Question for respectful protestants only!

[Reuben_J]

Ok, so what is the point? .

Good question. We are following the Lord’s command who asked us to do it.
Luke 22:19 - “This is my body … given for you; do this in memory of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:25 - “this cup is the new covenant in my blood … do this in remembrance of me.”

Because it is our spiritual food.
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven.** Whoever eats this bread will live forever.** This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (Jn 6:51)

Ask yourself this: do I have the faith to believe it once and for all or do I need a reminder?, when I can study the Bible because it says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

It certainly needs faith to believe that the body and blood of Jesus is being offered during the Eucharist.

“Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:27-28)

And yes, we do need a reminder. Our human mind is limited, we are weak and we are forgetful. For our own good, we need this reminder again and again lest we forget. It has been shown that we do need reminder of this kind in our spiritual journey.

I still dont understand if it is re-created why the priest must say" we pray this sacrifice be acceptable in your sight oh God if it was already

That is an act of consecration of the offering (the bread and the wine). The priest prays that the offering is acceptable to God that it may become a sacrifice “for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.”

Usually the word of the priest will be like this:

Priest: Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
Congregation: May the Lord accept this sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.

 

[Razanir]

Priest: Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
Congregation: May the Lord accept this sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.

We haven’t said “…of all his church” in about a year

 

[Reuben_J]

We haven’t said “…of all his church” in about a year

Sorry about that, just out of the top of my head. From the old missal. Wonder why you have to be sarcastic about a simple typo though. It was to give some idea to the poster about the offering.

 

[Razanir]

Sorry about that, just out of the top of my head. From the old missal. Wonder why you have to be sarcastic about a simple typo though. It was to give some idea to the poster about the offering.

Wasn’t trying to offend. Sorry if it came across that way

 

[Reuben_J]

Wasn’t trying to offend. Sorry if it came across that way

No problem. Normally we correct a typo with some humor/wit or self depreciating joke not sarcasm. btw, we too also are using the new missal as in GIRM for probably more than a year already.

 

[Eric_Hilbert]

Stay on the topic of the OP please

 

[Truthstalker]

I would suggest the following:

1. People are glad they came to the service. No one will shoot them if they mess up.
2. They should not try to follow the liturgy - just take it in
3. Relax
4. Don’t say “amen” during the homily. Because they don’t know the responses, it might be easier the first time to be silent. That way their response doesn’t trail everyone else by 30 seconds, which can be .
5. Give some guidance on clapping during the service. In some churches, clapping is almost a requirement. Probably to be avoided in most Masses, I would think. Likewise whistling and cheering (no, this is NOT the place to describe some church services I have seen). Holy laughter and barking like a dog probably aren’t quite the thing, either.
6. Stay out of the altar area and other areas where laity should not be. I.E., don’t wander around the church looking at stuff before Mass. No picture taking, either, except as you explain is ok.
7. Maintain a respectful silence in the sanctuary. Some churches have people talking loudly before the service and it’s ok. Not so at a Mass.

Going for a blessing might be complex, as the EMHC’s may not realize they are not Catholic and the guests might decide just to take the elements on the way up. There is a reminder in the literature about Communion, but it might be missed, esp. if they decide to “join the line.”

It really depends on their church background and familiarity with liturgy. Someone from a free-flowing charismatic Praise and Worship church will have a whole different set of expectations from someone from say a high Lutheran background.

 

[Zundrah]

My infants are being baptized. Husband and I are Catholic.
None of our family is Catholic.
None of have even been inside a Catholic church, im pretty sure they’ll be overwhelmed. Id like to make a service card to help them through it.
My question is you have attended a Catholic mass is there anything you wish you would’ve had explained to you before?
Anything that would’ve made your experience easier?

I would have like to have been told not to go up during communion. That was an awkward moment.

