I attended Mass for the very first time today

Zenkai · #1 Aug 11, '12, 4:55 pm

I attended my first Mass at the first parish in America, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine: http://www.thefirstparish.org/. I had a great time, though I messed up a couple things: I started late on the sign of the Cross and only got the Holy Spirit part on the shoulders. Also, when they kneeled the first time, I wasn't really sure what was going on, so I didn't kneel because I thought it would be odd to kneel after every one else already had. But I did kneel the second time. I probably looked a bit awkward lol. Anyways, I was wondering if it was a sin that I messed up the sign of the Cross or if it was a sin that I didn't kneel the first time.

I really enjoyed my first Mass and I look forward to attending again.

God bless

exoflare · #2 Aug 11, '12, 6:01 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenkai

Anyways, I was wondering if it was a sin that I messed up the sign of the Cross or if it was a sin that I didn't kneel the first time.

nope

maltmom · #3 Aug 11, '12, 6:12 pm

Not a sin.

Welcome Home! You have a lot to learn. Don't be hard on yourself.

twopekinguys · #4 Aug 11, '12, 6:15 pm

I always tell the people in our RCIA class they are going to be a half a beat behind for a while, and not to worry about it.

You didn't sin, Congratulations on your first of what we hope will be many Masses to come.

Welcome home!!

Linusthe2nd · #5 Aug 11, '12, 6:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenkai

I attended my first Mass at the first parish in America, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine: http://www.thefirstparish.org/. I had a great time, though I messed up a couple things: I started late on the sign of the Cross and only got the Holy Spirit part on the shoulders. Also, when they kneeled the first time, I wasn't really sure what was going on, so I didn't kneel because I thought it would be odd to kneel after every one else already had. But I did kneel the second time. I probably looked a bit awkward lol. Anyways, I was wondering if it was a sin that I messed up the sign of the Cross or if it was a sin that I didn't kneel the first time.

I really enjoyed my first Mass and I look forward to attending again.

God bless

All will become familiar in a few months. Keep up your resolve. You can read the Catechism on line if you don't have one. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

DeniseNY · #6 Aug 11, '12, 6:18 pm

A few missteps are fine! I'm Byzantine, but attend a Roman mass during the week,and sometimes I have to stop and think "right to left"? "left to right'?

rosemarky · #7 Aug 11, '12, 6:19 pm

Congratulations, hope it was a good experience for you. That is a beautiful and historical church.

In the front of the missalettes there is usually a guide for how the service works, and watching helps. If your not sure, just ask, you'll find lots of people that are willing to help out.
God bless and happy learning, hopefully in a year or so we can say welcome to the family.

acacia12 · #8 Aug 11, '12, 6:37 pm

Nope, not a sin. I too am still learning. I've just recently returned to the church. I still say bits of the Mass that I was taught in the 1970's & 1980's. I have to keep correcting myself. But in time it will be fine I'm sure.
Here's a big WELCOME HOME and to the FAMILY! from me.

Zenkai · #9 Aug 11, '12, 6:37 pm

Thanks everyone

TheOne33 · #10 Aug 11, '12, 7:20 pm

Congrats. It's really heartwarming to know that the Lord is working through all of us.

pgnat1 · #11 Aug 11, '12, 7:22 pm

Wow! I was just at St. Augustine's a week ago!!! Small world!!! And congratulations!

St Francis · #12 Aug 11, '12, 7:39 pm

Zenkai, how wonderful that you were able to attend Mass, and what a wonderful place to do so! Our nation's first parish!

We all make mistakes at times during Mass, so don't worry about it at all. It will not take much time at all before it becomes second nature to you! And then you will probably visit another parish where they do things differently...

I hope you continue to enjoy and grow in the Church!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeniseNY

A few missteps are fine! I'm Byzantine, but attend a Roman mass during the week,and sometimes I have to stop and think "right to left"? "left to right'?

I love the Divine Liturgy, and would have changed rites if we hadn't moved too far away from a Byzantine church to do so, but I always make the Sign of the Cross right to left, just as a little reminder. The only person who has ever noticed in over 15 years is a man who converted from Orthodoxy. So if you want to not worry about it, I don't think it would be a problem!

GwynB · #13 Aug 11, '12, 8:09 pm

Welcome!

I just had to laugh out loud when I read your post, remembering my fiance's same reaction to his first mass that he attended a few months ago. I remembered how nervous he was and when he started to sit instead of kneel, he just knew everyone was looking at him. I teased him and told him not to worry, that there's a learning curve, and he isn't going straight to Hell because of a few little mistakes his first visit.

He is starting RCIA very soon.

George Stegmeir · #14 Aug 11, '12, 8:09 pm

Zenkai, Welcome! Just a suggestion for the next time you attend Mass.
If you will look at the back of the pew in front of you, you will see a rack with books in it. One of these will be a missal containing all of the prayers in the Mass as well as the Gospel and Epistle readings for the day of the Mass. In addition, if you look at the top left hand side of each prayer section, you will see a notation to kneel, sit, or stand.
This will allow you to not only follow all of the prayers with the rest of the congregation, but also when to stand, etc.
Try to get to church a little early, then you will be able to review the missal.

ABEACHGIRL · #15 Aug 11, '12, 8:20 pm

Making mistakes is not a sin! Neither is not knowing what to do! You did not do anything wrong. I hope you continue attending Mass and receive God's guidance in doing so. In November the words of parts of the Mass were changed and I think everyone is still making mistakes with them. We are not sinning because the intent is not to do wrong. We are simply making mistakes and learning, just as you are. Best wishes on your journey!