Non-Catholic attending Mass for the first time

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I would imagine a dress provides more ventilation, and thus is cooler than slacks. I don’t have that option lol.

I don’t think I’ve ever attended a Sunday Mass in shorts. During the week, sure, but not Sunday. But I have to say it’s sorta common here.
 
Lenten_ashes said:
I would imagine a dress provides more ventilation, and thus is cooler than slacks.
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You know, it really does! I’m much cooler in a dress or skirt than I am in pants. This is especially true for this southern heat and humidity. Linen pants are also good.
 
okay, my little sister has scoliosis, and she’s had several back surgeries. I told her a while back, because of that she doesn’t really need to kneel in church, but do show some sort of active reverence, not to be fair she does anyway. But if you’re incapable of doing stuff like that from more than a little bit at a time, You’re more than welcome to sit down. If you’re able to though, I still think it wise to stand at the gospel and kneel at the consecration. if you’re physically unable to do that, try to show some other sign of veneration. I’m about the same age, and I have some medical problems of my own, because of spinal damage I had from when I was younger, I have a hard time genuflecting, you would think it would be my knees that would be more of an issue in preventing that. So, I adopted the Eastern Christian habit of venerating the altar by bowing. Again, if you’re not able to do that, or your non-Catholic background makes you uncomfortable doing that, find some other way to express it. You and I are around the same age, so happy birthday, although mine was earlier this year, and I hope I’ve been of help
 
adamhovey1988 said:
kneel at the consecration.
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OP, just throwing this out there. I only know of one NC who kneels, so if you don’t want to I wouldn’t say it un-wise not to. I just slide up in the pew a little, or try to find a place where no-one is likely to sit behind our family.
 
I have the same problem and mine is feeling welcome there. I had a hard time. The other things i believe you can just do your best. I had a stroke. I am evangelical christian but would love to be Baptized. I know all the questions because my neighbor mentored me. I wish I could find someone like you to attend church with. I had a terrible experience because I could not take communion as you know and felt left out. I wanted to have fellowship.
I would simply go, bow toward the Eucharist and have a seat. The Catholic faith is very beautiful, but in Bible churches you get a full sermon and friendlier people. Things are a lot better now also. Always consider that they may need you more then you need them. Best Wishes
 
@adamhovey1988 Yeah for the most part I’m incapable of kneeling or standing for more then 5 min (though if I’m walking its not as bad).

Some people have been curious as to why I cant so I’ll state here. Like I said former security specialist, I lost my right foot was shot in my left knee and hip (both replaced) and still have pieces of shrapnel in my left shoulder. For those who will undoubtedly ask how… Afghanistan… Should be explanation enough.

Again thank you to those who have been helpful with their answers. I called the church where I will be attending this upcoming Sunday and the secretary was excited to have me come taking down a little information about me so they can mail me their little welcome package.
 
God bless you! I hope it is a meaningful experience for you, and thank you for your service to your country!
 
I’m sorry you had such a hard time. Have you thought about calling the parish and meeting with the pastor about your experience and your concerns?

I’m from a Baptist background. Yes, mass is very different, but I’ve never made a better decision in my life than when I answered God’s call to come home to the Catholic Church.
 
Sounds like a great welcoming parish. Personally, I never judge why someone else does or doesn’t do something at Mass. at least I try: if I fail, I kick myself in the behind to remind me that the reason I am there is to worship God.
 
morningstar829 said:
have decided to at least try going to mass.
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Good move, my friend. I too am non-Catholic but attend Mass fairly often. I’ve been doing so for roughly 4 years now, but it took two years prior to that to work up the courage to go and several years of intense study prior to that to become convinced that this was something I wanted to do. I see your fears have been well addressed already so won’t harp on anything further. Blessings to you. 🙂
 
I think I will. However it puts him in a bad spot. He must keep the flock content and I’m simply a guy with hopes and dreams. I will not church shop, it’s sink or swim. I have a good prayer life and a love for The Lord. I believe in the real presence. I just want to see what I could become in overcoming very difficult experiences in my lifetime.

Thank you very much. It’s so weird that during the greeting moment people just wave to others. That should be extended a bit and people should be encouraged to greet newcomers. I want to get more.involved and possibly meet someone willing to join me there and help me out. I lost my mentor who invited me to go there for years because the spiritual advisor told her a woman can’t mentor a man outside a public church event. Concupiscence was the reason. You must obey a spiritual advisor or that’s a sin.
 
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Two suggestions, 1 you could go forward, just cross your arms in a “X” over your chest, and the priest or deacon (or possibly Extrordinary Minister of Holy Communion) will give you a blessing, If someone comes down wearing the brightly colored vestments (should be green) for the place you would go forward to, then I encourage you to go, because they are able to give a special blessing which has a guarantee of blessing to it (its a theology thing I can’t fully explain). 2, if someone comes to give the disabled people communion, simply make the crossed arms over your chest and they will know to simply give you a blessing.
 
Whenever I see someone seated when everyone else is standing, I assume there’s a compelling reason for it, like health/medical.
 
on_the_hill said:
Whenever I see someone seated when everyone else is standing, I assume there’s a compelling reason for it, like health/medical.
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Sometimes I see entire families doing this. It does make me curious, but I don’t lose sleep over it.
 
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