Questions about Mass from a Newbie

[stavros388]

GREETINGS.

I have been attending Mass for awhile now and feel pretty comfortable and familiar with most of it. I just have a couple of questions.

1. At one point (I can’t remember when exactly… later in the service) everyone makes a little sign of the cross over their faces and mouths using their thumbs. What is this? Why is it done? How do I do it?
2. No matter how full the parish is on Sundays, it seems that every single person partakes of the Eucharist. Having come from Orthodoxy, where the Eucharist is only taken when one is absolved of all sin and the person has prepared him or herself, I can only assume that either a) everyone confesses their sins at least once a week, b) nobody sins anymore, or c) many people are just getting lax and approaching the Holy Mysteries with sins on their consciences and without proper preparedness. Which is it? Is this normal in Catholicism these days? Has it always been this way?

Thanks in advance. I don’t mean to be judgmental. I have my own soul to concern myself with! I am just transitioning from another tradition and still trying to get my bearings.

 

[Milasol]

GREETINGS.

I have been attending Mass for awhile now and feel pretty comfortable and familiar with most of it. I just have a couple of questions.

1. At one point (I can’t remember when exactly… later in the service) everyone makes a little sign of the cross over their faces and mouths using their thumbs. What is this? Why is it done? How do I do it?
2. No matter how full the parish is on Sundays, it seems that every single person partakes of the Eucharist. Having come from Orthodoxy, where the Eucharist is only taken when one is absolved of all sin and the person has prepared him or herself, I can only assume that either a) everyone confesses their sins at least once a week, b) nobody sins anymore, or c) many people are just getting lax and approaching the Holy Mysteries with sins on their consciences and without proper preparedness. Which is it? Is this normal in Catholicism these days? Has it always been this way?

Thanks in advance. I don’t mean to be judgmental. I have my own soul to concern myself with! I am just transitioning from another tradition and still trying to get my bearings.

1. right before the reading of the Gospel.
2. yes that is a problem. I see the same thing, but I don’t sit there judging people. At that point I worry about my worthiness. I try to go to confession once and sometimes even twice a month.

 

[sw85]

Hi stavros388,

GREETINGS.

I have been attending Mass for awhile now and feel pretty comfortable and familiar with most of it. I just have a couple of questions.

1. At one point (I can’t remember when exactly… later in the service) everyone makes a little sign of the cross over their faces and mouths using their thumbs. What is this? Why is it done? How do I do it?

This is right after the proclamation of the Gospel and right before its actual reading. You use your thumb to trace a cross on your forehead, lips, and heart. There’s a little prayer that goes with it, something along the lines of “May the words of the Gospel rest ever on my mind, and on my lips, and in my heart,” or something similar, though I’ve never actually heard anyone say those words aloud.

1. No matter how full the parish is on Sundays, it seems that every single person partakes of the Eucharist. Having come from Orthodoxy, where the Eucharist is only taken when one is absolved of all sin and the person has prepared him or herself, I can only assume that either a) everyone confesses their sins at least once a week, b) nobody sins anymore, or c) many people are just getting lax and approaching the Holy Mysteries with sins on their consciences and without proper preparedness. Which is it? Is this normal in Catholicism these days? Has it always been this way?

Officially the same rule applies in Catholicism: they are not to approach communion who have not been absolved in the confessional since their last mortal sin. It’s reasonable to conclude, I think, given the scarcity of time typically allotted to confession, the shortness of confession lines, and the abundant polls demonstrating widespread inadvertence to Church teachings on even basic matters of dogma (like the Real Presence), that many and perhaps even most people are disobeying that rule, probably out of ignorance. As for whether or not it has always been this way, I suspect not, as there is considerable variation not only between parishes but even between Masses within parishes. At my parish, for instance, nearly everyone goes forward to receive communion at the English language Masses, while approximately half of attendants at Spanish language Masses remain in the pews.

Thanks in advance. I don’t mean to be judgmental. I have my own soul to concern myself with! I am just transitioning from another tradition and still trying to get my bearings.

 

[Evan]

1. You make the sign of the cross on your forehead, lips, and heart. I say to myself
   “May I worthily proclaim the gospel in my mind, with my lips and in my heart.”
2. This depends on the culture. Most Americans have lost their sense of guilt and thus always feel worthy to receive. If you attend a Spanish mass, you will find less than 20% receive. This has varied over the years and at one time so few received that the Church now has a rule that we MUST receive once a year (during the Easter season).

 

[asia53]

1.) Make the sign of the cross on your forehead with your thumb, saying in your mind, “May we receive in our minds”; sign of the cross on your lips, “announce it with our lips”, sign of the cross on your heart, “and keep in our hearts.”

2.) I know. Personally, I ignore it.

 

[stavros388]

Thank you for the helpful replies.

I can see the communion thing being cultural as there is some variation among Orthodox communion trends based largely, it seems to me, on cultural norms. Russians and Greeks, in my experience, seldom approach the Mysteries, while I notice that in mostly convert parishes, fewer parishioners stay back. Of course, most converts are pretty serious about their faith, so I always assumed they were making confession regularly.

