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EricMM
Guest
I’m going to attend my first Mass. What should I expect and what should I do regarding kneeling, crossing myself, etc. I am a Christian, but have never been to a Catholic Mass before.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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JackVk
Guest
As far as I know, non-Catholics can cross themselves. You can follow along in the songs and prayers, too. The only thing you cannot do is receive the Eucharist, since I’m assuming you don’t believe in the Real Presence (no offense). Instead of receiving communion, cross your arms across your chest before the priest and he will give you a blessing.
P
PowderBear
Guest
The MOST important thing is to not receive communion/Eucharist. If you take the Eucharist, it’s kinda like saying that you really, really believe that it is truly Jesus’ body and blood. Seeing as you aren’t Catholic, this probably isn’t the case.
Two ways to do avoid taking communion:
+Stay in the pew… or even better,
+Go in the communion line, but keep your arms crossed over your chest like an X. This will let the Eucharistic ministers know that you aren’t Catholic, and they will ask God’s blessing on you. God’s blessing is always good.
As for the standing/kneeling/sitting/Catholic aerobics, it is best to just do what everyone else does… Each diocese does that a tad bit differently than the others. Don’t sit in the first row, or you won’t be able to see what people are doing first.
I hope that it goes well for you and that it spurs some interesting reflections and prayers!
Two ways to do avoid taking communion:
+Stay in the pew… or even better,
+Go in the communion line, but keep your arms crossed over your chest like an X. This will let the Eucharistic ministers know that you aren’t Catholic, and they will ask God’s blessing on you. God’s blessing is always good.
As for the standing/kneeling/sitting/Catholic aerobics, it is best to just do what everyone else does… Each diocese does that a tad bit differently than the others. Don’t sit in the first row, or you won’t be able to see what people are doing first.
I hope that it goes well for you and that it spurs some interesting reflections and prayers!
C
Catholic1954
Guest
Welcome! Your first Mass can be a little confusing, if you are not used to a structured liturgy. If you going by yourself, you should arrive 10 -15 mins early. You might want to consider sitting near the back for the first time, then you can follow along with the people in front of you, in regards to sitting, standing, etc… As a non-Catholic visitor, you do not have to do anything that makes you feel wierd or uncomfortable; you can just sit the whole time if you want to. (You might get strange looks, but it is ok) Most churches will have some kind of book or booklet in the pew with all the readings and prayers for the Mass, plus the music. Arriving early will give you a chance to look them over, they are not user friendly, so don’t be put off if you can’t figure them out! Unfortunately, since you are not Catholic, you will not be allowed to receive Communion; just stay quietly in your seat and let the others pass, no big deal. If you have been baptized then feel free to bless yourself with Holy Water that can be found in the front of the church. Don’t be shy about telling someone near you that are not Catholic and are attending Mass for the first time and ask for some help. Catholic parishes are usually big and busy and chances are you will not be recognized as a visitor. Let us know how it goes!
J
Justin_Mee
Guest
Eric, be VERY careful. I attended my first Mass because I was curious. I was confirmed last Easter and haven’t missed a Mass or Holy day since. The only thing I have missed is the pitch-in dinners at my former Baptist church. The chicken noodles and homemade apple pie were great. I now have to settle for the KofC pancake breakfasts.
M
MarcusAndreas
Guest
No, DON’T do that. That’s not permitted by law. Stay in the pew.or even better,
+Go in the communion line, but keep your arms crossed over your chest like an X. This will let the Eucharistic ministers know that you aren’t Catholic, and they will ask God’s blessing on you. God’s blessing is always good.
O
Orchanian
Guest
One thing to remember is that when you are in the sanctuary, you should be quiet. We Catholics like to go in to pray in the presence of the Lord, and so a respectful silence is good. Because we believe in the Real Presence, which is usually in a tabernacle at the front of the church, we enter church and before sitting, we genuflect to Our Lord. Then we enter the pew and kneel to pray. It’s a very reverential place.
In general, we stand to hear the Gospel and to pray. We kneel for the consecration and after Communion (although not all churches have kneelers). We sit for the other two readings (OT and NT) and for the homily (sermon).
If you know the Bible (and you probably do), you will hear a lot of it during the Mass. Soak it all in! I hope you love it!
In general, we stand to hear the Gospel and to pray. We kneel for the consecration and after Communion (although not all churches have kneelers). We sit for the other two readings (OT and NT) and for the homily (sermon).
