Roman Catholic Mass

Roman Catholic Mass questions and answers

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Q: What is there to expect at a Roman Catholic Mass?
I am wondering what there is to expect at a Roman Catholic Mass. What exactly is the Kyrie? Whatis the act of penintial rite? does everyone do it? Thanks! why is there such an emphasis on mary?

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. As you will see there is very little mention of Mary. 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://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/catholic_mass_full_text.htm With love in Christ.

Q: what are the 3 responses to Deo Gratias in a Roman catholic mass?


A: "Deo Gratias" is the response that the people give at the end of Mass, when the priest says "Ite Missa Est". It is also the response that the people give at the end of the non-Gospel readings (the old "Epistle") and since there are now two non-Gospel readings at Mass, the people respond "Deo Gratias" twice. And if you are using the Extraordinary Rite which still contains the "Last Gospel", the people respond "Deo Gratias" instead of "Laus Tibi Christi"

Q: Where can I find a parallel-text version of the Roman Catholic Mass, to download?
I have searched the Internet for the text of the Roman Catholic mass, in English and Latin, side by side, but cannot find it. It is easy to find this text in English OR Latin, but I want a parallel text version, with the English and Latin on the same pages. I would be grateful if somebody could help me with this.

A: Following is the Mass in English and Latin. It is the most common form of the Mass. http://home.att.net/~sergei592/novusordo.htm

Q: Can anyone differentiate a Roman Catholic and Methodist mass or service?
Does anyone know what the differences and similarities are between Roman Catholic mass service and a Methodist mass?

A: in the Rcc they believe that the Holy Eucharist is not symbolic but that Christ is fully with us. other than that there may be subte differences in regards to the prayers and style but - it's very similar. here's their website.... http://www.umc.org/site Just wanted to add - 1) there is no worshiping of Mary - especailly at mass. 2) the methodist church may not have a pope and thus vatican council but they have their bishops, eccuminical councils and various other leaders - they just call them a different name.

Q: What do you think of the minor changes in the English translation of the Roman Catholic Mass?
A look at some of the changes to the Mass approved by U.S. Catholic bishops Thursday (6/15/06). • The exchanges between priest and parishioners that now go "The Lord be with you" / "And also with you" would become "The Lord be with you" / "And with your spirit." • The Act of Penitence, in which parishioners now confess aloud that they have sinned "through my own fault" would include the lines "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." • In the Nicene Creed, the opening words "We believe" would become "I believe." • Early in the Eucharistic Prayer, "Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might" would become "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of hosts." • Before Communion, the prayer "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you" would become "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof." -- The Associated Press Full article at: http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/06/15/catholic.mass.ap/index.html Please indicate whether or not you are Roman Catholic.

A: The reason for the proposed changes was to bring the English vernacular translation of the Mass into conformity with the original Latin (as the document "Liturgiam authenticam" required to be done). They are good changes, because they correct a flawed English translation (not to mention a rather dull one). The changes restore a certain dignity in liturgical language and also make the English vernacular reflect more faithfully the original Latin text. One bishop commented that the changes were good because they will teach the faithful to "speak Bible". The original Latin text is filled with literal Biblical references which were simply and poorly "translated out" by the English translation (for example, the prayer of the centurion will now finally be restored: "Lord, I am not worthy that You enter under my roof..." instead of the actual "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you...".

Q: Does anyone know how i can look up a good traditional roman catholic mass in Germany?
Im looking for a traditional roman catholic church or chapel i can go to?.. i live near Kaiserslautern Germany and i need to find a church to go to! I am looking for a latin mass but i dont know if its possibly in a german city, ill even take a german said mass! If anyone knows how i can look anything up please email me back! Thank you soo much!

A: there are several catholic churchs in Kaiserslautern. Now. whether or not the mass is in latin or german, I can't help you with. Sorry. Check out my source and there is a list and a map. I know the site is in german. But, never fear. the babel fish site is a free translating site. you shouldn't have any problem finding a mass! Here are some german words you might need to know katholisch catholic Masse mass Kirche church Zeit time lateinisch latin hope this helps!!

Q: why does the Roman Catholic Requim Mass refer to a pagan oracle.?
Dies irae, dies illa,solvet saeculum in favilla teste David cum Sybilla. Day of wrath, that day. Man’s time dissolves in ashes as was foretold by the prophets, David and the Sybil. The only Sybil I have found that prophesized is the Sybil at Cuma.

A: For the first 280 years of Christian history, Christianity was banned by the Roman empire, and Christians were terribly persecuted. This changed after the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Constantine “legalized” Christianity at the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313. Later, in A.D. 325, Constantine called together the Council of Nicea, in an attempt to unify Christianity. Constantine envisioned Christianity as a religion that could unite the Roman Empire, which at that time was beginning to fragment and divide. While this may have seemed to be a positive development for the Christian church, the results were anything but positive. Just as Constantine refused to fully embrace the Christian faith, but continued many of his pagan beliefs and practices, so the Christian church that Constantine promoted was a mixture of true Christianity and Roman paganism.

Q: How can I be more comfortable when attending a Roman Catholic mass/service?
I'm baptised United Methodist but recently I've been finding that I don't get anything except boredom from a UMC service and that I find I feel more spiritually moved by a Catholic mass. The thing is, is that I was told by one person I couldn't recieve Holy Communion because I was Methodist but another person said my baptism was honoured so I COULD receive Communiun. BASICALLY, I feel really uncomfortable about all of the rules surrounding this whole Eucharist thing and I need someone to explain it in layman's terms before I tread on someone's toes unknowingly. This is a huuuge church (1000+) and I feel kind of shy approaching the priest...I wouldn't even know where to find him outside of the service when he's actually in front of everyone.

