The Essentials of the Catholic Faith, Part One: The Apostles’ Creed, The Basic Profession of Faith

TheRealPresence.org ^ | 2002 | Pocket Catholic Catechism

[Citizen Soldier]

I found a web site called “Fish eaters” that has the traditions on it I have found very informative. It explains what you asked about. I also cross myself whenever the crucifix is carried down the aisle and bend towards the priest as he passes by in and out.

[notaliberal]

As the priest genuflects after the consecrations, first of the bread, and then of the wine, I gaze at the elevated and now transubstantiated bread and wine, and with his genuflection, bow my head, strike my breast and say the words, “My Lord and My God” to myself. I have always done it since I was a cradle Catholic.

I do the same and always have.

[SuziQ]

I bow at those words, but am usually straightening back up during the words “On the third day, He rose again.”

[SuziQ]

My b-i-l is a priest, and just after he finishes the prayers of the Consecration, he genuflects and says, "My Lord and My God".

During the Summer, our Parish began the tradition of ringing the bells, just before the Prayers of the Consecration begin, and again, after they're finished. I love that, because it focuses everyone's attention to the altar, where it should be, during that most important time of the Mass.

[Kolokotronis]

I see that the USCCB Nicene Creed did not adopt the recommendation of the Joint Commission to dump the filioque. I suppose if it had, heads would have exploded all over Roman Catholic America.

BTW, “I believe” is not what the Nicene Fathers declared; it was “We believe”. Why everyone, including the Orthodox and now you folks, uses “I believe” is a mystery to me. Here’s a comment from the Vatican website on the question:

http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c3a2.htm

[trad_anglican]

During the Summer, our Parish began the tradition of ringing the bells, just before the Prayers of the Consecration begin, and again, after they're finished. I love that, because it focuses everyone's attention to the altar, where it should be, during that most important time of the Mass.

It shouldn't be necessary to regain the attention of those participating in the eucharist, but, sadly, it is. Interestingly, both the use of the bells and the elevation come from the middle ages when the laity were so far removed from the action of the liturgy that it was necessary to use such practices to announce the critical moments.

[NYer]

of all things visible and invisible.

Every truly reflected on those words?

[NYer]

Do any of my fellow Catholics bow at the words “by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.”

Absolutely!!! Even in the Maronite Catholic Church, we bow at those words. I recently posted a thread on this topic. Will have to look for it and repost.

[Salvation]

Here are the liturgical threads I have saved up:

Mass appeal: "It's like Jolt Cola for the Soul" [Catholic Caucus]
WHERE THE PRIEST SHOULD BEGIN MASS Know Him in the Breaking of Bread - A Guide to the Mass
The (Catholic) Mass (as explained by a youth for Evangelical friends) [Ecumenical]

What the Catholic Mass means to converts
Good News for the [Catholic] Liturgy
'An Ordinance Forever' - The Biblical Origins of the Mass [Ecumenical]
The Sacrifice of the Mass: Liturgical Vestments

What Do You See at (Catholic) Mass?

Purification of Sacred Vessels in U.S. (and more on the Purification of our Lord)
Tyranny of Words (Catholic liturgy - NO vs. TLM)
Mass should be enlightening and elevating, not a cookie cutter ritual
What You {Catholics} Need to Know: Mass (Sacred Liturgy) [Catholic/Orthodox Caucus]
"The Catholic Mass ... Revealed"

The Battle Over the Mass [Catholic Caucus]
Scriptural Basis of the Mass as Sacrifice (Where is that in the Bible?)
Giving to God in Mass [Liturgy of the Eucharist]
Liturgy, Learning and the Language of the Catholic Faith
Cardinal Arinze's Mass Etiquette 101

Prostration and Vestments on Good Friday And More on the Precious Blood
Catholic Liturgy - Funeral Masses for a Suicide And More on Confession for RCIA Candidates
The Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - A Primer for Clueless Catholics (Part 1)
The Orthodox Divine Liturgy, the Roman Catholic Mass and the Anglican Eucharist...
Catholic Liturgy - Dramatic Readings at Mass (And More on Processions, and Extra Hosts)

Catholic Liturgy - Mass Intentions
Catholic Liturgy - Pre-recorded Music at Mass And More on Communion Services
Vatican: Matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist (April 23, 2004)
POPE ISSUES APOSTOLIC LETTER ON THE SACRED LITURGY
Liturgy: Are Glass Chalices OK for Mass?
EUCHARIST: HOLY MEAL

[tob2]

Why were these changes made? I see nothing wrong with the way either one has been written.