If you know the Bible (and you probably do), you will hear a lot of it during the Mass. Soak it all in! I hope you love it!
R
Reuben_J
Guest
Hi. You are most welcome to come for the mass. I guess everything that you need to do have been covered so I am merely repeating here.
It is good to come early, perhaps some 15 minutes earlier as been suggested. It gives you time to acclimatize, so to speak. You can choose your pew, for a first timer probably somewhere where you can see the others but at the same time a commanding view of the altar so that you can see what the celebrant does.
Don’t ever go into the Communion line, not even for the blessing.
In a way this is good for you because from an outside you see what you miss but at the same time you are honoring the Holy Eucharist by not receiving it.
It’s recommended for you to follow what the other congregation does. As for the kneeling, non-Catholics are exempted; you can sit in reverence silence but I recommend you kneel too and do your own prayer; after all you are already in the church for the mass.
Another thing, since you come from a Protestant background. You might not be greeted as you enter the church. This does not mean that you are not welcomed or that the parishioners are unfriendly; it’s just the way it happens before the mass. Should that be the case do not feel offended or feel unwelcomed.
Have a blessed moment at the mass.
It is good to come early, perhaps some 15 minutes earlier as been suggested. It gives you time to acclimatize, so to speak. You can choose your pew, for a first timer probably somewhere where you can see the others but at the same time a commanding view of the altar so that you can see what the celebrant does.
Don’t ever go into the Communion line, not even for the blessing.
In a way this is good for you because from an outside you see what you miss but at the same time you are honoring the Holy Eucharist by not receiving it.It’s recommended for you to follow what the other congregation does. As for the kneeling, non-Catholics are exempted; you can sit in reverence silence but I recommend you kneel too and do your own prayer; after all you are already in the church for the mass.
Another thing, since you come from a Protestant background. You might not be greeted as you enter the church. This does not mean that you are not welcomed or that the parishioners are unfriendly; it’s just the way it happens before the mass. Should that be the case do not feel offended or feel unwelcomed.
Have a blessed moment at the mass.
C
Captain_America
Guest
Say, don’t forget to post back here and jot your impressions.
R
RebeccaJ
Guest
Hello EricMM, at my first Mass, I just sat in my one spot in the pew, which turns out, is fine.
One clue I wish someone had given me is Catholics stand to pray at Mass, and kneel during the Consecration of the Eucharist. Once I knew that, the stand up, sit down, now everybody kneel, made much more sense.
J
Justin_Mee
Guest
I saw the Pope do it last Christmas Mass on tv. It’s done all over the US and Europe. You are not violating God’s law by receiving a blessing from the Priest.
R
Reuben_J
Guest
Of course it is not but with the introduction of GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) there seems to be no place for blessing of the adults during the Holy Communion. If some churches have not implemented GIRM fully, perhaps the old practice of ECHM blessing adults who are not receiving the Holy Eucharist is still done.
As in the case of the Pope celebrating the mass, many of the procedures are pre-arranged that should not be in the mass proper.
I would advise non-Catholics who attend the mass not to come up for the blessing during the Holy Communion to avoid the embarrassment of being turned away for the reason above. Anyway, everybody will get the priest blessing toward the end of the mass during the priest blessing.
S
SteveVH
Guest
I don’t know where you got the idea that non-Catholics cannot come forward for blessing. It is called “spiritual communion” and is very much encouraged in every parish I have attended. It is especially appropriate at funerals and weddings where there are normally many non-Catholics in attendance.
I know of no canon law that prevents a priest from blessing anyone.
F
flameburns623
Guest
In all likelihood, no one will meet you at the door, introduce themselves, or ask you to sign the guest register. You will be remarkably anonymous by contrast with how guests are sometimes made to feel at Protestant services.
You don’t actually HAVE TO kneel or stand, though you will likely feel less conspicuous if you follow what everyone else does. Also–most Catholics genuflect (drop to one knee and/or bow to the altar) when entering or exiting the pew, and/or crossing the middle of the church. This is done in respect to what takes place on the alter–as well as because Catholics believe that Jesus is invisibly present in the tabernacle.
You will find bowls–they’re called ‘fonts’–containing water, near the doors. The water is holy water. Please don’t drink it. You may, however, dip your fingers in it and sprinkle yourself with it. Most Catholics will do so, making the Sign of the Cross over themselves.
