What is ok to do while waiting for mass to start?

[TraderTif]

Ok, so my parents and I are going to our first Latin mass (well, it’s MY first Latin mass anyway!). And since we suspect that it will be fairly crowded, we’re going to get there at least an hour early because we want a seat.

Well, this got me thinking. What is ok to do in church when you’re waiting for mass to start? I mean, I know praying and stuff are good, and I keep a little bible in my purse that I can read. But what else? How about reading other religious books? Is it terribly disrespectful to listen to prayers on your iPod? Or what?

(It might help to mention that I am prone to anxiety problems, especially in churches, and I can go into “panic” mode sometimes if I don’t keep myself “distracted”.)

Thoughts?

 

[sphilomena]

I would say the Rosary or my morning prayers. Many times the Rosary will be said before the TLM. It might not be a good idea to use an ipod cause it will look like you are listening to something secular. Go ahead and read your bible or other spiritual reading.

Have a blessed time and remember that this Mass especially, is more about internal participation. Follow in a missal, or just let yourself be lifted spiritually to Our Lord. God bless!

 

[Hijikata]

Every time I attend Mass where the EF is offered, the whole congregations is saying the rosary together up until 10 minutes before Mass starts. Then everyone just has private, reflective prayer.

 

[benedictgal]

Leave the ipod at home.

Second, if you have a Latin Mass missal, use this time to familiarize yourself with the prayers so that way you can fully and actively participate in the Mass. Active participation does not only apply to the Ordinary Form of the Mass. I find that I actually participate more when I attend an EF Mass because I have to really focus on what is happening, especially when the priest prays in an inaudible voice. Because we are so used to the OF, we tend to go on automatic pilot and the rites, rituals and prayers don’t always fully impact us.

Then, if you have any time left, pray the Rosary.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Say the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, while waiting. What a wonderful way to prepare for the Coming of Jesus, to your heart. God bless.

 

[preV2tradcath]

You have been given some great suggestions. I like to find the Propers of the day (Introit, collect, epistle, Gospel, offertory, secret, communion, postcommunion) and read them before Mass. If you don’t have a missal, often bulletins are available with the English translation of the Propers.
At the church where I serve the EF, the rosary and Angelus (Regina Caeli during the Easter season) are recited before Mass.