Non-Catholics: Have You Ever Attended A Catholic Mass?

[Teflon93]

If not, why not?

If so, what were your impressions of it?

 

[Teflon93]

In our RCIA class, we discussed married versus unmarried clergy.

One of the best arguments for unmarried clergy came from our junior priest, who had been married but entered seminary after the death of his wife:

“I don’t know how I would ever have the time to do what I do if I were still married or had children to care for.”

These men are on call around-the-clock. We had a dinner party at my house just after Easter to celebrate our confirmations, and were quite surprised when both our priests managed to attend. They stayed for about 30 minutes, but were then called away to administer Last Rites in a hospital in the city.

That’s what prompted this question:

Are unmarried clergymen better clergymen in the sense that they do not have conflicting obligations to wife or family?

 

[SyCarl]

If not, why not?

If so, what were your impressions of it?

I have attended Mass a number of times when I have visited my in-laws, so it is always the same church. I did not find it a lot different from the Presbyterian Church which I belong to except for the music. The music at the Mass was mostly guitar and led by a cantor which seemed to result in little congregational participation. Our congreagational singing is done to a magnificient pipe organ.
The Christmas eve Mass we attended had one of the best homilies I had heard on Christmas eve,
I found the actual communion at the Mass rather undignified with people jostling and talking in line. This may just be this particular church.

 

[betsygrace]

Hi. I have attended mass exactly three times (excluding weddings and funerals). I think Protestant impressions of the mass will vary alot according to the particular branch of Protestantism that you come from. I come from a pretty casual non-denominational background. (A church service consists pretty much of three simple parts. First you sing hymns, then the offering is taken, and then the sermon is preached, the sermon being the main point of the service). So as you might guess, going to mass was a very different kind of experience for me. I had assumed that a mass was just like a Prostestant service, only a little more formal and a little more formulaic. Masses are more formal and formulaic than the church services I was accustomed to attending, but I think those differences were somewhat tangential to the rest of the differences.

The first mass I ever attended was a high mass in Savannah, Georgia. What was really striking to me was the humility in the mass. I wasn’t used to seeing people kneeling in church, genuflecting, etc. I wasn’t used to corporately asking God for forgiveness, or stating that I was unworthy to take communion and so forth. It was really quite moving to me, and I think led to my taking Catholicism much more seriously. In the church in which I grew up, exposition of the scriptures in the sermon was the focus of the service. (And I thank God for how much I grew through hearing all those sermons!) However, I think a lot of times, this led me and people I knew to approach church, with a not necessarily uncharitable, but critical attitude. So after paying careful attention to the sermon, you have to consider on what points you thought the pastor was right or wrong. (Of course, you would try to find a church where you thought the pastor was right most of the time) However, I think the evaluative approach I had taken to church in the past, made the humility of the mass really stand out.

The second part of the mass that struck me was how global it was, if you considered how many people all over the world were participating in the same mass that you were, reading the same scriptures that week, and then if you thought about how many people through the ages had participated in the mass, it was somewhat overwhelming. I think as Prostestants we do feel a great deal of unity with other believers in our devotion to Christ, but that doesn’t manifest itself in shared ritual.

Of course the centrality of the Eucharist was a big surprise. I was used to taking communion once a month, and approached it merely as kind of a nice gesture to remember Christ’s sacrifice. I hadn’t realized it was the main point of why Catholics go to mass (or that they thought it was actually Christ’s body and blood!). So there was also a different approach in how necessary communion was in living the Christian life and in closeness with Christ.

So to sum up, I found mass to be a deeply moving and suprisingly pleasant experience. However, I was somewhat saddened in a way by it. Most (not all) of the Catholics I knew personally had little appreciation for mass, and rarely attended if they could help it. And a few of my Catholic friends came to mind, and I remember thinking, “If they had any clue what was going on here, they would be so blessed by this!”

A few other random impressions of mass. I enjoyed the part where the priest reads off all the prayer requests, and everyone responds “Lord, hear our prayer after each one.” It made it very real that we were all petitioning God together.

I also liked the sign of peace. This probably doesn’t correspond exactly, but in my church, they always asked you to “turn and greet you neighbor” which I found somewhat superficial and awkward. It’s not like you can get to know someone in thirty seconds, and you will most likely forget their name anyway and reintroduce yourself the next week. However, I found I could take great joy in wishing peace to the random strangers around me. So I liked that.

