Question about Mass

[ChristianKnight]

1. Is their any certain dress code? I usually just wear a shirt and pants, most of the time its a FFA (Future Farmers of America) shirt, or a Irish themed shirt.
2. How long is a weekday mass?
3. Any certain seating arrangement?
4. When they have the Eucharist, I just keep seated right?
5. Do Catholic Churches have a youth group hour?

I am not sure but I might be able to go to a Mass on a weekday after school, my parents don’t want me too, but personally, I am just gonna do it eventually, mine as well try it now, but if I can’t, these questions would still help.

 

[Lujack]

1. I go to daily Mass, and I usually wear wind pants and a hooded sweatshirt, with a winter coat. Don’t dress like a slob, but you don’t have to wear a tuxedo. You won’t be out of place if you dress nicer, though (especially if its Sunday or a holy day).
2. The church I go to is 25-35 minutes long for the Mass.
3. Not that I know of. I’ve never been to a church that had something like this. If there’s a balcony, its probably for the choir, but that’s about it.
4. Yeah.
5. Not after daily Mass, at least, as far as I know. The church I go to has morning prayer, but I can’t ever stay for it (right from Mass to class). If there is a youth hour, its probably after their Saturday night Mass (at least, that’s my experience).

Hope that helps. I’m glad to hear you’re thinking about visiting a Mass. On a side note, the parish you’re thinking about dropping in on has an afternoon Mass on weekdays? I wish the church I go to had that; I’d be able to go five days a week instead of three.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I agree with Lujack on all points, but you will probably be kneeling during the Eucharist, so if you are not Catholic, it is appropriate to stay kneeling.

There are a handful of churches that took their kneelers out (which I think is bogus, but that’s for another day) in which case the congregation will be kneeling. Either way, you’ll be doing what the congregation does. If someone has to slide past you in the pew to go to Communion while you stay seated, you can go ahead and stop kneeling for a moment to stand up or sit to let them go by.

More than likely, if it is a crowded mass, there will be a number of people who stay kneeling (or seated) during Communion.

 

[ChristianKnight]

1. I go to daily Mass, and I usually wear wind pants and a hooded sweatshirt, with a winter coat. Don’t dress like a slob, but you don’t have to wear a tuxedo. You won’t be out of place if you dress nicer, though (especially if its Sunday or a holy day).
2. The church I go to is 25-35 minutes long for the Mass.
3. Not that I know of. I’ve never been to a church that had something like this. If there’s a balcony, its probably for the choir, but that’s about it.
4. Yeah.
5. Not after daily Mass, at least, as far as I know. The church I go to has morning prayer, but I can’t ever stay for it (right from Mass to class). If there is a youth hour, its probably after their Saturday night Mass (at least, that’s my experience).

Hope that helps. I’m glad to hear you’re thinking about visiting a Mass. On a side note, the parish you’re thinking about dropping in on has an afternoon Mass on weekdays? I wish the church I go to had that; I’d be able to go five days a week instead of three.

I am not sure. It is pretty big considering local churches, but its the only catholic church in that county. Here the average is like this:

1 catholic church
50+ baptist churches
15-30 methodist churches
10-15 church of christ
1 jehovah witness place
1 mormon place
30-40 un-affiliated churches

The Catholic Church has a lot more then 1 baptist church (unless its the baptist one in the city which is HUGE), but combining all of them its like thousands to maybe 400.

I just learned of a mormon and JW place, it struck me as odd, cause they are usually like the “weird” people around here. A lot of the un-affiliated churches are names like “Sunshine Church of God” kinda, if I may, peace names. I prefer churches that are straight names, like “Southwood Baptist Church” Cause Southwood would be the kind of like part of the county, and its a Baptist Church.

 

[CHESTERTONRULES]

1. Is their any certain dress code? I usually just wear a shirt and pants, most of the time its a FFA (Future Farmers of America) shirt, or a Irish themed shirt.
2. How long is a weekday mass?
3. Any certain seating arrangement?
4. When they have the Eucharist, I just keep seated right?
5. Do Catholic Churches have a youth group hour?

