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Christine Ann
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | An Hours' Drive From Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 10:13 pm |
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Hello Everyone,
I am in RCIA, and I know we've got more to cover so it could be that this will be addressed at a later time. I've been attending Mass now for about two months. I still find myself fearful of doing something wrong or making a serious blunder. It makes it hard to focus on the reason I am there: to worship. Have others experienced this?
No one has really shown me what to do...I've just learned by being there. And I still don't have the liturgy all memorized. Wouldn't this be something covered in RCIA? Or is this usually up to the "student" to pick up on her own. :? Or am I just a slow learner?
Christine Ann
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CajunRick
Network Helper
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| 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: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 10:26 pm |
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Christine Ann wrote: I am in RCIA, and I know we've got more to cover so it could be that this will be addressed at a later time. I've been attending Mass now for about two months. I still find myself fearful of doing something wrong or making a serious blunder.
The only "serious blunder" would be to receive the Eucharist improperly, or to run up to the ambo and try to deliver the homily! Do what everyone else does, and you'll do fine.
Some practices differ from parish to parish and diocese to diocese, so when I visit a parish for the first time, I have to do the same thing. If you manage to avoid dancing naked on the altar during the consecration, chances are you won't make a serious blunder.
No one has really shown me what to do...I've just learned by being there. And I still don't have the liturgy all memorized.
Most Catholics don't have the liturgy memorized. You can see them reading along in the missalette. I open the missalette before mass to pre-read the readings, and during the psalm response so I can remember the exact wording. Otherwise, if I don't know a part of the mass, I just listen.
You'll pick it up in time.
Wouldn't this be something covered in RCIA? Or is this usually up to the "student" to pick up on her own.
Depends on the parish. One of the first things I do in RCIA is give each participant a copy of the missalette and explain how to use it, when to sit, when to stand, etc. I want them to feel comfortable in church, so I go out of my way to make it so. Not all parishes will feel as I do.
Or am I just a slow learner?
Doesn't sound like it. I've been going to mass for 55 years. Chances are you won't pick up as much or be as comfortable in a few months.
____________________
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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Esther
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas City, Kansas USA |
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| First Name: | Esther | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist to Roman Catholic 11/26/06 |
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 10:26 pm |
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Christine Ann wrote: Hello Everyone,
I am in RCIA, and I know we've got more to cover so it could be that this will be addressed at a later time. I've been attending Mass now for about two months. I still find myself fearful of doing something wrong or making a serious blunder. It makes it hard to focus on the reason I am there: to worship. Have others experienced this?
No one has really shown me what to do...I've just learned by being there. And I still don't have the liturgy all memorized. Wouldn't this be something covered in RCIA? Or is this usually up to the "student" to pick up on her own. :? Or am I just a slow learner?
Christine Ann
Chintine Ann,
Ohhhh yes I went through this!! My first Mass the people next to me had to feel extremely uncomfortable because I was watching them the whole time! I sat down with my sponsor and asked him all the ins-and-outs. This is where I learned it. They did cover it in RCIA later on, but I wanted to know then. I don't know how they have your program set up so I can't tell you when they will cover it. But here are a couple of links that might help (they aren't Catholic websites, just informative):
http://catholicism.about.com/cs/theology/ht/massetiquette.htm
http://catholicism.about.com/od/catholicmass/a/cathmasspo06.htm
God bless you on your journey!
Esther
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Christine Ann
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | An Hours' Drive From Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 114 |
| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 10:56 pm |
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Dear Rick,
A "serious blunder" is not a laughing matter! Just kidding. Thanks for making me laugh at my fears. I certainly wish I'd had someone like you introduce me to the Mass, but none-the-less I'm learning...just rather awkwardly and not fast enough to suit me.
I Asked for a missalette early on ( after previous advice from the forum), but it seems they don't have them! Is this something that can be ordered on line? I think it might make me feel a little more secure!
Anyway, I feel better having read your reply (and I am determined to have the liturgy memorized! I hang on every word spoken. It's all so precious to me and I haven't even taken Holy Communion yet!)
In Christ
Christine Ann
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Christine Ann
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | An Hours' Drive From Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 114 |
| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 11:04 pm |
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Dear Esther,
Thank you admitting your fumbling around the first time. And the websites you gave me are great...even going into the etticate (sp?) . Maybe I'm overly concerned...but I appreciate your honesty.  I'll feel a lot better next time.
