I'm an atheist, and this Sunday will be my first time at a Catholic mass. Should I mumble along with the prayers? When do I stand up and sit down? This is complicated!
2007-12-12 07:37:43 · 33 answers · asked by bluestockfox42 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm going with a friend because I'm curious about her religion. Not planning on converting, however.
2007-12-12 07:47:28 · update #1
lol Don't be nervous. Just follow everybody's else's cue. Lots of people are slow about standing or sitting, so just watch what the person in front of you is doing and follow him.
Caveat: When we say the "Our Father" remember to stop at "and deliever us from evil." Then the priest with say some stuff, blah blah blah, and THEN we all say "For thine is the kingdom, the power,... etc."
People who aren't familiar with the mass tend to pray right through that pause, so be aware. :)
2007-12-12 07:40:20 · answer #1 · answered by Acorn 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If your an athiest, don't go at all? Lol
When I have gone to church, and I have gone to many different ones, I just ask the person I go with to direct me. You are a visitor, the congregation will know that, so they won't have overly high expectations.
Don't feel obligated to eat the bread stuff, because its not part of your belief system, unless of course you get a little urge to snack, then go for it. You arn't obligated to, and people won't shun you for not doing so. Use self appropriation and only participate in what you understand. Just stand up when everyone else does, sit down when they do, its pretty easy to follow.You can choose to sing along to the songs if you feel inclined, its awkward but fun. Just revel in the feeling of community that churches provide. I feel so safe and like I am a part of a great community when I visit churches. And yes, I too am an athiest.
2007-12-12 07:46:48 · answer #2 · answered by Header 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not that complicated.
When it comes to sitting, standing, kneeling, everyone (else) there is going to know when a change in posture is supposed to occur, so jsut folloew their lead.
As far as actually saying the prayers everyone else is saying, you might draw more (unwanted?) attention to yourself in trying to "fudge" you way along. If you are worried about someone taking offense at you not praying outload at Mass, don't worry about it. No one is going to make a Federal case out of it.
Just go and enjoy the Mass and - if anyone should ask - don't be afraid to say you are currently an atheist with an inquring mind about the Church.
2007-12-13 04:42:51 · answer #3 · answered by Daver 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow.... what "interesting" answers. here's my take and it's mixed with experience with friends who are not catholic but other denominations....
when you arrive - follow your friend into the pew - do NOT genuflect even though they will - you don't need too.
your friend will probably then kneel in prayer - just sit back, grab a missal and start familiarzing yourself. you will see the "order of the mass" and then the spriptural readings in chronoligical order.
the mass will begin and you can follow along.
there is a lot of exercise - up down kneel. i recommend not kneeling - just watch for the person behind you as you don't want to squash their hands. when my non-catholic friends go - they do not kneel.
as you are not Catholic, during communion service you would hang back and enjoy the music and keep the pew warm for your friend ;)
I hope you enjoy the service and see if for what it is. i am so thankful you're interested - just open minded at least. it's really not that complicated - the missal is there with everything. don't worry about mumbling the prayers -- really that would be disrespectful but i understand why you're asking -- it's okay - really.
ENJOY!!
2007-12-12 07:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by Marysia 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, do not mumble along. Just sit quietly and be a good guy. Be respectful, but don't be a phony. You can sit the whole time if you want to, of sit and stand when everybody else does, if you don't want to be noticed. I would sit until the service is over. Whatever you don't don't get in line for the communion. That would be very disrespectful.
2007-12-12 07:42:50 · answer #5 · answered by Matthew O 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That will have to be high-quality. When I move to to Mass, I by and large in which a Button down Western Shirt, a Nice pair of Blue Jeans and Boots. As lengthy as you are making an try to be right, you're going to be high-quality.
2016-09-05 09:44:55 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A large part of mass is ritual, and you can just follow along, Stand when they stand, kneel when they kneel, and so-forth. Do what you feel comfortable doing, and don't do what you don't feel comfortable doing, that is just being honest, and you'll get more respect THAT way than by simply "faking" it. It really isn't that complicated. I've attended services in synagogues, and I'm not Jewish, and it was easy to follow-along, and THERE it was almost all Hebrew.
2007-12-12 07:48:08 · answer #7 · answered by Stephen H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just relax and enjoy the beauty of the mass...if you dont feel like standing or kneeling, its ok...
most Catholic churches provide a prayer book for you to follow along with..if you want to
I hope you enjoy it
2007-12-12 07:42:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can read along with the missalette - most of the prayers are in there if you feel like knowing what they are. Just follow the crowed when it comes to standing and sitting.
The only thing to remember, after the Our Father, the priest will say "Jesus said to his apostles, I leave you peace my peace I give you. ....."
Then he will say "The peace of the lord be with you always."
Congregation answers "And also with you".
Priest "Let us offer each other some sign of peace."
Then everyone will shake hands with people next to them and say something to them. Most people say "Peace be with you." or "Christ's peace" or just "peace". Then just shake hands with folks you can easily reach, including those behind you, telling each one "peace be with you" or whatever feels comfortable. Only lasts about 10 seconds before the priest gets everyone's attention again.
Not too long after that, people will line up for communion. If you're on the end of a pew, you can step out and let people out (or back in). If you're in the middle, just sit down and turn your knees so people can get past you. Then kneel back down until communion is over.
2007-12-12 07:48:41 · answer #9 · answered by sandand_surf 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome.
What's bringing you to mass? I hope you have a buddy who'll help you. If not, you are welcome to stay seated the whole mass if that makes you comfortable. The "Niceen Creed", & "Our Father" is our belief (ah, that we, as u put it, mumble), and since you don't profess to believe it, I wouldn't recomend you try to mumble it. Instead, hang out.
During the Eucharistic celebration (when we stand up to eat) you can remain seated; get up and let ppl pass you; or walk up with the procession & cross your arms over your chest (criss-cross) to pass taking the eucharist.
For more detail, click on the link.
2007-12-12 07:46:20 · answer #10 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