What should I do when I enter, to be polite, etc.? I know the general layout of the service, I just haven't been in over a year so I don't feel like I should be taking Communion. I just don't want to forget to do something and look weird. :)
2007-03-09 13:09:31 · 15 answers · asked by roxya153 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you for showing respect by asking.
I assume you are not Catholic.
Welcome.
Please:
+ If you feel comfortable then pray and sing with the rest of the congregation.
+ Sit and stand when everyone else does.
+ If you feel comfortable kneeling during the Consecration then do so, otherwise sit.
+ Out of respect do not to receive Communion, according to local custom, and only if you wish, you may approach the altar with their arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.
Here is an outline of the Mass:
+ Introductory Rites
. + Entrance (All stand)
. + Greeting
. + Act of Penitence
. + Kyrie Eleison (Latin for "Lord have mercy")
. + Gloria
. + Opening Prayer
+ Liturgy of the Word
. + First Reading - usually from the Old Testament (All sit)
. + Responsorial Psalm
. + Second Reading - usually from a New Testament Epistle
. + Gospel Reading (All stand)
. + Homily (All sit for the sermon)
. + Profession of Faith (the Nicene Creed) (All stand)
. + Prayer of the Faithful (prayers of petition)
+ Liturgy of the Eucharist
. + The Preparation of the Gifts - the bread and wine are brought forward and placed on the altar, our monetary offerings are also collected at this time (All sit)
. + The Prayer over the Offerings (All stand)
. + The Eucharistic Prayer - during this prayer the bread and wine change into the Body and Blood of Christ (Catholics kneel, visitors may kneel or sit)
. + The Lord's Prayer (All stand)
. + The Rite of Peace (We offer each other a sign of peace)
. + The Breaking of the Bread
. + Communion - non-Catholics are requested out of respect not to receive Communion, they may approach the altar with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing (Stand or kneel according to local custom)
+ The Concluding Rites
. + Announcements (All sit)
. + Blessing (All stand)
. + Dismissal
. + Procession
With love in Christ.
2007-03-09 15:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well - grab one of the books they have at the front of the church (some church still keep the service books in the pews but this is getting rarer and rarer) Just follow along. It will tell you when to sit, stand, and kneel. Also watch the priest - he will signal what's going on.
If you haven't confessed within a year - then it is inapproriate in the Catholic faith to take communion. If you chose to go up in the line - place your hand over your heart and you will recieve a blessing. It's an automatic thing - an no one will think you are weird.
Most Catholics genuflect before entering a pew. You can chose to do this, or a partial bow if that is more comfortable. It is just showing reverence for the altar, and the sacred act that happens there along with the image of Jesus normally displayed behind it.
2007-03-09 21:24:54 · answer #2 · answered by noncrazed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only practicing Catholics in a state of grace should take communion. (In some Protestant churches, anyone can take communion).
The only big exception to Catholic rituals is receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday. Anyone, Catholic or not, is welcome to be anointed with ashes.
If you are a Catholic, you should know all these rules.
Of course your head should be covered in some way---hat, veil, scarf, something, if you're a woman.
You can carry your purse, or wallet (this is considered disrespectful in a synagogue, but not in a church).
As you go up the aisle, and turn to go into your pew, you should genuflect and cross yourself, and repeat this as you leave. The basic rule is not to turn away from the altar of the church (which holds the body of Christ) without acknowledging this, and genuflecting.
If you have a missal, or can borrow one, it should help you follow the service, know what Saint's Day it is, or what special prayers should be said that day, etc.
2007-03-09 21:21:48 · answer #3 · answered by papyrusbtl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Practicing Catholics take the Eucharist at LEAST once a year. Yes, you should go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)before you take the Eucharist; clean your soul from sins to join the "Body of Christ". It's Lent season, and many churches has special Masses set up so you can get the Sacrament of Reconciliation with ease.
Mass, focus on God and how you feel. Try to let the secular world around you go; Do I look stupid? Why are they ... ??? What am I having for lunch? Where is my car parked? Instead try to focus on the words said from Scripture and the homily. Every time you allow yourself to get rusty, well, it takes time to get back in the groove. God's just happy to came to supper!!!
2007-03-09 21:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, catholic masses aren't nearly as uniform as they used to be in regard to when you stand, kneel, etc. Watch the people around you and do what they do...
don't forget to genuflect when you enter and leave the pew...
shake hands and say "peace be with you" when the time comes...
it's a piece of cake IF you don't have 3 children under six in tow, the way I usually did.
2007-03-09 21:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do not talk! Sit quietly and try not to fall asleep. (I am not being mean or taunting the catholic religion, I am just saying.) Also, if you are not catholic, do not take communion. It is okay to stay seated in the pew while others walk up for the communion.
2007-03-09 21:27:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, welcome back. Don't worry about things. Most of the people there forget half of the prayers anyway. Nothing has really changed except you might hear a little more Latin then you heard last time as they are trying to incorporate some more in the Liturgy. Just watch everyone else and get to confession and get back to the Sacraments as soon as possible.
2007-03-09 21:14:19 · answer #7 · answered by Midge 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
From what I last remember you enter into the church and you do what they say they show you what to do. Of course many Catholics do the sign of the cross and then sit down and be quiet no offense to you or any other Catholics.
2007-03-09 21:15:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
remember clearly the Words of God. is this right? is this wrong? whay are idols? is this idolatry? who is the true God? why are there many Catholics? what did Lord Jesus wanted Christians to do?
2007-03-09 21:24:04 · answer #9 · answered by alexis a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha I've never been into a Catholic church but I've heard that you've gotta be really quite and make sure not to disturb anyone.
2007-03-09 21:12:52 · answer #10 · answered by Jessy 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