I have to say I was completely taken aback on by the collection baskets on these long sticks! I had never seen anything like it, being used to passing a plate around. I’m not for or against baskets on poles, but I was very surprised by them.

(Continued below)

 

[betsygrace]

In conclusion, I think that probably a lot of Prostestants would enjoy going to mass, but are intimidated by it. Generally, Prostestant services don’t require any special training to participate, but a Prostestant can feel very lost in a Catholic mass. You don’t know all the stuff that everyone else is reciting, and just feel grateful to be able to chime in on something when the Lord’s Prayer comes up. All the Catholic motions and bodily postures don’t come very naturally. Also I think that the fact that Prostestants can’t participate in communion scares them away. (I fully appreciate why Catholics have closed communion, and don’t have any problems with it. But I think the fact that most Protestants don’t understand why they aren’t allowed, might give them the impression that they aren’t supposed to go at all!)

Then there is the fear that you will do something wrong and upset the apple cart. For example, Catholics don’t talk to each other in the pews while they’re waiting for the mass to begin. It would never occur to most Porstestants in a million years that they shouldn’t chat with their neighbors. That’s what we do before church. So it would be perfectly natural for a Protestant to take a seat and try to strike up a conversation with the person next to them, without realizing they were doing anything abnormal.

I went to a mass by myself for the first time last Sunday. And I have to say, it took a lot of courage to go alone. The two times I had gone before I had been with Catholics, and so there was a little more moral support. I enjoyed the mass, but was a little perplexed about a lot of things, some of which might seem somewhat ridiculous.

For example, holy water. I see all the other people dipping their fingers in. Am I supposed to do that or not? Will I contaminate it? Are people crossing themselves after they do this?

As for genuflecting before entering the pew. On the one hand, I feel kind of strange doing this, like I am impersonating a Catholic or something. On the other hand, I don’t want to be disrespectful by not genuflecting. So as you can see, Protestants are often greeted by a series of small stresses in the mass On the whole I think it is quite worthwhile to go, but not necessarily easy at first.

 

[JohnnyReb]

I liked the mass. It is part of why I want to become Catholic. It was a breath of fresh air after dealing with overly emotional pentecostal worship. I enjoyed being able to think about what was going on, and the sense of holiness. Many protestants are insulted that they cannot take the eucharist. I am very comfortable with not taking it. It shows that they just don’t let any person come in off the street and profane the blood and body of the Lord. It shows a sense of holiness.

 

[mary_bobo]

I have attended Mass a number of times when I have visited my in-laws, so it is always the same church. I did not find it a lot different from the Presbyterian Church which I belong to except for the music. The music at the Mass was mostly guitar and led by a cantor which seemed to result in little congregational participation. Our congreagational singing is done to a magnificient pipe organ.
The Christmas eve Mass we attended had one of the best homilies I had heard on Christmas eve,
I found the actual communion at the Mass rather undignified with people jostling and talking in line. This may just be this particular church.

I am sorry you have had an experience such as this. Hopefully this is the exception and not the rule.

 

[Catholig]

For example, holy water. I see all the other people dipping their fingers in. Am I supposed to do that or not? Will I contaminate it? Are people crossing themselves after they do this?

I don’t think that you’d contaminate it And honestly I’d see nothing wrong with a non-Catholic making the sign of the cross or using holy water - just don’t receive communion! (just in case you didn’t know I wanted to tell you).

 

[paradoxy]

I’m EO - does that count as Non-Catholic or not?

My mother was RC, and I attended the Masses for her soul when she passed away and a few more times too, when I was invited by a Catholic friend.

I have to say I prefer the Divine Liturgy… but I felt moments of intensity at the Mass too

 

[Pixie_Dust]

For example, holy water. I see all the other people dipping their fingers in. Am I supposed to do that or not? Will I contaminate it? Are people crossing themselves after they do this?

Assuming you’ve been baptized, you can dip your fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross. This calls to mind the baptismal vows - when you’re baptized in a liturgical setting you are asked a series of questions, like: Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God? Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you
from the love of God? Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? and dipping your fingers in the water and making the sign of the cross is a way to “renew” those vows.

As for genuflecting before entering the pew. On the one hand, I feel kind of strange doing this, like I am impersonating a Catholic or something. On the other hand, I don’t want to be disrespectful by not genuflecting. So as you can see, Protestants are often greeted by a series of small stresses in the mass On the whole I think it is quite worthwhile to go, but not necessarily easy at first.

