Palm Sunday, Questions

[abb]

Hey, I had a few questions as to what Palm Sunday is all about, and especially this time of year. What does this day represent? and… Holy Week?

Also… Palm Sunday is going to be my first Sunday Mass, if I cannot recieve communion yet, and you’re supposed to receive it during this time, is it ok that I still goto Mass? Sit in my seat, or what exactly?

I’m a little nervous as to what is going to happen that’s different on this Sunday Mass Vs. a regular Sunday Mass. Any information or websites would be much appreciative. Thanks.

 

[Tietjen]

abb:

Hey, I had a few questions as to what Palm Sunday is all about, and especially this time of year. What does this day represent? and… Holy Week?

Check out this site for a thorough explaination.

abb:

Also… Palm Sunday is going to be my first Sunday Mass, if I cannot recieve communion yet, and you’re supposed to receive it during this time, is it ok that I still goto Mass? Sit in my seat, or what exactly?

Yes, it is perfectly okay to go to Mass and observe.

abb:

I’m a little nervous as to what is going to happen that’s different on this Sunday Mass Vs. a regular Sunday Mass. Any information or websites would be much appreciative. Thanks.

See the website above. There’s no need at all to be nervous. Take care and God bless.

 

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

How is the palm one recieves a sacramental (over here we recieve a piece of an olive branch)? I heard that it can be burned during storms, but doesn’t that ammount to superstition (I guess it would depend on the intent though)?

 

[1ke]

How is the palm one recieves a sacramental (over here we recieve a piece of an olive branch)?

They are sacramentals because they are blessed by the priest.

I heard that it can be burned during storms, but doesn’t that ammount to superstition (I guess it would depend on the intent though)?

The proper way to dispose of a blessed object is through burning or burial.

I have not heard of burning blessed branches during a storm.

The blessed palms from this year are burned and they become the ashes for next year’s Ash Wednesday. Ask your priest when/where that takes place for your parish and you can give your branches to be burned.

 

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

I think you misunderstood my question (either that or I expressed myself poorly). I know *how *it becomes a sacramental; I just don’t understand how it can be used as a sacramental (holy water and medals, for example, I understand how they “work”). As for the burning of the palms, it was (is?) a custom here where I live to burn them during storms. I think it has to do with asking for protection or something of the sort.

 

[jmcrae]

I think you misunderstood my question (either that or I expressed myself poorly). I know *how *it becomes a sacramental; I just don’t understand how it can be used as a sacramental (holy water and medals, for example, I understand how they “work”). As for the burning of the palms, it was (is?) a custom here where I live to burn them during storms. I think it has to do with asking for protection or something of the sort.

When you get your blessed palm branch, you hold it during the Palm Sunday Mass, and then you take it home and use it as a house decoration - I usually put mine with my Crucifix.

When it’s coming to be time for Ash Wednesday, I take my palm branch down and take it back to the Church, where they burn it for Ash Wednesday.

 

[jmcrae]

Hey, I had a few questions as to what Palm Sunday is all about, and especially this time of year. What does this day represent? and… Holy Week?

Oh boy, you picked a great day for your first Sunday Mass!

Depending on the tradition of the parish, you might be asked to collect your palm branch and then go outside to join with a procession. (Don’t expect this to happen every time you come, though!) If it is not the tradition of the parish to do this, then you will collect your palm branch and then go and find your place.

The first reading will be read from the entrance of the Church (again, this doesn’t normally happen) and the subject of the reading will be the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey. Then, the procession will come forward, and if you are in the procession you can wave your palm branch at this time.

After that, things will proceed somewhat as normal, until the time of the Gospel reading, and then, at that time, several people will come forward to participate in a “dialogue reading” of the Passion of Jesus Christ. This is quite long, and we stand for this, so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.

After this comes the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and this will proceed as normal.

Also… Palm Sunday is going to be my first Sunday Mass, if I cannot recieve communion yet, and you’re supposed to receive it during this time, is it ok that I still goto Mass? Sit in my seat, or what exactly?

Yes, just remain in your place throughout the whole thing. At certain points in the Mass, you will see people kneeling. If it does not offend your conscience to do so, you can kneel along with them - but if you prefer not to, then simply remain seated.

Welcome! I hope you will have a wonderful time!

 

[1ke]

I think you misunderstood my question (either that or I expressed myself poorly). I know *how *it becomes a sacramental; I just don’t understand how it can be used as a sacramental (holy water and medals, for example, I understand how they “work”). As for the burning of the palms, it was (is?) a custom here where I live to burn them during storms. I think it has to do with asking for protection or something of the sort.

They are used during the Mass on Palm Sunday and then you can take them home and place them in a prominent place to remind you of the Passion. Many people braid the palm leaves into a cross and wear them or display them during Holy Week.

I found an article that talks about blessed palms in the home, and also about burning them in a natural disaster. The Church discourages this practice. Here’s the article:

catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1035

 

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

Thanks. I thought the burning of the palms during natural catastrophes ammounted to superstition. It kind of reminds me of those people that hand a rosary in their car like a good luck charm.

 

[Catholicc]

Palm Sunday was the day Jesus came to Jerusalem. He was greeted by the crowds outside the city with waving palms.

http://myfcckids.com/images/palm_sunday_a16x.jpg

 

[LilyM]

Thanks. I thought the burning of the palms during natural catastrophes ammounted to superstition. It kind of reminds me of those people that hand a rosary in their car like a good luck charm.

It’s not a good luck charm. It reminds you to pray when you see it - drives can be a good time to pray. It also reminds us that even our driving is to be done ‘to the glory of God’ - meaning no speeding or dangerous driving, no cussing out or making rude gestures at other drivers and so on. I’m sure seeing that Rosary hanging in the car has prevented many a case of road rage - or of canoodling in the back seat!