Why are bells rung during the Mass?
The ringing of sanctus bells announces to the congregation the Real Presence of Christ in the Sacraments of the Altar.
May I participate in the Mass ?
All are welcome to join us in worshiping God though the Liturgy of the Mass. While Holy Communion may only be received by baptized Christians who recognize the Presence of Christ in the Sacrament, our non-baptized guests are welcome to join us in adoring Almighty God. Please join us in the parish hall after the Mass for coffee and fellowship!
Why is the building decorated with portraits and other paintings? Are they idols?
Those paintings are called “icons”, a Greek word which means “images.” Icons are depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, other Saints, and scenes from the Bible and Church history presented in a stylized fashion. In ancient times when literacy was low, icons could be used as substitutes for the written word. This is because icons represent a form of symbolic language. Iconographers, people who make icons, even describe the process as the “writing” of icons rather than painting.
Icons are not idols. God does not tolerate the creation or worship of idols (Exodus 20:4-5); nevertheless, God ordered images of angels to be created for use in the Tabernacle and Temple (Exodus 25-26 and 1 Kings 6). The language of icons is not meant merely to display an image of a person, but to convey deep spiritual truths.
Why do you continually touching your heads, chests, and shoulders?
This is the Sign of the Cross. It is made with the right hand touched to the head, chest, left and then right shoulders. Most often we make the Sign of the Cross when we prayerfully mention the name of Lord — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — or when the priest turns to bless the people.
Why do you burn candles?
Candles are used to symbolize Christ as “the Light of the World”. In particular, the candle beside the Tabernacle, in which the reserve Sacrament is stored, is intended to indicate the Presence of Christ.
Why do the clergy and altar servers wear such unusual clothing?
These garments are called vestments. Rooted in ancient worship found in the Old Testament (see Exodus 28-29), these articles manifests God’s grace given to those who hold priestly office or serve at the altar to perform their duties.
Why do we stand, kneel, or sit at different times throughout the liturgy?
We believe in worshiping God with our whole beings. Therefore, we assume these varied postures as the circumstances require. We stand, for instance, at the reading of the Gospel, the recitation of the Nicene Creed, and at other times. We kneel during the general confession and during the consecration of the bread and wine during Holy Communion. We sit during the homily (sermon) and the Old and New Testament readings.
What is metal container from which smoke is coming out?
The container is called a censer. Inside of the censer, incense is burned during the Mass. The priest swings the censer during the service — sometimes toward the Gospels, sometimes toward the people — to direct smoke heavenward with the prayers of the Church.
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