It is strange at first, I totally understand! I think it’s because Protestant churches acknowledge Jesus’ presence as a “spiritual” presence, whereas Catholics believe he is Really Present that there is a real lack of reverence in non-Catholic churches. I used to go to an “Emotionalist” (my term) church and they’d rock the house and believe Jesus was there with them because they all felt so durn happy.

Genuflecting (literally, knee-bending) is a gesture of honor to Jesus and to His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament reserved within the tabernacle in all Catholic Churches. A candle lamp hangs near this tabernacle to signify Christ’s Presence. Psalm 95 says “Let us kneel before the Lord, Our Maker”. Jesus knelt to pray. Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (2:10, 11) says “…at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

[Calvinator]

If not, why not?

If so, what were your impressions of it?

I have attended a couple…maybe three or four.

Being old school Presbyterian we too have a liturgy, not quite as formal but a liturgy nonetheless so that wasn’t a shock.

I guess I disagree with your theology to much to actually enjoy the mass but disregarding my theological issues, it was pretty impressive.

 

[Catholig]

I’m EO - does that count as Non-Catholic or not?

My mother was RC, and I attended the Masses for her soul when she passed away and a few more times too, when I was invited by a Catholic friend.

I have to say I prefer the Divine Liturgy… but I felt moments of intensity at the Mass too

Why are you EO if your mom was Catholic?

Catholig

 

[jmcrae]

I went to a mass by myself for the first time last Sunday.

Brave girl!!

For example, holy water. I see all the other people dipping their fingers in. Am I supposed to do that or not?

Yes, you can do that, too. It is a reminder of Baptism. If you are not yet Baptised, it is an anticipation of your Baptism.

Are people crossing themselves after they do this?

Yes, they are.

As for genuflecting before entering the pew. On the one hand, I feel kind of strange doing this, like I am impersonating a Catholic or something. On the other hand, I don’t want to be disrespectful by not genuflecting.

Go ahead and do that - Jesus is present in the Tabernacle, and it’s our way of “greeting” Him as we enter the Church. Usually, we are as near to the Tabernacle as we’re going to get when we are entering the pew, which is why we normally do it then. If you pass the Tabernacle at other times, then when you get near to it, you genuflect.

 

[dingyboatman]

I went to mass once. I think it would feel different to people of different religious culture. The things that stood out to me most were all the details that I did’nt know what to do about. also, the homily was a suprise. I did not expect there to be extemporaneous teaching by the pastoral staff. I thought the priest’s pastoral council was well researched and well spoken but I don’t remember what he said other than that and that he was right on. also, there was quite a bit of scripture quoted, read or recited. this suprised me as well given how unfamiliar most of the catholics I’ve met seem to be with scripture. All in all, I don’t think my disagreement with catholicism lies in how the services look, but with some of the details of the teaching and dogma, like transubstantiation, etc. I also find the subdued tone to be a bit unnatural if it’s really a tight family and it does’nt say much about intimacy with Christ–although it does speak to humility under His greatness. I’m sure the cc has other ways of reminding people to seek intimacy with Christ. I do think catholic services are intimidating if you don’t know what you’r supposed to do. I also agree with having some kind of stipulation on receiving the bread and wine. It would not be appropriate to have an unbeliever or one who is in rebellion against God participate.

 

[Suat]

If so, what were your impressions of it?

Yes, I was raised in a Catholic family, so I attended mass every week until I was in college, although I have not been in several years now.

As for my impressions, I am always a bit detached whenever I attend any religious service. I spend the majority of my time watching the people or looking at the building and trying to understand what draws people to religious worship. There are many aspects of the Catholic service that I find to be quite fascinating in their tradition and symbolism or in the reactions of the masses. That said, I have never gotten the impression from any services that I have attended (Catholic or not) that religion has a purpose beyond comforting the masses.

 

[Teflon93]

I’m EO - does that count as Non-Catholic or not?

My mother was RC, and I attended the Masses for her soul when she passed away and a few more times too, when I was invited by a Catholic friend.

I have to say I prefer the Divine Liturgy… but I felt moments of intensity at the Mass too

Good point—I must say that I have the Russian Easter liturgy on CD and find it profoundly moving although my Russian’s too rusty to make out much. The Orthodox liturgy is universally acclaimed for its beauty and reverence and I imagine is one of the great blessings of the Orthodox faithful.

