My first Mass (comments/questions)

[WingsOfEagles]

I think it’s the same with most churches - if you aren’t a member, you can’t hold a ministry position. Tho a hired job, such as groundskeeper, wouldn’t be a problem.

A lot of times, the choir is different, at least in my diocese. It’s not uncommon for the hired pianist/organist to be a non-Catholic.

 

[Bonnie]

A lot of times, the choir is different, at least in my diocese. It’s not uncommon for the hired pianist/organist to be a non-Catholic.

Yes - sometimes it can be difficult to find musicians in a parish. If the parish has the funds, hiring is a good alternative to either no music or poor music.

 

[joeybaggz]

Last night I asked for prayers, for I was going to attend my first Catholic Mass in the morning. I am back from Mass now, and I thought I might share my thoughts, as well as questions (questions and comments that may seem silly, I’m not sure)

I was worried that I would be the youngest person there (17 in a month ) but there were many young families and I did spot a few teenagers. It overall seemed very mixed rather than just one age group.

The people seemed welcoming, but nobody actually spoke to me directly. I felt more out of place because I could see the community was rather tight knit. Everyone was quiet before the service, and when it ended everyone quickly exited the sanctuary area and mingled a bit. They all seemed to have their own circles.

I have belonged to about ten parishes in my lifetime. One thing I have found and can relate to in your words, is that Catholic Parishioners tend to seem standoffish and gravitate to their own circles. However, I have found everywhere that all you have to do is say hello, or make a comment about a piece of jewelry someone is wearing, or if at a parish hall where refreshments are served (coffee and donuts in many parishes), you can sit at a table alone, and just say hello and the conversation starts. I have so many friends I have made just by doing what I’ve just suggested. In fact my best friends with whom I share Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer cookouts, Easter egg hunts are all people whom I’ve met at church, and just developed a friendship by saying hello.

To have friends, be one. I think so many people are in your position. Some of my closest friends have said that they felt the same way as you did, and were so glad when I said hello.

Try it

Shalom

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Good reading material:

Catholicism for Dummies by Father John Trigilio, probably available at most libraries.

The teachings of the Church:
Catechism of the Catholic Church

Question and Answer format Catechism:
Compendium of the Catechism

The Daily Mass Readings

 

[Memaw]

I admire someone your age wearing modest clothing as for myself I am 28 I generally wear black slacks or khakis and a button-up shirt when I go to Mass. I do remember reading some of the material about the order of Mass but mostly I just memorized it and I could probably recite the prayers word for word if you wanted me to. I also have the Byzantine liturgy down pretty well too. I live in an area where there aren’t a whole lot of Catholics most folks here are Protestant in fact I can walk to the closest Baptist church I cannot do the same for the closest Catholic church. The flip side of that is it a lot easier for me to defend my faith than it would be if I lived somewhere where most folks were Catholic. I know it seems kind of like Mindless calisthenics with the kneeling and whatnot, but we do things the way we do for a reason and you really should read up on the history of this and I think that would help you. Sometimes you have to force yourself into the conversation with a priest don’t be rude about it wait until they’re done talking to someone else but you’ll get a moment to do it trust me I’d done this first-hand I’m sorry no one talked to you afterwards but as for myself I like to talk to people after Mass if I’ve never seen them before. I like it when people make me feel well, I prefer to make them feel welcome and I am a very shy person.

I used to be very shy when I was young too but if you could work up the courage to say to someone, Hi my name is "Susie and the is my second visit to a Catholic Mass. That usually starts a conversation. I found it more helpful if you talk to an older parishioner. They usually know more about whats going on in a parish. Just remember, most people do not know you are new at this. Catholic Homilies are not that long because the prayers and of course the Consecration are the MOST important part of the service. Prayers and God Bless, Please keep us informed and Don’t give up. Its well with the journey, Memaw

 

[freshwind]

another good resource … go to a library and get a copy of “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn … very enlightening descripion of the Mass

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Well done! Once you start the RCIA process, you will get to know other parishoners better. I think when people start to recognise a face, they start saying hi.

 

[pablope]

Last night I asked for prayers, for I was going to attend my first Catholic Mass in the morning. I am back from Mass now, and I thought I might share my thoughts, as well as questions (questions and comments that may seem silly, I’m not sure)

I wore a long skirt to the service in order to be modest. But when I got there, I saw that most people were in skinny jeans! It made me feel out of place

 

[Luz_Maria]

Part 2 of 2
[Snip]

Then get up right at the end of the “Amen” we all say. If there is singing of that “Amen”, then at the last Amen that is sung.

It is all cues. They are learned little by little. Don’t worry.

[Snip]

Correction:

The following should have had the underlined and bolded words.

Then get up right at the end of the “Amen” we all say. If there is singing of that “Amen”, then en at the end of the last Amen that is sung.

Sorry about that. I just did not want to risk your standing up while everyone else is kneeling for a few more seconds that will feel like an eternity.

Luz Maria