Some Questions

[Guardian_Wolf]

I was born and raised Catholic by my mother, but she was rather…loose about her practice. We most definitley didn’t go to Church every Sunday.

Eventually, after a ton of events that would take too long to get into, I ended up staying with some more “Traditional Catholic” relatives. Going though the teenager period, I rejected a lot of stuff.

Now, on my own, I’ve returned to the Catholic church, and will be officially Confirmed sometime after the Easter Vigil…

But I’ve realized that I’ve forgotten a lot since I regularly attended a Catholic Church. I remember most of it…but there are bits and pieces of things that I’ve forgotten. I’m posting my questions here in hopes that maybe someone can answer them, and give me a bit of ‘peace of mind’ in the process.

So, here goes:

1.) Do Catholics not eat meat on ALL Fridays? Or just Friday’s during Lent? What would be considered meat (red meat, chicken, pork, fish, etc.), and what would be okay to eat on days when one should not eat meat?

2.) When kneeling to genuflect before entering the pew (and when leaving at the end of mass) does it matter which leg is forward, and which is touching the ground?

3.) When receiving the Holy Eucharist, are you supposed to do or say anything between when the person presenting it to you says their bit and then gives it to you? I generally bow before receiving and genuflect after…is this what I’m supposed to do?

4.) Same questions as #4, only this time referring to the Sacred Blood.

5.) Is there anything else I should know/do/remember about attending Mass at a Catholic Church? (and yes, already know to bow during the part in the Creed).

Otherwise…that about sums it up for now, though I’m sure I’ll be back later when I think of more questions…

 

[chrisb]

I

1.) Do Catholics not eat meat on ALL Fridays? Or just Friday’s during Lent? What would be considered meat (red meat, chicken, pork, fish, etc.), and what would be okay to eat on days when one should not eat meat?

Traditionally, the entire Church abstained during all Wednesdays and Fridays from meat, oil, wine, and dairy as well as Fasting.

In the Western Church, these practices of Fasting and Abstinence were slowly relaxed over the decades till the only vestige is our abstaining from meat on Fridays. The original abstaining from ‘meat’ came from our canon from the first Councils to refrain from ‘blood’… fish and seashells don’t appear to have ‘blood’ in their meat and so these meat stables made it past the ‘blood’ test of the early Church and so we have managed to hang on to this observance till the relaxation by American Bishops after Vatican II.

2.) When kneeling to genuflect before entering the pew (and when leaving at the end of mass) does it matter which leg is forward, and which is touching the ground?

Traditionally, yes. To place your ‘right knee’ down is something which was only done to a Sovereign in the early Roman Empire. After the Empire became Christian, kneeling right knee first was only down in the presence of God. Any other Sovereign (King, Emperor, etc) one knelt with the left knee first.

3.) When receiving the Holy Eucharist, are you supposed to do or say anything between when the person presenting it to you says their bit and then gives it to you? I generally bow before receiving and genuflect after…is this what I’m supposed to do?

Yes. When they say "The Body of Christ’ we are to affirm with “Amen”. When they say “The Blood of Christ” we also affirm with “Amen”.

4.) Same questions as #4, only this time referring to the Sacred Blood.

“Amen”

5.) Is there anything else I should know/do/remember about attending Mass at a Catholic Church? (and yes, already know to bow during the part in the Creed).

The fact that you care and show a willingness to know these things will serve you very well and you shouldn’t overly worry. You will be fine and you will show a reverence which few in the modern Church express.

Peace and God Bless.

 

[Guardian_Wolf]

Thanks for the speedy reply! ^^ Do have one question though

Traditionally, yes. To place your ‘right knee’ down is something which was only done to a Sovereign in the early Roman Empire. After the Empire became Christian, kneeling right knee first was only down in the presence of God. Any other Sovereign (King, Emperor, etc) one knelt with the left knee first.

Might just be me being tired and not paying close enough attention, but by ‘first’ you mean ‘down’ right?

