Retaining What Was Said at Mass

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Melodeonist

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I’m a forgetful person. In order for me to remember stuff I need to take notes. After Mass I’ll usually forget what they read, and I also often forget what the homily was about. However, it would be awkward to take a notebook to Mass.

Any tips on this? Thanks! 🙂
 
I carry a small notebook and a pen with me most of the time to take notes. Many people make memos on their phones.
 
The readings are always available in your missal, missalette or on line.

For the homily it’s a bit more complicated, unless your priest puts them on line. I try to remember a few key points. You could do that and jot them down in a notebook.
 
OraLabora said:
The readings are always available in your missal, missalette or on line.

For the homily it’s a bit more complicated, unless your priest puts them on line. I try to remember a few key points. You could do that and jot them down in a notebook.
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On one occasion, I remember telling our priest that I had been really moved by his homily at Mass, and he offered to email his notes to me. So that could be an option, as well. 👍

ETA: Our liturgy coordinator, who also runs the RCIA program at our parish, very highly recommends reviewing the readings before attending Mass. It might be helpful to do that, and take notes then, so that when you are hearing them at Mass, it’s already “review.” 🙂
 
This is the honest truth. One day a long time ago the priest gave a homily and had brought a child’s book up there with him. It was sort of a very light spirited homily. He also talked about his trip that he recently took. I wish I could remember the name of the book. I think it was about a frog or something.
 
Wampa said:
Ha, this is exactly the thought (and link) I was about to post!

OP, I think you should feel free bring a notepad and take notes. It might be unusual, not I don’t think it would be awkward.
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Or put the smartphone to good use for once. Use its voice recorder functionality.
 
Melodeonist said:
I’m a forgetful person. In order for me to remember stuff I need to take notes. After Mass I’ll usually forget what they read, and I also often forget what the homily was about. However, it would be awkward to take a notebook to Mass.

Any tips on this? Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...
I kind of think that a notebook is going to be a bigger distraction. You’re going to be focused on getting everything down and not being present in the moment. Plus I do think it wold look a little odd. If you do do this, I would limit it to very few “notes.” Like if you hear something you want to look up later, jot yourself a little reminder, but don’t be like a court reporter trying to transcribe everything.
 
I use the USCCB daily readings for the text, during the homily’s I often take notes in a little black notebook. You may want to see if your church publishes homily notes online as well. Unless you can’t do it in a low key way, a little notebook won’t be too obtrusive. You could even print out the readings ahead of time.
 
BoomBoomMancini said:
I kind of think that a notebook is going to be a bigger distraction. You’re going to be focused on getting everything down and not being present in the moment. Plus I do think it wold look a little odd. If you do do this, I would limit it to very few “notes.” Like if you hear something you want to look up later, jot yourself a little reminder, but don’t be like a court reporter trying to transcribe everything.
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My priest suggested writing down even just one thought we got from any of the readings or the homily. My priest is a big fan of Matthew Kelly.
You know they do make small notebooks (3" x 5") that would not be a distraction or
even write on your bulletin if you don’t have a notebook.
 
Dare I say it? Not every homily is memorable. Some priests do ramble, some get off topic, some love the aspect of being the center of attention-i.e.-homilies. However, a priest is only human and subject to being boring like everyone else. That being said, when you hear a good homily that strikes a cord with you, you will remember it. There is also the osmosis effect. A good sermon will ‘trickle’ through and even if you don’t think you remember it, it is there, like soft music running in the background. Most everyone has offered you some good ideas. Pick one that you like and is non-intrusive to others and gently work it into the mass you are attending. Time will aid your memory and the homilies will stick like Gorilla Glue. You are in my prayers. Peace.
 
PaulfromIowa said:
I carry a small notebook and a pen with me most of the time to take notes. Many people make memos on their phones.
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👍 Exactly. Nearly all homilies will have three primary points. Jotting down even a single key word from each will help with recall.
 
My parish has always has something in the weekly bulletin related to the reading and homily. I find it very helpful
 
pensmama87 said:
On one occasion, I remember telling our priest that I had been really moved by his homily at Mass, and he offered to email his notes to me. So that could be an option, as well. 👍

ETA: Our liturgy coordinator, who also runs the RCIA program at our parish, very highly recommends reviewing the readings before attending Mass. It might be helpful to do that, and take notes then, so that when you are hearing them at Mass, it’s already “review.” 🙂
Click to expand...
At our abbey, a different priest gives the homily each Sunday. Some use handwritten notes, others type it up on their computers. The ones that type them up are more than willing to share a copy if asked.
 
Like others, I agree with the idea of bringing a notebook and keeping a Mass journal. Very small notebooks exist - mine measures a mere 2.75"x4.25" - and jotting a few key ideas can easily be done discreetly. It’s not awkward at all 🙂
porthos11 said:
Or put the smartphone to good use for once. Use its voice recorder functionality.
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I do this, since nearly every homily I hear is delivered in French at a higher speed than I can keep up with :o

As a courtesy, I advise asking the homilist for his permission first. Unless I know for sure the homily is already being recorded for some other non-exclusive purpose (some parishes and cathedrals put recordings and/or transcripts of the homilies on their Web sites for access by anyone, for example), I always ask. And yes, I have been turned down on occasion.
 
Melodeonist said:
I’m a forgetful person. In order for me to remember stuff I need to take notes. After Mass I’ll usually forget what they read, and I also often forget what the homily was about. However, it would be awkward to take a notebook to Mass.

Any tips on this? Thanks! 🙂
Click to expand...
If you want to write some things down, then do it.

It’s unlikely anybody is going to concern themselves with it. If they do: shame on them.
 
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