How to Attend Midnight Mass

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

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The Midnight Mass, held at the stroke of midnight as Christmas Eve ticks into Christmas Day, has its origins in the belief that Christ was born at exactly that hour.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Call ahead to find out what time the service starts. Some services begin earlier than midnight and continue through the midnight hour.
Step2
Arrive early. People generally begin arriving at least an hour early, and the chapel may be filled before the service begins.
Step3
Dress appropriately. Wearing old jeans or other very casual clothes is not appropriate.
Step4
Open your heart to the spirit and symbolism of Christmas portrayed in the Mass. There will usually be lots of sacred music, Christmas decorations, candles, scripture readings and perhaps a crèche.
Step5
Take communion only if you are qualified to do so; discuss this beforehand with a local priest if you have questions about your status. If you are not going to take communion, sit quietly while others do. It is considered rude to leave during this part of the service.

Tips & Warnings

  • Non-Catholics are welcome to attend the Mass. Simply follow the lead of the priest or others around you if you're not sure what to do.
  • If you are asked to "give each other the sign of peace," shake the hand of a stranger and give a quick kiss or hug to a family member.
  • If you are given a candle when you arrive, you may be asked to light it at a special time during the service.

Comments

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on 7/26/2006 It is not necessary that you kneel if this is not the custom of your own church. Be aware that the person kneeling behind you will rest his/her hands on the back of your seat. It is therefore polite to move forward in your seat so that the other person has room (and does not wind up breathing down your neck). Catholics stand frequently. It is not necessary that you do so with one exception. You should, if you are able, stand while the Gospel is read. Sitting during this time may be considered offensive.

Anonymous

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on 1/5/2006 At the beginning and end of a prayer Catholics say/do this little thing:
In the name of the father (touch forehead), the son (touch stomach), and the holy (touch left shoulder) spirit (touch right shoulder), Amen.
Use your right hand.

Anonymous

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on 1/4/2006 Often, The Lord's Prayer is sung, especially at the more formal Masses.
If it is recited during Mass we stop right after "Deliver us from evil" and the priest does a short prayer and then we all say in unison "for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory etc"
Occasionally we will hear an isolated voice say "For thine....." and then they stop, embarrassed. No need to be embarrassed, we are glad to have you.

Anonymous

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on 11/22/2005 Non-Catholics may receive a blessing at Communion time in many churches. To do so, proceed to the front of the line with other members but cross your arms over your chest when approaching the priest. Guidelines for receiving the Eucharist are usually in missals found in the pews.

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eHow Article:  How to Attend Midnight Mass

eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

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