Questions about Mass

[Lisa44]

Hi,
I have only been a Catholic and Christian for a short time. I was baptized last year. Other than RCIA, and the Catechism, I have no other guidelines (ie: don’t know any faithful Catholics either to ask).

I regreted that during RCIA we focused on the doctrines of the Church etc but as far as the actual Mass goes I had no idea what to do, when, or how, or what I was techinically supposed to be doing in Mass.

So, I go into Mass thinking about Jesus and pray when I first arrive, and I genuflect when before I sit down. Then there is music when the procession comes in…

Ok, to be brief, I am mindful of Jesus and praying but between all the standing up and sitting down, singing, holding hands, shaking hands, clapping to the next song…etc…

Well, I feel like I’m at a social gathering with moments of prayer inbetween.

What exactly am I supposed to be centered on in my thoughts? Am I supposed to be praying during the whole mass? How do you pray or center your mind and move around, shaking hands, singing…etc… and not lose the focus of your mind?

Sorry, I know it sounds weird, its just that I’m getting the impression that Mass is NOT the time for prayer. Its the time for something else and I should do my prayer in my own private time.

I know I’m probably way off course, someone give me some guidance please. And yes I will also ask my Priest when I see him.

Thanks

 

[Lisa44]

Also, if I might add another question -

What is essentially the difference between the Tridentine Mass and what we have today?

Another question - why did they CHANGE the Mass after 1500 years???

It seems very odd indeed, to think something worked for 1500 years and then what? it didn’t work anymore?

Obviously I know nothing about it but it just seems strange. Knowing nothing about the old Mass, I can’t help but think it would have been better somehow? Because…well, I’m an old fashioned person who doesn’t appreciate innovation much.

Cheers, I hope someone can enlighten me

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Ok, to be brief, I am mindful of Jesus and praying but between all the standing up and sitting down, singing, holding hands, shaking hands, clapping to the next song…etc…

Well, I feel like I’m at a social gathering with moments of prayer inbetween.

Hopefully as the Mass becomes more familiar you won’t have to think so much about whether it’s time to stand up or sit down or kneel and that should make it easier.

All of the Mass is prayer. It’s a time when we come together to pray so it’s not “me and Jesus” time, it’s “us and Jesus” time. We sing together, we listen to the word of God together, we pray together, we receive communion together, and then we go out into the world together and help build the Kingdom.

As far as where to focus, focus on what is happening at that moment. If you are singing focus on the words and on joining your voice with others to pray and praise and worship. If you are listening to the readings then focus on their meaning and on taking in the word so you can live it in the world. During the Eucharistic prayer focus on what happened at the Last Supper and is still happening today, on Jesus offering himself to us and for us.

There are books about the Mass. Perhaps it would be helpful to read one (and I’m sure people will have recommendations for you) so that you can better understand what is happening.

 

[jmcrae]

Hi,
I have only been a Catholic and Christian for a short time.

Welcome!!

Ok, to be brief, I am mindful of Jesus and praying but between all the standing up and sitting down, singing, holding hands, shaking hands, clapping to the next song…etc…

Well, I feel like I’m at a social gathering with moments of prayer inbetween.

Each of these things are also actually different forms of prayer. When we are singing, it’s not “just for fun” or to hear the sound of our own voices, or to feel united (although these are happy side-effects); rather, we are singing to God, and the singing itself is a form of prayer to God.

When we stand up to greet the priest and pray theAct of Contrition, the Kyrie (Lord have mercy) and the Gloria, we are directing these prayers to God, as well, and after this, we hear the opening prayer that the priest prays for us on our behalf.

When we sit to hear the Word of God read out from the lectern or ambo, this is God using that person to speak to us, so again, we are listening to God in prayer - and then we stand for the Gospel to show God that we honour the Gospel, and again He speaks to us through the Gospel, and then through the priest or deacon who is giving the homily.

After the homily, the rest of the Mass is simply prayer after prayer - some that we say ourselves, and some that we listen to, and join our hearts to, as they are being said by the priest or by the person who is reading out the Prayer Intentions of the parish community. When we shake hands at the sign of the peace, we say a little prayer that goes, “May the peace of Christ be with you.” The response is, “and also with you.”

 

[LilyM]

I second the though - it will get easier over time, like learning to ride a bike.

