The little things

[ubcgirl]

I have been away from the Catholic church for quite some time, but recently returned (after Confession of course!)

I’m realizing that I’ve temporarily forgotten some of the little things - the first time I went into church I did not genuflect, and the first time I went into the Adoration Chapel I genuflected at the wrong spot. I felt really silly, and people thought I was probably being disrespectful, but I am trying to re-learn these things as quickly as possible so it does not seem disrespectful in church or the chapel.

I’m wondering if there is a resource that can walk me through Mass - what I should be doing and when. When I left my church in my hometown many years ago, people had become quite lax about the rules - we don’t even have pews there anymore! The church I’m going to now in my hometown, is very very traditional - doing the stuff I learned as a very young child (which is nice).

Also, when receiving the Eucharist, I was taught to say “amen” after the priest speaks - do I wait until the Eucharist is actually in my hand, or can it be on the way to my hand? Also, I was taught to do the sign of the cross after putting it in my mouth and walking back to my seat. Are either of these wrong? I have noticed that some people in my church bow before receiving the Eucharist, but I was not taught that, and don’t feel comfortable starting something new (to me) just because other people are doing it.

I want to ensure I get this stuff right - when I was younger I followed rather blindly, but now that I’m older, I want to ensure that I thoroughly understand why I am doing what I’m doing out of respect for God.

Edit: I should add, that I am considering taking the RCIA class when it starts up again. I will talk with my priest first to see whether he recommends it. However, I did go to Catechism all the way through until Confirmation, it has just been a long time since I was regularly involved in the church

 

[badgerboyuk]

if you actually believe in a god, which i’m sure you do. this god is the creator of the universe. do you actually think that he cares at all about the little details of worshipping him. do you infact even think that he cares about being worshipped??

 

[Gertabelle]

:extrahappy:Welcome back!!! :extrahappy:

I am also a “revert.” I was away from the Church for about 14 years and returned nearly six years ago. And I had a similar experience to yours; I mean, forgetting the little things

First of all, don’t worry what other people may think of you. People are mostly paying attention to their own families, their own thoughts, etc. If someone does judge you, who cares? Pay attention to your relationship with Christ and don’t worry about other people’s opinions. But mostly, I have to remind myself that I truly am not so interesting a person that total strangers are watching my every action – somehow, I’m just not the center of everyone’s universe like I thought go figure.

OK, so for a resource about the mass, try a missal – available at your local Catholic book store, and online.

And an authoritative reference for all things Catholic is The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Again, you can buy one at a store or online. It is also available in its entirity online if you just want to read a section or two about specific topics. I found this not only extraordinarily beautiful, but essential in my understanding of the faith. This is a link to the index.

Yes, it is prescribed that we bow to Our Lord before receiving him in holy communion. Some people just give a little head nod, others do a profound bow. And you respond “Amen” immediately after they say “the body of Christ.” You may receive communion in the hand or on the tongue.

God bless you – may He make you a saint

Gertie

 

[Elizium23]

The reverence given before reception of Holy Communion will depend on your location. In the dioceses of the United States, the USCCB has determined that the uniform act of reverence shall be a bow of the head. I see many people that do not know this and make a bow of the body when they are second in line. But a video produced by my diocese and shown in all parishes about ten years ago was very clear. It said the best time to make this reverence was when replying “Amen.” So the minister says “The Body of Christ” and I raise my head, and saying “Amen,” I bow my head at the same time. This is the same when receiving from the chalice as well.

Note that if you are in a different part of the world, you should consult your local bishops’ conference on the proper act of reverence, as they may have determined something different. And those who receive Holy Communion while kneeling have already made their reverence!

 

[peaceofchrist]

What;s the WRONG spot to genuflect in the Adoration chapel? What is the RIGHT spot?

 

[Gertabelle]

What;s the WRONG spot to genuflect in the Adoration chapel? What is the RIGHT spot?

I suppose that might depend on the architecture?

The only special thing I know about genuflecting in the adoration chapel is to go down on both knees and bow to Our Lord. We bow at the end of the pew we are about to enter.

Gertie

 

[ubcgirl]

:extrahappy:Welcome back!!! :extrahappy:

I am also a “revert.” I was away from the Church for about 14 years and returned nearly six years ago. And I had a similar experience to yours; I mean, forgetting the little things

First of all, don’t worry what other people may think of you. People are mostly paying attention to their own families, their own thoughts, etc. If someone does judge you, who cares? Pay attention to your relationship with Christ and don’t worry about other people’s opinions. But mostly, I have to remind myself that I truly am not so interesting a person that total strangers are watching my every action – somehow, I’m just not the center of everyone’s universe like I thought go figure.

