Questions from an up and coming Catholic

[mdrummer5]

1. Is there a proper way to genuflect (sp?) I’ve been attending mass regularly and would like to do this but frankly I’m afraid I’ll mess up.
2. Why is it a sin not to attend mass? This is kind of moot as I find I enjoy going for the same reason I go to the gym to workout or my band’s practice pad to practice. If I try to work out or practice at home I don’t focus properly because I’m not in the right environment. I find the same to be true for prayer. I can and do pray at home but feel like I need to be in the church to really get the most out of it. That said, I’m just curious.
3. I’m currently looking at a couple books to learn more about the faith and am curious as to what others might recommend. As noted in a previous thread I’m looking at Catholicism for Dummies as I currently know very little and from what I’ve heard it’s a great resource.

 

[puzzleannie]

1. Is there a proper way to genuflect (sp?) I’ve been attending mass regularly and would like to do this but frankly I’m afraid I’ll mess up.

down on the right knee, all the way to the floor, with the left knee flexed, sign yourself, then stand.
I stand next to a pew so on the days I am able to get down, I can also haul myself up. no prop, no genuflexion

1. Why is it a sin not to attend mass?

 

[mdrummer5]

cool thanks again

 

[pablope]

1. Is there a proper way to genuflect (sp?) I’ve been attending mass regularly and would like to do this but frankly I’m afraid I’ll mess up.

1. Why is it a sin not to attend mass? This is kind of moot as I find I enjoy going for the same reason I go to the gym to workout or my band’s practice pad to practice. If I try to work out or practice at home I don’t focus properly because I’m not in the right environment. I find the same to be true for prayer. I can and do pray at home but feel like I need to be in the church to really get the most out of it. That said, I’m just curious.

 

[kentuckyliz]

God is God! He has given us everything and pledged us salvation and glory. He is owed worship–it is just and right. It is a “duty of religion.”

If we are branches on the vine, we must stay connected to get the life-giving sap–in Word and Sacrament. That sap is grace–God’s own divine life divinizing and immortalizing us.

When we don’t render God due worship, our sap supplies run low and we start thinking we know better about this or that, and even start worshipping idols–not likely golden calves, but what that Egyptian bull god Apis represented–money, sex, and power, and it’s variants like pleasure, leisure, ease, fame, etc.

I am preaching at myself because sometimes I am lax in this area. It’s presumption on my part.