I grew up in a Methodist (Protestant) church but have not been active in church for about 5 years.
However, I am trying to allow God to be active in my life again, and I am feeling a strong calling to visit a Roman Catholic church.
Having never even CONSIDERED a Roman Catholic church before only two days ago, I am definitely confused by this feeling and I'm not sure what to expect. However, the RCC focus on traditionalism is very attractive to me so I have made plans to visit a local Catholic church soon.
Basically, the breakdown of a Methodist church service is like this:
1) Opening music
2) Welcome/Announcements
3) Singing a hymn
4) Lord's Prayer
5) Offering w/ music
6) Song (sung by the choir)
7) Sermon from the minister
8) Singing a hymn
9) Call for church membership
10) Benediction
Service is about an hour long.
Can any Catholics please reply and tell me what a Catholic Mass is like? Is it similar to the Protestant service I just described? How long does a typical Mass last?
2007-01-19 23:01:01 · 7 answers · asked by uabsupercow 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
bumpbumpbump
2007-01-20 13:31:46 · update #1
Liturgy of Word
1) Opening music/singing/ procession
2) Prayers of Preparation (Sung)
3) The Word of God, OT, Psalms (sung), NT
4) The Gospel of Jesus Christ (sung at times)
5) The Sermon/Homily
6) The Nicene Creed Statement of Faith
7) Prayers of the Community
Liturgy of the Eucharist
8) Offetory of bread and wine donations accepted (not required)
9) Preparation of the Gifts - Music/Singing
10) The Preface Prayers- To give thanks
11) The Eucharistic Prayer
12) Santus Hymn of Praise - Holy Holy Holy Lord!
13) The Canon of Mass (Sung)
Consecration of Bread, Consecration of Wine The Body Blood Soul and Divinity of Christ.
14) Offering of the once for all Victim to God His Son Jesus, till the end of time, forever.
15) The Eucharistic Banquet
16) Pray the Our Father in community (sung)
17) The Prayer for Peace Sign of Peace (Hand shake or Kiss)
18) Prepare to Receive Jesus physically and personally (Sung)
19) Stand, walk to front, Receive Jesus publicly (Singing)
20) Return to pew, pray silently, kneel before God (Singing)
21) Community Announcements
22) The Last Blessing - Great Commision to the People (Singing)
23) Fellowship with Community, Bible Study, Childrens Bible Study.
24) Go in peace to Love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
2007-01-19 23:45:28 · answer #1 · answered by Lives7 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well I've heard it said that Methodists are "Catholic-lite" so you should enjoy a Mass service.
The point isn't what church you go to, but whether or not you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have a calling on your heart to visit a Roman Catholic church, then go. It sounds like God wants you to see or hear something there that will improve your walk with Him. God Bless!
2007-01-19 23:08:55 · answer #2 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Go in for a nose,theres no law against it.
I havent been to mass in years either,
A couple of things even if you are just visiting.
You will see Holy Water by the door,dip your hand in and bless your self.
Whenever you hear Our Lords name mentioned bow your head.
Geneflect when you take your seat and geneflect when you leave your seat,God is up in the alter so no pride.
Be sincere and respectful,God isnt an idiot,he can see.
Dont leave Mass until the priest has left first.
If people stand up,stand up,if people kneel,kneel,sit when everybody else does.
People go on about the catholic church being a whip to hit people with but actually its the most natural thing in the world.
And if you ever do become a catholic recieve communion on the tongue,you will see some people get communion in the hand and they will put the Bread in their own mouth,Dont do that.Its like you dont accept God 100%.
Do what you think is right,you will or you wont.
God bless
2007-01-19 23:30:02 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Catholic service is about a hour long also maybe 5 min more.I use to be a Catholic when I was a kid.
2016-05-08 04:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by bernie803 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The text for the Mass can be found at http://www.latinliturgy.com/nomass.html Do not worry about the Latin, teh mass is said in the language of the people.
2007-01-20 02:02:45 · answer #5 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm not a Catholic yet, but like you, i'm also fascinated with Catholicism. a typical Mass lasts for an hour.
2007-01-19 23:05:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Friend----if you REALLY want God in your life I encourage you to take this very matter to prayer with Him------and He will guide your path.
Please do not feel led by a forum such as this one when the Master Himself can guide you to the place where He wants to use you to greatest capacity.
2007-01-19 23:07:24 · answer #7 · answered by EZMZ 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