[NYer]

After the consecration of the host and the wine, I also whisper, “My Lord, my God” three times, as the bells are rung for each. When I was a n00b Catholic, my sponsor did that, and it impressed on me the central sacrifice of the mass, in a very powerful way. Do you know if this is a tradition?

I am a cradle Catholic and this was taught to us by the nuns. By internally saying those words, you are reflecting on the great mystery of transubstantiation that has just taken place. in fact, the Eastern Catholic Churches refer to the Mass as the 'Divine Mysteries', which reflects the true nature of the sacrament. It is a mystery but, as we say in the Creed, "and of all that is, seen and unseen."

As I recall, in the story of his conversion, Dr. Scott Hahn's first experience at a RC Mass, when the priest elevated the host, Hahn looked up and immediately thought "My Lord and my God. It is truly you!"

[Salvation]

The ICEL too many liberties in the U. S. English translations. It is going to go back to a more traditional form which more readily reflects the Greek and Latin from whence it came.

Traditional Catholics are very thankful (maybe I should say jubilant) about this!

[Judith Anne]

Thanks to you and everyone who commented on these questions of mine.

It’s been three decades since my conversion, yet I’m still learning about the mass, it becomes ever deeper a pool of the living water.

You know how, when the entire parish is focused on the consecration, there is such a breath of Holiness in the sanctuary? Even now, after all these years, it still brings tears to my eyes, when the priest says, “When supper was ended...etc.”

I always have a tissue in my pocket for those moments that are so moving; it doesn’t matter what parish, what priest, nothing except those sacred words that bring us together with Jesus Christ, Living Son of Almighty God.

[Judith Anne]

That’s the way I read the directions, in the missel.

[NYer]

It’s been three decades since my conversion, yet I’m still learning about the mass, it becomes ever deeper a pool of the living water.

Not surprisingly, most cradle catholics are ignorant of what happens at the Mass. It is so important to understand this greatest of all sacraments. The Church is called the "Domus Dei" - House of God, and the Gate of Heaven. During the consecration, angels are present at the altar. That is one of the things we proclaim in the Creed when we say "all things seen and unseen". This aspect of our faith never occurred to me until I attended my first Maronite Mass. Just before communion, we sing a hymn: Hosts of Heaven stand with us at the altar. It hit me so profoundly! Not long after that, I read an article about a saint who actually saw these angels (sorry ... can't remember her name).

One of the best articles written on the Mass is from the Boston Catholic Journal. It is in several parts. I posted these to the forum several years ago but here is the link to the original and all its links. May it benefit you in your understanding.

The Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - a Primer for Clueless Catholics.

[Judith Anne]

Thank you! Heading off to read, now.

[SuziQ]

Thanks for that link!! I’m going to share that with my Confirmation class. I’d begun the discussion of the Mass in the class before last, but I’m going to find ways to incorporate it in every class, as I go through the year. I already determined that the ONLY reason the kids go, is because their parents make them; sad, but true.

[NYer]

Which book are you using? Several years ago, I taught the Confirmation class at my (now former) parish. The book was ridiculous, advising the instructor to give each student a small smooth stone and bring a large rock to the first class, along with pillar candles, mood music, newsprint paper, markers, a boom box and the last item on the list was a Bible. I brought the Bible, a copy of the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and rosaries. We progressed from there. When it came time for them to pick a Confirmation name, I gave them a link to a web site with the names and histories of thousands of blesseds and saints. There were 6 classes that year and my group was the only one where all of the students chose a saints name.

Yes ... definitely use the information at that link to help them understand what happens at Mass. You might also want to have them close their eyes while you read some of this material to them ... move them to Calgary through those words .... "you are there" .... "Jesus looks down at you" .... "does He speak to you? What does He say? " This is a form of Ignatian contemplation. It is very powerful! One night, I brought my students into the darkened chapel and had them sit quietly in the presence of our Lord. I read them a passage from the gospel of John about the pool at Bethesda. It is important to read any passage to them slowly, leaving time for reflection in between statements and or questions. The kids were relaxed and enjoyed it so much they asked to do it again.

God bless you in your work!

[SuziQ]

I don't have a book. When I taught a few years ago, I DID have a book, and I couldn't stand it! The new Director of the program ditched the books, and created her own curriculum. She thought the books were inane, and she's done a pretty good job on her own.

I've added lines of discussion, as I've read through and thought about connections that would make sense to the kids. The Director and I are good friends, and she trusts what I present, because she knows that I am orthodox in my beliefs, and I won't be teaching anything that's incorrect.

[Salvation]

I, too, am always prepared with a fresh tissue for the tears.