Mass Questions From a Beginner

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Christine16

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Hello everyone. After reading through the forum threads, I didn’t really see an answer to my question, so here goes…my first post. The first of many I think.

My husband is Catholic. I was not raised to follow any specific religious teachings. I have never been baptized. My husband has been kind enough to help me start learning about the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church over the past few months. We have been attending Mass at a local parish and I’m certain I would like to begin RCIA classes this fall.

I know that I cannot receive Communion until the RCIA classes are complete and I am baptized. I understand that I can receive a Blessing during Communion if I desire. My question is: Until I begin RCIA, what traditions of the Mass would it be acceptable for me to participate in? I haven’t been participating after the Homily because I thought the Eucharist portion of the Mass was sacred for Catholics only and I didn’t want to be disrespectful. My husband has suggested that I should participate as fully as I am comfortable in all portions of the Mass; with the exception of receiving a Blessing during Communion. Should I participate in the prayers and recitations after the Homily? Can I participate in the Sign of the Cross?

I’m very confused about what I can and cannot do as a non-Catholic until RCIA classes begin. I want to participate as fully as possible without being disrespectful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Other than receiving communion, you can do anything you feel comfortable with.
 
You are able to participate in all parts of the Mass except receiving the Eucharist. During Holy Communion, you don’t have to stay in the pew. You can approach either the Priest or a deacon (not an extraordinary minister) with your arms crossed (fingertips on opposing shoulders) and receive a blessing.

I would encourage you to take part in the Mass as fully as you are able. I’m a recent convert and attending Mass was one of the most important parts of my catechesis. You should be able to find a pamphlet or something similar with the various prayers and creeds recited during Mass.
 
Yes, a catechumen can participate in almost everything except the Eucharist. At times, the catechumens are dismissed from the Mass after the homily and go to another room for study. If that is not happening, you can stay during the rest of the Mass.
 
Christine16 said:
I know that I cannot receive Communion until the RCIA classes are complete and I am baptized. I understand that I can receive a Blessing during Communion if I desire. My question is: Until I begin RCIA, what traditions of the Mass would it be acceptable for me to participate in? I haven’t been participating after the Homily because I thought the Eucharist portion of the Mass was sacred for Catholics only and I didn’t want to be disrespectful. My husband has suggested that I should participate as fully as I am comfortable in all portions of the Mass; with the exception of receiving a Blessing during Communion. Should I participate in the prayers and recitations after the Homily? Can I participate in the Sign of the Cross?

I’m very confused about what I can and cannot do as a non-Catholic until RCIA classes begin. I want to participate as fully as possible without being disrespectful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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There is no reason not to attend the ENTIRE Mass. In some parishes, only children not old enough to receive Communion are blessed, adults, if they are not able to receive stay in the pew while others are receiving. You can make a ‘Spiritual Communion’ during that time.

You can bless yourself with holy water on the way into and out of the church, genuflect to the Tabernacle and a slight bow is done if you cross in front of the altar on the way to your pew.

In short you can do ALMOST everything – the exceptions are Confession and Communion. I heartily recommend that you read “Catholicism for Dummies.”
 
Yes, welcome home! Rcia is not an all encompassing program that ‘makes’ you Catholic. You are encouraged to seek out experiences in the Mass, read about the faith from the saints that have gone before us especially the Bible. It is heartbreaking that you have to wait for instruction. Have you met with a priest? He can recommend study materials, give you answers to questions. My husband became Catholic on his own through study. He was received by examination.
 
Christine16 said:
Hello everyone. After reading through the forum threads, I didn’t really see an answer to my question, so here goes…my first post. The first of many I think.

My husband is Catholic. I was not raised to follow any specific religious teachings. I have never been baptized. My husband has been kind enough to help me start learning about the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church over the past few months. We have been attending Mass at a local parish and I’m certain I would like to begin RCIA classes this fall.

I know that I cannot receive Communion until the RCIA classes are complete and I am baptized. I understand that I can receive a Blessing during Communion if I desire. My question is: Until I begin RCIA, what traditions of the Mass would it be acceptable for me to participate in? I haven’t been participating after the Homily because I thought the Eucharist portion of the Mass was sacred for Catholics only and I didn’t want to be disrespectful. My husband has suggested that I should participate as fully as I am comfortable in all portions of the Mass; with the exception of receiving a Blessing during Communion. Should I participate in the prayers and recitations after the Homily? Can I participate in the Sign of the Cross?