In His Love,
Christine Ann
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
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| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 11:21 pm |
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<<<...avoid dancing naked on the altar...>>>
Now you tell me!!! 
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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BodRod
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 11:44 pm |
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Hi Christine Ann,
<<<Have others experienced this?>>>
Been there done that!!! I was so up tight about attending Mass that I sat in the back (Really, in the last row pew.) and tried to keep my eye on everybody. After a few times, I tried sitting a little closer to the alter. Pretty soon I found that I could hear much better around the 3rd or 4th row. My idea was to watch those around me and do what they do. However, I found that different people did different things. I was amazed at the freedom the worshipers had. Some people came into the church, bowed (showed respect) to the alter and took their seats. Others came in and would genuflect to the alter to show their respect and take their seat. Some would kneel and pray while others would sit and bow their heads to pray while yet others would just sit quietly. Some people might be kneeling and praying before the tabernacle. Others might be kneeling and saying a Rosary while different people might be sitting say the Rosary. My conclusion was that the people are there to worship and to receive spiritual refreshment from the service and Communion and they were not there to watch each other and make judgements. After that, I felt a lot more comfortable. BTW, I started sitting in the same area each Sunday and it was not long before the people around me would smile a greeting to me as I sat down. That made me feel even more welcome and comfortable.
I wish you the best as you make your Journey into the Church!
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Christine Ann
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | An Hours' Drive From Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 114 |
| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2007 11:30 pm |
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Hi BodRod,
You did exactly what I'm doing. Staying in the back pew. If no one is behind you, then they're not staring at what you do! I've only gone up closer one time and I liked it much better (I could see and hear better.) But it seems "safer" in the back....what do I think somebody is going to do to me???? I tell you, I am just paranoid. It has become a mental block.
Tomorrow I'll have more courage because of the responses I've had from the forum, and make my way to the front. And I like your idea of sitting in the same pew so I can get to know people. Thanks for the suggestions.
I know you guys think this is funny, but I'll be glad when I can look back on it and laugh at how ridiculous it was! Being self-conscious is misery and I'm sure it must be a symptom of pride! I know people aren't as conscious of me, as I am of myself. Well anyway, now everyone knows how neurotic I am. But it's good to know others have suffered too. Thanks for your response.
Sincerely,
Christine Ann
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2007 11:41 pm |
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Christine Ann wrote: I know you guys think this is funny, but I'll be glad when I can look back on it and laugh at how ridiculous it was! Being self-conscious is misery and I'm sure it must be a symptom of pride! I know people aren't as conscious of me, as I am of myself. Well anyway, now everyone knows how neurotic I am.
I remember when I was younger my wife couldn't get me to dance for anything, so we spent a few thousand dollars taking lessons. Only after I knew what I was doing did I realize that I wasn't spending any time watching anyone else! Why should anyone have bothered watching me? It doesn't matter! Anyone at mass should be paying attention to what's going on at the altar, and anyone watching you doesn't belong there anyway! That's why I told you it shouldn't matter as long as you don't dance naked on the altar.
You are there to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. How can you possibly do anything wrong? It's like being in our forum. As long as you are sincere, there are no improper questions. Well, at mass, as long as you are worshipping our Lord, there is no wrong way to act.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
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mrsbmoo
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Posted: Mon Jan 15th, 2007 05:36 pm |
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| In our Hymnbook, there is an order of the mass which you can follow along with. It really helped me at first and I sometimes still use it for the creed. I still watch to make sure I don't miss anything.
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Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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CajunRick
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Posted: Mon Jan 15th, 2007 07:28 pm |
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Christine Ann wrote: Tomorrow I'll have more courage because of the responses I've had from the forum, and make my way to the front.
So how was it in the front?
____________________
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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Christine Ann
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| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Mon Jan 15th, 2007 10:38 pm |
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Well....I never made it up front. A woman I've gotten to know in RCIA flagged me down about five rows from the back wanting me to sit with her. So I did make it a little closer, but now I really WANT to get up front so that I don't miss anything....I really am going to do it!!!:X (That's determined, not mad.)
Thanks for asking, Rick!
