Need help on HOW to attend "Midnight Mass" with friend on Christmas Eve. When to kneel/stand/etc?

Question

i have never been to aCatholic Mass before, and yes, i can keep an eye out-follow what everyone else, and my friend are doing, but i would like ANY hints on what to expect, and what the catholics themselves will be doing during this mass. I really am referring to kneeling, when to stand, when to sit, stuff like that. Physical stuff...Thanx!!!

Answer 1

Contrary to popular opinion, there are some differences among dioceses, and even individual parishes. Following the crowd is likely good enough, and pastors are usually good about guiding the unfamiliar on special occasions. In general, the process is as follows.

If there is prelude music or singing, you can sit, of course. After the entrance song is announced and the music starts, STAND and continue standing through the opening prayers. After the Gloria ("Glory to God in the highest..."), there is a short prayer. When everyone says, "Amen", SIT for the readings. There will be an Old Testament reading, a Responsorial Psalm and a New Testament reading. When they start singing "Alleluia", STAND for the reading of the Gospel passage. When that reading is finished, SIT for the Homily (Sermon).

After the Homily, there will be a short period of seated meditation. When the Priest stands, STAND for the Creed and Intercession. After these prayers are concluded, SIT for the Preparation of the gifts. The collection will be taken up and the bread and wine will be brought to the altar. The priest prepares and prays over the gifts, then washes his hands. Then he says: "Pray, brothers and sisters, that our sacrifice will be acceptable...." The people respond, then STAND for the Preface. After the "Holy, Holy, Holy" prayer, KNEEL for the Eucharistic Prayer. This will go on for a while, including elevating the bread and the cup. When the priest prays, "Through him, with him and in him...", the people will respond with the great "Amen". STAND for the Lord's Prayer. (Some congregations hold hands, some don't. Do what feels comfortable. And remember, Catholics have a break before the doxology at the end of the prayer.) The priest or deacon will invite everyone to exchange gestures of peace. Shake hands with the folks around you. The "Lamb of God" prayer will start as communion is prepared for distribution. In most dioceses, people STAND during Communion, although some may kneel. (It's probably best not to come forward if you're not Catholic. No big deal.)

After Communion, when the priest sits, SIT for a little more meditation. STAND for the final prayers and the closing song. All done.

If you want to attempt the hand gestures, there is usually a Sign of the Cross at the very beginning and during the blessing at the end. (Touch forehead, chest, left shoulder, right shoulder.) Some copy the minister at the beginning of the Gospel, making tiny crosses on forehead, lips and chest with their thumbs but this is not necessary.

Hope you have a great time!

Answer 2

I can tell you as someone who is not Catholic, what I experienced. I get a little excited when I worship, so it is pretty much an exercise in self control.
Everyone does this quick, curtsy / bow thing and cross themselves in the aisle as they enter the sanctuary- acknowledge the altar. It is acceptable to wear a head covering.
Don't take your Bible- they have their own and will tell you what you need to know. You should brush up on the Apostle's Creed as they recite it-
DO NOT CLAP, whistle, shout Hallelejuah, raise your hands and no dancing in the aisles.
You should sit so the person who took you is closer to the aisle- since a lot seems to happen there.
You won't be able to participate in the Holy Sacrament unless you are Catholic.
You don't have to put anything in the the basket attached to the long pole thingy the ushers offer you. You can always put like a Christmas card in...
The priest will say something and the congregation will "answer" with something they have memorized.
The stand, sit, kneel thing... take your clues from your host and everyone else. There will be a lot of activity when it's time to pull down the kneeling rail. Share a book with your host. You aren't expected to know what to do- they spend years-- from their youth, learning the rituals. All you have to do is be respectful. There won't be a spotlight or anything singling out the non-Catholics- you won't look foolish...
When it's over -the congregation files out from the front row back-orderly- like graduation.
It is really quite lovely and sacred. Midnight Mass on Christmas is something everyone should experience. It's pretty cool at Easter too.
Don't stress- just go to enjoy the splendor. Follow your host and you may even make this a new tradition. Merry Christmas.

Answer 3

Don't worry about it. As most have said already, just follow along with what the people around you do. They won't be moving at light speed or anything so it is pretty easy to follow. There also may be a pamphlet in the pew in front of you or given to you when you walk in which may give you some idea of what is coming next.
Now for some specifics, there may be a time during the service when you are asked to greet some of the other people. Just shake hands with the people right next to you(right, left, front, and back), but you don't have to go crazy, you don't have to shake everyone's hand that's near you.
Then, if you choose to go up to communion(you can if you want to. Some might say it is not normally done if you are not Catholic, but personally I don't think God would mind) either stick out your tongue(but don't say ahhh), or hold out your left hand with your right hand tucked under your left one, then after the priest or deacon puts the host on your hand, step to the side and with your right hand, pick up the host and eat it.
Or if you don't feel comfortable going to communion just stay seated. No one will think anything bad about it. I've done it myself at times, and I'm Catholic.
Enjoy.

Answer 4

I am not Catholic but I also enjoy attending mass sometimes. You will enjoy it, no need to be uptight. Just do what everyone else does, except for one thing: If you're not Catholic, don't participate in communion. Simply let others out of your pew and then sit back down. If you pay attention, this will be a pleasant, spiritual experience for you.

Answer 5

There may be a program to follow. Usually in there it would say when to sit and stand. If the priest is facing the people, walking around the nave, reading from the Bible always stand.

Answer 6

Midnight Mass on Christmas is one of those times when people come out of the woodwork who only attend church twice a year. Don't worry about sticking out in the crowd- you won't be the only one who is in unfamiliar territory I guarantee it. I recommend wearing something warm, nice looking, and comfortable.

Answer 7

Just follow the thundering herd. It's not a big deal.