Don’t just listen to the prayers and do the actions, really pay attention to, and pray (silently, usually) along with, each prayer, and think about WHY you might be standing or kneeling - or shaking peoples’ hands - at that particular time. We stand to greet the

With the songs - remember each song is a prayer, pay attention to and think about the words you are singing - is the song about God’s love? His mercy? His suffering? About Mary?

How does this work in practice? Well, when the priest is praying for our Church leaders, you pray for our Church leaders along with him, when he is offering the gifts of bread and wine to the Father, you offer them, and yourself and all your needs and intentions, to the Father with him.

Listen to the scripture readings while asking God to teach you through them - and listen to what He’s saying to you that day!

Here in Oz we have for sale Missals that, while not containing the scripture readings in full, DO contain the prayers that are said at Mass, both the ones that don’t change and the ones that do. If you can get hold of something like that, do, and try to familiarise yourself with the prayers (not necessarily word-for-word, but just to understand the thought underlying each prayer).

It may be more helpful to have a look at these sort of books outside of Mass at first, so you’re not missing anything while trying to find the right page etc.

 

[Robbinson]

I understand what you mean - I’m in the process of learning myself. There are several good books on the Mass - explaining the liturgy and and the prayers. You can also purchase a Missal (which includes the prayers for each day) to read through them at a more leisurely pace and start to understand it better.

In terms of the experience and participation by other congregants - that will vary - I honestly try to faze out all except the Priest and focus on the prayers (other than during the “peace”).

Blessings,

Brian

 

[Paul_Folbrecht]

Hi,
I have only been a Catholic and Christian for a short time. I was baptized last year. Other than RCIA, and the Catechism, I have no other guidelines (ie: don’t know any faithful Catholics either to ask).

…

Ok, to be brief, I am mindful of Jesus and praying but between all the standing up and sitting down, singing, holding hands, shaking hands, clapping to the next song…etc…

Well, I feel like I’m at a social gathering with moments of prayer inbetween.

What exactly am I supposed to be centered on in my thoughts? Am I supposed to be praying during the whole mass? How do you pray or center your mind and move around, shaking hands, singing…etc… and not lose the focus of your mind?

Lisa,

A few things here. First, as you may or may not have been taught, the Mass is “the making-present of the Calvary Sacrifice”. What does this mean? It means that Jesus Christ is truly made present on that altar, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity and re-offered to the Father in an unbloody manner, just as He was offered at Calvary.

To make the entire Mystery even more mind-numbing and beautiful, Christ is also the very High Priest who offers Himself, working through the priest.

This is the theology of the Catholic Church since its beginning.

I would highly recommend two very accessible books: “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn and “The Mass of the Early Christs” by Mike Aquilina.

Neither of these men are traditionalists in the sense meant here, but they both know the theology of the Mass and thus recognize the need for reverence and solemnity.

I regret having to say this, but it sounds to me like the theology of the Mass is not being expressed completely where you are currently attending. In the opinion of myself and many others, there really should not be any clapping at all at a Mass. Or hand-holding, for that matter.

“Do not pray at Holy Mass, but pray the Holy Mass.” This is what we’re called to do - pray the entire Mass with the priest.

The Mass is Heaven on Earth.

I sincerely hope this helps.

 

[puzzleannie]

for OP, a book that will help you a lot is the How To Book of the Mass from Our Sunday Visitor publishing, will answer the questions you have, also how to use the missalette

 

[preV2tradcath]

Also, if I might add another question -

What is essentially the difference between the Tridentine Mass and what we have today?

Another question - why did they CHANGE the Mass after 1500 years???

It seems very odd indeed, to think something worked for 1500 years and then what? it didn’t work anymore?

Obviously I know nothing about it but it just seems strange. Knowing nothing about the old Mass, I can’t help but think it would have been better somehow? Because…well, I’m an old fashioned person who doesn’t appreciate innovation much.

