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Faramir
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| Joined: | Fri Jan 25th, 2008 |
| Location: | Lexington, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Baptist, being drawn to the Catholic Church |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 05:12 pm |
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As a Baptist college student investigating the Catholic Church, I'm at the point that I would like to attend Mass. However, the problem is that I have never been to Mass, I do not know any practicing Catholics that I can ask to go with, and to be honest I am a little bit scared to go. Basically, I know there are lots of things that go on around the Mass, with holy water and bowing and chanting and so on, and I don't want to do something inappropriate. Is it OK just to sit and watch? Are there certain things I should not do because I am not Catholic? These are the things I'm worried about.
Additionally, I must admit to a certain amount of fear just because of the foreign-ness of everything. While I am more and more becoming convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith, it is still an utterly foreign culture to me. I feel about attending Mass right now the same way I would feel about attending a synagogue or mosque. Any advice?
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"Almost the whole of Christian theology could perhaps be deduced from the two facts: (a) That men make coarse jokes, and (b) That they feel the dead to be uncanny."
- C.S. Lewis, Miracles
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 710 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 05:21 pm |
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Sit in the back so that you can watch what others are doing- Also remember that like visiting a different city or country it takes time to feel at ease. I can sympathize becuase the first time I went to my in-law's Southern Baptist church with our kids when they wer younger they watched people walk in- no proccessional, they heard lots of talking some songs were sung ( not hymns) with a powerpoint presetntation. They wanted to know where the altar was where was the cross etc. Then at the end when everybody got up to leave one of my bigmouths asked 'But Grandma why are we leaving? when does church start?") So rest assured you are not alone in feeling scared. You may be so confused the first visit that you may feel that you "got nothing" out oof the Mass but persist, keep attending and it will get easier.
Last edited on Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 05:26 pm by kimdyuma
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
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| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 05:29 pm |
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I would suggest that you contact the Catholic student center and tell them exactly what you just told us. Chances are they would be happy to invite you to the church for a visit and a tour in advance, and then to accompany you to mass. If you'd rather not do that, just do what Kim suggested and sit in the back and watch. You don't need to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, or participate in anything you don't understand. Just watch.
If you can't arrange a tour in advance, at least try to get a copy of a missalette. (It's OK to borrow one for a few days. If you ask, they'll gladly give you one.) It has two sections. The first is the part that is the same from week to week, and the second is the readings and prayers that change from week to week. Different types are arranged differently, but the mass is the same in every Roman Catholic church in the world.
Please let us know if we can help in any way.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Kim M.
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 06:08 pm |
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kimdyuma wrote: Sit in the back so that you can watch what others are doing- Also remember that like visiting a different city or country it takes time to feel at ease. I can sympathize becuase the first time I went to my in-law's Southern Baptist church with our kids when they wer younger they watched people walk in- no proccessional, they heard lots of talking some songs were sung ( not hymns) with a powerpoint presetntation. They wanted to know where the altar was where was the cross etc. Then at the end when everybody got up to leave one of my bigmouths asked 'But Grandma why are we leaving? when does church start?") So rest assured you are not alone in feeling scared.
lol Culture shock works both ways! Interesting story, Kim! 
____________________
"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Kim M.
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 06:10 pm |
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Faramir wrote: As a Baptist college student investigating the Catholic Church, I'm at the point that I would like to attend Mass. However, the problem is that I have never been to Mass, I do not know any practicing Catholics that I can ask to go with, and to be honest I am a little bit scared to go. Basically, I know there are lots of things that go on around the Mass, with holy water and bowing and chanting and so on, and I don't want to do something inappropriate. Is it OK just to sit and watch? Are there certain things I should not do because I am not Catholic? These are the things I'm worried about.
Additionally, I must admit to a certain amount of fear just because of the foreign-ness of everything. While I am more and more becoming convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith, it is still an utterly foreign culture to me. I feel about attending Mass right now the same way I would feel about attending a synagogue or mosque. Any advice?
You're not alone, Steven. I'm a-shiverin' right next to you. We'll probably laugh about this one day! 
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 710 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 06:24 pm |
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lol Culture shock works both ways! Interesting story, Kim!
I t does indeed!
