Traditions for Converts

[Raygan]

I converted about three years ago and I am still learning things about the faith. I feel like there are a lot of things they do not teach in Catholic schools. Can you think of any little known traditions in the Church such as fasting an hour before Mass?

Sorry if my question is kind of vague, if I knew the traditions though I wouldn’t be asking.

 

[1ke]

I would not describe the Eucharistic fast as “little known”.

I can recommend some books. The Catholic Sourcebook is a great book full of various customs, and Catholic “things”.

Ann Ball wrote a number of books on Catholic customs and traditions, such as The Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals, Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices, Catholic Tradition in the Home and Classroom, Catholic Tradition in Cooking, Catholic Tradition in the Garden, Catholic Book of the Dead

 

[nikoletodd]

Coming into the Catholic religion is a lot to take in. Many times RCIA doesn’t cover the “little” things that cradle Catholics take for granted. I din’t find out about fasting until I had already made my conversion and grabbed a donut left from the previous mass. A cradle Catholic friend clued me into the practice. I was mildly embarrassed.

Also, genuflecting…If you aren’t told what you are having reverence to and paying attention to you really do end up paying homage to a crucifix. Hence, where Protestant get the big ideas that we worship idols. We do NOT genuflect if the tabernacle is empty it is the eucharistic host that we are genuflecting towards.

Bowing in front of the alter…I always thought was odd but that is where the transubstantiation takes place and where the presence of Christ occurs so it is treated with reverence.

No talking and socializing is keeping with the true reverent nature of worship. I admit I have problems with this one. Probably because of my Protestant upbringing but I found a church that is probably more liberal in that area than most. Parishioners even notice when I haven’t made mass and have stopped by the house to check in on me. The quite before mass is a mixture of people in prayer and people murmuring pleasantries and welcomes.

Those are a few I found in my first years as a convert that they forget to tell us about. Cheers!

 

[SecretaryMonday]

Some people make the sign of the cross whenever they drive past a Catholic Church (showing respect to the Real Presence therein).

The “Morning Offering” is a short prayer said in the morning (also the sign of the cross before getting in or out of bed).

You’re allowed to bring home the holy water so long as you use it respectfully (blessing oneself on going in or out of the house, for instance; I knew a lady who sprinkled it in boiling spaghetti as a kind of blessing on the food her family would be eating.)

After Mass, it might be nice to remain kneeling for a few minutes in thanksgiving for Christ in the Eucharist. Then you don’t have to wait to get in line to leave afterward.

You could pray quietly before you eat, even in public. Some people say the Our Father, or the “Bless us, o Lord, and these Thy gifts…”

It is not required in America but you could choose to observe meatless Fridays.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

As a Convert I thought about this one and could think of nothing so I put it down to I must be totally integrated, all I can say is observe what others are doing it was twice as difficult for me coming from a very orthodox Jewish background, do your best, the Lord reads the heart and knows your trying, double genuflection in front of the Blessed Sacrament if exposed, single genuflection before getting into your seat for Mass or prayers at the Church. Bless yourself if putting Holy Water on yourself. When in doubt look what others are doing, or just bless yourself.

God Bless you, what a Great and Holy Church to be in, so many books to read on various aspects.
Prayer Life
Lives of the Saints
Church Fathers
The Bible -Catholic Church version
Catechism
the List is endless,
The Rosary,
The Prayers
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament
and if you have got your head around it
prayers to Our Lady - after all Our Lord’s Mother is important, as most men regard there
mum as important.

The thought of the Church just fills me with awe, and excitement, ever been to Rome for a Holiday, if you want your head blown away that is the place to go.
To see the chains that St. Paul was brought back to Rome in which are kept in a glass case, so much to see going back to the time of Our Lord.

 

[Rich_C]

Some people make the sign of the cross whenever they drive past a Catholic Church (showing respect to the Real Presence therein).

And doffing your hat if you’re a man.

Also some people pray for the holy souls in purgatory when they pass a cemetary, and spit when they pass a Masonic temple.

Knowing the patron saints of causes you need assistance with and asking their intercession is another big Catholic tradition.

Joining the Knights of Columbus (if you’re a man) or the Catholic Daughters (if you’re a woman) is another common practice in American Catholic life.

Celebratings saints feast days that are important to you with a party–oh, and don’t forgot Mardi Gras!

Making penances for Lent, of course.

Bowing your head when Our Lord’s given name is mentioned.

Praying for the departed during the month of November and having Masses said for their souls.

Obtaining indulgences, especially at certain times of the year.

Saying novenas, especially at certain times of the year.

Inviting your parish priest to dinner once or twice a year.

Going to First Friday Masses and First Saturday Devotions.

Making pilgrimages to holy places.

Praying for the holy father.

Praying for priests, especially on Ember Days.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart.

May crownings.

Corpus Christi processions.

The 40 hours devotion.

That’s all I’ve got time to post now but you’ve entered a whole new world, I can tell you.