Thought of another question too. What are the rules involving receiving the Holy Eucharist? I thought I read here somewhere on the forum about not being able to receive when visiting churches, but a friend told me the only time you can’t receive is if you haven’t been Baptized (or had your First Communion). I seemed to remember a relative say something about a waiting period though? Like if you join a church?

Basically, if you’ve been Baptized, gone through First Communion, and joined (on paper, not by Confirmation…yet) a Church, is there anything (rule or otherwise) keeping you from receiving the Holy Eucharist?

 

[Claire_from_DE]

1.) Do Catholics not eat meat on ALL Fridays? Or just Friday’s during Lent? What would be considered meat (red meat, chicken, pork, fish, etc.), and what would be okay to eat on days when one should not eat meat?
Just Fridays during Lent. Fish and other seafood is ok, also things like mac and cheese, pasta with sauce not containing meat, peanut butter, eggs, cheese and other dairy products, soups not made with meat. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also day of Fasting, which means one moderate meal and two small snacks, no eating between meals.

In the US the bishops have lifted the obligation to abstain from meat on other Fridays of the year. They recommend making some kind of small sacrifice on Fridays but we aren’t required to do so.

2.) When kneeling to genuflect before entering the pew (and when leaving at the end of mass) does it matter which leg is forward, and which is touching the ground?

3.) When receiving the Holy Eucharist, are you supposed to do or say anything between when the person presenting it to you says their bit and then gives it to you? I generally bow before receiving and genuflect after…is this what I’m supposed to do?
You make a gesture of reverence (such as bowing) as you approach the priest, say, ‘amen’ after he says ‘the body of Christ’ and ‘the blood of Christ’. Once you have received, He is within you. Just concentrate on His presence. You don’t need to make any other gestures.

4.) Same questions as #4, only this time referring to the Sacred Blood.

5.) Is there anything else I should know/do/remember about attending Mass at a Catholic Church? (and yes, already know to bow during the part in the Creed).

Otherwise…that about sums it up for now, though I’m sure I’ll be back later when I think of more questions…

 

[Mintaka]

1. Actually, it does seem that we are still obligated by the US bishops to either abstain from meat on all Fridays, or perform some penitent act. It’s not an obligation that it’s a sin to mess up on, that’s all.
2. Some people say that the right knee/left knee custom is still in force, others don’t, and most of us never heard of it, frankly. If you can remember to do it, though, it’s probably a good idea. It is in the US bishops’ GIRM regulations, so it probably is in force.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

Thanks for the speedy reply! ^^ Do have one question though

Might just be me being tired and not paying close enough attention, but by ‘first’ you mean ‘down’ right?

Thought of another question too. What are the rules involving receiving the Holy Eucharist? I thought I read here somewhere on the forum about not being able to receive when visiting churches, but a friend told me the only time you can’t receive is if you haven’t been Baptized (or had your First Communion). I seemed to remember a relative say something about a waiting period though? Like if you join a church?

Basically, if you’ve been Baptized, gone through First Communion, and joined (on paper, not by Confirmation…yet) a Church, is there anything (rule or otherwise) keeping you from receiving the Holy Eucharist?

Your friend is right. If you’re a Catholic and are in the state of grace you may receive communion in any Catholic church. If you haven’t been regularly attending church, you would need to go to confession first. You have probably already done this but if not, get there asap. Any priest would be happy to hear that you are coming home to the Church.

Receiving communion means that you accept what the Catholic Church teaches. You will probably attend some formation classes before you’re confirmed. But if you were not brought up Catholic, you will want to learn more about your faith. A possible way to do this would be to ask your pastor if you could sit in on the RCIA classes even though you’re already Catholic.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

1. Actually, it does seem that we are still obligated by the US bishops to either abstain from meat on all Fridays, or perform some penitent act. It’s not an obligation that it’s a sin to mess up on, that’s all.
2. Some people say that the right knee/left knee custom is still in force, others don’t, and most of us never heard of it, frankly. If you can remember to do it, though, it’s probably a good idea. It is in the US bishops’ GIRM regulations, so it probably is in force.

