My best friend who has never known God until lately has surrendered her life to Christ and has joined the Catholic church. She has few people including her husband who are supporting her because frankly they are somewhat ignorant. In the south the Baptist seem to think that Catholic's are doomed to hell which I think is ridiculous. She is being confirmed into the church Saturday night at the mass "vigil" and has asked me to join her as her support person. I know something of the services as I am United Methodist and we are not that far removed from Catholic's. My question is what do they do at the service? I know it is her first communion. Is there anything I should do ro say to her or is it just the support of watching her confirmed that she needs. This is very important and I want to be there to support her and welcome her into the family of Christ.
2007-04-03 23:49:49 · 7 answers · asked by Only hell mama ever raised 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Catholic Masses are pretty easy to follow.
You won't be able to sit with her , as the candidates and catechumens sit togehter.
Arrive EARLY- the Easter vigil Mass is heavily attended...and sit as near the fron as you can- you won't want to miss a thing. It is one of the most beautiful Masses of the entire Church year.
There will be a sung portion at the beginning, called the Easter Proclamation or Exultet. It is a recollection of why we are there, what the night is all about.
The Easter Candle will be blessed with a bonfire- and everyone in the church will share the light in the dark church.
There are many scripture readings. We normally have 3 readings and a Psalm- but the Easter Vigil can have over 20! (most priests don't use them all) Don't worry about trying to find them in the missal- scripture is meant to be HEARD, not read- and the options at the vigil would make it too easy to miss hearing them.
If the missals are paperback, look at the bottom of the pages- it will say "Easter Vigil" with the date. Hard back missals, you will look for Easter Vigil, Cycle C. Someone sitting near you should be able to help. Let them know you are not Catholic, and are there for a friend.
We do ask that non-Catholics NOT receive the Eucharist ( Communion) This is becasue we do not believ it is a symbol, we believe the Eucharist is the actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Out of respect for this belief, we ask you not to receive....some churches do allow nonCatholics to receive a blessing instead. You can ask that Catholic sitting next to you if that church does. You enter the Communion procession, but cross your hands over your heart and bow your head when you get to the priest or Communion distributor.
I hope you enjoy our lovely Mass!
2007-04-04 03:32:13 · answer #1 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is just watch what everyone else is doing. She won't need you to do anything out of the ordinary. She will receive communion on her own and also be confirmed with her sponsor by her side. You just sit/stand (whatever everyone else is doing and watch from the sidelines so to speak). Anytime I've attended a service such as this (I used to be Catholic), we all just watched as the new members were confirmed and introduced to the Church. That's it. It's very simple. I have a feeling we stand, sit and kneel more than United Methodists but the key is just watching what others do. It may also give you the direction in your missallette (that's what the book is called that has all the prayers in it, use it when you get there it'll make things easier for you, it should be in the front shelf of the pew and it always goes by date. Since you're at the Easter Vigil it will have a specific reading etc.). If you feel confused ask someone before Mass starts where you find the readings/prayers for the Vigil.....it's not too difficult.
It's very kind of you to support her. Best to you.
2007-04-04 06:58:19 · answer #2 · answered by Yogini 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think probably all she is looking for is your support. Give her a hug afterwards and if she is a very good friend you might want to consider a card and/or a small gift such as a rosary or a Catholic book of prayers.
Make sure you are prepared to attend a very long service. The Easter Vigil mass is usually at least 2 hours long and often as long at 3 hours or more. It's beautiful though and I will have kleenex handy as I watch some good friends of mine being brought into communion with the Catholic Church on Saturday.
2007-04-04 08:07:38 · answer #3 · answered by Sister Spitfire 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the church will have a practice for the sponsors (I'm assuming that's what you are). Ask your friend if the two of you can attend it. It's really a very simple process. You will sit with her during the mass and when asked to come forward the two of you (and the rest of those getting confirmed) will walk to the front of the church. You stand near her for support. As for what to do or say, after the ceremony, it's sometimes customary to have a get together with the family but since her family isn't in support it might be a nice idea to take her out to breakfast so she can share with you her joy of the ceremony. Oh, and it's customary for the sponsor to give a small gift (a bible (catholic edition), a rosary, a cross necklace...something like that) to the confirmed.
It's very nice that you're supporting your friend in this way. I think she made a good choice. Good luck!
2007-04-04 07:09:39 · answer #4 · answered by apples_ll_apples 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our services are more formal than most but it is not military drill. Non-Catholics , even non-Christians are certainly welcome in our churches. No one is going to be worried about you being slightly out of step. During an major service like that, many people will be there for the same reasons you are and there will also be many of the people we only see in Church occassionally. The only thing i would say is that during communion, when you come up to the priest you should just cross your arms over your chest and receive a blessing. Please do not take the Eucharist. Doing so in any church means that you are in total agreement with that churches teachings and if you were you would not be Methodist. Not receiving communion in our church would be sign of mutual respect for each other, by our pastor not trying to take the place of yours and by you even being in our church to support your friend. Also, Apples just misinformed you. Sponsoors are the Catholics already in our Church who are supporting the new converts initiation. You are equally important as a supportive friend, but you are not the sponsor. Peace be with you.
2007-04-04 07:11:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
God bless you!
All you need to do is be there for her and pray for her. Pray for her as she is being confirmed. Whole-heartily ask the Holy Spirit to dwell within her on this special night; give her the gifts of the Spirit, and strengthen her in her walk of Faith. It is the best thing you can do for her.
As far as following the Mass, simply watch what the rest of the congregation does and follow along. Don't worry if you don't know all the responses or prayers, or how to read the missellete. Your prayers and time with God are all you need. I do have to ask that when the time comes for the reception of Holy Communion that you refrain from receiving it. I ask this out of respect for the Body and Blood of Christ, and for you. If you wish to receive a blessing from the priest, that is fine. Simply approach him with your hands folded across your chest or a finger across your lips. Or, you can simply remain in your seat and pray.
Again, thank you so much for being there for your friend. I remember my own confirmation 2 years ago at the age of 30, and how important it was for me to have friends nearby to support me. God bless you.
Take care, and enjoy the Mass.
2007-04-07 14:15:47 · answer #6 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Candles. Purity. Vestal Virgins. Oak Fires. Candelmass (presentation of cleansed infant) after birth. Bees wax ('none of your bees wax' etc.) E x
2007-04-04 16:04:36 · answer #7 · answered by eyvind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