I’m very confused about what I can and cannot do as a non-Catholic until RCIA classes begin. I want to participate as fully as possible without being disrespectful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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You have a wise and supportive husband. 😉 You can do everything a Catholic does at Mass, except receive communion. Welcome Home, you will be an awesome Catholic! :flowers:
 
peter26 said:
Other than receiving communion, you can do anything you feel comfortable with.
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I hope your journey into Catholicism is a positive one that brings you closer to our Lord.

God bless you and your husband.

Mary.
 
Does the church have The Recitation of the Rosary?
Will the church be having a May Crowning in this month of May?
 
Thank you all so much for your kind responses. I am so excited to begin my journey toward being closer to God. I know I’ll make plenty of mistakes while learning. I only hope my fellow parishioners will be as understanding and welcoming as you all have been.
 
Christine16 said:
Thank you all so much for your kind responses. I am so excited to begin my journey toward being closer to God. I know I’ll make plenty of mistakes while learning. I only hope my fellow parishioners will be as understanding and welcoming as you all have been.
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All of us who converted to the Catholic Church were beginners at one time. It is the start of a wonderful journey that lasts a lifetime. Your fellow parishioners will be welcoming as I don’t think there is a parish that doesn’t want growth.

RCIA will give you a good basic understanding of the Church and her beliefs. If possible I would encourage your husband to attend with you. It will help him to know what you are being taught and the two of you can discuss the sessions.

Welcome Home!
 
Horton said:
All of us who converted to the Catholic Church were beginners at one time. It is the start of a wonderful journey that lasts a lifetime. Your fellow parishioners will be welcoming as I don’t think there is a parish that doesn’t want growth.

RCIA will give you a good basic understanding of the Church and her beliefs. If possible I would encourage your husband to attend with you. It will help him to know what you are being taught and the two of you can discuss the sessions.

Welcome Home!
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He’s a wonderful, kind man who has already offered to attend RCIA classes with me. He says that even he could use a refresher course. 🙂 I think he’s only trying to make the process easier for me. I truly believe that 2-1/2 years ago we both had our lives planned. God laughed and knew better. He arranged for our paths to cross. He knew that this man should be the love of my life. He knew that this man could gently guide me towards loving God in a way that was new to me. God knew that I needed Him in my life; and blessed me with my husband. I couldn’t be more thankful.
 
Christine16 said:
He’s a wonderful, kind man who has already offered to attend RCIA classes with me. He says that even he could use a refresher course. 🙂 I think he’s only trying to make the process easier for me. I truly believe that 2-1/2 years ago we both had our lives planned. God laughed and knew better. He arranged for our paths to cross. He knew that this man should be the love of my life. He knew that this man could gently guide me towards loving God in a way that was new to me. God knew that I needed Him in my life; and blessed me with my husband. I couldn’t be more thankful.
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👍
 
Christine16 said:
Thank you all so much for your kind responses. I am so excited to begin my journey toward being closer to God. I know I’ll make plenty of mistakes while learning. I only hope my fellow parishioners will be as understanding and welcoming as you all have been.
Click to expand...
Welcome home! I was received into the Church at the 2014 Easter Vigil, so if you have questions, ask. I can attest that everyone here wants to help you.

May the Lord bless you, and keep you, and give you peace!
 
Christine16 said:
He’s a wonderful, kind man who has already offered to attend RCIA classes with me. He says that even he could use a refresher course. 🙂 I think he’s only trying to make the process easier for me. I truly believe that 2-1/2 years ago we both had our lives planned. God laughed and knew better. He arranged for our paths to cross. He knew that this man should be the love of my life. He knew that this man could gently guide me towards loving God in a way that was new to me. God knew that I needed Him in my life; and blessed me with my husband. I couldn’t be more thankful.
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I hope it’s rewarding for both of you. I had drifted away from the Church, myself, but going to RCIA with my wife was the start of what drew me back. Your post, if not exactly the same, reminded me of that.
 
Magdalen2013 said:
Welcome home! I was received into the Church at the 2014 Easter Vigil, so if you have questions, ask. I can attest that everyone here wants to help you.

May the Lord bless you, and keep you, and give you peace!
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Christine16 said:
He’s a wonderful, kind man who has already offered to attend RCIA classes with me. He says that even he could use a refresher course. 🙂 I think he’s only trying to make the process easier for me. I truly believe that 2-1/2 years ago we both had our lives planned. God laughed and knew better. He arranged for our paths to cross. He knew that this man should be the love of my life. He knew that this man could gently guide me towards loving God in a way that was new to me. God knew that I needed Him in my life; and blessed me with my husband. I couldn’t be more thankful.
Click to expand...
👍
 
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