Observe reverence. Catholics believe that Jesus is specially-present in their churches, and there is usually very little visiting or chatting in the pews. Except during the Sign of Peace, when, (for the past several decades) all sense of decorum is momentarily abandoned and people sometimes bound over the pews to greet strangers as if they were long-lost relatives. Steel yourself for that–it follows the Lord’s Prayer.
If you get there early enough–sit near the middle of the church–not too far forward that you can’t follow what others are doing nor so far back that you can’t see or hear much of what is happening. Plan for a service which normally lasts about an hour to 90 minutes.
Glance over the bulletin if you have a moment–it may contain a message for visitors and guests. Probably not, but one can always wish.
Again–if you are early–pull out the Missallete or missal provided in the pew. Most of these have been rendered user-friendly, so all you have to do to follow along is find the date of the Sunday you are attending. It will be much more pleasant for you if you know what is happening.
Most Catholics have the routine down pat and many will only use the Missallette to review the day’s Scripture readings and Psalter. On the other hand–it’s not likely anyone is going to pay much attention to you or single you out as someone who doesn’t know what to do.
You’ll feel as if all eyes are upon you. Be at ease. In all likelihood–they aren’t.
As you have been told–don’t receive Holy Communion. Some parishes encourage visitors to come forward during Holy Communion with arms crossed, to be blessed. In other cases it is not encouraged. You’ll receive a blessing from the priest at the end of the Mass, so going forward during Communion is not needful.
Typically, in the local parish I prefer to attend, the very-early Mass at 0630 is very simple and fast-paced, even on Sunday. You’re likely to be in-and-out in around 40 minutes. Most who attend this Mass are going to or from work and choose this Mass for that reason.
Many in these early Masses are also likely to be dressed for work–you may be surprised to see relatively few ties, suits, or dresses. You may even see some coveralls or similar work outfits. Not all parishes have such early-morning services, btw.
The 08:00 and 10:00 AM Masses (times can very a bit from parish-to-parish) tend to be very formal, fully-accompanied by music, and you’ll see the majority of people dressed in their ‘Sunday Best’. (But there may still be some folks who seem to have dressed-down for the occasion). Often, one or both of these services cater to the more-traditional parishioners.
F
flameburns623
Guest
Usually there is NO adult Sunday School for Catholics. Some parishes still have a coffee gathering to allow folks to meet-and-greet after services. If this isn’t done, the priest(s) usually process to the main exit of the church to meet and shake hands with those who choose. Again, these things vary quite a bit regionally.
Late afternoon Sunday Masses locally are typically geared towards the youth, and those with more contemporary tastes. I’ve seen a few ‘guitar Masses’ at this time–meaning that some or many of the songs are accompanied by guitars and/or have a folk-music feel to them. Again, the dress is likely to be very informal at this Mass.
In parishes which don’t have a late-Sunday Mass the contemporary/youth-oriented services are often done on Saturday evening. Which is called the ‘Sunday-anticipated Mass’ because it fulfills the obligation of Catholics to attend Mass every Sunday unless serious reason impedes.
By the way–hymn-singing has never been a strength among Catholics. In the olden days, hymnody was done by a choir. And beautiful music, composed by people who knew what church music is supposed to be, was the norm. Only since Vatican II in the early 1960’s have Catholic parishioners been widely encouraged to participate in congregational singing.
Most are uncomfortable with it and do it poorly. And no wonder, given the sort of tripe selected as modern ‘hymns’. You will not experience rousing song services in a Catholic Mass. But, at least the congregation won’t be bullied by the Song Leader, as frequently happens in Protestant Churches. (“C’mon, brother’s and sisters, you can sing louder than that! Make that old dragon the Devil cover his ears with his claws!”).
Sermons–Catholics call them ‘homilies’ for some reason–are usually pretty dry. Priests rarely have any notion of how to speak in public, and for the past 30 years or so they’ve apparently been taught NOT to prepare their remarks in advance. So you’ll probably be treated to public remarks by a guy who can’t speak in public and didn’t even know what he was going to say until about a second before his mouth opened. Don’t expect the Second Coming of Fulton Sheen.
If you happen to choose to attend a traditional Latin Mass–these take place in many places by indult–the Mass will be especially impressive and reverent. There will be inspiring music, and, while the priest probably still won’t be able to speak in public, he will likely have prepared his remarks in advance. (There is a dire need for a ‘prisoner exchange’ between Catholic and Evangelical seminaries. Evangelical ministers need to learn how to worship; Catholic priests need to learn how to speak).
