MERGED: Concentrating/Distractions at Mass

divinefaith · #1 Feb 24, '12, 11:20 pm

I've got difficulty doing so. Any tips?

YoungTradCath · #2 Feb 24, '12, 11:34 pm

Go to EF Low Masses.

divinefaith · #3 Feb 24, '12, 11:58 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoungTradCath

Go to EF Low Masses.

What are EF low masses?

Laudate Dominum · #4 Feb 25, '12, 12:09 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by divinefaith

What are EF low masses?

It's the Holy Sacrifice celebrated according to the rubrics of 1962 (the "traditional Latin Mass"). Low Mass is Mass celebrated without all the "smells and bells", chanting, etc. The Ordinary is spoken (and the Canon is silent regardless of whether it's Low or High Mass).

It encourages a very "meditative" atmosphere.

YoungTradCath · #5 Feb 25, '12, 3:05 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by divinefaith

What are EF low masses?

Mass in Latin, a very quiet version of it. It has a very meditative/contemplative atmosphere.

MissRose73 · #6 Feb 25, '12, 4:22 am

I admit I've had issues concentrating and paying attention too. I get to Mass at least 10 minutes early and read/pray from my missal. As a woman, I've noticed since I choose to cover my head, I seldom turn around or look around at others before and during Mass too.

bscastro · #7 Feb 25, '12, 5:09 am

Part of it depends on what you're having troubles at mass.

Are you distracted by things that are going on at Mass?

Are you thinking about what you are going to do after Mass?

Are random thoughts just popping in your head?

The answer to this may help. As was mentioned, it's going to happen and it's okay. I try to do a little better every time I go, trying my best and knowing that I'll never get it "perfect" in terms of a distraction-free, fully-focused attendance of Mass.

God bless,
Bryan

divinefaith · #8 Feb 25, '12, 5:53 am

Thanks for the replies. I'll give a general answer to all of you...
Firstly I'm happy at my Parish which is in the new form. The EF mass sounds interesting but it might be something I could take part in from time to time, but not at the moment. thanks for those who suggested it.
As for focusing on prayer prior to Mass begins and sitting closer to the altar, these are good ideas. I might get myself praying before Mass begins and sitting closer to th front could motivate me to concentrate more

the sorts of thoughts I get? Pretty random and not exactly about what I need to do after Mass. My mind just gets wondering and doesn't seem too interested

Pfaffenhoffen · #9 Feb 29, '12, 4:37 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissRose73

I admit I've had issues concentrating and paying attention too. I get to Mass at least 10 minutes early and read/pray from my missal. As a woman, I've noticed since I choose to cover my head, I seldom turn around or look around at others before and during Mass too.

And....?
Are you concentrated inside ?

MissRose73 · #10 Feb 29, '12, 5:00 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pfaffenhoffen

And....?
Are you concentrated inside ?

I find myself paying more attention to Mass, and not looking around if that is what you are wondering about....

Deo Gratias42 · #11 Feb 25, '12, 8:19 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoungTradCath

Go to EF Low Masses.

This only works if there are no screaming/crying children present. I have yet to experience one.

Splagchnizomai · #12 Feb 25, '12, 8:47 am

Practice concentrating when you are not at Mass.

MSSheBear · #13 Feb 25, '12, 2:21 pm

I have trouble concentrating anywhere including Mass. Here is what helps me: I sit up front in the first few rows if I can. This helps more than anything. I try to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to calm down and focus on the things of God. I constantly refocus my attention.

I still notice that my mind is wandering and thinking about the wrong things.

But that is life and it happens in my daily life too.

Leon Bloy · #14 Feb 27, '12, 11:08 am

Get a book with all the prayers and "think" them along with the priest as he prays them. It is OK for you to sort of mentally pray them, too - something encouraged in the "old days," also.

MissRose73 · #15 Feb 27, '12, 11:57 am

I find that following along in my missal keeps me from turning around constantly and getting distracted by others actions. Perhaps using a missal or missalette may help to follow along as others have suggested.