I went to Mass today.
Background: I was saved in college and taught Sunday School at a Presbyterian church. I also became a member of a Presbyterian church, where I went on a mission trip to Peru, etc. I then moved and decided to try my husband's church, North Point Ministries, which is non-denominational. I led small groups for women there. My sister recently started attending a Catholic church. She has children in a private Catholic school, and I was curious.
With Candace recommending Mass,
My sister recommended Mass,
Than Charlie shared that he enjoyed it—
I felt called to try it myself.
Which brings me to today:
I showed up ten minutes early. I wanted to say hello and see if someone would show me the ropes. There wasn’t a single first-timer's pamphlet or table. Not even a greeter.
Then I sat down, and there was nothing but the hymns and Bible. No one said hi or came up to me.
It began, and I tried to follow along by watching what others were doing. Then the communion line started. I’ve taken communion once a month for many years at my Presbyterian church. I told the person next to me that it was my first time when the pew was all standing to get in line. She just said, “Cross your arms.” Okay... then I got up there and thought "Cross my arms... and then what?"
I got up to the person distributing the bread and was honest: “This is my first time here and I’m not sure what I should be doing.” All he said was, “You should learn the ways of the Catholic Church.”
There was a line, but it took every fiber of my Holy Spirit not to say, “HELLO, THAT’S WHY I’M HERE AND ASKING.” He should have said:" Communion is for people who know their sacraments. Just take it this time or give it here. Welcome and you'll get the hang of it"
Anyway he saw my shocked by his response: he just said, “Eat it,” annoyed. I went back to my seat completely mortified. Honestly, I’ve never felt so unloved, unaccepted, and farthest away from anything that was happening at a church. I then left.
I called my sister later and asked, “Are there supposed to be greeters?” She said no—"Mass is more of a personal, self-led thing. You should watch a YouTube video of Mass before going.”
Wait... what? What did people do before YouTube? And what if the video is from a seasoned Catholic?
Please do not just say, “Go to Mass.” Please tell people what to expect and how it goes. I am a Christian and have a relationship with Jesus, so my faith was not on the line. However, what if it’s someone new to faith came and that was their experience?
Golly... I am going to try another one some day. However, is that normal?
