Why haven't i learned a single thing in Mass

[FCEGM]

Catholics understanding of origional sin is incorrect.

Am i the only one paying attention to the prayers?

No, you are the only one hearing the Mass from a Mormon perspective and then reading into Catholic words an LDS meaning and THEN you presume to tell us that we don’t believe what we pray because we don’t believe as Mormon’s believe! So, in an example you gave within the Creed, you give an LDS meaning to “begotten” which has a definite theological meaning within Catholicism totally unrelated to any Mormon understanding. The Creed has been prayed for well over a thousand years before Joseph Smith was a gleam in his father’s eye and yet you want Catholics - and all orthodox Christians - to understand it as you do!

Now, if you have any inclination to actually know what Catholic theology teaches on this and other points of doctrine, then I recommend Frank Sheed’s Theology for Beginners; this book is especially helpful in its presentation on the doctrines of the Most Holy Trinity and the Incarnation of the Son. You want intellectual (name removed by moderator)ut? This will give you something to think about.

amazon.com/Theology-Beginners-Francis-Joseph-Sheed/dp/0892831243

 

[buffalo]

I’ve been dozens of times and they haven’t taught a single thing. Its just a ritual. The only thing that makes sense is the sacrament part with the communion.

Worship is a verb.

 

[Salonika]

You aren’t even Catholic! I wouldn’t get anything out of a Mormon service or protestant. I have no understanding of their beliefs.

I would expect to get something out of any religious service I attended - whether or not I agreed with what is being said or done. This would include finding out something about their beliefs and the consequences of these beliefs.

Also think that some of our expectations come out of personality traits rather than our particular beliefs - I am curious and like to find out new things or the “why” of things. Therefore I have different expectations in any church service from someone who has a different emphasis.

Falisrm maybe your expectations come from a similar trait?

 

[DebChris]

I would expect to get something out of any religious service I attended - whether or not I agreed with what is being said or done. This would include finding out something about their beliefs and the consequences of these beliefs.

Also think that some of our expectations come out of personality traits rather than our particular beliefs - I am curious and like to find out new things or the “why” of things. Therefore I have different expectations in any church service from someone who has a different emphasis.

Falisrm maybe your expectations come from a similar trait?

My willingness to worship with our separated brothers and sisters, according to the proscribed rules of the Catholic Church, has opened the door to their willingness to listen to what the Catholic Church really teaches. It has been an opportunity to disabuse them of misconceptions. We have the example of Pope Benedict XVI and his participation in an ecumenical service during his visit to NY.

 

[tundramom]

I wonder if the OP has been to Mass more than once?

I remember when I first started going with my husband. I was Mormon at the time and I sat there critiquing the entire thing.

It was especially the recitation of the creed that got me. I went through the whole Mormon argument in my head, “well how can he be eternally begotten? Why would Jesus be standing at the right hand of the Father when they think they’re one” blah blah blah.

I refused to kneel when everyone else was kneeling. I thought a single cup was gross and unsanitary. I thought that everyone going in procession to communion was simply because the priest was lazy. (as a Mormon, I was used to the bread and water being passed to me as I sat in the pews) I thought the collection basket was greedy.

I didn’t listen to the homily. I was too focused on the priest pushing his glasses up with his middle finger.

Jump forward a few years and I absolutely yearned for the Eucharist. I knelt when everyone knelt. I watched as everyone went up for Communion and couldn’t wait for the day when I could join them.

Simply put, I fell in love with Jesus. After that… where else could I go?

in Christ
Steph

 

[DebChris]

I wonder if the OP has been to Mass more than once?

I remember when I first started going with my husband. I was Mormon at the time and I sat there critiquing the entire thing.

It was especially the recitation of the creed that got me. I went through the whole Mormon argument in my head, “well how can he be eternally begotten? Why would Jesus be standing at the right hand of the Father when they think they’re one” blah blah blah.

