My boyfriend's family asked me to join them for Easter. I'm not Catholic...is it acceptable to remain silent when they speak during mass? Are there any other traditions or procedures I should be aware of?
2007-03-28 06:20:30 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes. You can go and remain silent. The more polite thing to do would be allow your boyfriend to show you the prayers since the catholics have a book which outlines their mass and indicates what the congregation is supposed to say. He may not be able to find the proper place since many catholics just have it memorized and, in that case, just try to stand, kneel, and sit when everyone else does.
There are two things you should be aware of, pitfalls for your first time. First, the catholics have the priest interrupt the lord's prayer (as I recall, just before "for thine is the kingdom"). It's a sure sign of a protestant when you sing out that last sentence when the rest of the congregation has stopped.
Second, unlike most protestant churches, you are not allowed to take communion even if you are a baptized christian. Also, communion is taken at the altar rather than in your seat which may be news to you depending on your brand of protestantism. Your best bet would be to sit in the pew (make sure the kneeler is up) and let the rest of the pew move by you. You will not be the only one doing this so it's not as embarrassing as it could be.
Good luck.
2007-03-28 06:22:28 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Are you going to the Easter Vigil for Baptism & Confirmation (typically dusk on Saturday) or Easter Mass (Sunday)???
Please feel welcome which ever mass you goto ... you can be silent if that is what makes you comfortable. Two - three scriptures from the Bible will be read by parishoners (Easter Vigil is 12 I think) ... then the Decon or Priest will read the Gospel ... before the Gospel people will use their thumb and make a sign of the cross on their forehead (think), mouth (word), and heart (soul). Then the Deacon or Priest will give a homily.
During the "Lords Prayer" (Our Father who is in heaven) stand up and join hands with your boyfriend. Following that prayer, everyone will start shaking hands and say "Peace be with you".
Following the shaking of the hands is the communion where Catholics get up to take the Eucharist. You can remain seated while his family takes communion; or you can get up, walk to the end of the seats and sit back down after everyone is on there way. What ever you're comfortable with.
IF you're going to the Easter Vigil, then Mass will be around 3 hours. You'll be glad with the sitting, standing, kneeling rituals so that your body doesn't go into rigamortis.
Have fun!!! GB
2007-03-28 06:32:49 · answer #2 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Both faiths eventually consider within the equal matters. They are each Christian. Both faiths recognize salvation via Christ's crucifixion, each faiths consider in an all-powerful god. Now the 2 disagree at the extra superficial points of religion. Most importantly, baptists take the Bible because the literal and unquestionable phrase of God. They learn it therefor, it's precise. Catholics learn the Bible as commonly a metaphor, whatever that demands to be interpreted. Not to diverse from fixing a riddle. This change in interpretation results in many refined variations. Transubstantiation, by means of St. Thomas Aquinas' purpose, is a combo of theological interpretation and Aristotelian good judgment. Baptists reject transubstantiation, for the reason that it isn't, phrase for phrase, within the Bible. This inspiration is a fashion a few of the 2 faiths and on their disagreements. Also helpful of no longer, except he numerous instead refined variations, their is a tremendous change among devout tone amoung the 2 faiths. As I'm certain you'll be able to inform easily from the responces, Catholics look to be much less confrontational, even as the Baptists look to be extra agressive. This stands to purpose that a religion that's founded of absolutes can be a bit of extra fanatical and not more accepting of variations. While such a lot of Catholicism slightly recognizes the smaller Protesant denominations. In reality, such a lot Europeans have under no circumstances heard of a present day Baptist. So thats particularly the clash in a simplistic nut shell. I could additionally like to notice that the Catholic Church has an excessively constructive dating with Anglicans, Lutherans, and the Eastern Orthodox faiths. Interesting to notice, none of those faiths take the Bible actually eather. All those faiths have their disagreements, nevertheless it's as a rule extra theological and not more fanatical, within the present day technology besides. As a Catholic, I ought to say that no religion is fully correct or fully unsuitable. And I feel it's immportant and morally correct to recognize the Baptist religion, seem at their ideals and honor its finer elements even as rejecting is worse traits. I real want all faiths would respectfully disagree, however they cant.