Thanks again!

 

[Marty_E]

1. At one point (I can’t remember when exactly… later in the service) everyone makes a little sign of the cross over their faces and mouths using their thumbs. What is this? Why is it done? How do I do it?

This practice arises from the pre-Vatican II rubric for the priest in which a small cross was traced with the thumb over the forehead, lips, and breast prior to his reading of the Gospel while whispering the words:

“Munda cor meum, ac labia mea, omnipotens Deus, qui labia Isaiae Prophetae calculo mundasti ignition: ita me tua grata miseratione dignare mundare, ut sanctum Evangelim tuum digne valeam nutiare. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. Jube, Domine, benedicere. Dominus sit in corde meo et in labiis meis: ut digne et competenter annuitiem Evangelium suum. Amen.”

which means:

“Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, as you cleansed the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal. In your mercy so cleanse me that I may worthly proclaim your Holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Bless me, O Lord. The Lord be in my heart and on my lips, that I may worthily and fittingly proclaim his Gospel. Amen.”

When the Missal was revised this became:

“Munda cor meum ac labia mea, omnipotens Deus, ut sanctum Evangelium tuum digne valeam nuntiare.”

"Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily procliam your holy Gospel.”

The triple small crosses were no longer specified in the rubrics, but the custom continued. During the transition to a vernacular Mass many laypersons began to emulate the priest. It is not required of either priest or layperson.

1. No matter how full the parish is on Sundays, it seems that every single person partakes of the Eucharist. Having come from Orthodoxy, where the Eucharist is only taken when one is absolved of all sin and the person has prepared him or herself, I can only assume that either a) everyone confesses their sins at least once a week, b) nobody sins anymore, or c) many people are just getting lax and approaching the Holy Mysteries with sins on their consciences and without proper preparedness. Which is it? Is this normal in Catholicism these days? Has it always been this way?

“C” is the correct answer.

During the turmoil following Vatican II many priests minimized sin and the need for Reconciliation. Unfortunately in some parishes this remains the case and Reconcliation is rarely scheduled and the need for confession of sins never mentioned. The pendulum is now swinging the other way.

For example, in my own parish every Eucharist the priest mentions before the distribution that only Catholics in a state of grace may receive. Reconciliation is offered during every Sunday Mass, daily, and twice on Saturday.

.

 

[WingsOfEagles]

1. This is said right before the Gospel is read. Silently you are praying “Jesus be in my mind. Jesus be in my words. Jesus be in my heart.”
2. It’s C. Unfortunately, not a lot of Catholics adhere to only receiving when in a state of grace.

 

[Dorothy]

Many people go to confession once a month, and that does not necessarily mean they have mortal sins to confess.

And we should be striving to avoid venial sin as well. Frequent confession helps!

The Lord is eager to help us attain this, if we are receptive to growing deeper in our prayer lives.

Only He can read our hearts perfectly.

Peace!

 

[svid2]

Pax Christi!

1. I always silently say, “Bless my mind, my lips and my heart.” It’s how I was taught; does anyone else pray this way?
2. Sigh.

God bless.

 

[ArchAngeles]

Yes, as the Gospel is about to be read I do a small cross over my forehead, then mouth then heart. In RCIA they said this was so you would keep the Gospel in your mind, proclaim the Gospel with your mouth, and keep it in your heart.

I’m still in RCIA (I began in December of last year). I go to confession about once a month (Father said it would be OK for me to start doing that when I practically begged him to let me go to confession!). When I go up to the Priest or Deacon at Mass, I cross my arms and receive a blessing, not the Host. However as far as I can tell I’m about the only one who does that every week (we go to the vigil Mass on Saturday evenings). So I know “C” is most likely the correct answer on this. But I intend to follow what I’m being taught in RCIA and the teachings of the Church as closely as I can. I expect it will be quite an emotional experience receiving first communion next Easter and I’m looking forward to it!

 

[Dorothy]

Pax Christi!

1. I always silently say, “Bless my mind, my lips and my heart.” It’s how I was taught; does anyone else pray this way?
2. Sigh.

God bless.

Yes, many in the church do. Maybe in some different words, but with the same meaning.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

Yes, as the Gospel is about to be read I do a small cross over my forehead, then mouth then heart. In RCIA they said this was so you would keep the Gospel in your mind, proclaim the Gospel with your mouth, and keep it in your heart.

I’m still in RCIA (I began in December of last year). I go to confession about once a month (Father said it would be OK for me to start doing that when I practically begged him to let me go to confession!). When I go up to the Priest or Deacon at Mass, I cross my arms and receive a blessing, not the Host. However as far as I can tell I’m about the only one who does that every week (we go to the vigil Mass on Saturday evenings). So I know “C” is most likely the correct answer on this. But I intend to follow what I’m being taught in RCIA and the teachings of the Church as closely as I can. I expect it will be quite an emotional experience receiving first communion next Easter and I’m looking forward to it!

Bring a hankie as I found tears coming into my eyes when I got fully Baptised .