I am not sure but I might be able to go to a Mass on a weekday after school, my parents don’t want me too, but personally, I am just gonna do it eventually, mine as well try it now, but if I can’t, these questions would still help.

I think Lujack answered the questions well.

I would also add that some churches have a life teen mass on Sunday evenings and often there is a youth group meeting afterwards.

Also, I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Mass is usually very diverse in dress and attitude and nobody will pay much attention to you no matter what you do, assuming you are quiet.

Attending mass is very personal, even though the faith is communal.

 

[ChristianKnight]

I think Lujack answered the questions well.

I would also add that some churches have a life teen mass on Sunday evenings and often there is a youth group meeting afterwards.

Also, I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Mass is usually very diverse in dress and attitude and nobody will pay much attention to you no matter what you do, assuming you are quiet.

Attending mass is very personal, even though the faith is communal.

Well, I am not uncomfortable with it, other than 1 thing, and my parents would probably ground me for 6 months if they found out I planned on going, the 2 things are:

1. In real life, I am very aggressive to confrontation, if someone like laughs at something I say, usually I get defensive and get very mean with them. Why? I don’t know, its probably cause I was be-littled as a kid cause I was tall, and my cousins would whoop me (they are seniors now, and I scare them cause I box and stuff, they think I am just gonna snap and beat their faces in, but we usually just play around in this swamp like lake that we meet at family reunions, sorry memories) anyways. Ya, I mean, I am fine with going, I am not anti-catholic, I do think a lot of what you guys do is weird, or at the least, different, but I want to go to see what its like. I just have to tell my parents I am going to hang out in town for a couple hours and get to it , of course, I think its gonna be hard to do for a youth thing, cause Sunday, my parents are watching me like a hawk. Now what will I do if they do something to get me mad? Usually just tell them to back off, but if they get me real mad, I usually arrange a fight at their school (if its a different school, which it probably will be since its a different town where mine is) or fight them after church. I will try to be very patient though.
2. People usually draw Clovers or their names on my arms, and it covers my whole arm. +I am getting it where fluffy (girl at school) draws clover tears right below my eyes, so they’d be kinda noticeable, but do you think that’d get me in trouble?

I really can’t go on Sunday, Mon-Fri is about 30% chance, Saturday is 50% chance, cause I am usually working out most of the day or working.

 

[Chancellare]

There are a handful of churches that took their kneelers out (which I think is bogus, but that’s for another day) in which case the congregation will be kneeling.

The Order of Mass requires kneeling at some intervals, espcially during Consecration. I couldn’t imagine a Catholic Church with no kneelers and still claim to be one, unless it is in such disrepair.

 

[Rolltide]

1. In real life, I am very aggressive to confrontation, if someone like laughs at something I say, usually I get defensive and get very mean with them. Why? I don’t know, its probably cause I was be-littled as a kid cause I was tall, and my cousins would whoop me (they are seniors now, and I scare them cause I box and stuff, they think I am just gonna snap and beat their faces in, but we usually just play around in this swamp like lake that we meet at family reunions, sorry memories) anyways. Ya, I mean, I am fine with going, I am not anti-catholic, I do think a lot of what you guys do is weird, or at the least, different, but I want to go to see what its like.

Well, keep in mind that Catholic Churches can vary quite a bit depending on how large or small the congregation is, depending on who the pastor is, and depending whether the congregation is slightly more conservative or liberal. You will probably not see a lot of chatting immediately before the Mass, and there may or may not be people there to greet you. This is because people are focusing on prayer and preparing themselves for the Mass. Socialization usually takes place outside of the Mass setting. Many people will line up on the way out of church to greet the pastor and say a few words to him. Often, after Mass, there will be coffee and donuts in an adjoining building.