 

[Teflon93]

In conclusion, I think that probably a lot of Prostestants would enjoy going to mass, but are intimidated by it. Generally, Prostestant services don’t require any special training to participate, but a Prostestant can feel very lost in a Catholic mass. You don’t know all the stuff that everyone else is reciting, and just feel grateful to be able to chime in on something when the Lord’s Prayer comes up. All the Catholic motions and bodily postures don’t come very naturally. Also I think that the fact that Prostestants can’t participate in communion scares them away. (I fully appreciate why Catholics have closed communion, and don’t have any problems with it. But I think the fact that most Protestants don’t understand why they aren’t allowed, might give them the impression that they aren’t supposed to go at all!)

Then there is the fear that you will do something wrong and upset the apple cart. For example, Catholics don’t talk to each other in the pews while they’re waiting for the mass to begin. It would never occur to most Porstestants in a million years that they shouldn’t chat with their neighbors. That’s what we do before church. So it would be perfectly natural for a Protestant to take a seat and try to strike up a conversation with the person next to them, without realizing they were doing anything abnormal.

I went to a mass by myself for the first time last Sunday. And I have to say, it took a lot of courage to go alone. The two times I had gone before I had been with Catholics, and so there was a little more moral support. I enjoyed the mass, but was a little perplexed about a lot of things, some of which might seem somewhat ridiculous.

For example, holy water. I see all the other people dipping their fingers in. Am I supposed to do that or not? Will I contaminate it? Are people crossing themselves after they do this?

As for genuflecting before entering the pew. On the one hand, I feel kind of strange doing this, like I am impersonating a Catholic or something. On the other hand, I don’t want to be disrespectful by not genuflecting. So as you can see, Protestants are often greeted by a series of small stresses in the mass On the whole I think it is quite worthwhile to go, but not necessarily easy at first.

Thank you for your very thoughtful response.

I was raised Episcopalian, so the Catholic Mass wasn’t as alien as it was to my Pentecostal wife. We bought a guide to the Mass after the first one so that we’d know more of what was going on. It really helped us—“How-To Book of the Mass” or something.

 

[BlestOne]

Wow, as a cradle Catholic I am always interested in hearing what non-Catholics have to say about mass. I agree it must be hard to know when to kneel, sit, stand, or even how to follow the Missalette. I have had to teach many converts how to follow along. I too always think it is sad to see other Catholics that don’t appreciate what they have in the mass and act irreverently. As a Catholic, I have had the opportunity to go to Protestant services… I find them very easy to follow along … just sit and watch others. The only thing I didn’t get was why some of these churches take attendance… Why are you supposed to sign in with those books at the end of the pews?

 

[Cat]

The sign-in books aren’t for attendance. The main purpose is to let you know who your “pew mates” are so that you can greet them by name after the service. It creates a friendlier “everybody knows your name” (from Cheers) atmosphere in church.

The second purpose is to allow people to communicate with the church office that they are 1) new in town and are considering this church as a home church 2) would like the pastor to call for some reason 3) would like to be baptized or 4) other.

The third purpose is to give the church office and visiting committee a list of names to call or send mailers to. Although some people want to remain anonymous, many people really do want a real human being to contact them, ask how they’re doing, and inquire about their spiritual and physical needs. That’s what a church is supposed to be doing. In many Protestant churches, the week after you visit, you will receive either a call, a personal visit, and often a little gift from the church (the gift is usually a coffee mug with some sweets, or sometimes a small fruit basket, and almost always, a little devotional booklet that is non-denominational).

I personally think that Catholic churches should consider some of these techniques. They’re just tools to help the Church do a more thorough job of reaching out and touching people.

 

[paradoxy]

Why are you EO if your mom was Catholic?

Catholig

My father is Serbian Orthodox, my mother was Catholic… HER father, a Slovenian Catholic, came to Belgrade from Slovenia during WWII fleeing the Nazis and married my Serbian Orthodox grandmother… their first child was baptized in an Orthodox church… all very mixed up :whacky:

Why the sad frowning face? I’m very happy and grateful to be EO and would not change it for the world! I have a respect for the Catholic Church, and know quite a few Catholics, including monastics and a Bishop, but I wouldn’t really consider being one.

A Catholic woman once asked me “OK, so you’re EO, you were born that way, but what would you suggest to someone converting: to become EO or RC?” Laughing, I said: “Why, EO, of course” and she was genuinely shocked.