Mass newbie question

[HollyRose]

Hi there all,
I’m in RCIA and attended Mass today for the first time at the cathedral where I’m taking RCIA classes. I have a question about what is appropriate for me to do at this point. I completely understand and respect why I can’t participate in Eucharist yet, but should I participate in parts of the Mass like making the sign of the cross, visiting the holy water font, and genuflecting? I’m following along in the missal on the Mass and the responses. We haven’t been given our sponsors yet, so I won’t have a chance to ask this until the next RCIA meeting, and I was hoping someone could let me know what is appropriate. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Holly

 

[jmcrae]

Hi there all,
I’m in RCIA and attended Mass today for the first time at the cathedral where I’m taking RCIA classes. I have a question about what is appropriate for me to do at this point. I completely understand and respect why I can’t participate in Eucharist yet, but should I participate in parts of the Mass like making the sign of the cross, visiting the holy water font, and genuflecting?

Yes, you are welcome to do all these things. You can also start wearing a Scapular and praying the Rosary, if you want to do those things, too. Welcome to the RCIA journey!! This is an exciting time in your life - it would be good for you to keep a journal of this time, so that later on, you can look back on it and enjoy it again.

 

[HollyRose]

Yes, you are welcome to do all these things. You can also start wearing a Scapular and praying the Rosary, if you want to do those things, too. Welcome to the RCIA journey!! This is an exciting time in your life - it would be good for you to keep a journal of this time, so that later on, you can look back on it and enjoy it again.

Dear jmcrae,
Thank you so much for your answer. I’m happy that I can start doing all of these things. I have been looking at Catholic bookstores and I do have a rosary that is very special to me, but I’m not sure what a scapular is. I know that I have heard the word before in the context of a sort of talisman. I also saw what someone called a chaplet I think. What is that used for? Thank you so much! And I like the journal idea. Today has been a special day for me.
Thank you again,
Holly

 

[jmcrae]

Dear jmcrae,
Thank you so much for your answer. I’m happy that I can start doing all of these things. I have been looking at Catholic bookstores and I do have a rosary that is very special to me, but I’m not sure what a scapular is.

Wearing a Scapular is a sign of our total devotion to Jesus and Mary. You can ask your sponsor to help you get a Scapular. There are all different kinds, so she can help you pick the one you want, and help you to be enrolled.

I also saw what someone called a chaplet I think. What is that used for?

There are all different kinds of chaplets - essentially, a chaplet is a string or circle of beads arranged according to certain prayers - there are dozens of different chaplet prayers. My favourite is the Chaplet of St. Michael, which has nine sets of prayers/beads for the nine choirs of angels in Heaven.

Thank you so much! And I like the journal idea. Today has been a special day for me.
Thank you again,
Holly

You’re most welcome!!

 

[steve_green_2]

absolutely !!!

 

[HollyRose]

absolutely !!!

Thanks Steve

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Yes, do everything except receive the Host (Eucharist). Get in line with the others as you approach the Priest or Eucharistic Minister cross your arms across your chest (other will being placing out their tongue or cupped hands). You will receive a blessing, and usually feel more of a member.

 

[HollyRose]

Yes, do everything except receive the Host (Eucharist). Get in line with the others as you approach the Priest or Eucharistic Minister cross your arms across your chest (other will being placing out their tongue or cupped hands). You will receive a blessing, and usually feel more of a member.

Thank you very much. . So I would cross my arms across my chest when I approach both ministers who are administering the Body and Blood, right? What exactly is the blessing like, because I’ve never seen it done.
Also, when you genuflect and go to the water font, is there a certain way to do those things properly?
Thanks a bunch. I do think it will help me feel like more of a member.

 

[jmcrae]

Thank you very much. . So I would cross my arms across my chest when I approach both ministers who are administering the Body and Blood, right? What exactly is the blessing like, because I’ve never seen it done.

ACK.

This (blessing of people not receiving Holy Communion) is only a local custom in some places, and it is not officially approved.

You would want to discuss this with the priest ahead of time, to make sure that he knows about this custom, and also to make sure that he would want to give you a blessing in the Communion line-up. Many priests will ask you to just stay in your pew and pray. That way, there is no potential for anyone to become confused.

There is even a special prayer for people who can’t go for Holy Communion: it goes like this -

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Also, when you genuflect and go to the water font, is there a certain way to do those things properly?

Just watch how other people do these things, and imitate how they do it.

 

[HollyRose]

ACK.

This (blessing of people not receiving Holy Communion) is only a local custom in some places, and it is not officially approved.

You would want to discuss this with the priest ahead of time, to make sure that he knows about this custom, and also to make sure that he would want to give you a blessing in the Communion line-up. Many priests will ask you to just stay in your pew and pray. That way, there is no potential for anyone to become confused.

There is even a special prayer for people who can’t go for Holy Communion: it goes like this -

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Just watch how other people do these things, and imitate how they do it.

Thank you very much. In RCIA, someone had mentioned in passing that we are welcome to approach with arms crossed for a blessing, but I was still a little shaky on exactly what to expect/do, and didn’t see anyone else doing it today, but next time, I think I will do it since one of the RCIA team leaders had mentioned it. I will try to make sure the ministers also know about it first, though. The prayer is beautiful. Thank you.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

… So I would cross my arms across my chest when I approach both ministers who are administering the Body and Blood, right? What exactly is the blessing like, because I’ve never seen it done.

You will only approach the Minister (Priest, Deacon, Eucharistic Minister) distributing the Host (bread). The person seeing your hands will reach over and make a cross on your forehead, and bless you. Typically you will see this also done on the small children being carried or in tow by their parents.

Also, when you genuflect and go to the water font, is there a certain way to do those things properly?

When you enter typically you will touch your finger to the Holy Water and make the sign of the cross on your self. Then precede to the pew stop place your right knee on the floor bow to the tabernacle, and make the sign of the cross. Stand enter your pew, and use the kneeler to make a personal prayer