No, we’re not obligated to do any type of penance at all on Fridays in the United States. It’s only a recommendation. This was a decision by the US bishops. There was a thread on this in November or December I think that gave the actual wording of the document.

I don’t mean to imply that doing some penance or act of charity on Friday isn’t a good idea, just that we are not in any way required to do so (as long as we’re in the US). If we visit another country, we are expected to follow the ruling of the bishops there.

In the '50’s we were taught to genuflect with the right knee touching the floor but the liturgy police don’t get after you if you don’t.

 

[diggerdomer]

1.) Do Catholics not eat meat on ALL Fridays? Or just Friday’s during Lent? What would be considered meat (red meat, chicken, pork, fish, etc.), and what would be okay to eat on days when one should not eat meat?

2.) When kneeling to genuflect before entering the pew (and when leaving at the end of mass) does it matter which leg is forward, and which is touching the ground?

3.) When receiving the Holy Eucharist, are you supposed to do or say anything between when the person presenting it to you says their bit and then gives it to you? I generally bow before receiving and genuflect after…is this what I’m supposed to do?

4.) Same questions as #4, only this time referring to the Sacred Blood.

1. No, yes, and fish is ok.
2. Normally right knee, but if the Blessed Sacrament is not present in the Tabernacle in the worship space the gesture of reverence is a profound bow (from the waist) to the altar and not a genuflection.
3. Amen is what you say. A simple bow (not a profound bow, from the waist) is the gesture of reverence directed by the U.S. Bishops.
4. Same as #3

 

[Guardian_Wolf]

Okay, so lemme see if I’ve got this right.

Catholics (in the US at least) are not required to abstain from meat on all Fridays, just those during lent. Meat refers to anything that ‘bleeds’ so fish, eggs, dairy etc. are okay to eat.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also day of Fasting, which means one moderate meal and two small snacks, no eating between meals.

This actually leads to my next question. Everyone keeps mentioning fasting. When is this done? What are the ‘requirements’ of fasting? The quote above mentions not eating between meals…does this refer to whenever someone would normally eat meals, or are there, I dunno, set times when the meals should take place?

When I was in school (Catholic) I was under the impression that people only fasted when they couldn’t think of anythingto give up for Lent.

Also, does on have to do/say anything when receiving te ashes on Ash Wednesday?

Your friend is right. If you’re a Catholic and are in the state of grace you may receive communion in any Catholic church. If you haven’t been regularly attending church, you would need to go to confession first. You have probably already done this but if not, get there asap. Any priest would be happy to hear that you are coming home to the Church.

Oops. Alright, guess I’m off to confession.

Though…when I did my first reconcilliation, I had the hardest time “remembering my lines”. Does anyone know of a website or somewhere where they are listed?

I try not to embarrass mysely any more then I already do, lol.

 

[revert_jen]

No, we’re not obligated to do any type of penance at all on Fridays in the United States. It’s only a recommendation. This was a decision by the US bishops. There was a thread on this in November or December I think that gave the actual wording of the document.

I’m really not sure that this is correct, thread or no thread. The US Bishops have the authority to say whether the penance is to abstain from meat, or whether it’s something else (including letting individuals decide on the penance to perform). I believe the universal law of the Church is still in effect, however–that Fridays are a day of penance. Because of the ruling of the US Bishops, though, each individual can choose what form that penance should take.

Canon 1253: It is for the conference of bishops to determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence and to substitute in whole or in part for fast and abstinence other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.

That says to me that the bishops can decide what the penance is, but not that they can remove the obligation. They can make a substitution, but they can’t just take it away.

However, I am by no means a canon lawyer. I just think it’s better safe than sorry. Certainly it would be fine if you volunteered in a soup kitchen or said a rosary or gave up TV or something instead. But I’m not sure it would be correct to do nothing.

–Jen

 

[revert_jen]

This actually leads to my next question. Everyone keeps mentioning fasting. When is this done? What are the ‘requirements’ of fasting? The quote above mentions not eating between meals…does this refer to whenever someone would normally eat meals, or are there, I dunno, set times when the meals should take place?