 

[Truthstalker]

Oh, and another thing…Caution them against taking food and drink into the sanctuary well ahead of time. In the church I now attend, many people have their coffee with them during the service and Catholic practice could strike someone as bizarre, and you may have some explaining to do, so talk about this one when you have plenty of time on hand!

 

[Cathhsmom]

• The Holy Water at the entrance of the church is to bless ourselves with as a reminder of our baptismal vows. They are welcome to do so as well.
• We genuflect before entering the pew as reverence for Christ in the tabernacle. They are not expected to do so.
• We kneel and pray when we first come to church. Then we sit quietly and wait for the Mass to begin. Some people are much better at the “quiet” part than others. This will depend on how your particular church is about being quiet.
• We stand as the priest processes down the aisle to the altar. He kisses the altar not out of worship of the altar but because of Christ’s gift to us at the altar. (needs to be worded better)
• We continue to stand through the prayer. We always stand for prayers.
• Let them know that it is ok if they don’t say the responses after the readings, but it would be nice if you had them written down in case they would like to say them.
• Let them know that we stand for the reading of the Gospel because it is the words of Christ. They should appreciate that.
• Also, let them know about why we cross our forhead, lips, and heart. I say, “May Your words be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”
• Explain that they are not required to kneel, but as someone else wrote, that they should scoot forward since those behind them might be kneeling.
• As for recieving communion, let them know that we actually believe that it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To receive that would mean that they believe the same and are in full communion with the Catholic Church. Most baptists that I know would not agree with that. The best thing would be for them to step to the side and let others out. You could even leave the babies with them while you go up to recieve. That may be a good way of easing the sting if there is one over it.
• Also, on recieving, check your missal. They usually have a good write up about why we welcome those who are not Catholic but ask them to refrain from recieving communion. You may want to just copy that.

Now, on another note, for the Baptism part itself, let them know that you all, the whole church, will be renewing your baptismal vows, ie. “Do you reject Satan? … And all his evil works? …”
They are most welcome to answer those questions.

That is all that I can think of. I will pray that it goes well. Since we are military and moved so much, when we had our older 3 baptized, it was done outside of the Mass and we didn’t have to worry about explaining everything to my non-Catholic family. (Hubby is the cradle-Catholic, I am the convert.) By the time my youngest came along that was baptized in the Easter Mass, my family was much more familiar with what was going on especially since my younger brother had married a Catholic woman and they are raising their kids Catholic. He finally converted 2 years ago, too.

 

[Truthstalker]

• The Holy Water at the entrance of the church is to bless ourselves with as a reminder of our baptismal vows. They are welcome to do so as well.

It’s not a drinking fountain. I know someone who looked for the handle on her first visit to Mass.

 

[AbideWithMe]

• The Holy Water at the entrance of the church is to bless ourselves with as a reminder of our baptismal vows. They are welcome to do so as well.
• We genuflect before entering the pew as reverence for Christ in the tabernacle. They are not expected to do so.
• We kneel and pray when we first come to church. Then we sit quietly and wait for the Mass to begin. Some people are much better at the “quiet” part than others. This will depend on how your particular church is about being quiet.
• We stand as the priest processes down the aisle to the altar. He kisses the altar not out of worship of the altar but because of Christ’s gift to us at the altar. (needs to be worded better)
• We continue to stand through the prayer. We always stand for prayers.
• Let them know that it is ok if they don’t say the responses after the readings, but it would be nice if you had them written down in case they would like to say them.
• Let them know that we stand for the reading of the Gospel because it is the words of Christ. They should appreciate that.
• Also, let them know about why we cross our forhead, lips, and heart. I say, “May Your words be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”
• Explain that they are not required to kneel, but as someone else wrote, that they should scoot forward since those behind them might be kneeling.
• As for recieving communion, let them know that we actually believe that it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To receive that would mean that they believe the same and are in full communion with the Catholic Church. Most baptists that I know would not agree with that. The best thing would be for them to step to the side and let others out. You could even leave the babies with them while you go up to recieve. That may be a good way of easing the sting if there is one over it.
• Also, on recieving, check your missal. They usually have a good write up about why we welcome those who are not Catholic but ask them to refrain from recieving communion. You may want to just copy that.

