Posted on 01/23/2003 11:51:59 AM PST by Polycarp
Know What You Should Do at Mass and Why
Many parishes have a Miss Manners section which is O.K., but what we need is a Miss Know-Why-Youre-Doing-What-You-Should-Do at Mass, because of the theology it signifies. It is not a local whim!
1. Everyone in this parish should receive a piece of the consecrated Bread, and drink from the common cup. Jesus (not the Church) instituted the Mass in ratione coenae (in the nature of a meal), not in the form of a snack. Nine hundred years of host ("Whats that?" Jesus would say.) history does not excuse us from the twofold facet of communing as Jesus intended and the Bible handed on.
2. People who enter the building, which their presence in Faith will make into a church, should reach into the Baptismal Font and bless themselves, educating their children to do the same. This applies to the innumerable latecomers. Incidentally, if you are ten minutes late (look at your watch in the parking lot), go to another Mass. Missing the three Bible readings manifests your misunderstanding of what Mass is: Word and Meal.
3. Do not leave early. The priest should always be the first one out of the church. If you have prescheduled appointments, reschedule your Mass. Last week I confronted three people leaving early. And one of them, to add insult to injury, had blessed herself on the way outa meaningless, pietistic gesture.
4. Do not bring any games, toys, Cheerios, etc., to the church building. Little children belong in the nursery, and younger children at the Liturgy of the Word. If you have uncontrollable children, consult psychiatrist listings, or arrange with your life-sharing spouse to go to separate Liturgies until control is restored in the family (which is usually the problem). There are a few exceptionsautistic children, et similia, who are more than welcome.
5. When the cantor introduces the service, answer the "Good Morning" or "Good Evening". Thats the cue to stop conversation. In our parish, the older people seem to be the chief offenders. When the cantor leads the singing, or the lector is reading, they are presiding at that part of the Mass. Look at them and pay attention to them. The overall presider is the presbyter (Priest), but not the only one. Notice that when the cantor is leading the Hallelujah how the priest turns and faces him/her, an acknowledgement of presidency.
6. When there is a lull, it is not a signal to start chattering. I have noticed it before the first reading, at the presentation of gifts, and even during Holy Communion! However, the chattering, laughing, howling, and conversation before the cantor signals the beginning of the service is highly encouraged.
7. When it is time to sing, everyone sing. When it is time to be silent, everyone should be quiet. The Mass has ups and downs built into it. You should have ups and downs in your moods, singing, and actions.
8. Do not be a hostgrabber. Put both hands out for the Eucharistic minister (ordained or not) to place in your hand. Say "amen" loudly so all around you can hear. Look at the Body and Blood as you receive it.n No looking at the priest, or closing your eyes, and certainly not making the sign of the Cross, genuflecting, or other meaningless actions. You blessed yourself in the Baptismal Font at the beginning of Mass, and before the opening Prayerthat's enough.
More later.
True story.
The lay woman in charge of religious education at our parish used that book to instruct us in the sacrament of baptism at a required class for the parents of those to be baptised. She read the parents that book to show us about God's love (or something like that). Think she just might be a little loose with her orthodoxy? (We also got to pray to a candle and watch her pour water to show us what great symbols these are - nothing from scripture, or any orthodox church source in reference. Just her own blathering.)
Did little Snuffy - you don't mind me treating you as a small child, no? - not learn the lesson well enough? For your next assignment, you must read "The Giving Tree". This is more advanced. Written for the Confirmation. We trust you will comply.
In real life, the woman in the book would be considered, what, disturbed? That picture, the detail of the red hankie, still makes me pee my pants with laughter.
I hear this dumbed down, feel good language at my own parish. I think the liberal lingo (and frame of mind) is pretty widespread. I'm trying to find an orthodox parish within reasonable distance, no luck so far.
10 minutes! Must be a quickie Mass.
In real life, the religious educator in our parish would be considered disturbed. It's only in the sheltered life a modern Catholic parish that we're forced to take her seriously. Creepy children's books and all.
OBTW, that's "with no obvious end in sight", back in #73.
This is so weird! My parish priest skipped it today. He said "we will skip the confetior because we are allowed to since we are recognizing the confirmation class of 2003" --- or something like that. Aside of the fact that it is one of my favorite parts of the Mass (even if it is in English) it just doesn't seem right. We are called to confess our sins in church to/with our brothers and sisters, are we not?
I thought you could only skip it if you were doing a "sprinkling" instead of the confetior.
The poor confirmation kids were called to the altar to pick up a silly looking "student" bible reminiscent of the "good news for modern man" one I got in the 70s. Too bad the CCD nun didn't ask for my opinion in choosing which one to buy! ;-)
I'll second that!
Come out of her. :-)
LOL! How did you find your way into this thread?
Come back home, Steven. ;o)
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