New catechumen — nobody seems to follow instructions

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Armaros

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Hello!

I’ve just recently come to the Catholic faith as a catechumen. One thing stands out to me: at Mass, we are given little pamphlets that describe what is to be done or said and at what point during the service. The thing is, nobody actually seems to pay any heed to the prescriptions. There is no beating of breasts during the confiteor or bowing as appropriate during the creed, for example. It was a little bit embarrassing to be the only one in the church doing these things — being singled out for the sake of following the instructions!

I wonder — should I continue to follow them? Or are they now vestigial, those who follow them seen as over-pious?

Thank you very much!
 
Thats a good question. Me personally im still working out when im supposed to what during Mass. So it may be that some just dont know.
 
It can be a bit hard to follow for someone new to the church.
I know I get lost in the missle at times.
I wish it would continue in order in the book and not skip around so I can keep up lol
 
Yes, you should continue to conduct yourself as you have been-- using the correct liturgical postures.

I am often time the only one who does, but it is a teachable moment and I’ve noticed others start to properly use the liturgical postures after they notice it. I also teach CCD and teach the kids to properly bow, genuflect, beat breast, etc.

I do it because it’s the right thing to do, not because others do or do not have appropriate postures or gestures.
 
IneedGod said:
It can be a bit hard to follow for someone new to the church.
I know I get lost in the missle at times.
I wish it would continue in order in the book and not skip around so I can keep up lol
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Haha, that’s true. A lot of “oh dear, we stand up now?! where’d that prayer go?” my first time 😛
1ke said:
Yes, you should continue to conduct yourself as you have been-- using the correct liturgical postures.

I am often time the only one who does, but it is a teachable moment and I’ve noticed others start to properly use the liturgical postures after they notice it. I also teach CCD and teach the kids to properly bow, genuflect, beat breast, etc.

I do it because it’s the right thing to do, not because others do or do not have appropriate postures or gestures.
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Thank you; I will continue to do so, in that case. Your answer certainly makes sense.

Thank you everybody for your (name removed by moderator)ut~
 
Yes id like to add that keep doing it the way your supposed to. You set a good example for people new to the church like myself.
 
Armaros said:
The thing is, nobody actually seems to pay any heed to the prescriptions. There is no beating of breasts during the confiteor or bowing as appropriate during the creed, for example. It was a little bit embarrassing to be the only one in the church doing these things — being singled out for the sake of following the instructions!

I wonder — should I continue to follow them? Or are they now vestigial, those who follow them seen as over-pious?
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The instructions are there because they are meant to be followed. 🙂

They are not vestigial, and you (or others who do them) are not over-pious for adhering to them.

It may be that old habits (e.g. not bowing) die hard and new habits (e.g. bowing) are harder to instill. Perhaps your example will help others!
 
1ke said:
Yes, you should continue to conduct yourself as you have been-- using the correct liturgical postures.

I am often time the only one who does, but it is a teachable moment and I’ve noticed others start to properly use the liturgical postures after they notice it. I also teach CCD and teach the kids to properly bow, genuflect, beat breast, etc.

I do it because it’s the right thing to do, not because others do or do not have appropriate postures or gestures.
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Having entered the church before the ‘changes’ I can attest to the fact that I still now need the ‘script’ and still forget to do certain things because it is not ‘habit’ yet or I am wrestling with my brain that has already told my body to do what it used to OR I am simply in a deeper state of prayer than focusing on positions or actions.
So while I agree continue and lead the way. BUT I would say what is important is to find out the WHY behind the movements. There is a little book called the Pocket Guide to the Mass by Michael Dubriel ( probably available from CAF resources) when I found that and read the explanations of the whys for various positions it had much more meaning.
 
Follow the rubrics, whether anyone else does or not. You’re setting a good example.
Armaros said:
Hello!

I’ve just recently come to the Catholic faith as a catechumen. One thing stands out to me: at Mass, we are given little pamphlets that describe what is to be done or said and at what point during the service. The thing is, nobody actually seems to pay any heed to the prescriptions. There is no beating of breasts during the confiteor or bowing as appropriate during the creed, for example. It was a little bit embarrassing to be the only one in the church doing these things — being singled out for the sake of following the instructions!

I wonder — should I continue to follow them? Or are they now vestigial, those who follow them seen as over-pious?

Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
 
However, bowing during the Creed and striking the breast during the confiteor are not new.
 
Armaros said:
Hello!

I’ve just recently come to the Catholic faith as a catechumen. One thing stands out to me: at Mass, we are given little pamphlets that describe what is to be done or said and at what point during the service. The thing is, nobody actually seems to pay any heed to the prescriptions. There is no beating of breasts during the confiteor or bowing as appropriate during the creed, for example. It was a little bit embarrassing to be the only one in the church doing these things — being singled out for the sake of following the instructions!

I wonder — should I continue to follow them? Or are they now vestigial, those who follow them seen as over-pious?

Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Continue to follow the instructions. You have to remember that it has only been a few months since these instructions came out. Many of the faithful simply don’t remember thay are suppose to do them. You can set the example. Your actions can show the way.

Dcn FAB
 
I agree with everyone above that you should continue doing them.

I’m often the only one doing them, but I notice out of the corner of my eye that others will bow or beat their breast a few moments after I do. People often follow the crowd, and don’t want to do the gestures if they’re the only one. So we can be a good example. 🙂
 
😉 Welcome to our world!! Some of these things were enhanced and/or re emphasized in the recent charetranslation. I noticed that my husband and I were the only ones in our area who bowed at the “incarnation” in the Creed. We tend to sit in the same spot week after week at the same Mass. Now more people are doing it. Some of it is example - ours and others- and some of it is just people catching up. I am pretty good now with the “And with your spirit” responses , but still have some problem at the preface not saying, " it is right and just to give Him thanks and praise" because it just seems right (and automatic ::o ) instead of “It is right and just”.

Changes take time, but in the meantime do what is asked because it honors Christ.
 
Armaros said:
It was a little bit embarrassing to be the only one in the church doing these things — being singled out for the sake of following the instructions!
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Has someone actually “singled you out” for doing these things?

I agree with the others. You are doing it correctly, so just keep on doing it. Don’t concern yourself with what others are or are not doing.
 
The people at my church do all of these, and it’s a regular post VII church.

If you are sitting in the middle/back, try sitting near the front.

The further back you sit, the less you see of these things, the less people tend to sing, and the more leave early, from what I’ve observed.
 
Aggies08 said:
If you are sitting in the middle/back, try sitting near the front.

The further back you sit, the less you see of these things, the less people tend to sing, and the more leave early, from what I’ve observed.
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Oh, I agree. I have learned not to sit in the back. Leaving early especially, gives my family bad ideas.
 
Armaros said:
Hello! I’ve just recently come to the Catholic faith as a catechumen. One thing stands out to me: at Mass, we are given little pamphlets that describe what is to be done or said and at what point during the service. The thing is, nobody actually seems to pay any heed to the prescriptions. There is no beating of breasts during the confiteor or bowing as appropriate during the creed, for example. It was a little bit embarrassing to be the only one in the church doing these things — being singled out for the sake of following the instructions! I wonder — should I continue to follow them? Or are they now vestigial, those who follow them seen as over-pious? Thank you very much!
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My advice,do not worry what others are NOT doing,but you continue to do what you know people should be doing. I beat my breast and bow at Mass…and why? Because I was an altar server for years at Spanish Masses and it was already recited in such a manner. It was the English translation which needed changes and I am VERY happy it was done…finally!
 
It’s the same way at my parish–very small with lots of poorly catechized members. My wife and I are among the 3%-5% of parishioners who beat our breasts and bow at the appropriate times. Most people don’t bother to genuflect either.

Some people don’t know better, and others don’t care. Hate to to have to admit it, but there are people at Mass who are lukewarm in their faith, coming because that’s simply how they were raised, or thinking it’s the bare minimum necessary for salvation, or attending to please a spouse or to spark faith in their child(ren), etc.

Do what is proper because it is, not because others also do it. Those around you who don’t know better may very well start asking questions and end up following your lead.
 
When it comes to these postures, many long-time Catholics are overcoming old habits. Those who only attend infrequently may not be aware of the re-emphasis on these postures, nor with the new translation.

The postures are not new, but there are parishes and places where the faithful have not been taught these postures for decades. The new translation is a good opportunity to re-emphasize them. You have the advantage that you don’t have decades of neglecting these actions under your belt. It would help a great deal if you would keep responding “according to Hoyle.” If the others don’t come around, it is no reflection on you.
 
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