I just have to tell my parents I am going to hang out in town for a couple hours and get to it , of course, I think its gonna be hard to do for a youth thing, cause Sunday, my parents are watching me like a hawk. Now what will I do if they do something to get me mad? Usually just tell them to back off, but if they get me real mad, I usually arrange a fight at their school (if its a different school, which it probably will be since its a different town where mine is) or fight them after church. I will try to be very patient though.

Violence will not be tolerated in a church. If you get mad, simply let them know that you have problems with your temper, and you’d like to excuse yourself. Turn the other cheek.

1. People usually draw Clovers or their names on my arms, and it covers my whole arm. +I am getting it where fluffy (girl at school) draws clover tears right below my eyes, so they’d be kinda noticeable, but do you think that’d get me in trouble?

Can you just ask her not to draw them on your face? lol Honestly, you won’t get in “trouble”, although you might get a look or two.

I really can’t go on Sunday, Mon-Fri is about 30% chance, Saturday is 50% chance, cause I am usually working out most of the day or working.

The Catholic Church allows people to fulfill their Sunday obligation for Mass on Saturday evening, because Jewish custom believed that the next day started at sundown. So, if you can find a Vigil Mass on Saturday evening (generally after 4 pm), it would count for Sunday Mass, and would have the same readings. This would be a full Sunday Mass. Sunday Masses usually last about 1 hr, whereas daily Masses last 30-40 minutes.

Many Catholic Churches will have a youth or college night on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday where there will be activities. There may be Bible study or other religious activities, or it could even simply be a more secular youth group that watches movies, or plays sports, or something. You might be able to look into that.

 

[Rolltide]

The Order of Mass requires kneeling at some intervals, espcially during Consecration. I couldn’t imagine a Catholic Church with no kneelers and still claim to be one, unless it is in such disrepair.

Or unless it is among the Eastern Catholic Churches, some of which do not require kneeling…

 

[ChristianKnight]

Well, keep in mind that Catholic Churches can vary quite a bit depending on how large or small the congregation is, depending on who the pastor is, and depending whether the congregation is slightly more conservative or liberal. You will probably not see a lot of chatting immediately before the Mass, and there may or may not be people there to greet you. This is because people are focusing on prayer and preparing themselves for the Mass. Socialization usually takes place outside of the Mass setting. Many people will line up on the way out of church to greet the pastor and say a few words to him. Often, after Mass, there will be coffee and donuts in an adjoining building.

Violence will not be tolerated in a church. If you get mad, simply let them know that you have problems with your temper, and you’d like to excuse yourself. Turn the other cheek.

Can you just ask her not to draw them on your face? lol Honestly, you won’t get in “trouble”, although you might get a look or two.

The Catholic Church allows people to fulfill their Sunday obligation for Mass on Saturday evening, because Jewish custom believed that the next day started at sundown. So, if you can find a Vigil Mass on Saturday evening (generally after 4 pm), it would count for Sunday Mass, and would have the same readings. This would be a full Sunday Mass. Sunday Masses usually last about 1 hr, whereas daily Masses last 30-40 minutes.

Many Catholic Churches will have a youth or college night on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday where there will be activities. There may be Bible study or other religious activities, or it could even simply be a more secular youth group that watches movies, or plays sports, or something. You might be able to look into that.

You wonder why I like you, then you post huge informative and entertaining posts… (thats a good comment, someone might mis-read this as why I don’t like you, just adding this)

Well, I always draw with permanent marker. I do not think I’ll take off the drawings.

Well, I am trying to get to a youth group thing more then mass, but I might be able to go to mass too. I just have to find a way to get past my parents on it.

 

[maryjk]

1. Do Catholic Churches have a youth group hour?

Check with the parish.
Our parish has a mass at 6:00pm one night during the week. They then have dinner. I think it is free the first time, and something like $2 or $3 after that. It is set up for the college students, but I think anyone that age group is welcome. For the high school age group, they have mass Sunday evening, with dinner after, then fellowship. We also have a late evening mass on Sunday, when school is in session, for the college group.