I believe the specifics are taken from an older version of canon law which is no longer in effect, and therefore they would just be guidelines:

**(From 1917 CCL) Canon 1251. 1. The law of fast prescribes that there be only one meal a day; but it does not forbid that a little bit [of food] be taken in the morning and the evening, observing, nevertheless, the approved custom of places concerning the quantity and the quality of the food.

1. It is not forbidden to mix meat and fish in the same meal; or to exchange the evening meal with lunch.**

Basically it’s the same as what Claire rom DE said, which is one meal and two snacks. I guess this means that the “one meal” shouldn’t be breakfast, but common sense also tells you that. Of course it would be good (NOT required) to eat even less than that if you are healthy (considering it’s only two days a year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday!). After all there are many people in many parts of the world who get less food than that every day. Also fasting is only required if you are between the ages of 14 and 60.

Also, does on have to do/say anything when receiving te ashes on Ash Wednesday?

Nope. Just think penitent thoughts.

(from signature) “But who is more ignorant? The man who cannot define lightning, or the man who does not respect its awesome power?” -Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca/Patrick McKenna (Angels and Demons by Dan Brown)

Just to show how out of it I am, I saw this and thought, “Gee, that Canadian actor from the Red Green Show was in Angels and Demons? It doesn’t seem his sort of thing somehow.” But I looked it up and saw that Patrick McKenna is the name of the character, not the actor.

–Jen

 

[Guardian_Wolf]

I accidentally put this in my above post as a quote when I really meant to bold it.

**Though…when I did my first reconcilliation, I had the hardest time “remembering my lines”. Does anyone know of a website or somewhere where they are listed? **

Basically it’s the same as what Claire rom DE said, which is one meal and two snacks. I guess this means that the “one meal” shouldn’t be breakfast, but common sense also tells you that. Of course it would be good (NOT required) to eat even less than that if you are healthy (considering it’s only two days a year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday!). After all there are many people in many parts of the world who get less food than that every day. Also fasting is only required if you are between the ages of 14 and 60.

Oh okay, so the only days you fast are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? That’s one of the things I was wondering, so its nice to know. ^^

Just to show how out of it I am, I saw this and thought, “Gee, that Canadian actor from the Red Green Show was in Angels and Demons? It doesn’t seem his sort of thing somehow.” But I looked it up and saw that Patrick McKenna is the name of the character, not the actor.

lol! I would have put Ewan McGregor, but since it was the character’s line (who has a different name in both book and movie) I decided to stick with that…

 

[corsair]

I’m assuming you are attending the OF of the Mass, in which case most of what the other folks have said is true. However there are some differences in the EF of the Mass. Such as genuflecting with the right knee down when entering or leaving the pew; when receiving the Host you say nothing as the priest has said it all. Most of the rest of their advise holds true. Abstaining from meat on all Fridays or some other act of penance is highly reccommended. Most EF Catholics try to follow the older regulations but are not required to.

 

[revert_jen]

**Though…when I did my first reconcilliation, I had the hardest time “remembering my lines”. Does anyone know of a website or somewhere where they are listed? **

I don’t remember where I got this, but it was several years ago, and I may have altered it too. But if anyone recognizes it I’ll be happy to attribute it.

1. 
   *]The Priest will often begin with the Sign of the Cross or a greeting and blessing.
   *]The Penitent begins by saying
   Bless me Father for I have sinned, it has been ____ (number of days, weeks, months, etc.) since my last confession. These are my sins.
   *]Confess all mortal sins committed since your last confession by kind and number (this is important). Hold NOTHING back. You may also confess any venial sins.
   *]At the end of your confession say these or similar words:
   For these and all the sins of my life I am sorry.
   By this you tell the priest that you are finished. Otherwise, he might think you are still thinking or even trying to summon the courage to tell him “the big one”.
   *]The Priest may ask questions for clarification or give you some counsel on a point from your confession. Answer briefly.
   *]The Priest will give you a penance. Listen to it carefully and remember it. You can refuse a penance if it is too vague or impossible to do in a reasonable time.
   *]The Penitent makes an act of contrition in these or similar words: Memorize a good act of contrition.
   O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all of my sins because of Thy just punishments. But most of all because they offend Thee my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
   *]The Priest will give you absolution in Latin or in your common language. (The words necessary in English for forgiveness are “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” In Latin it’s “Ego te absolvo a peccatis tuis in nomine patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.”). Do not leave until the priest has given you absolution. He will not refuse you absolution unless it is clear that you are not sorry for your sins or you have no intention of amending your life.
   