You won’t be ‘cheated’ if you don’t attend a Latin Mass. My first Mass was a Novus Ordo Mass (nowadays called the ‘Ordinary Form’, as opposed to the Latin Mass, referred to as the ‘Extraordinary Form’). By contrast with the bare-bones services I was accustomed to as a Protestant, it was still remarkable.
Many Ordinary Form Masses, btw, may included just a bit of Latin thrown in at places–perhaps a Latin Christmas Hymn or whatever. This is particularly common during the seasons of Advent (period just before Christmas) and Lent (just prior to Easter). A lot of traditional Catholics feel nostalgic for the Latin, even if they wouldn’t want to attend a full-blown Latin service.
Mass is officially over when the priest says “The Mass is ended, go in peace”.
At which point a sigificant number of people will bolt for the doors.
It’s actually polite to wait for the priest to process out first.
If a great many of the congregation remain in their pews after the priest leaves, there is probably going to be a Rosary or some similar service following the Mass. You can stay or leave as you choose.
If there is an after-Mass Rosary, it will likely as not baffle the daylights out of you–twenty minutes or so of people sayings pretty much the same thing repeatedly with only brief interludes. It will help to know that the ‘Mysteries’ announced during those interludes are themes to be contemplated inwardly during the periods of repetitious prayers.
Even if there isn’t a Rosary or other service a few congregants may remain to pray. Cathollics are remarkably aware of the comment of Jesus at Gethsemane, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”, and as a result often take a few extra minutes before or after Mass to sit with Him in the sanctuary and pray or reflect.
Hope this helps!!
Late afternoon Sunday Masses locally are typically geared towards the youth, and those with more contemporary tastes. I’ve seen a few ‘guitar Masses’ at this time–meaning that some or many of the songs are accompanied by guitars and/or have a folk-music feel to them. Again, the dress is likely to be very informal at this Mass.
In parishes which don’t have a late-Sunday Mass the contemporary/youth-oriented services are often done on Saturday evening. Which is called the ‘Sunday-anticipated Mass’ because it fulfills the obligation of Catholics to attend Mass every Sunday unless serious reason impedes.
By the way–hymn-singing has never been a strength among Catholics. In the olden days, hymnody was done by a choir. And beautiful music, composed by people who knew what church music is supposed to be, was the norm. Only since Vatican II in the early 1960’s have Catholic parishioners been widely encouraged to participate in congregational singing.
Most are uncomfortable with it and do it poorly. And no wonder, given the sort of tripe selected as modern ‘hymns’. You will not experience rousing song services in a Catholic Mass. But, at least the congregation won’t be bullied by the Song Leader, as frequently happens in Protestant Churches. (“C’mon, brother’s and sisters, you can sing louder than that! Make that old dragon the Devil cover his ears with his claws!”).
Sermons–Catholics call them ‘homilies’ for some reason–are usually pretty dry. Priests rarely have any notion of how to speak in public, and for the past 30 years or so they’ve apparently been taught NOT to prepare their remarks in advance. So you’ll probably be treated to public remarks by a guy who can’t speak in public and didn’t even know what he was going to say until about a second before his mouth opened. Don’t expect the Second Coming of Fulton Sheen.
If you happen to choose to attend a traditional Latin Mass–these take place in many places by indult–the Mass will be especially impressive and reverent. There will be inspiring music, and, while the priest probably still won’t be able to speak in public, he will likely have prepared his remarks in advance. (There is a dire need for a ‘prisoner exchange’ between Catholic and Evangelical seminaries. Evangelical ministers need to learn how to worship; Catholic priests need to learn how to speak).
You won’t be ‘cheated’ if you don’t attend a Latin Mass. My first Mass was a Novus Ordo Mass (nowadays called the ‘Ordinary Form’, as opposed to the Latin Mass, referred to as the ‘Extraordinary Form’). By contrast with the bare-bones services I was accustomed to as a Protestant, it was still remarkable.
Many Ordinary Form Masses, btw, may included just a bit of Latin thrown in at places–perhaps a Latin Christmas Hymn or whatever. This is particularly common during the seasons of Advent (period just before Christmas) and Lent (just prior to Easter). A lot of traditional Catholics feel nostalgic for the Latin, even if they wouldn’t want to attend a full-blown Latin service.