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 710 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 06:28 pm |
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Steven, there are at least two or three others in college who have also very recently converted- Racaela and Kayla are two of our fellow forum members. There are probalby some others whose names escape me at the moment
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JillD
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 600 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 07:15 pm |
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One of the best conversion stories on CD out there is Steve Ray's. It was so funny to hear him tell of how, after reading the Church Fathers, he became convinced that the Catholic Church was the true church, founded by Christ. But it was a purely academic realization. When his friend, Al Kresta, heard of it, Al invited Steve to Mass. Steve was all bewildered and discombobulated when he realized that going to Mass was the logical next step. He hadn't considered that, and he wasn't quite ready for it. So, you're not alone in the way you feel.
If you can get your hands on that CD, you will be so encouraged. It's been great to share with the cradle Catholic ladies in the Bible study as their kids, many of them, have left the Church and they hassle their moms. But this CD is giving them ammo and encouragement to stand their ground.
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"The alternative to obedience is to turn the conversation into a cacophony of Christians making it up as they go along." - Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
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Hidden One
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| Joined: | Thu Feb 28th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 123 |
| First Name: | H1 | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | lax Presbyterian -> pseudo-Arminian non-denom -> heretical Presbyterian -> ... |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 07:56 pm |
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Basically, I know there are lots of things that go on around the Mass, with holy water and bowing and chanting and so on, and I don't want to do something inappropriate. Is it OK just to sit and watch? Are there certain things I should not do because I am not Catholic? These are the things I'm worried about.
Basically, go, sit in the back, do what everyone else does except go up for Communion and you'll be fine.
If you want a couple lspecific instructions: When entering and leaving the church, you should notice a holy water font/baptismal/font with wet sponge. Dip the tips of a finger or two in it and cross yourself. (If you don't know how, Google is your friend.) Also, when enetering and leaving the pew, crossing in front of the Blessed Sacrament (as necessary), genuflect. (Again, Google is your friend if you don't know how.) Aside from tha,t make note of where the hymnal(s) is, don't freak out, be aware that you won't notice anything, do what others do, go with a Catholic if soemhow possible, and you'll be fine. I adivse arriving at least 10 to 15 minutes before the Mass. Feel free to look around (many Catholci churches have things in them worth looking at, after all) at this time, preferably in a prayeful manner.
And don't worry if you do something wrong or miss osemthing or don't understand it. God knows your heart - don't go up for Communion and you're alright.
Also, don't bother talking a Bible. (This shocked me, as an ex-Presbyterian, when I first went, after converting theologically.) You won't need it. All relevant Scripture (and there's plenty) will be read or sung aloud.
Last edited on Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 08:20 pm by Hidden One
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1 John 4:7-12
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JasPax
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| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 208 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 08:12 pm |
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Faramir wrote: As a Baptist college student investigating the Catholic Church, I'm at the point that I would like to attend Mass. However, the problem is that I have never been to Mass, I do not know any practicing Catholics that I can ask to go with, and to be honest I am a little bit scared to go. Basically, I know there are lots of things that go on around the Mass, with holy water and bowing and chanting and so on, and I don't want to do something inappropriate. Is it OK just to sit and watch? Are there certain things I should not do because I am not Catholic? These are the things I'm worried about.
Hello Steven,
You've gotten some good advice. Mine is, just go. As memtioned, sit in the back and watch and listen. You will notice how Biblical the words of the Mass are.
You will also notice that people enter and pray quietly. There is not the welcoming and chatting before the service starts that you are used to. Most of that takes place after Mass in the gathering space or outside. It's OK if you don't kneel when everyone else does., but you'll feel better if you stand when they stand. You will notice that Catholics don't pay much attention to what others in the Pews are doing. When your row gets up to go forward to receive communion, you can just step out of the pew, let them pass and then sit back down. That's easier than getting your feet stepped on! And, no one will think, "What's he doing here!"
Sometimes, new visitors are a bit put off that there isn't a big welcome scene for them. We could probably do a better job being nice to new people but Catholic parishes are usually large with several Masses, so it's hard to know who is new or a visitor. Remember, we are just regular people and you and all visitors are always welcome even if you don't hear that at first.
God's Blessings,
P.S. I was raised in Methodist and Baptist churches, plus most of my relatives are Baptist, so I understand where you're coming from.