2016-09-05 19:05:49 · answer #3 · answered by albano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
been there done that.... if you choose to attend and havent been to one... you will experience different things, quite different than other churches.
they sit/stand/kneel off and on during the mass.... i just sat when they sat, sat when they kneeled, and stood when they stood.
the priest will probably burn incense.... and perhaps sprinkle everyone with holy water
they will receive communion, but if you are not catholic you will not be welcomed at the table to share in the cup or bread.
sharing the peace will be a time when people will turn and shake your hand and say 'peace be with you' .. just say the same
it is perfectly acceptable to remain silent when they speak...
when they would go for communion, i would just stay in the pew or go outside and wait for them to be finished.
i don't know what your faith is, if you are a Christian or not... but mass is very different from most other denominations I have attended.
they will have a 'misselet' (sp) which will have a bit of the service printed in, which you can try to follow along in
good luck
2007-03-28 06:42:23 · answer #4 · answered by livinintheword † 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would remain silent during prayers, and don't take communion......maybe saying ur own prayers in ur head. You'll stand up and sit down so much you'd swear it is so u won't fall asleep during the repetitve prayers and traditions they follow. Just don't break out laughing when u start standing and sitting etc. If Jesus went to a modern day Catholic Service, I'm sure he would bring a newspaper or crossword puzzle book to keep himself amused. Oh the things u do for love for the love of ur bf.
God bless U,
Daniel
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2007-03-28 06:42:08 · answer #5 · answered by Third Day 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm a non-Catholic and I've been to mass plenty of times, my parents go to a Catholic church. Your best bet is to listen to what they're saying (it's actually kind of interesting, I think), stand when they stand, kneel when they kneel, sit when they sit, bow your head when they pray, and unless they invite EVERYONE to take Communion, just stay in your seat for that part. If you're unsure what to do, ask your boyfriend before the service starts.
2007-03-28 06:31:25 · answer #6 · answered by OhKatie! 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Don't stress. Most of the people there on Easter Sunday haven't seen the inside of a church since Christmas. There will be a little old lady in the front row, just follow her lead.
But seriously, I agree with the others. Try to follow along respectfully. Maybe you would like to join in praying the Our Father. Shake hands as a sign of peace. Do not go up for communion.
2007-03-28 06:31:11 · answer #7 · answered by Adoptive Father 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
If it is the Vigil Mass, enjoy, it is a beautiful service.
Non-Catholics are welcome to participate in the kneeling, singing, whatever they feel comfortable doing. Don't feel like you have to, no-one will look at you funny if you don't kneel.
Just relax, go and enjoy.
Communion is closed to non-Catholics because we believe in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is not meant to be a club thing. If you wish, you can go up with the others taking communion, and just hold you arms across your chest like in an "x" they will give you a blessing instead of holy communion.
I hope you go and relax and enjoy!
Peace and God Bless!
2007-03-28 06:28:11 · answer #8 · answered by C 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It is very respectful to remain silent, as you may also follow along, most Churches have misalettes, with the readings, and the order of the Mass. Also you may walk with him during communion with your arms crossed and get a blessing, you cannot recieve communion though out of respect for the communal rite.
Otherwise enjoy, it is to be said though that this is one of the longest Masses (services) of the year, so be prepared.
God bless you always, thanks for the opportunity to spread the Gospel of life.
2007-03-28 06:25:00 · answer #9 · answered by Perhaps I love you more 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pastor Billy says: "be not afraid" . If you are not Catholic so what go you are not going to be hypnotised by the experience you are going to get a change to become better educated.
Remember fear is not of the Lord God step out of your safe zone and experience what I would tell you is the fullness of Christian worship.
I'm left wondering if you are a non-Catholic are you Protestant? I find that Protestants are the most fearful of Catholicism why is that if you have "Jesus" already?
visit my blog and leave a message if you wish I'll get back to you
2007-03-28 06:27:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