Christine Ann
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Christine Ann
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
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| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Mon Jan 15th, 2007 10:43 pm |
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Dear Becky,
Thanks for the suggestion. Actually I have found the creed (page 9) and I follow along with it. I'm beginning to have it memorized! And much of the liturgy is coming to me...
Christine Ann
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Ali
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 17th, 2007 10:14 am |
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I haven't read the other responses, but rest assured you will not be first to stand up or kneel or sit at the wrong time! LOL My own kids still have problems with this, just this past Sunday my daughter tried to stand up when we were all supposed to kneel. ROFLOL She was a bit red faced. But honestly, other than her brother and me, I don't think anyone else noticed. And of course, her brother won't let her forget! Ahhh, brotherly love.
When I first started attending Mass, I just followed along with everyone else. No one noticed that I was participating in any of the prayers or responses. No one commented that I remained seated when others kneeled.
I think we all go to church for our own love of God, not to spy on our neighbors  Just think how helpful and empathetic you'll be in the future when you have it all down pat and you see some newbie come in looking lost. A lot of us have been there, and we don't judge those who are just starting.
All my best,
Ali
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Christine Ann
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| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Thu Jan 18th, 2007 08:38 pm |
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Hello Ali,
Thanks for your reassurance. As I said in one of my post's, with all the encouragement I've received from the forum, now I'm determined to sit up front this week! I think there will be fewer distractions and I'll be able to concentrate on the service. And you know, I believe that people are there to worship and not check out what the person in front of them is wearing, or if she manages a faux pas. So I'm feeling very brave tonight and I'll see how I do on Sunday.
I attended the Baptist Church for 15 years, and everyone was very "concerned" about everyone's business. The prayer chain became a line for gossip (along with a few prayers, I'm sure). I was so self conscious there and with good reason! So anyway....I'm so glad to find it different in the Catholic Church. In fairness to the Baptists, there were only a few with the attitude I describe...but it took some painful incidents to learn who I could trust.
By the way, what is LOL and ROFLOL? I'm fairly new to the forum and I've seen this before, but could you enlighten me?
In His Love,
Christine Ann
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CajunRick
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Posted: Thu Jan 18th, 2007 08:42 pm |
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Christine Ann wrote: By the way, what is LOL and ROFLOL? I'm fairly new to the forum and I've seen this before, but could you enlighten me?
Laughing Our Loud and Rolling on the Floor Laughing Out Loud respectively.
Abbreviations like these started at a time that online time was extremely expensive. My first online experience was at CompuServe which cost $6.00 an hour (10 cents a minute) in addition to long distance time. Those of us who were not rich got what we needed and got off quickly!
____________________
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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Christine Ann
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
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| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Thu Jan 18th, 2007 08:51 pm |
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Thanks Rick...you said any question, asked sincerely would receive a response! Are there any other abbreviations I should know? I hate to be an internet illiterate! (duh)
Christine Ann
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CajunRick
Network Helper
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Posted: Thu Jan 18th, 2007 09:41 pm |
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Christine Ann wrote: Thanks Rick...you said any question, asked sincerely would receive a response! Are there any other abbreviations I should know? I hate to be an internet illiterate! (duh)
Christine Ann
- IMO In My Opinion
- IMHO In my humble opinion
- FWIW For what it's worth
- BTW By the way
- RTFM Read the fine manual (although "Fine" is not always the word used for "F")
- AFAIK As far as I know
- IOW In other words
- OTOH On the other hand
- ROFLMAO Rolling on the floor laughing my *** off
- BRB Be right back (used in chat)
- TTFN Ta-ta for now
- CUL8R See you later
- L8R Later
- TIA Thanks in advance
- GB God bless
Too many others for a comprehensive list. Most aren't used any more except by the occasional die-hard. It's usually pretty easy to figure out the gist of the abbreviations if you try.
____________________
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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Christine Ann
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | An Hours' Drive From Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
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| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Thu Jan 18th, 2007 10:26 pm |
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Thanks Rick, I had no clue what they meant!
Christine Ann
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BodRod
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 01:13 am |
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Hi Christine Ann,
See if this site will be of any help.
http://searchwebservices.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci211776,00.html
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 01:40 am |
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| We now return to our regularly scheduled topic...
____________________
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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BodRod
Member
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 09:49 am |
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OR
WNRTORST
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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