Cheers, I hope someone can enlighten me

Welcome, Lisa. I am sure others will have suggested sites too, but you can find the order of Mass for the Traditional Latin Mass, and other information here:
angelqueen.org/mass/

 

[turtleoompa]

I do reccomend those books that were mentioned. Once you can see what the Mass is all about, it is simply wonderous. Even the prayers that are said have tremendous meaning. I have been a Catholic all my life and lately I’ve been reading many books on our faith and have been reawakened. Scott Hahn(lambs supper), David Currie( born fundamentalist born again catholic),Hahn’s (reasons to believe-start at chapter 5 boring until then), Ratzinger"s(the spirit of the liturgy-incredibly deep). We have priests come on missions to our Church (great talks). A priest from the Fathers Of Mercy talked about the Eucharist last nite. See if your parish could do this. There are DVD’s like Steven Ray available from Ignatious Press. Good Luck on your journey!

 

[peary]

Hi,
I have only been a Catholic and Christian for a short time. I was baptized last year. Other than RCIA, and the Catechism, I have no other guidelines (ie: don’t know any faithful Catholics either to ask).

I regreted that during RCIA we focused on the doctrines of the Church etc but as far as the actual Mass goes I had no idea what to do, when, or how, or what I was techinically supposed to be doing in Mass.

Oh oh…

So, I go into Mass thinking about Jesus and pray when I first arrive, and I genuflect when before I sit down.

So far, so good.

Then there is music when the procession comes in…
Ok, to be brief, I am mindful of Jesus and praying but between all the standing up and sitting down, singing, holding hands, shaking hands, clapping to the next song…etc…

Liturgists learned a long time ago - keep the congregation moving!

What exactly am I supposed to be centered on in my thoughts? Am I supposed to be praying during the whole mass? How do you pray or center your mind and move around, shaking hands, singing…etc… and not lose the focus of your mind?

Mass is both personal and communal. It is worshipping in the Christian Catholic community together. There are times at Mass where we all pray together, and other times where there is time for personal reflection. There are two parts to Mass - liturgy of the Word, where we listen to and reflect on the Word of God from the Bible. The second part - Liturgy of the Eucharist - is where we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, not only to us personally through reception of the Eucharist, but to the entire Christian congregation as well in a truly profound way.

I know I’m probably way off course, someone give me some guidance please. And yes I will also ask my Priest when I see him.

Thanks

 

[Lisa44]

Paul_Folbrecht:

Lisa,

A few things here. First, as you may or may not have been taught, the Mass is “the making-present of the Calvary Sacrifice”. What does this mean? It means that Jesus Christ is truly made present on that altar, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity and re-offered to the Father in an unbloody manner, just as He was offered at Calvary.

To make the entire Mystery even more mind-numbing and beautiful, Christ is also the very High Priest who offers Himself, working through the priest.

This is the theology of the Catholic Church since its beginning.

I would highly recommend two very accessible books: “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn and “The Mass of the Early Christs” by Mike Aquilina.

Neither of these men are traditionalists in the sense meant here, but they both know the theology of the Mass and thus recognize the need for reverence and solemnity.

I regret having to say this, but it sounds to me like the theology of the Mass is not being expressed completely where you are currently attending. In the opinion of myself and many others, there really should not be any clapping at all at a Mass. Or hand-holding, for that matter.

“Do not pray at Holy Mass, but pray the Holy Mass.” This is what we’re called to do - pray the entire Mass with the priest.

The Mass is Heaven on Earth.

I sincerely hope this helps.

It does help, thank you very much. I didn’t know much of what you said. It was news to me. And I’m very excited to check out these books.
My impression when I first went to Mass was that it was very celebratory. (Maybe a bit too celebratory in my mind, but what do I know?).
I personally am a quiet serious person and its a stretch for me to come out of my shell to sing, hold hands and clap. yeah, its a stretch.
Oh well. I’m learning and I’m sure I’ll find a way to make it a comfortable experience for myself.
Thanks sincerely.

 

[Lisa44]

for OP, a book that will help you a lot is the How To Book of the Mass from Our Sunday Visitor publishing, will answer the questions you have, also how to use the missalette

Thanks! I shall look for this book too.

 

[Lisa44]

Welcome, Lisa. I am sure others will have suggested sites too, but you can find the order of Mass for the Traditional Latin Mass, and other information here:
angelqueen.org/mass/

That website is awesome. Thanks very much. It explains everything. I hope to attend a Latin Mass someday too.

