What should I expect at a Mass on Sunday?

Question

A friend invited me to attend Mass with her, but I've never been to one before. I'm a little nervous about looking like a complete fool.

Answer 1

Just follow what all the other people there mindlessly do. If it is a catholic mass, expect to be up and down, down and up, on your knees, on your feet, back to your knees...for some reason they feel the need to make the people bob all over the place. (Don't ask why, asking why is never allowed there)

Oh yeah, what Ms. Lise said also.

And I forgot to add, you'll hear people gossiping before the mass starts, then see these same people turn holy when it begins.

Answer 2

There will be a little old lady in the front row, just follow her lead. That's what we all do.

But seriously, the others are correct. Only Catholics in a state of grace receive communion, which is just before the end of the Mass. To kneel or not to kneel is up to you. Usually the Mass takes about an hour. Some Priests can get you out of there in 45 minutes. If it is a high Mass, with choir etc., it will take longer. If it is a wedding or baptism it will also take longer. Not all congregations hold hands during the Lord's Prayer. Usually there is a book (missal or missalete) of the week's readings and songs in the pew, feel free to follow along. There will a reading from the Old Testatment, the New Testatment and from one of the Gospels. Just before the Gospel reading the Priest will say "A reading from the Gospel (once in a great while "the Good News") according to Matthew/Mark/Luke/John". At this time most people will make a little cross on their forehead, lips and heart. This is to signify that the Gospel should always be on our minds, on our lips and in our heart. In the second half of the Mass the priest will say "Peace be with you." The congregation then answers "And also with you." The Priest will then say "Let us offer each other a sign of Peace." At this point everyone shakes hands with those nearby and usually says "Peace be with you" or something similar. Some churches have great singers, others not so much. At the church were my wife and I usually attend, the singer is a Nun so ancient I swear she is not going to make it through Mass one of these weeks. There will be a little font of holy water by all the doors. You will see most people crossing (blessing) themselves. Feel free to do the same, or not, it is OK. You will also see some people genuflecting, which is a one-knee kneel incorporated with a crossing. Again, feel free to do the same, or not.

Answer 3

Catholic Church amenities commonly very last for an hour. there'll be a welcoming music the position the Priest, modify boys, and readers procedure in. The priest will initiate with the hollow prayer and that you'll reply amen. next, is the first interpreting which the congregationn will reply "thanks be to god". there'll be a responsorial psalm then the 2d interpreting. Then is the Alleluia observed by the gospel. right here, you'll do a hand ritual the position you placed a bypass on your forehead, a bypass on your mouth and a bypass on your chest. Now comes the homily. Then there is the creed. commonly, church homes say the Nicene Creed yet no matter if it really is a mass honoring children, the Apostle's Creed will be suggested truly. Then the prayer of the honest is study. The modify servers procedure in with the Wine and Bread, symbolic of the blood and body of Christ. there's a prayer over the Eucharist. The congregation then prays the Lord's prayer. Then the Eucharistic Prayer,the position you shake the fingers of your fellow church goers and want them peace, is spoken. The bread is broken and the wine is waiting. therefore starts the ritual of communion. there's a second of silence or a music or 2 that you'll be able to in my opinion and silently pray for the lord. The concluding ceremony now starts. The priest will provide an basic blessing and a music will initiate. Then the priest, modify boys and readers go out the church, the congregation following. Then contained in the basement there are donuts and different breakfast ingredients and espresso!

Answer 4

You can actually go up to the alter when others are receiving communion and the priest will give you a blessing. Make sure your arms are crossed in front of your chest. That lets the priest know that you are to receive a blessing only and not communion. My family and I attend a teen mass so the music is a lot more upbeat not traditional Catholic music at all. If my mother were alive she'd be pissed I'm sure, but my teenagers like it and they want to go so we go. Don't be nervous. Just follow the crowd. If you don't feel comfortable doing something, then don't do it. ( We also hold hands when saying the Lord's prayer. )

Answer 5

The one time I attended Mass, I spoke with the priest beforehand and let him know that I was not a member of the Catholic church (I was a newspaper reporter and was there to do an article on a ceremony being held following the mass, but I thought it would be interesting to observe the mass). I asked him if he would mind if I observed, and he let me know that he wouldn't at all. I sat quietly in the back as an observer. When the congregation stood, I stood, but when they would kneel I simply sat back in my seat. You might be able to speak with your friend and she can let you know the etiquette for guests in the church. I did not go forward for communion or for a blessing at the end of the service. Best of luck. At least at the small Catholic church I went to, the singing was very good, and the ceremony was interesting to observe.

Answer 6

LOL at the first and last answers. :) They are right. One other thing to keep in mind is when everyone heads up to the altar for communion, you should probably stay seated unless you are Catholic. They typically don't allow non-Catholics to receive the dry styrofoamy wafer. Don't be nervous, just go with the flow.

Answer 7

Stand, sit, kneel, repeat. Sing, listen, repeat.
Actually - I used to be Catholic. Don't worry - you won't look foolish. Just follow the program and try to stay awake. You'll do fine.

p.s. I am still a Christ folllower , just not a practicing Catholic. Just didn't find any meaning in it.

Answer 8

Just sit quietly and try to pay attention and listen... I have been before to a Catholic service and left knowing I would not go back. Don't let it close your mind to God though. Try a Baptist church- it is more interesting, and not quite as stifiling-ly formal.

Answer 9

Honey just expect to be board out of your mind. Don't chew gum it is very quiet and the singing is horrible.

Answer 10

Get molested by an elderly priest.