I refused to kneel when everyone else was kneeling. I thought a single cup was gross and unsanitary. I thought that everyone going in procession to communion was simply because the priest was lazy. (as a Mormon, I was used to the bread and water being passed to me as I sat in the pews) I thought the collection basket was greedy.

I didn’t listen to the homily. I was too focused on the priest pushing his glasses up with his middle finger.

Jump forward a few years and I absolutely yearned for the Eucharist. I knelt when everyone knelt. I watched as everyone went up for Communion and couldn’t wait for the day when I could join them.

Simply put, I fell in love with Jesus. After that… where else could I go?

in Christ
Steph

This is probably the best post. It is the love of Jesus that draws us. Nothing else matters.

 

[GailMac]

Dear Falisrm - I had no idea you were Mormon. No wonder. Well, if for some reason the Holy Spirit has moved you to even attend a Catholic Mass, then praise God. Perhaps in time you’ll begin to “get it.” Until then repeat prayer suggestion, even though some have dis-ed it. It is the Apostles prayer and has been used for centuries.

Peace,

Gail

 

[CTA1967]

Worship is a verb.

Just being technical
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/worship

 

[RobHom]

I’m saying they don’t teach you a single thing about the gospel.

That is most assuredly not the case where I go to Mass. I look very much forward to going to Mass… I can say that I always come away with a new gem of wisdom…

You can go for a hundred years and they would never have taught you they believe in the Resurrection or the doctrine of the resurrection. Meaning, we will all be resurrected just like Christ was and we’ll all have eternal, physical bodies in heaven. With the same body we have right now. They don’t teach those kind of doctrines or principles in mass.

I learned that during my youth in Catechism and in my Religion classes in Parochial Schools. I honestly don’t expect a Parish Priest to re-hash it at Mass.

But at the same time I have heard Gospel readings along those lines…and the homilies that go with them are in line with the teachings of those beliefs…

Peace!

 

[hawkeye]

I’ve been dozens of times and they haven’t taught a single thing. Its just a ritual. The only thing that makes sense is the sacrament part with the communion.

Yes, receiving Jesus is usually enough for most.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

Mass has to be one of the least interlectural meetings in existance. The sermons the priest gives is quite frankly, a joke. Half the time he just begs people to be “good” and to make an attempt to come to church. The words have no substance or value.

The rest of the mass is tradition of sitting down, standing up, sitting down, standing up. It took me 2 times to memorize the entire thing. After the sermon is the “peace be with you” peace be with you". sit down, stand up. It the mass some sort of ordinance of memorized meanings?

You do NOT go to mass to learn things that;s not what it’s for. You go to mass to recieve the body and blood of Christ. They have classes such as CCD or RCIA or even Catholic Bible Studies to learn stuff.

Hope this helps!

 

[CTA1967]

Of course, nobody’s going to kill you if you DO learn something from the readings…

 

[Tonks40]

I don’t know what falisrm was expecting, but going to Mass is not just about sitting in the pews expecting to learn something about the Gospel…we are actually LIVING the Gospel and Revelations. This is why Mass is such a joy for those who attend…understanding that we are participating not only through our actions at Mass but actually being a part of God’s revelation is thrilling and awe-inspiring!

I would suggest he go and learn more about the Mass. There are several wonderful books out there that help give us a clearer understanding of what the Mass is all about.

 

[jmcrae]

Of course, nobody’s going to kill you if you DO learn something from the readings…

True. But it’s more like a happy side effect than the actual goal of the experience.

 

[happygal]

Being for mass couple of times, however out of the numerous times, only once i managed to clearly heard what the priest was preaching. Most often sermon preach by priest is through the help of a microphone/sound system, however i realize for those members sitting right at the end of the hall will always have problem trying to grasp what’s the preaching about, becoz words from the sound system is so soft and in full echo…so you will have something like…iiiiii, wentttttt, tooooo churccchhhh, so can you imagine the preaching is in a sentense and not words by words, hence in the end…you have merely the echo of eeee,aaaa,yyyy,tttt,iiii…Eventually i only went to a parish where i could hear what’s the priest is preaching, otherwise, is meaningless to attend Mass without hearing or able to hear God’s teaching.