Now, on another note, for the Baptism part itself, let them know that you all, the whole church, will be renewing your baptismal vows, ie. “Do you reject Satan? … And all his evil works? …”
They are most welcome to answer those questions.

This is good.

 

[sjfrank]

I go to both Churches so maybe I can help.

I was raised Catholic, and at some Baptisms they mention the baptism being an exorcism. Might want to look up why exactly.
Also if they are only going for the baptism and not the mass, there isn’t that much that will seem strange to them.

 

[RKO]

My wife was a former nun, and having gone into the Catholic church for the first time it was quite different. I wondered about the liturgy in comparison to the Protestant church I was accustomed to. My biggest question was concerning the sacrifice of the Mass. And I asked; why does Christ need to be re-crucified? The book of Hebrews says For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: ** Nor yet that he should offer himself often**, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; **For then must he often have suffered **since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.Heb 9:24-26 My question was if sin was put away by Christ 2000 years ago why do it again. Also the word **once means ONE TIME and the result has perpetually validity meaning never to be repeated. You and I have a birth certificate and the action of our birth was one time never to be repeated. that certificate is valid forever.It is the same for a death certificate perpetual validity never to be repeated. So I said if my sin was put away and in Hebrews chap 10 I read For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Referring to me, why does it need to be repeated? That was my question and probably will be theirs. That may be what you encounter.

Seriously, dude? They’re going to ask that at a baptism? Don’t you think they’re more likely to ask things like “What’s that fancy box behind the altar for?”

 

[Indifferently]

Since most of the replies in this thread have come from Roman Catholics I will just throw my hat in the ring.

What sort of Protestants are your family? If they are Anglicans or Lutherans or Methodists they might be more comfortable with what is going on than if they are from a non-liturgical tradition. Tell them which parts of the liturgy to participate in, that they should sing along as best they can to create a good atmosphere in the church, that they are not welcome at the Lord’s Table.

 

[xzereus]

Fine, I’m not Protestant anymore, but here’s a list of things I wish I would’ve known. They probably only apply to some evangelical protestants.

1. What’s up with the holy water and why do you cross yourself with it? Do Catholics think it has some power or something like that?
2. Why are you genuflecting (wasn’t familiar with the word before) before you go into the seat? Am I supposed to do it?
3. What’s a kneeler and why do we need it?
4. Do Catholics think there some special power in crossing yourself?
5. Why does the priest chant some parts? It sounds weird.
6. Why does the priest have to read out of a book?

And many, many more. Of course, Lutherans, Anglicans, and other liturgy-based Protestants won’t have a lot of these questions.

 

[Isaiah45_9]

My infants are being baptized. Husband and I are Catholic.
None of our family is Catholic.
None of have even been inside a Catholic church, im pretty sure they’ll be overwhelmed. Id like to make a service card to help them through it.
My question is you have attended a Catholic mass is there anything you wish you would’ve had explained to you before?
Anything that would’ve made your experience easier?

Art and Images - Please let them know that they play an important history in Church Tradition and are an expression of the devotion for the Church and those who have served Christ and His Church. They are not there to be worshiped, just like some people like to hold the Bible and look at it and touch it, or just have it there - other people like to have a visual representation of Christ and a visual representation of others that have lived before them and overcame life’s obstacles with Christ by their side.

The Creeds - are an affirmation of what the Church believes and the truth the Church has defended over the centuries.

Eucharist - is not symbolical. We take Christ at His Word when He said: “This is my body”. More likely than not, they can make the line and when they are close to the Priest, they can cross their arms over their chest with each hand touching the opposite shoulder. The Priest will give them a blessing instead of the Eucharist.