Mass is officially over when the priest says “The Mass is ended, go in peace”.
At which point a sigificant number of people will bolt for the doors.
It’s actually polite to wait for the priest to process out first.
If a great many of the congregation remain in their pews after the priest leaves, there is probably going to be a Rosary or some similar service following the Mass. You can stay or leave as you choose.
If there is an after-Mass Rosary, it will likely as not baffle the daylights out of you–twenty minutes or so of people sayings pretty much the same thing repeatedly with only brief interludes. It will help to know that the ‘Mysteries’ announced during those interludes are themes to be contemplated inwardly during the periods of repetitious prayers.
Even if there isn’t a Rosary or other service a few congregants may remain to pray. Cathollics are remarkably aware of the comment of Jesus at Gethsemane, “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”, and as a result often take a few extra minutes before or after Mass to sit with Him in the sanctuary and pray or reflect.
Hope this helps!!
J
Justin_Mee
Guest
I would like to know if anyone has ever seen it refused. I never have, and I have been to CC across the US and several in Europe.
R
Reuben_J
Guest
It is in the GIRM, Steve. Priest can bless anybody of course except that it is not prescribed for in the GIRM during the Holy Communion. If your church has not implemented the GIRM, then no problem, go ahead. The ones who do are quite strict on this. So maybe check first with the particular church. We don’t want our guest to be refused the blessing should he comes up into the Communion line. It is not a matter whether the priest can or cannot bless anyone.
R
Reuben_J
Guest
I also do not know. Personally I think the blessing does no harm but people who implement the GIRM are quite clear on this. The idea behind the reasoning is that the Communion is for those who Communion only thus not to combine it with other activities. Children before Holy Communion age are permitted however to come for the blessing.
I don’t have the link now, but you can search for GIRM or go to the apologetic section.
R
Reuben_J
Guest
Here it is: Since Communion is for the communicants only and no mention of the blessing, it is consider outside of the mass proper.
usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter2.shtml#sect3c
usccb.org/liturgy/current/norms.shtml
- It is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, receive the Lord’s Body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they partake of the chalice (cf. below, no. 283), so that even by means of the signs Communion will stand out more clearly as a participation in the sacrifice actually being celebrated.73
- While the priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion chant is begun. Its purpose is to express the communicants’ union in spirit by means of the unity of their voices, to show joy of heart, and to highlight more clearly the “communitarian” nature of the procession to receive Communion. The singing is continued for as long as the Sacrament is being administered to the faithful.74 If, however, there is to be a hymn after Communion, the Communion chant should be ended in a timely manner.
usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter2.shtml#sect3c
usccb.org/liturgy/current/norms.shtml
K
KathleenGee
Guest
The first part of the liturgy is of the Liturgy of the Word. Mass begins, we are welcomed and greet the presbyter. We then receive absolution for ordinary sins. Then the Old Testament readings are done, followed by the choir leading the psalms, and then another person comes up for the reading of the New Testament. The priest then comes up to read the Gospel, then give homily. We have the Nicene Creed and the prayers of the faithful. Then the Liturgy of the Word is done.
Now we begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist when people sit down. Then at the offertory, where the priest washes his hands and asks the Lord to wash away his inquities…the ordinary gifts of human hands — bread and wine are prepared. We can offer up more intentions and focus on our lives being united with Christ. Then we stand with the priest at the beginning of the consecration and kneel. After the consecration we stand with the Great Amen to affirm the bread and wine have been turned into the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. We have more prayers standing then go up for the Eucharist.
After the Eucharist is distributed, we kneel or sit and reflect. The Liturgy of the Eucharist ended. Then we stand, are blessed and dismissed.
Now we begin the Liturgy of the Eucharist when people sit down. Then at the offertory, where the priest washes his hands and asks the Lord to wash away his inquities…the ordinary gifts of human hands — bread and wine are prepared. We can offer up more intentions and focus on our lives being united with Christ. Then we stand with the priest at the beginning of the consecration and kneel. After the consecration we stand with the Great Amen to affirm the bread and wine have been turned into the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. We have more prayers standing then go up for the Eucharist.
After the Eucharist is distributed, we kneel or sit and reflect. The Liturgy of the Eucharist ended. Then we stand, are blessed and dismissed.
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