P.S. Try if you can doing a week end retreat in a Monastery of Monks, -Wow mind blowing.

 

[pianistclare]

I wonder if the amount of mortal sins that are assumed to have been committed are actually happening?
I mean, how many liars, murderers, and adulterers do you all think there are in your parish?
Wow.

I don’t tend to think of people that way. In fact, I don’t give it any thought.
Although I agree, most people around our parish do not believe that missing Mass on Sunday is a mortal sin. They just don’t, and no amount of telling them makes any difference.

But…I’m sad that many of the posters have written off people as consumed by mortal sin. I really hope and pray this is not the norm in our churches.

 

[DarkLight]

I wonder if the amount of mortal sins that are assumed to have been committed are actually happening?
I mean, how many liars, murderers, and adulterers do you all think there are in your parish?
Wow.

I don’t tend to think of people that way. In fact, I don’t give it any thought.
Although I agree, most people around our parish do not believe that missing Mass on Sunday is a mortal sin. They just don’t, and no amount of telling them makes any difference.

But…I’m sad that many of the posters have written off people as consumed by mortal sin. I really hope and pray this is not the norm in our churches.

This is an important distinction. For our new people:

• Only mortal sins prevent one from approaching communion. Most sins are venial sins, which are forgiven in the Mass.
• Mortal sins are described by three conditions: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This means they have to have serious content, and the sinner must know what they are doing is a sin and freely choose to commit it.

 

[maryjk]

This is an important distinction. For our new people:

• Only mortal sins prevent one from approaching communion. Most sins are venial sins, which are forgiven in the Mass.
• Mortal sins are described by three conditions: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This means they have to have serious content, and the sinner must know what they are doing is a sin and freely choose to commit it.

In addition, I find it interesting that people believe that parishioners only go to confession during regular confession times and only attend at their own parish.

I rarely go to confession at my parish. Generally only when we have a Penance Service and there are other priests are available. Otherwise you will only see me at other parishes, mostly by appointment.

 

[stavros388]

I wonder if the amount of mortal sins that are assumed to have been committed are actually happening?
I mean, how many liars, murderers, and adulterers do you all think there are in your parish?
Wow.

I don’t tend to think of people that way. In fact, I don’t give it any thought.
Although I agree, most people around our parish do not believe that missing Mass on Sunday is a mortal sin. They just don’t, and no amount of telling them makes any difference.

But…I’m sad that many of the posters have written off people as consumed by mortal sin. I really hope and pray this is not the norm in our churches.

I guess, having just learned that in most cases masturbation is considered a mortal sin, for instance, I have trouble believing that out of the hundreds of parishioners that were at Mass this past Sunday, none of them committed this sin (or had confessed of it beforehand). Anyway, as I said, I mean to judge no one. It’s just very unlike what I am used to. Everyone’s heart is indeed transparent to God, myself included. If I am guilty of self-righteousness or haughtiness - which I have no excuse for, given my sinfulness in other matters - I hope God, and you all, will forgive me.

 

[pianistclare]

In addition, I find it interesting that people believe that parishioners only go to confession during regular confession times and only attend at their own parish.

I rarely go to confession at my parish. Generally only when we have a Penance Service and there are other priests are available. Otherwise you will only see me at other parishes, mostly by appointment.

Absolutely. I NEVER go to confession here. I work in the parish. My pastor will not hear my confession because I am his employee. Only one priest. I go “where nobody knows my name” LOL.
Penance services are more difficult. All the pastor and vicars in the Deanery know me.

 

[maryjk]

I guess, having just learned that in most cases masturbation is considered a mortal sin, I have trouble believing that out of the hundreds of parishioners that were at Mass this past Sunday, none of them committed this sin (or had confessed of it beforehand). Anyway, as I said, I mean to judge no one. It’s just very unlike what I am used to. Everyone’s heart is indeed transparent to God, myself included. If I am guilty of self-righteousness or haughtiness - which I have no excuse for, given my sinfulness in other matters - I hope God, and you all, will forgive me.

It is very difficult to say anything is a mortal sin.

Why?

Because no matter what, all three conditions must be present. If one of those aren’t met, then it isn’t mortal.

Oh, and I haven’t committed that particular sin in many decades. This particular sin might be a stumbling block for you, but it isn’t for everyone.

 

[stavros388]

When I go up to the Priest or Deacon at Mass, I cross my arms and receive a blessing, not the Host. However as far as I can tell I’m about the only one who does that every week (we go to the vigil Mass on Saturday evenings). So I know “C” is most likely the correct answer on this. But I intend to follow what I’m being taught in RCIA and the teachings of the Church as closely as I can. I expect it will be quite an emotional experience receiving first communion next Easter and I’m looking forward to it!

Now that you mention this, I have seen people receiving a blessing rather than the Body and Blood. I have never gone up for such a blessing because the priest is usually at the line-up on the other side of the parish… and I don’t think the lay person distributing the Body can offer a blessing… am I correct? Perhaps a lot of people are only lining up for a blessing… I’ve never really paid close attention either way!

Congratulations and best wishes on your journey to the Church!