 

[Lisa44]

I do reccomend those books that were mentioned. Once you can see what the Mass is all about, it is simply wonderous. Even the prayers that are said have tremendous meaning. I have been a Catholic all my life and lately I’ve been reading many books on our faith and have been reawakened. Scott Hahn(lambs supper), David Currie( born fundamentalist born again catholic),Hahn’s (reasons to believe-start at chapter 5 boring until then), Ratzinger"s(the spirit of the liturgy-incredibly deep). We have priests come on missions to our Church (great talks). A priest from the Fathers Of Mercy talked about the Eucharist last nite. See if your parish could do this. There are DVD’s like Steven Ray available from Ignatious Press. Good Luck on your journey!

Thank you very much for the book recommendations! I appreciate it.

 

[Paul_Folbrecht]

It does help, thank you very much. I didn’t know much of what you said. It was news to me. And I’m very excited to check out these books.
My impression when I first went to Mass was that it was very celebratory. (Maybe a bit too celebratory in my mind, but what do I know?).
I personally am a quiet serious person and its a stretch for me to come out of my shell to sing, hold hands and clap. yeah, its a stretch.
Oh well. I’m learning and I’m sure I’ll find a way to make it a comfortable experience for myself.
Thanks sincerely.

You’re very welcome.

I think your inclination that it was ‘too celebratory’ was spot-on.

There is a time & place for celebration - the making present of Christ’s sacrifice for us is not it.

I’m going to try to not draw any broad conclusions about RCIA from your experience here.

One last thought - if you want to read only one book, or start with one, The Lamb’s Supper is it.

Best of luck.

 

[Lisa44]

For all the personal guidance people have offerred, thanks very much!
I’m sure it will get easier when I’m familiar with everything and know why I’m doing what I’m doing.

I had no idea when I became a Catholic how much information and learning was involved. I guess that is 1700? years of tradition! Its quite amazing.

 

[Paul_Folbrecht]

For all the personal guidance people have offerred, thanks very much!
I’m sure it will get easier when I’m familiar with everything and know why I’m doing what I’m doing.

I had no idea when I became a Catholic how much information and learning was involved. I guess that is 1700? years of tradition! Its quite amazing.

LOL! Try 2000 years!

(I laugh because you’re innocently repeating the Protestant fallacy that the Church started in the 4th century.)

 

[Rolltide]

For all the personal guidance people have offerred, thanks very much!
I’m sure it will get easier when I’m familiar with everything and know why I’m doing what I’m doing.

I had no idea when I became a Catholic how much information and learning was involved. I guess that is 1700? years of tradition! Its quite amazing.

A couple of other interesting facts:

1. You’ll never learn everything. That’s the amazing thing. I’m a 37 year old cradle Catholic and it never fails to amaze me how much depth there is to the church for those who want to explore it. A famous Catholic once said that Catholicism is simple enough for the most poor and uneducated to understand, and yet complex enough that the greatest scholars could study forever and never scratch the surface. More importantly, however, is that you shouldn’t stress about it. As long as you know the basics, everything else is just to help clarify the basics.
2. In addition to our own Ordinary Form of the Mass (the current Mass) and the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (The pre-Vatican II Mass), there are also a few other seldom-used versions of the Mass. For example, the Mozarabic form is used only in Toledo, Spain, and the Ambrosian form is used only in the Archdiocese of Milan. Some religious orders also have slightly different versions of the Mass. And if that isn’t enough, there is an entire Eastern branch of the church as well. It is largely made up of groups of former Orthodox Churches that accepted the authority of the pope and reunited with us several hundred years ago. There are 22 individual Eastern Catholic Churches (in addition to our one Latin Catholic Church), and they use their OWN versions of the Mass, which they call the Divine Liturgy. They also have their own traditions and canon law.

 

[alih]

it seems that a little oversight has been recognized here. this is the traditional forum, is it not? using the novus ordo (new order) service as a paragon, in my opinion, for the latin rite just does not seem to fit. unless it reads something other than what is named q & a’s dealing with the latin rite (extraordinary rite) (gregorian mass) (mass of piux v) (traditional mass) or whatever one would care to call it should be dealt with. i however, would thank those with opinions applicable to the n.o. as it is believed that they are doing what they think best.bands at mass, handshaking, socializing, etc. do not occur at mass. we are there to worship our creator. have a good year. (alih)