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abbycat
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| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 221 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran, Orthodox Catechumate |
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Posted: Sun Jun 8th, 2008 03:41 pm |
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I am planning on attending a RC Mass within the next few weeks (I am presently Lutheran). I have watched many of the Mass services on EWTN, so have a general idea of what to expect. I'm going to sit in the back, to observe and participate within my own heart to the extent of my understanding, and I know I cannot take Holy Communion. Other than that ... what else can I expect? I am a bit nervous, obviously, and don't want to cause any problems. Thanks for any help you can provide.
abby
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wmschrader
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| Joined: | Fri Dec 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Fort Myers, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 106 |
| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jun 8th, 2008 04:27 pm |
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Just sit in the back and observe. Stand and sit when everyone else does, Kneel or sit when everyone kneels. If you can make a Daily Mass (usually 30 minutes in length) or 2 before making a Sunday Mass you might feel a bit less stress.
If you feel you might need more preparation see if you can find a copy of:
The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You (Paperback) by Michael Dubruiel
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Bill
Glory be to God for all things
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JillD
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 1001 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Sun Jun 8th, 2008 09:41 pm |
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Hi Abby,
Don't worry about yourself, at least as little as you can. Allow yourself to enjoy every aspect of the Mass, especially knowing that Jesus is right there in the Tabernacle with you. It never fails that my spirit is calmed and refreshed just by walking into the nave and seeing the altar and the candle above the Tabernacle and knowing my Lord is near. Don't worry about saying the right thing at the right time; like you said, just sit back and experience the beauty and listen carefully to the words of the priest in the liturgy.
Much of it will be familiar, coming from the Lutheran church, but notice how much care is taken with the consecrated elements during and after Communion. That spoke volumes to me of the seriousness with which Catholics believe in the True Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.
And as a Lutheran, or protestant in general, you might get into the Lord's Prayer - it's familiar! Just remember to stop after "deliver us from evil." The rest of it, "for thine is the kingdom, etc." will want to roll right off your tongue. I did that several times!
Please let us know how your first (and second) Masses go. I'm sure everyone sees and hears different things their first few times. I'd love to hear what sticks out the most.
Jill
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"I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are our works! My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret." Ps 139
"Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men." Ps 140
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 221 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran, Orthodox Catechumate |
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Posted: Sun Jun 8th, 2008 11:22 pm |
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Thanks, Jill. Yes, I've noticed that parts of it are the same, or very similar to the Lutheran liturgy. But, when it comes to the handling of the Eucharist ... from what I understand true Lutherans are supposed to believe that it is the actual Body and Blood of Christ, but the behavior belies any real belief in that. It's very sad, but, for me .... God may just be directing me in a totally different direction from that which I've ever gone .... I've only been Lutheran for 5-6 years and prior to that, since 1968, I've been in non-denominational, charismatic, churches! Thanks again, Jill.
abby
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tedjenczewski
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| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 392 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 12:30 am |
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| God bless you Abby. You are about to participate in the true Christian worship that has been practiced "always, everywhere, and by all" since antiquity. I also suggest you consider attending a daily mass prior to attending a Sunday mass. The group will be much smaller, for example my parish has at least 2000 members attend on Sat. eve and Sunday, but only 20 to 40 at daily mass. Daily mass at my parish is rather intimate with lots of holding of hands and embraces as we "lift up our hearts to the Lord" in praise. You will be more conspicuous at daily mass, but the saints will will embrace you with love when/if they learn you are considering "the Catholic faith that comes to us from the apostles." Last edited on Mon Jun 9th, 2008 12:32 am by tedjenczewski
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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CajunRick
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Posted: Mon Jun 9th, 2008 12:45 am |
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tedjenczewski wrote: You will be more conspicuous at daily mass
It's also much more likely you'll be recognized as a newcomer, people will be more open and welcoming, and much more likely to answer questions and assist in making you more comfortable. Eventually, when you express an interest in Sunday mass, they will be more likely to invite you to accompany them, and you'll feel more comfortable there just for knowing someone.
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