I've always wanted to attend but I am afraid to because I don't know what to expect. Can anyone clue me in? Thanks!
2007-12-11 04:57:31 · 14 answers · asked by Mrs. Brooks 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Yes, and welcome.
Thank you for showing respect by asking.
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 your 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
For more information, see the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter2.shtml#sect3a
and http://stbrigids-kilbirnie.com/Pages/mass-1.html
With love in Christ.
2007-12-13 16:53:57 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fruitcake I can get anytime. I would go with the midnight mass IF I could find a church that would do it in Latin with all the singing and incense. That's the only thing I miss about being catholic.
2016-05-23 01:50:38 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a beautiful service and you are very welcomed to attend! Others have said it well that if you follow along in the missal with the prayers and when to stand, sit,kneel you will feel right at home. My only advice is this: 1. Don't sit in the first pew - sit behind someone to follow! and 2. It can get pretty crowded, some come early and get a seat and listen the the choir sing their beautiful songs.
2007-12-11 05:02:30 · answer #3 · answered by cousin317 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should be welcomed with no questions. Go to the church, watch what others are doing and just behave yourself. If there is a greeter or an usher you can talk to, identify yourself as a Non Catholic and ask if there is anything particular you should do other than sit, listen and watch. I will be at my Protestant church that night doing much the same thing.
2007-12-11 05:02:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am not Catholic but I go to mass either christmas eve or christmas day..
Really the only thing to expect is the christmas story (Jesus' birth)
Hope this helps
Good luck
Merry Christmas
2007-12-11 05:00:41 · answer #5 · answered by I Love Emanuel! 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, absolutely. the only thing is that in the Catholic Church you cannot partake in communion unless you have been through a Catholic Baptism and Confermation. There is nothing to be afraid of, go for it.
2007-12-11 05:14:39 · answer #6 · answered by sherman supporter 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Although many people attend to celebrate the birth of Jesus, many others come just for the experience and to sing the songs. They aren't going to quiz you if you're Catholic or not. :)
2007-12-11 05:05:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Completely ok. Non-members aren't supposed to partake in Communion.
2007-12-11 05:04:44 · answer #8 · answered by Brent 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is welcome in the Church. Just stand up, sit down, and kneel along with everyone else and stay in your seat when they go up for communion.
They do often have beautiful music and a nice mass.
2007-12-11 04:59:45 · answer #9 · answered by Phoenix: Princess of Cupcakes 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is no big deal. I am catholic and we welcome anyone in our church especially on Christmas. Just try to keep up with the catholic excercises (stand, sit, kneel over and over) LOL. God doesn't care where you go to worship him as long as you go. :0)
2007-12-11 05:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Kmott 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