Catholic Mass

Catholic Mass questions and answers

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Q: Catholic Mass?
For an assignment for school I am suppose to write a paper on the experience of a Catholic Mass, but I am not allowed to attend one by parents because I'm not a catholic. I'm supposed to discuss the furnishing, artwork, music, atmosphere, lighting, homily, people sacraments, and the priest and how they all help add to the overall experience of this celebration. Help is appreciated. Thanks.

A: 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.

Q: What is the acceptable dress for Catholic Midnight Mass?
My relatives are taking me to my first Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. I was raised as a Methodist so this is my first Catholic Mass. How dressy are they? Would khakis and a sweater be acceptable or do I need a shirt and tie?

A: I wear a suit, my church tends to be business attire, skirts at minimum below the knee, pants, yes men typically wear ties. God Bless

Q: Ina Catholic mass, what does the water mixed with wine symbolize?
In Catholic mass, the priest mixes water with wine prior to serving it as the blood of Jesus Christ. What does the water symbolize?

A: Before the wine is consecrated, the priest or deacon adds a drop of water into the wine in the chalice. The wine represents the divine nature of Christ The water represents the human nature of Christ. So that the mixing of the water and wine into one signifies the Incarnation of Christ. And also the Crucifixion, when blood and water poured from His pierced side. With love in Christ.

Q: If you participate in a Catholic mass, are you technically Catholic?
I'm supposedly a Baptist Christian, but I went to this Catholic Monestary for 2 days with my friend, and we had to do mass. Does this mean I have converted to Catholicism?

A: No. To convert to Catholicism, you would have to go through several months of teachings and interviewing, called RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Q: Can someone descrive a Catholic Mass to me?
What does a Catholic Mass entail? Including all the prayers (like "our father", etc...) And I don't mean the Traditional Latin Mass.

A: Many of the prayers in English and in the Latin Mass are actually the same. There are many distinguishable prayers, such as the Our Father and the Nicene Creed. These are used in times that the whole congregation participates in. Many of the prayers that the priest says are pulled from Holy Scripture. The basic format is the Entrance song, then a greeting, acknowledgement of our sins and reliance upon God's grace. On Sunday, there are three readings from the Bible, the last one being from the Gospels. Then there is also a refrain from Psalms, usually sung. The chorus leader chants a verse and the congregation responds with the refrain. This all prepares our hearts to receive Holy Communion. That pretty much is the first part of the Mass. Then the second part focuses around receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. There are the prayers of Consecration by the priest (much is from the Bible). Then people come forward to receive Holy Communion. Then there is the dismissal. The is where the English term Mass comes from, in Latin the dismissal is called Missa. We sing a closing song, then leave.

Q: what is the difference between the Mormon mass and catholic mass?
my friend invited me to go to their church.shes Mormon and i'm catholic and i never been to a Mormon church before..i just want to know what they do during the Sunday mass.Is it just like what Catholics mass do? just give me some idea about it Please..thank you (:

A: I've been to Catholic mass once, it was all very strange and quite different from Mormon sacrament meeting. This is how Mormon sacrament meeting is -Someone from the bishopric announces church news, and announces who has been released from church callings and who has been called to church callings. - Someone, who was previously asked, says the opening prayer - The congregation sings a hymn - The sacrament is blessed and passed to the congregation - Talks are given by people from the congregation who were previously asked to prepare a talk. A hymn is usually sung between talks. - Someone, who was previously asked, says the closing prayer. On fast Sundays (the first Sunday of the month) instead of speakers we have the time left open for people to share their testimonies. Fast Sunday is my favorite :) Also, occasionaly instead of a hymn, someone will perform a musical number, or the choir will sing. Every once in awhile the church has a Sacrament Meeting where the primary children have a program and all the little kids get to say a little something about the gospel and sing songs. It's very cute. Add: when I went to catholic mass I later learned that it's "peace be with you"... I thought she said "pleased to meet you" and I said "pleased to meet you too" HAHA woops :P

Q: What kind of attire is appropriate for Catholic Mass?
What would usually be appropriate to wear when attending Catholic Mass?

A: If you can then dress in business casual or better. If you can't then dress as well as you can. The important thing is worshiping God together not how you are dressed. With love in Christ.

Q: What is considered appropriate for Catholic mass?
My boyfriend's parents are very strict catholics (well his mother is) and we're going home to visit them this summer. It will be over a weekend, so we will be attending Mass with them on Sunday morning. Whenever I have gone to church in the past, my church was very laid back and i always wore jeans and flip flops, as long as they had no holes, etc. I know I need to wear a dress or skirt, but do you have any suggestions? I'm completely lost.

