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mchoquette
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ooltewah, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist / Presbyterian (PCA). |
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Posted: Sat Jun 30th, 2007 06:43 pm |
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| I'm not sure if this post goes here or not, but I have a question about what I, as a Protestant, should do when it comes time for everyone to go forward for communion? I visited a Catholic church over 2 years ago and thought I'd sit in the back to observe. A family ended up sitting next to me (this was a Saturday evening service) and when it came time for communion I stepped out of the pew to let them pass. The father hesitated as if he was waiting on me and when he saw I was letting them pass by me he smiled and went forward. I then stepped back into the pew. I don't remember if I then knelt on the kneeler while I waited for the others to finish going forward, but I did what the other folks were doing when they got back to their pew (I think they were kneeling) and watched the remainder of the service. My question is this, was it okay for me to stay at the service come time for communion? Or was I supposed to leave quietly since I could not go forward. I'm planning on visiting a Mass again now that I'm once again studying about the Catholic church and I just want to make sure that it's okay for me to remain and observe the communion part of the service while I'm studying about the church. I know it may sound like a silly question but I felt kind of strange just staying at the pew, although I did not want to leave as I was afraid I'd miss something (and I would have). I'm sure it's okay for me to stay at that point in the Mass but I just wanted some feed back on it. Can someone answer this for me? Thanks.
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Michael
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JillD
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
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| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Sat Jun 30th, 2007 07:24 pm |
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Hi Michael,
It's perfectly fine to stay and observe; that's exactly what I did for several months before entering the Church this last Easter vigil. Your hunger for the Eucharist will grow and if and when you finally come in, your first taste of the Holy Supper will be sublime.
Blessings!
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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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
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| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Sat Jun 30th, 2007 08:26 pm |
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Me too! I sat in the back so I could keep an eye on all those Catholics and I could observe the service as well. Then I learned that I was allowed to go forward with crossed arms on my chest and recieve a blessing, so I did that. It is my understanding that not all parishes allow that so you might want to check into it before you try it. 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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mrsbill
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| Joined: | Tue Dec 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | Deltona, Florida USA |
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| First Name: | Nora | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Lutheran & Baptist backgrounds, currently on the Road to Rome! |
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 11:27 am |
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BodRod wrote:
I sat in the back so I could keep an eye on all those Catholics and I could observe the service as well.
Yes, what you are doing is just fine. I do the same thing. I sit in the front though (the opposite of BodRod) because (1) I am still entranced by the beauty of the mass and I like to see it all as close as possible, and (2) in our church the pews are set up so that the front ones seat only a couple of people and as they fan out toward the back they get longer and longer. By sitting up front we are guaranteed to only have a person or two that have to get by us when getting up and down for the Eucharist.
I usually let them by, return to kneeling and praying and keep a bit of any eye out for them coming back. When they come back, if I'm on the end seat, I will step aside, just as you do, and let them in, then return to kneeling and praying.
Yes, it should be perfectly OK for you to stay during this time of the service. I generally don't feel out of place because I noticed that many of the people that I know are Catholics don't necessarily go up either (I'm guessing perhaps they have received the host already once that morning in a different service, or perhaps they didn't make it to confession and feel they are "not worthy" at that point in time to take it.) So I'm never the only person sitting in the pews and it doesn't feel awkward at all, which I must comment is quite a bit different than communion at my old Baptist church. Oh my goodness, if someone didn't partake it would set "tongues a wagging" over what they did wrong to not take communion. It would really have been awkward to not partake there!
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BodRod
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 01:44 pm |
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Perhaps I should explain further. I started by sitting in the back. That was a few years ago. Soon, I realized that I could trust those Catholics behind me so I moved forward. I found I could hear a lot better in the 3rd to the 5th row. Now, of course, I still sit up front, help serve, etc. It has been a GRREAAAAT Journey! 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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mchoquette
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| Joined: | Thu Apr 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ooltewah, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 8 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist / Presbyterian (PCA). |
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 01:51 pm |
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Thanks for all the responses. I'm not sure when I will attend Mass again but when I do I'll know it's okay for me to stay until the end.
God bless
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Michael
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StephMichele
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| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky, USA |
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| First Name: | Stephanie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | no religion/non-denominational/Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 04:52 pm |
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| At our church, we can cross our arms over our chest and the priest will bless us instead of giving Communion. I did that until I was baptized on Easter of '06. I would think you could do that too.
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 06:26 pm |
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mchoquette wrote: Thanks for all the responses. I'm not sure when I will attend Mass again but when I do I'll know it's okay for me to stay until the end.
God bless
Michael:
First of all, I'd like to welcome you to the CHNetwork, we're happy to have you!
As others have stated, you are welcome to attend mass, observe, pray, etc. You can participate in everything you are comfortable doing, except of course Holy Communion.