OK, so for a resource about the mass, try a missal – available at your local Catholic book store, and online.

And an authoritative reference for all things Catholic is The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Again, you can buy one at a store or online. It is also available in its entirity online if you just want to read a section or two about specific topics. I found this not only extraordinarily beautiful, but essential in my understanding of the faith. This is a link to the index.

Yes, it is prescribed that we bow to Our Lord before receiving him in holy communion. Some people just give a little head nod, others do a profound bow. And you respond “Amen” immediately after they say “the body of Christ.” You may receive communion in the hand or on the tongue.

God bless you – may He make you a saint

Gertie

Thank you! I have been reading through the Catechism online, I am debating whether I should buy an actual book or not. And I do have a missellette (what I call them!), which I just bought a couple of days ago, so I hope that it will help me through Mass on Sunday.

 

[ubcgirl]

I suppose that might depend on the architecture?

The only special thing I know about genuflecting in the adoration chapel is to go down on both knees and bow to Our Lord. We bow at the end of the pew we are about to enter.

Gertie

I had read somewhere that we should not have a person between us and the Eucharist - so I bowed when I went to the back row of the chapel, before entering the pew, whereas it seems customary to bow near the door, so there is no person sitting in a pew between the person genuflecting and the Eucharist.

On that note, a lady who genuflected last night, not only got to both knees, but bent her head down right to the floor as well. Not that I was staring, but saw this from the corner of my eye. I found that interesting, and beautiful that she was so reverent.

 

[ubcgirl]

The reverence given before reception of Holy Communion will depend on your location. In the dioceses of the United States, the USCCB has determined that the uniform act of reverence shall be a bow of the head. I see many people that do not know this and make a bow of the body when they are second in line. But a video produced by my diocese and shown in all parishes about ten years ago was very clear. It said the best time to make this reverence was when replying “Amen.” So the minister says “The Body of Christ” and I raise my head, and saying “Amen,” I bow my head at the same time. This is the same when receiving from the chalice as well.

Note that if you are in a different part of the world, you should consult your local bishops’ conference on the proper act of reverence, as they may have determined something different. And those who receive Holy Communion while kneeling have already made their reverence!

Thank you. I am in Canada, and I am in a different diocese than the one I grew up in. In church the other day I noticed only some people bow, whereas others do what I was taught (not bowing).

 

[Elizium23]

I had read somewhere that we should not have a person between us and the Eucharist - so I bowed when I went to the back row of the chapel, before entering the pew, whereas it seems customary to bow near the door, so there is no person sitting in a pew between the person genuflecting and the Eucharist.

On that note, a lady who genuflected last night, not only got to both knees, but bent her head down right to the floor as well. Not that I was staring, but saw this from the corner of my eye. I found that interesting, and beautiful that she was so reverent.

It is correct to genuflect on both knees when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, such as in Adoration, or during Mass, at the Consecration until it is reposed in the tabernacle.

One should also genuflect on one knee before the Holy Cross during the Easter Triduum.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal

 

[japhy]

I’m wondering if there is a resource that can walk me through Mass - what I should be doing and when.

I have a book (or two) that might help you out; see my signature below. If you send me a private message, I’ll arrange to have a copy sent to you free of charge.

Also, when receiving the Eucharist, I was taught to say “amen” after the priest speaks - do I wait until the Eucharist is actually in my hand, or can it be on the way to my hand? Also, I was taught to do the sign of the cross after putting it in my mouth and walking back to my seat. Are either of these wrong? I have noticed that some people in my church bow before receiving the Eucharist, but I was not taught that, and don’t feel comfortable starting something new (to me) just because other people are doing it.

1. You should bow (your head) before receiving Holy Communion.
2. It’s probably simplest to say “Amen” sooner than later. Once the priest (or other minister) has said “The Body of Christ”, say “Amen”. If the minister is so quick that the Host is already in your hand, no big deal. Just don’t leave them guessing.
3. There’s no set rule about making the Sign of the Cross after having received Holy Communion. Some would say it’s “unnecessary” because you have just received Christ Himself; others would say it’s a fine pious devotion.

Update: Also, if you want a good online resource for the Catechism, I recommend: catholiccrossreference.com/tools/