type of thing often where I live. Its very rare (& for the young and flexible I might add). How embarrassing it would be to get down like that and not be able to get up or worse, to fall over! LOL.

Yes, you are right! He does mean well and only wants to help. I always check with others and places like this to be sure I’m being told the right things as I continue on this journey. My two Catholic friends have been wonderfully supportive and amazing guides. I would like to find a spiritual director though since I will be participating in RCIA in the fall. Can prospective Catholics have a spiritual director?

Thanks for the responses and clarifications regarding genuflecting! It has been great seeing that other people make mistakes too.

 

[Jennifoo]

Hello!

I went to my first Adoration this evening. I’m becoming Catholic so there are new things I’m discovering and learning about everyday. It was great to visit and talk with Jesus, but I made a couple of mistakes upon my arrival. I went with a couple of my friends. Apparently, I genuflected incorrectly in front of the Blessed Sacrament and accidentally crossed myself with my left hand. My friend politely informed me that I was doing these things wrong. After that, I had the worst time focusing on Jesus because I was overly concerned with the fact that I messed up and felt AWFUL about it. Ugh! I wish my silly worries would not have gotten in the way. I understand that my friend was just trying to help so that I would know what to do in the future, though.

Did anyone else make mistakes like this at Mass, Adoration, etc. when they were first becoming Catholic?

Hello there and welcome. So glad that you got to go to Adoration, but I think your friends were wrong to correct you on the spot. It would have better to wait until afterwards to tactfully teach you how to cross yourself and genuflect. When I first joined the Church I genuflect with the left knee and crossed myself with my left hand as I’m left-handed. The roof didn’t cave in once nor were we struck by lightening. Over time I practiced and got it right without anyone feeling the need to correct me. I think my pastor let me know why we genuflect with the right knee.

What matters is that you’re coming to Church. God will accept your awkward genuflections and fumbled gestures with the love of a father for his children. He takes great delight in you.

 

[Lor91]

Hello there and welcome. So glad that you got to go to Adoration, but I think your friends were wrong to correct you on the spot. It would have better to wait until afterwards to tactfully teach you how to cross yourself and genuflect. When I first joined the Church I genuflect with the left knee and crossed myself with my left hand as I’m left-handed. The roof didn’t cave in once nor were we struck by lightening. Over time I practiced and got it right without anyone feeling the need to correct me. I think my pastor let me know why we genuflect with the right knee.

What matters is that you’re coming to Church. God will accept your awkward genuflections and fumbled gestures with the love of a father for his children. He takes great delight in you.

Thanks for the encouraging words! I think what I have learned is that in the future, it would probably be better for me to go to Adoration alone. I enjoy the fellowship with my friends, but if my every move is being observed and commented upon that takes away from the moment that I want to spend with Jesus. I wasn’t able to completely focus on Him and give him my attention as a result. That time is precious and I don’t want to waste it potentially worrying about pleasing other people.

 

[Took2Long]

Did anyone else make mistakes like this at Mass, Adoration, etc. when they were first becoming Catholic?

Yes! At Adoration before I was taken into the church, I felt unworhty to even look at the Monstrance while the priest was making the sign of the cross with JESUS! While everyone else was blessing themselves in the presence of Christ, I was staring at the floor. In hindsight, it was a huge mistake. Lucky for me, the following week, my priest at RCIA found a very nice way to get me to understand what I was supposed to do in that moment. He couldn’t have been any nicer in helping me-then and always!