 

[guanophore]

1. Is their any certain dress code? I usually just wear a shirt and pants, most of the time its a FFA (Future Farmers of America) shirt, or a Irish themed shirt.
2. How long is a weekday mass?
3. Any certain seating arrangement?
4. When they have the Eucharist, I just keep seated right?
5. Do Catholic Churches have a youth group hour?

I am not sure but I might be able to go to a Mass on a weekday after school, my parents don’t want me too, but personally, I am just gonna do it eventually, mine as well try it now, but if I can’t, these questions would still help.

You should post this in the Catholic living section or somewhere - anywhere else but non Catholic!

 

[ChristianKnight]

You should post this in the Catholic living section or somewhere - anywhere else but non Catholic!

um…ok

 

[guanophore]

um…ok

I mean, some of the most experienced and devout Catholics here do not frequent the non-Catholic Religions forum, and I dont think one should expect that persons of non-Catholic religions would be able to answer your very good questions about attending Mass, since many of them have never done so.

 

[Peter_J]

1. When they have the Eucharist, I just keep seated right?

Actually, those who are not receiving communion sometimes go forward for a blessing. But if it’s your first time attending a Catholic mass, you might not feel comfortable doing so. (Sometimes at e.g. a Catholic wedding, right before communion time the priest will give a short explanation about the rules for receiving communion, and then add an invitation to those not receiving, to come and receive a blessing.)

 

[Rolltide]

Actually, those who are not receiving communion sometimes go forward for a blessing. But if it’s your first time attending a Catholic mass, you might not feel comfortable doing so. (Sometimes at e.g. a Catholic wedding, right before communion time the priest will give a short explanation about the rules for receiving communion, and then add an invitation to those not receiving, to come and receive a blessing.)

Rumor has it that the Congregation for Divine Worship is about to put out a document asking people to cease going up for blessings at Communion. The problem is twofold. One, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should not be giving out blessings. Second, it’s redundant anyway, since a blessing is given by the priest at the end of Mass. Although this is currently done in many places, it’s never been stated that it’s allowed, so don’t be surprised if it changes soon.

Better to sit or kneel quietly in prayer at your seat.

 

[Peter_J]

^^ That is interesting. But even assuming that the rumor is true, such a document hasn’t come out yet.

 

[CHESTERTONRULES]

Rumor has it that the Congregation for Divine Worship is about to put out a document asking people to cease going up for blessings at Communion. The problem is twofold. One, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should not be giving out blessings. Second, it’s redundant anyway, since a blessing is given by the priest at the end of Mass. Although this is currently done in many places, it’s never been stated that it’s allowed, so don’t be surprised if it changes soon.

Better to sit or kneel quietly in prayer at your seat.

I agree with the sentiment, but I also think the practice is good for my kids that haven’t had their first communion yet.

 

[Rolltide]

This topic was so controversial, that someone from the boards here actually went through the trouble of writing and asking the Congregation for Divine Worship itself! Here is their private response, which is being discussed on another thread. This seems to suggest that it’s already an unacceptable practice, and that another document would only serve to clarify that further.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=292341

 

[jmcrae]

Actually, those who are not receiving communion sometimes go forward for a blessing.

Do not attempt this without personal permission from the priest, and without knowing what you’re doing.

The advice to stay in your place is best - let other people get past you, but don’t follow them up to the front.

Also, if you want to be somewhat anonymous, wash the ink off of your face and arms - it would be an attention-getter. Use a pumice-type soap (available in art supply stores) for fastest results.

But we are used to seeing kids dressed up in various kinds of costumes, because of the proliferation of role-playing games, so although people might turn and look, they probably wouldn’t say anything; they would just assume that you are some kind of Pokemon or Anime that they haven’t encountered before. Nobody would try to kick you out, unless you had something on that was vulgar.

Youth Group meetings (if available) are usually held on a weekday evening. If you don’t see anything in the bulletin about it, call the Church office and ask.