My protestant mom went to her first Mass with me!

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After a whole year of struggling to talk to my nondenominational mom about Catholicism, I finally got her to attend Mass with me on Christmas eve! She was very nervous but she wanted to be supportive, so she allowed me to explain the Mass on the way there. It was a children’s Mass, they did a Nativity story play in the beginning and I think that really helped lighten her mood. She actually participated and was attentive throughout most of it. Afterward, she admitted that it was nice and interesting. The other day we were watching a show where a cult was involved and she brought it up again to say, “You know when you first told me you were going Catholic, I was afraid you were joining a cult. After going to Mass last night, I actually think it was peaceful and I can see that God’s presence is there.” I’m so happy!
 
Sounds like both you and your mother are communicating, and being respectful of each other. What a wonderful example of evangelization!
 
I agree, she’ll be back! I love it when people can recognize that God is there and how peaceful it is.
 
So happy for you! Praying my mom will eventually get to that point too!
 
Wow !
What a way for me to finish off 2018 -
by reading your post -
A truly beautiful gesture - by both of you !
 
You know what, now that I think of it I felt that same calmness when I went to my first Mass.
She is nondenominational, which is pretty much Baptists without the label. The church she goes to is very modern and informal, think of Steven Furtick and Hillsong.
 
To the OP, that is a very beautiful thing! Unfortunately my Protestant family has zero interest in sharing my Catholic faith. All I can do is pray for their conversion, perhaps one day they will see the light of the one true Faith!

My sister doesn’t understand all the rituals and traditions we Catholics have, it truly goes way over her head.
 
That’s awesome to hear for you…we had kind of the opposite happen with us.

My wife is Catholic, I’m not and nobody in my family is. I would say my family is VERY religious where her’s is luke warm…at best.

Either way, for our 3rd child’s baptism my family made the 3hr drive up to our place (this would be their first time at this particular church)…well…as is kind of know to happen, the homily kind of “passively” put down non-Catholics.

Fast forward 5 months for our oldest’s first communion, my sister and BIL declined the invitation to the Mass. My sister and one nephew decided to come up to one of his hockey games the day before and have lunch afterward. My parents made it to Mass…but were pretty reluctant and actually left the reception kind of early.
 
Hey that’s great! Congratulations. My Protestant dad is cool with Catholicism and is even reading Signs of Life by Scott Hahn.
 
I’m not Christian but was raised in Orthodox Judaism. I attended Mass several weeks ago out of curiosity and I had been to Mass with my best friend many years ago…back when it was still all in Latin! I wanted to see how much I remembered from my youth.

I actually felt very comfortable with the service. Orthodox Judaism is also very liturgical and I recognized a familiar “rhythm” to it. I went prepared on what to expect and left with only a few little questions about what I saw and heard. I enjoyed myself and plan on going again at some point. I enjoy services of all kinds.

I’m often surprised when Protestants comment on how different a Mass is from their usual church service. I assume they are coming from a non liturgical church, otherwise I don’t recognize anything that would be dramatically different if they were coming from a liturgical Protestant one?

Do any of you that are used to liturgical Masses find that non liturgical services are jarringly or at least quite different?
 
Sunday will be my first time attending Mass, I am a little nervouse. I know no one there…
 
I’m so sorry! I’ll pray with you for their conversion as well.
I do understand that your sister doesn’t understand the rituals and traditions. As I’ve been learning in the RCIA class and reseacrh on my own time, it’s because of all of the Biblical symbolism and historical context. Once you learn to connect it all it seems easier to understand and it’s beautiful.
 
Thank you! Wow, that’s really good to hear! Scott Hahn’s writings are amazing! I love how he breaks everything down.
 
Oh wow! I’ll pray that you’ll have a beautiful experience! The first time I went, I didn’t know anyone there, I was alone, and didn’t even have a Missal (the book that includes the prayers, songs, and scriptures you’ll read).
It helps to watch what everyone else is doing and follow along in the Missal they give you. Maybe even watch a few videos of what Mass looks like and look through the forums here as well.
Also, make sure that when everyone is getting up to receive the Eucharist, cross your arms across your chest when it’s your turn. Non Catholics can’t receive it yet, so the priest will know to bless you.
 
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maiaarising said:
Also, make sure that when everyone is getting up to receive the Eucharist, cross your arms across your chest when it’s your turn. Non Catholics can’t receive it yet, so the priest will know to bless you.
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I just stepped out into the aisle to let everyone out and then went back into the pew. There is no need to go up unless you want to receive the blessing. I thought I’d be the only one staying behind but there were about ten others that stayed behind as well. Just wanted to let you know that one has the option to stay behind.
 
Okay. Yes I have been reading up on Mass. I am excited but nervous…
I guess 50 is never too late 😀
 
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