Last edited on Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 08:18 pm by JasPax
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James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 524 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 09:24 pm |
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Both when I was a high school student, in Bristol, Tennessee and as a college student (attending a Baptist college myself at the time) I visited some other churches out of curiosity as well as trying to decide what I should do about a church for myself (sadly, the independent Christian Church in which I was raised had some problems and was not the most friendly of all churches - unless you were part of a certain clique who attended there). Anyway, among the churches I visited were some Catholic Churches. They were very inspirational and were friendly towards me. I was pleased that seemed to be more reverent before and during the service than I had experienced in some Protestant churches. When I visited a Catholic Church in college, I got there a little late so the usher who showed me to a seat, seated me on the last available seat - on the end of a row closer to the front than I would have liked. Since I was not going forward to receive Communion, I had to get up to let the people on my row out and get up to let them back in, however, everybody smiled and was nice about it. The Priest looked at me and smiled - I got the impression that he may have offered up a prayer for me. He warmly shook my hand when I left and invited me back.
I would encourage you to visit a Catholic Church. I think that you will greatly enjoy the visit. If you can get EWTN on your local cable or on your satellite channels, I suggest watching one of their Daily Mass programs before you visit an actual church. You can also watch online, at their web site, if you have high speed Internet (you can get it low speed but it's kinda jerky and doesn't move as smoothly as it will high speed), as well. However, again, I hope that you will go for a visit at a church! These here Catholics are NICE folks! You will find it a great blessing to become acquainted with them as I have!  By the way, here in the Richmond, Virginia area, the University of Richmond was founded by Baptists and maintains some Baptist connections, however, they also have a number of Roman Catholic students as well as students of other religious denominations. The Roman Catholic student organization has a Priest come in who holds weekly Mass in the college chapel. Many public and private colleges and universities have various student Christian and other religious organizations including, of course, Roman Catholic student groups some of whom have a Priest hold Mass services for them on campus. If there is a group like that on your campus or on any nearby campuses, you might want to consider attending one of their services first and then go to a local Catholic Church. I agree with those above who suggested contacting someone and telling them that you want to visit so they can help make your visit more comfortable and, again, if you can get EWTN (the Eternal Word Television Network), watching the Daily Mass on that can help prepare you. Again, I encourage you to visit our Catholic brothers and sisters and know that you will be glad that you did so!
Last edited on Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 09:32 pm by EMarshallBuckles
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tedjenczewski
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| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
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| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Mar 2nd, 2008 10:38 pm |
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| God bless you Steven. As a preparation for attending mass you might read a few of the early fathers, particularly Sts. Justin and Hippolytus, and also the Mass of St. Serapion. Scott Hahn's book "The Lamb's Supper" is also helpful. This will lessen the "culture shock" you feel at mass as you will understand that the mass was the worship of the first Christians and fully expresses the faith of the early fathers.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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AlanM
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| First Name: | Alan | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised Methodist (First United), came to the conclusion around 9th ... |
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Posted: Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 02:41 pm |
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Google "Why do Catholics bounce on one knee"
or use this address:
http://grigaitis.net/?doc=articles/guide.html
This was the explanation of the Mass I used when I first started attending. I also started with a week day Mass since they were less crowded.
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Annie
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| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 03:03 pm |
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Faramir wrote: As a Baptist college student investigating the Catholic Church, I'm at the point that I would like to attend Mass. However, the problem is that I have never been to Mass, I do not know any practicing Catholics that I can ask to go with, and to be honest I am a little bit scared to go. Basically, I know there are lots of things that go on around the Mass, with holy water and bowing and chanting and so on, and I don't want to do something inappropriate. Is it OK just to sit and watch? Are there certain things I should not do because I am not Catholic? These are the things I'm worried about.
Additionally, I must admit to a certain amount of fear just because of the foreign-ness of everything. While I am more and more becoming convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith, it is still an utterly foreign culture to me. I feel about attending Mass right now the same way I would feel about attending a synagogue or mosque. Any advice?
Just sit and watch. That's what I did. Sit on the end of the pew so you can let people out when they go up for Communion. Don't worry about sticking out, Catholics are used to all kinds of people, they even put up with me.
Sit towards the front on the center aisle so you can see things like the procession better. Then you can think of things to ask about later, things that you saw, like the priest kissing and altar and stuff. And saying prayers silently when he washes his hands. You will find it all very strange and very cool.