   Anyway, that is what I use when I feel unsure that I will remember. One of the churches around here has a Bible reading after step 1 above, and an additional response after step 8, but since that is not what people expect (although it is perfectly legitimate), they have a little sheet in the confessional with their process on it. If there isn’t any on-site documentation )), the above should work for you.
   
   Also these pages seem to have good information:
   saintaquinas.com/howto_confess.html
   fisheaters.com/penance.html
   
   And this looks like a good examination of conscience:
   fathercorapi.com/Examination-of-Conscience-Making-a-Good-Confession-W13C85.aspx
   

   Oh okay, so the only days you fast are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? That’s one of the things I was wondering, so its nice to know. ^^

   Yep!
   

   lol! I would have put Ewan McGregor, but since it was the character’s line (who has a different name in both book and movie) I decided to stick with that…

   No, you were right, it’s just that I don’t pay attention to Dan Brown. But really, if you’ve ever seen the actor Patrick McKenna (who is hilarious), the idea of he and Ewan McGregor (who is so serious) playing the same part as each other is REALLY funny.
   
   –Jen

 

[Guardian_Wolf]

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all of my sins because of Thy just punishments. But most of all because they offend Thee my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

This is what I could NEVER remember. I pretty much spent my entire First Reconcilliation shaking out of nerves and stumbling over that paragraph. Guess I’d better practice before I go…

 

[revert_jen]

This is what I could NEVER remember. I pretty much spent my entire First Reconcilliation shaking out of nerves and stumbling over that paragraph. Guess I’d better practice before I go…

Good idea. But in addition, to avoid “stage fright,” you could take it with you on a little piece of paper. If you are in a face-to-face confession, the priest won’t mind, and if you’re not, he won’t know.

Best wishes,

–Jen

 

[Guardian_Wolf]

Good idea. But in addition, to avoid “stage fright,” you could take it with you on a little piece of paper. If you are in a face-to-face confession, the priest won’t mind, and if you’re not, he won’t know.

Didn’t know you could do that…Thanks! ^^

I have pretty terrible issues with stage fright (even though in the case of confession, its only between me in the priest). Been working on those probs for the longest of times. sigh

I was looking at my church’s website…and they give the time and day for confession, and then it says ‘or by apointment’. If I’m interested in setting an apointment do you by any chance know who I call/talk to? Do I speak with the priest directly about it, or just one of the other church memebers in the Office Staff?

 

[revert_jen]

If I’m interested in setting an apointment do you by any chance know who I call/talk to? Do I speak with the priest directly about it, or just one of the other church memebers in the Office Staff?

I’d just call the parish office, and say you wanted an appointment for confession. I did that when I came back to the Church because I had several years of sins to confess. Anyway, if you have a preference for a particular priest, you can just say you’d like to make an appointment with that priest for confession. But anyway, whoever answers the phone in the parish office can either make the appointment or send your call on to the right person. It might be a priest or it might be a secretary or someone.

Good luck!

–Jen

 

[Guardian_Wolf]

I’d just call the parish office, and say you wanted an appointment for confession. I did that when I came back to the Church because I had several years of sins to confess. Anyway, if you have a preference for a particular priest, you can just say you’d like to make an appointment with that priest for confession. But anyway, whoever answers the phone in the parish office can either make the appointment or send your call on to the right person. It might be a priest or it might be a secretary or someone.

Yeah, me too. Got like 4 years worth… according to Mortal Sins I’ve comitted like 5 ‘grave’ sins…

Thanks though. I’ll give that a try if I can’t show up during the normal hours.