There is a book called the Roman Missal held in a holder on the pew directly in front of you. You can look up the date on the inside front cover and go to the page for that particular day. It may help you to follow along and see how the mass is directly layed out, read along with the reader during the time of scripture readings. All the responses that you probably already noticed others do and seeminhly have them memorized are in the book also, you can respond along if you feel so inclined, but if your not comfortable and would rather just stay a quiet observer your very welcome to by everyone.
One thing I'd like to say that sometimes bothers our visitor is, Practicing Catholics go to Mass nomatter if they are on vacation, on a weekend trip or just visiting family or friends in another town. So when we see an unfamiliar face we just think your visiting and traveling and don't normally make a big to do over your pressence. Many of my protestant brothers & sisters feel very ignored or insensed that no one even approached them for inquiry as to you coming to their parish or in Fellowship or greeting. Please don't allow this to affend you and if you are so inclined to meet some catholics then look in the bulletin for a bible study or listen to see where the coffee hour after mass is held and go to the coffee hour.
Catholics believe the santuary of our church is sacred ground as the real presence of our lord is there. So normally you will not see much chatter or fellowship afterward in the santuary.(this is normal) But they will be more than happy to greet you at the coffee hour or during a bible study. they are very kind people and always welcome everyone.
Glad to meet you and your sincere and honest questions are so welcome and you can count on good solid orthodox answers to church teaching here.
God Bless
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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RCCSoldat
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| Joined: | Tue Aug 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Pekin, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 17 |
| First Name: | Mark | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Methodist/Non-denom/Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Aug 18th, 2007 04:22 pm |
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BodRod wrote: Me too! I sat in the back so I could keep an eye on all those Catholics and I could observe the service as well. Then I learned that I was allowed to go forward with crossed arms on my chest and recieve a blessing, so I did that. It is my understanding that not all parishes allow that so you might want to check into it before you try it. Great post BodRod! My wife and I did the same thing before we started RCIA last year. My wife is still waiting on her annulment(as of Aug 18, 2007) but we are now moving closer and closer to the front/middle of the sanctuary and still go forward with arms crossed and receive a blessing. It's a great way to still participate while waiting to be brought into full communion.
The arms-crossed issue seems to be Diocese specific. OK in the Peoria, Illinois Diocese but not OK in the Chicago Diocese.
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
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| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Aug 19th, 2007 03:38 pm |
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BodRod wrote: Perhaps I should explain further. I started by sitting in the back. That was a few years ago. Soon, I realized that I could trust those Catholics behind me so I moved forward. I found I could hear a lot better in the 3rd to the 5th row. Now, of course, I still sit up front, help serve, etc. It has been a GRREAAAAT Journey!
Criff
this is so funny, I started in the back row too. Partly becuase I was quite emotional when I first began going to mass and then I also wanted a quick exit if things went crazy or something. I don't know what I was thinking, but I wanted to really observe and listen. Father burst my little bubble when I was there at a daily mass and he made everyone in the back move forward into the smaller group so he did not have to talk so loud, as the micraphone system was in repair at the time. I remember feeling somewhat selfconscience when a few others had taken seats behind me. LOL! I'd not thought of that for years. I aslo gradually moved forward as time went on and now I have a place in the very front pew. You would think someone put my name tag there as no one ever sits in my spot and I sit next to the same gentleman at every mass I attend. Since I have a hard time walking most the time, father brings the eucharist over to me as I am kneeling in the pew. I always had wanted to recieve on my knees, so the lord opened a door for me to do so. He's been so kind to me.
God Bless
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
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Posted: Sun Aug 19th, 2007 03:52 pm |
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BettyBoopToo wrote: I aslo gradually moved forward as time went on and now I have a place in the very front pew.
I try to avoid the front pew. It does NOT have PADDED kneelers!!! Even with the padding and carpet on top, that concrete floor is very hard!!! Last edited on Sun Aug 19th, 2007 07:36 pm by BodRod
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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DrSharkey
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 01:15 am |
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mrsbill wrote: I generally don't feel out of place because I noticed that many of the people that I know are Catholics don't necessarily go up either ...perhaps they didn't make it to confession and feel they are "not worthy" at that point in time to take it.)
Pardon my ignorance, and I don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but if a Catholic hasn't been to confession and feel they are "not worthy", is it a sin for them not to take the Bread and Wine? I realize that Paul cautions us against taking part in the Eucharist in an unworthily manner, but should the Catholic be in mass at all if they are not partaking in the Eucharist?
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 01:40 am |
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DrSharkey wrote:
Pardon my ignorance, and I don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but if a Catholic hasn't been to confession and feel they are "not worthy", is it a sin for them not to take the Bread and Wine? I realize that Paul cautions us against taking part in the Eucharist in an unworthily manner, but should the Catholic be in mass at all if they are not partaking in the Eucharist?
