I want to go to a local catholic church for midnight mass. I am a Lutheran. What can I and can not do during mass? Should I let them know I am not catholic?
2006-12-24 12:29:01 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's fine for a non-Catholic to attend Mass at a Catholic church. You can introduce yourself to an usher or anyone if you want, or you can be as anonymous as you like. In Catholic parishes, people tend to assume visitors are Catholics too, and they'll generally leave you alone unless you introduce yourself.
You'll probably find that the basic structure of a Catholic Mass and a Lutheran service of Holy Communion are similar. Feel free to follow along with standing, singing, kneeling, etc., when others do, and in most churches, you can find the Scripture readings and the prayers in a booklet in the pews. But frankly, those booklets are a bit hard for beginners to follow, so if you're more comfortable just listening, that's OK too.
A heads-up on one little bit of the rite: shortly after the Lord's Prayer is recited, there is a little interactive moment when people give one another a "sign of peace": that consists of shaking your neighbor's hand and saying "Peace be with you."
At the time for Holy Communion, it's best to stay at your seat while others go forward to receive the Body of Christ: relations between the Catholic and Lutheran communities have not reached the point of sharing the Eucharist yet. Instead, that is a good time to pray for the unity of Christians.
So you're quite welcome, and I hope Midnight Mass will be a beautiful time of prayer and worship.
2006-12-24 12:57:29 · answer #1 · answered by weebl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Arrive early. Midnight mass is usually crowded. Many churhces will have a special program with Christmas carols prior to mass.
2) Some non-Catholics sit during the entire service, while others participate more. Just watch your neighbors for cues--when to sit, stand, or kneel.
3) Feel free to join any songs you know; like number two, singing isn't absolutely necessary.
4) Non-Catholics are not allowed to receive communion.
5) It is not necessary to mention your own religious beliefs; all are welcome.
6) When the collection basket comes around for money, you should give as much or as little as you feel comfortable giving.
2006-12-24 12:42:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will be welcome and will enjoy the ritual of High Mass. You can sit, stand and kneel along with the congregation, or you can stay seated. Tell the people next to you that this is tour first Mass. They will help guide you. The only thing that would give offense would be if you took Communion. Catholics believe the host is actually the Body of Christ and would consider it to be sacrelige if you took it without believing the same. However, you can go up with them and ask for a Blessing.
2006-12-24 12:35:47 · answer #3 · answered by AnnieD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have just got in from Midnight Mass. I went to a Church of England. Beautiful service.
2006-12-24 12:44:00 · answer #4 · answered by CT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to let them know. Enjoy the mass. But when it comes to communion, do not take the bread and wine. A non-Catholic should cross their arms like an X over their chest to be blessed instead.
2006-12-24 12:39:02 · answer #5 · answered by Nog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may very well make an announcement about receiving Communion. if you are not a Baptized and Practicing Roman Catholic, they may tell you you are not allowed to receive Communion. other than that...just go an celebrate the Mass with your presence.
Merry Christmas!
2006-12-24 12:34:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should stand when everyone does. You don't have to kneel with everyone. Participate in the responses if you like. You are not allowed to take communion, but if you want to go to the altar for a blessing, cross your arms over your chest and the priest will say one over you.
2006-12-24 12:34:13 · answer #7 · answered by marchhare57 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You simply need good directions to get there and then a smile and an outstretched hand. You need a few nice hellos and maybe a pat on the back or two...
2006-12-24 12:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by HawkEye 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure that u give God all the glory, honor, and praise. It doesn't matter what type of church u r attending tonight. When we see Jesus there will only be one denomination.
2006-12-24 12:54:57 · answer #9 · answered by Ms. Chayel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to let them know, just sit in the back and observe.
2006-12-24 12:34:19 · answer #10 · answered by rezany 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