A: It is true that the Catholic Church recognizes your baptism. It is not true that this entitles you to receive the Eucharist. The best way to speak with a priest about such concerns is to call the rectory (where the priests live) during the week, and make an appointment to meet privately with one of the priests. That way he won't be rushed, and can give you his full attention, and he will be glad to answer all your questions.

Q: what are the differences between a catholic mass and an orthodox mass?
I know the orthodox mass is longer than roman catholic mass.. for me both churches are catholics.. but I have heard me as a roman catholic.. I can't take the communion with an orthodox church.. I don't know but I have read that from an orthodox point of view.

A: Orthodox Mass (technically, "Liturgy") is more ornate, but both follow the same format- reading of the Word, intercessions, consecration, etc. The word Mass comes from the Latin "Missa", which for obvious linguistic reasons, doesn't apply to Orthodox Liturgy, as Orthodox Liturgy is conducted in Greek. Mostly it is more ornate because the Greeks didn't go through the happy happy reduction of the Mass that we experienced in the West (vernacular, folk songs, etc.). A traditional (Tridentine) Catholic Mass is permitted and encouraged by Rome, and these are more ornate and you would see less disctinction between the two. You are right that you as a Catholic can not participate in Orthodox Communion, though both Communions are the same thing. This is because Orthodox broke from Rome in 1054, and although they still have Aposolic Succession, and a valid Eucharist, they are not under the Pope and for you to participate in their Eucharist would be a false action of unity. Although their Eucharist is valid (i.e., true, it actually happens) it is illicit, ie., not allowed. In certain dire circumstances you are permitted to participate as a Roman Catholic, if near death or in an area of the world where you cannot attend an R.C. Mass. This is rare in modern times, unless, you're in Istanbul, possibly, but even there I think there are R.C. churches.

Q: Roman Catholic Mass in German - Do you know a website?
I am looking for the text of the "Ordinary of the Mass" i.e. "Liturgy of the Word" and "Liturgy of the Eucharist" in German. (If you know appropriate sites, I am also interested in the text of the Mass in any of the other Germanic languages - Dutch/Flemish, Afrikaans, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, or Faroese.)

A: Although I do not speak or read German, I have been told that this German site has the text of the Mass (in German): http://members.aon.at/pfarre_rannersdorf/Eucharistiefeier/HEILIGE_MESSE_Anfang.html With love in Christ.

Q: Where can i find and print a copy of The readings for a Roman Catholic Mass in England?
The Mass will be held on Sunday 17 February and I am reading but would like a copy in advance. Any help would be appreciated.

A: This text is from the first web site. The second source is the web site of the Bishops of England and Wales. After searching it, I could find the readings listed, but not the text.

Q: Anglican service and Roman Catholic mass?
I used to study in an all girls Anglican school and during service we always sang fun, happy worship songs to which we clapped, danced, jumped along to, with electric guitars and drums as accompaniment. I've found the way of worship identical to that of some protestant services. (adult/youth) For example, the Methodists. Although, I studied in an Anglican school, I went to a Methodist church on Sundays and the youth/adult services were very lively with the electric guitars, drums and all. The youth especially in the Methodist church love to jump up and down as they sing praise to God during the energetic, rock songs. A common sight seen during Youth Service in some protestant churches. These bring me to my question. I read that Anglicanism came from Roman Catholicism and that the services are similar to mass. I think the word that describes it is liturgical. So, I was wondering if that is how the Anglicans worship, why was my Anglican school's form of worship the total opposite? Also, do Anglicans believe in intercession of Mary and the saints?

A: First, it is true that Anglicanism is an offshoot of Catholicism, and the two are very similar. Most Anglican services are nearly identical to the Catholic Mass. In fact as a Catholic attending an Anglican service in London, I had to listen very carefully to hear any difference. Most Anglican services, like most Catholic Masses, are pretty "traditional." They tend to have less pop culture influence, and you're unlikely to find drums and electric guitars. Both religions have exceptions, however, and apparently your school was one. Generally, when this happens, it's because there's a large, young population. There's nothing that says songs must be of a certain musical genre, and God can be worshipped as easily using electric guitars as using organs. Your school probably felt that using modern music would make you feel more in touch with your religion. It's important to remember, however, that what makes two services similar or different is not the type of music they employ. More important are the prayers, the creeds, the symbols, and the Eucharistic sacrifice. Also, Anglicanism (like Catholicism) says it's okay to pray to Mary and the saints so long as you remember that worship belongs to God alone.

Q: Are Roman Catholic Mass cards appropriate for deceased members of the Slovak Catholic Church?
I do not want to offend family members.

A: There are significant Russian-Orthodox and Uniate minorities in Slovakia, but the great majority of the population are "normal" Roman Catholics, just like Roman Catholics anywhere in the world. The Uniates are part of the Roman Catholic Church, but have their own Russian Orthodox-derived liturgy, art and traditions. I doubt anyone would be offended by getting the "wrong" mass cards, and if they are members of the majority (Latin rite) Catholic Church you have no reason to worry at all.

Q: Can someone please explain UK Roman Catholic Mass to me ?
dont bother giving me crap about different religions and how catholics are wrong ect please I am going to mass with a sick family friend who has no one else to take them and would like to know what will happen and if poss why ect thanks

A: Its not possible to explain a whole mass here. Just sit behind other people and do what they do. There should be a mass card available at the entrance to the church which will give you the order of service.

Q: Do you think the Roman Catholic mass should be said in Latin?


A: It's nice to attend a Latin Mass sometimes, but I personally feel that there's a good reason that Masses are held in the vernacular. Parishioners need to understand what's going on. Since most people aren't fluent in Latin, the Mass needs to be said in whatever language the locals understand best.