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Annie
Ora et labora
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elfdream
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| Joined: | Sun Sep 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 12 |
| First Name: | Sharon | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Regular Baptist , Independant Baptist, Non denom to Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 03:19 pm |
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I watched the Mass on the internet for the longest time before I ever attended. I think it was St. Anne's or something...
One of my RCIA teachers said "There are no Catholic Police waiting at the end of the aisle hoping you mess up!"
The first time I went I just observed. I stood up when they stood up and sat when they sat and kneeled when they did. No one paid any attention to me...
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How do you expect to arrive at the end of your own journey if you take the road to another man's city? How do you expect to reach your own perfection by leading someone else's life?
Thomas Merton
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wmschrader
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| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 04:11 pm |
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You might consider going to a weekday Mass.
Also check out http://www.catholicmass.org There you can purchase (I think it is $40.00) a DVD that does a wonderful job of explaining each section of the Mass
Last edited on Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 04:23 pm by wmschrader
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Bill
Glory be to God for all things
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Hidden One
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Posted: Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 08:40 pm |
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The thign abotu a weekday Mass is that often there are very few people there (comapred to a Sunday Mass), so it's harder to hide. On the other hand, regulars are just glad they're more people there!
____________________
1 John 4:7-12
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CajunRick
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Posted: Tue Mar 4th, 2008 12:21 am |
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Hidden One wrote: The thign abotu a weekday Mass is that often there are very few people there (comapred to a Sunday Mass), so it's harder to hide. On the other hand, regulars are just glad they're more people there!
But those who are there are more likely to be more devoted to their faith, and therefore more willing to assist a first-timer. It's also easier to approach the priest both before and after mass. He will notice that you're not a "regular", he will see that you are not familiar with the procedure, and he may well approach you. He might even offer you a cup of coffee! Daily mass is a much better opportunity to get to know the priest, and to meet people who will then invite you to Sunday mass, tell you about parish programs, and share their faith.
At Sunday mass, there are usually so many people that no one really knows who is new. At weekday mass, you will be made welcome, but you will certainly be recognized as an unfamiliar face. And that's a good thing.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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RCMusicGuy
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Posted: Tue Mar 4th, 2008 03:55 pm |
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James, some varied advice here. All in all, the advice Rick has given you is the best, IMO. Unless you're wearing a sign that says "Baptist...checkin' you out," you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Just stand, sit, kneel (or remain sitting) when others do. It will look so normal. If you do not respond to the prayers and acclamations and do not sing a note, you will probably fit into the same mold as some Catholics!! You do not have to genuflect or bless yourself with Holy Water, not everyone does. Also, in some churches, non-Catholics, those who do not want to receive the Eucharist, and young children, cross their arms over their chest and receive a blessing instead when in the communion line. You will did to find this out before you go.
Furthermore, all Catholic churches are not alike with regard to music: contemporary, praise and worship, e.g. LifeTeen, traditional, chant. Not all churches are quiet when you enter.
Rick has mentioned ways to buddy up with someone. May I suggest that you call a Catholic church and ask to speak to the person who is the leader of the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This is a yearly class that includes people who are studying to enter the Catholic faith through the sacraments. Not that you are going to do that, but I am sure there will be someone there who would love to go to Mass with you and explain what is going on.
Basically, James, if all this calling is not going to happen, just go and sit, follow along, no one will know. And, if they did know, I am sure you'd be welcomed with open arms. Find a large church at first and move on to different Catholic churches in your quest so you will see the minor differences as I mentioned. Catholics do it until they find a "home" they feel comfortable with. One more thing: a large church has many Masses; each one might be different in the musical style, if that matters to you.
Any more help? Just post...we'll do our best.
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RCMusicGuy
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Posted: Tue Mar 4th, 2008 04:04 pm |
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CajunRick wrote: Hidden One wrote: The thign abotu a weekday Mass is that often there are very few people there (comapred to a Sunday Mass), so it's harder to hide. On the other hand, regulars are just glad they're more people there!
At Sunday mass, there are usually so many people that no one really knows who is new. At weekday mass, you will be made welcome, but you will certainly be recognized as an unfamiliar face. And that's a good thing.
Not always, though. During Lent, our 90 seat chapel will not hold all the people who attend daily Mass. Also, I live in an area where tourists visit regularly. Daily Mass changes faces often and James might just live in such an area. There are so many variables in offering advice on this one.
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