The Church should have a pamphlet available to help those that are attending for the 1st time. I would advise being there at least 20 minutes early, in order to be acclimated and for them to feel more comfortable to ask questions before service starts.

May God Bless you children and Congratulations in bringing them into the New Covenant!

 

[rikkk1958]

Fine, I’m not Protestant anymore, but here’s a list of things I wish I would’ve known. They probably only apply to some evangelical protestants.

1. What’s up with the holy water and why do you cross yourself with it? Do Catholics think it has some power or something like that?
2. Why are you genuflecting (wasn’t familiar with the word before) before you go into the seat? Am I supposed to do it?
3. What’s a kneeler and why do we need it?
4. Do Catholics think there some special power in crossing yourself?
5. Why does the priest chant some parts? It sounds weird.
6. Why does the priest have to read out of a book?

And many, many more. Of course, Lutherans, Anglicans, and other liturgy-based Protestants won’t have a lot of these questions.

All of the above is somewhat a choice. You can do what you want with your own idea of devotion. Some wants to do it with traditional ways, some never mind them and do it there ways. I am not sure it is a sin to do both. I like the idea of doing ways that satisfy my belief that some kind of sacrificial and traditional gestures are followed so we Catholics will continue to be as traditional as it gets. There is nothing wrong with following what is traditional. “Holy” water is important in Catholics because once a bread, water, or wine is consecrated by Catholic Priests then we must believe that it is Holy. Some gestures like kneeling or genuflecting reflects respect. Chanting can be found in scriptures. Repetition of words as long as is they are holy are not sinful therefore you can repeat words as long as you want. What is wrong with repeating holy words? The Church provide kneelers for devotees who wish to do it.

 

[Reuben_J]

edit. wrongly placed.

 

[Reuben_J]

Fine, I’m not Protestant anymore, but here’s a list of things I wish I would’ve known. They probably only apply to some evangelical protestants. .

Hi xzereus.

1. What’s up with the holy water and why do you cross yourself with it? Do Catholics think it has some power or something like that? .

Holy water is water that has been blessed by a priest. The sign of the cross is basically the affirmation of the renewal of our baptism, so it is a prayer too. The power associated with it is always the power of prayer, not magic or thing like that.

When we sign ourselves we are declaring that in baptism we died sacramentally with Christ on the cross and rose to a new life with him (see Rom 6:3-4 and Gal 2:20). We are asking the Lord to renew in us those baptismal graces. We are also acknowledging that baptism joined us to the body of Christ and equipped us for our role of collaborating with the Lord in his work of rescuing all people from sin and death.

1. Why are you genuflecting (wasn’t familiar with the word before) before you go into the seat? Am I supposed to do it? .

Genuflecting is an act of reverence for the body of Christ which is kept in the Tabernacle. We believe the bread is changed to the body of Christ during the consecration of the mass.

Non-Catholics don’t have to genuflect but you can if you want to.

1. What’s a kneeler and why do we need it? .

Kneeler is not necessary. LOL. But it is good for the knees though. We kneel during some very solemn moment during the mass as a sign of reverence, submission and worship of God.

1. Do Catholics think there some special power in crossing yourself? .

See (1). It is a prayer and the power that’s associated with it is the power of prayer. It is said that the Sign of the Cross drives the Devil away.

1. Why does the priest chant some parts? It sounds weird.
2. Why does the priest have to read out of a book? .

He is praying, the prayer which can be said or sung (chanted). It is no different than when you worship and sing holy songs. In the mass however, the priest has to say exactly the same words of prayer because it is a liturgical worship. Even the rubric, that is the movement of the priest body, has to comply too. Every mass is required to be the same depending on the various rites and no priests can modify the order of the mass as he likes. Thus it is different than our spontaneous prayer of praise and worship.

Hope that helps.

And many, many more. Of course, Lutherans, Anglicans, and other liturgy-based Protestants won’t have a lot of these questions.

You are always welcome to ask any questions and we try to answer you as best we can.

God bless.