On the other hand, i guess parish members should at least before the Mass look out for new members or even non believers. I lst went to Mass alone without knowing what to do…others knee , i knee, they stand, i stand, in the end i am more of looking out what others is doing then concentrating on the Mass. When they worship, i don’t even know which hyms are they singing, there are so many on the book ?? even now despite attending couple of Mass, i still don’t know what to look out for!! unless i go ask the members, otherwise nobody will come forward to you and say a Halo , or Hi to you!!!..

 

[zerinus]

The Mass is the Holy Sacrifice of Christ, offered for the remission of sins -

Gamera;4033739:

The primary purpose of Mass is not to “learn.” The primary purpose of Mass is to worship.

By offering the Sacrifice of Christ to the Father for the remission of sins.

Hmm. Mass is an act of worship. It is prayer and sacrifice.

That is precisely what is wrong with the Mass. It is the biggest theological problem with the Mass. The Sacrament was never instituted as a sacrifice. See here for further explanation.

(emphasis mine)

I think we should report the OP to the Forum moderators.

How terrible. I am sure he is shaking in his boots. Have you thought of hanging him? That might suit your purpose better.

zerinus

 

[Catholig]

First- Intellectual

Second- Existence

Third- Who exactly said it was supposed to be intellectual?

Fourth- Which priest? Theres quite a few of them you know, all individuals with their own homilies to give.

LDNCatholic,

Why do you have to point out the first two things? The OP made a mistake is spelling…but many of us do at times, and he probably realized it already. It just seems to be lacking in charity to me…maybe a way of boasting ourself up so that your other two points make more sense and seem more correct. But that’s just my meager attempt at psychoalysis. lol. Now I’m going to examine myself.

 

[peary1]

Mass has to be one of the least interlectural meetings in existance. The sermons the priest gives is quite frankly, a joke. Half the time he just begs people to be “good” and to make an attempt to come to church. The words have no substance or value.

The rest of the mass is tradition of sitting down, standing up, sitting down, standing up. It took me 2 times to memorize the entire thing. After the sermon is the “peace be with you” peace be with you". sit down, stand up. It the mass some sort of ordinance of memorized meanings?

Maybe if you sit, pray, participate, and reflect on what is going on during the Liturgy instead of having your mind wander everywhere, maybe you’d learn a thing or two. I have no sympathy for your type. Sorry.

 

[graceandglory]

Mass has to be one of the least interlectural meetings in existance.

The Mass is a Sacrifice. A Sacrifice of worship and praise.
It’s not a university lecture, and it’s not Bible school.

I had to wrap my mind around that when I converted from a lecture-type of service where we took regular lecture notes.

It’s a foretaste of Heaven and a re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Christ. Whether you are “learning” anything or not, doesn’t make a difference in its validity.

You want to learn at Mass? Instead of focusing on “getting something out of it” focus instead on Christ and your intimacy with Christ when you receive the Eucharist.

Study the Mass outside of Mass by reading what the Church has on the Sacrifice of the Mass. Especially read what the mystics have written, even Pope John Paul II, on the Eucharist.

John Paul II
St John of the Cross
St Teresa of Avila
Joseph Ratzinger

The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith. Apply yourself to understanding that mystery alone, and you will never want to go back to a lecture-type of service again.

 

[graceandglory]

Being for mass couple of times, however out of the numerous times, only once i managed to clearly heard what the priest was preaching.** Most often sermon preach by priest is…**

In a protestant service the high point, the summit, of the service is the pastor’s preaching.

In a Mass, the Summit is the Eucharist, or the intimate personal relationship each of us has with Christ, when we receive Him, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, into our bodies.

Study the Eucharist.