A: I am going to base my answer on an assumption of an extremely conservative church as some catholic parishes are stricter than others. It is better to be more conservative rather than too casual when making a first impression. You do not necessarily need to wear a dress or skirt; a pair of nice slacks (aka not jeans) would be acceptable. You will need to have you shoulders covered especially IF the Catholic Church you are attending is actually a cathedral (some cathedrals will not let you in unless your shoulders are covered). If you wear a dress bring a shawl to cover your shoulders and for warmth as some churches can be cold. Also if you are wearing a dress or skirt it should not be very short. Knee length would be appropriate, but shorter would not be considered conservative enough. The final thing I can think of is that you shouldn't wear a low cut dress or blouse. You can always ask your boyfriend if an outfit you choose is conservative enough.

Q: How to behave and what to say during Catholic mass?
Hi, Going to catholic church and do not know the proper behavior. where can i find information on the rituals and what is said suring mass at a catholic church? thanks

A: Thank you for showing respect by asking. And welcome. Please: + Dress in business casual or better + 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.

Q: What is the official French translation of the bible used in Quebec for Catholic mass?
Just as English speaking Canada uses the New Revised Standard Version on the Bible and the US uses The New American Version, I was wondering what they use in Quebec. I am going to assume it some version of La Bible de Jerusalem. Any particular edition though? I am studying French so I would like to have a catholic bible to study from. Thanks!

A: The French spell it exactly the same however, they pronounce it Bib le.

Q: Do Catholic mass services follow a specific order?
Meaning, is the mass service from March 15, 2008 the same as the mass service from March 15, 2009? Do they talk about the same thing around the same time each year?

A: Sort of, It's more like 08 is like 10, but it's the general idea. The only parts that change are the homily and the hymns, the constants are just the bible verses and general message. Even then this is really unnoticeable and the Catholic Mass seems new each time.

Q: How many gay marriage ceremonies have been performed in Mass in Catholic Churches?
It seems like the only thing anyone can say in opposition to gay marraige is that it would force churches to perform those ceremonies. OK, we have a great test to see if that's actually an issue. 1. Mass legalized gay marriage. 2. Catholic church is opposed to gay mariage 3. How many gay marraiges have been forced on the Catholic Church in Mass? That's Massachusetts....not the act of Mass http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ak4XBWPKbNNV26EcHYRSlLnsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090215190121AA91TPN Scroll down a little and you see this exact claim. This is about the 10th time I've seen it on here... It can't possibly happen RLP as everyone else on here knows. Churches can marry whoever they want and sure as heck can have denominational limits on who they marry. The answer is ZERO of course.

A: None that I have heard about but I also have never heard anyone claim that churches would be forced to do anything either..

Q: Are there any convents where nuns make hosts for the Catholic Mass?
I am looking for hosts to be used at a Holy Latin Mass with images on them. If you know of any I really need to know!

A: Why do I doubt your sincerity? Surely the celebrating priest would have this knowledge.

Q: Can a Catholic and an Episcopalian have a traditional Catholic wedding mass? ?
If we had a ceremony without the traditional Catholic wedding mass, but in a Catholic church, would it still be recognized by the Catholic church?

A: Yes, a Catholic and an Episcopalian can have a traditional wedding Mass in a Catholic Church. They could also have a Rite of Matrimony without Mass in the Catholic Church. Either way, as long as the couple has fulfilled all the marriage preparation requirements, the marriage will be recognized.

Q: Is there a site where that I can view Catholic mass while I live in china?
I am a Catholic who lives and work China. I tried to go to church however because of government I not been able to. Is there a site where that I can view Catholic mass while I am in china? Maybe there IPOD POD which download mass. Please help, I like to view mass weekly in China. Thanks John

A: I would think that the Chinese government would block such websites. There is little or no freedom of religion in China. The neighborhood Catholic Churches in China are under the authority of the Chinese government, not the Pope. The Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association is a division of the People's Republic of China's Religious Affairs Bureau to exercise state supervision over mainland China's Catholics. The Communist Party of China wants no organization in mainland China owing allegiance to "foreign influence", in this case, every other Catholic on the planet including the Pope. Ever since it's creation in the 1950's, the Catholic Church has deplored the attitude and activities of the Association and declared the bishops who participated in consecrating new bishops selected by the Association to be excommunicated. It is estimated that there are 13 million Catholics in China, 8 million following the underground church still loyal to Rome and 5 million following the officially sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association. With love in Christ.