A quick vocabulary lesson:
“Not worthy” translates to the Catholic term “in the state of sin.” The word “mortal” is often added to make sure we understand that there are different grades of sin. A mortal sin kills the life of grace and makes us unacceptable to God. Murder in cold blood is an example of a mortal sin. A venial sin is a lesser sin that wounds but does not kill; one will never go to hell for a venial sin. Lying about an insignificant matter (e.g., “You look great, dear”) is an example of a venial sin.
“Bread and Wine” translates to the Catholic term “Eucharist.” Catholic belief is that after the consecration in the Mass, the bread and wine are no longer present except in appearance, having been replaced by the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ. It may look like bread and wine, but it’s something much greater.
Now to your questions:
“Should the Catholic be in mass at all if they are not partaking in the Eucharist?” Yes, he should. If it’s Sunday, he’s required to attend, even if he does not receive communion (the Eucharist).
“If a Catholic hasn't been to confession and feel they are "not worthy", is it a sin for them not to take the Bread and Wine?” No, it is not a sin. It would be the sin of sacrilege if he were to receive the Eucharist in the state of mortal sin. So he should refrain until he has been absolved of his sins (had his sins forgiven).
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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 01:42 am |
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DrSharkey wrote: mrsbill wrote: I generally don't feel out of place because I noticed that many of the people that I know are Catholics don't necessarily go up either ...perhaps they didn't make it to confession and feel they are "not worthy" at that point in time to take it.)
Pardon my ignorance, and I don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but if a Catholic hasn't been to confession and feel they are "not worthy", is it a sin for them not to take the Bread and Wine?
Once it is consecrated, we call it the Blessed Sacrament or the Precious Body and Precious Blood. It is no longer "bread and wine" but the actual flesh and blood of our Savior in all but the "accidents" represented to the physical senses.
To receive the Blessed Sacrament unworthily is a grave evil. Whether it is a "sin" is an individual matter, but I will go out on a limb here and say that if a Catholic believes he is "unworthy" then he is aware of the sinful nature of his act. So yes, as you present it, it would be considered a very grave sin if he did receive the Eucharist, but no sin if he did not.
Catholics are obliged to receive the Eucharist only once a year, during the Easter Season, preceded by sacramental confession if the Catholic is in a state of mortal sin. Otherwise, it is not a sin to fail to receive the Eucharist, but it is a grave sin to receive the Eucharist unworthily.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 02:06 am |
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BodRod wrote: BettyBoopToo wrote: I aslo gradually moved forward as time went on and now I have a place in the very front pew.
I try to avoid the front pew. It does NOT have PADDED kneelers!!! Even with the padding and carpet on top, that concrete floor is very hard!!!
Funny thing Criff
By the time we are kneeling in mass, my back and my fibromyalgia is so flared up and my pain level is high enough (from sitting in a hard pew, I cheat and bring a small square pillow for my lumbar region), that I never even realized that there are not pads on the front row kneelers, until you just said that and I thought about our kneelers and your absolutely right. NO PADDing  . LOL!
The rest of my body hurts so bad, I don't even notice my knees. My only dilema at that point, is how am I going to pull myself back into the pew.
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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DrSharkey
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 02:06 am |
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CajunRick wrote: Once it is consecrated, we call it the Blessed Sacrament or the Precious Body and Precious Blood. It is no longer "bread and wine" but the actual flesh and blood of our Savior in all but the "accidents" represented to the physical senses.
I meant no disrespect when I called in Bread & Wine. I have , for months now, based on John 6 (which I have read hundreds of times, but never actually saw!!!) come to believe that the Catholic position of transubstantiation is factual. Sorry for the faux paux.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 02:16 am |
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DrSharkey wrote:
I meant no disrespect when I called it Bread & Wine. I have, for months now, based on John 6 (which I have read hundreds of times, but never actually saw!!!) come to believe that the Catholic position of transubstantiation is factual. Sorry for the faux paux.
We understand this completely, John. Many of us are converts and have come through the same tunnel. This is why we often provide a bit of explanation along with the answers to people’s questions. The fact that you have come to believe that the Eucharist is the Real Thing will make learning the vocabulary all the easier.
David
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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Aug 24th, 2007 09:20 am |
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DrSharkey wrote: CajunRick wrote: Once it is consecrated, we call it the Blessed Sacrament or the Precious Body and Precious Blood. It is no longer "bread and wine" but the actual flesh and blood of our Savior in all but the "accidents" represented to the physical senses.
I meant no disrespect when I called in Bread & Wine. I have , for months now, based on John 6 (which I have read hundreds of times, but never actually saw!!!) come to believe that the Catholic position of transubstantiation is factual. Sorry for the faux paux.
No worries. It was meant as a gentle correction, not a criticism. I understood your meaning by the fact that you capitalized the elements, so I took advantage of a "teaching moment".
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
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Darlene
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Posted: Sat Aug 25th, 2007 09:09 am |
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you guys are GREAT!
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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