Beginner's Guide to the Catholic Mass 

I would like to encourage you girls out there to vail for church! Noves ordo/TLM! I find it helps me to focus on what is going on on the altar and not get distracted + by wearing a vail you might be encouraging others too as well!!! Don’t be scared to do it, just remember that it doesn’t matter what others think! God bless you all!!!

I loved your emphasis on genuflection for the purpose of reverence toward the Eucharist. This is very important for converts and reverts to hear. Growing up, I thought it was just a sign of respect on par with bowing the head during a prayer (I also believed the Eucharist was merely a symbol). Reverent gestures mean nothing without knowing the "why" behind them.

Attended my first TLM Mass last week. It was awesome 😀!

Im glad that some young people still care about their faith. Your videos give me hope that tradition will carry on.

i just came home from my first mass and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. since it was palm sunday it felt extra special. i was legit tearing up, it was amazing. my dad keeps making fun of me but it's fine, i hope i'll get baptized soon, please pray for me!

After my parents died, I was very rich but still very young, and very traumatised. I did not have the strength to get dressed properly, most of the time. I barely had the strength to keep breathing. But I made it back to Church, and God has been restoring my heart. Please don't be so judgemental of people. It's so much more dangerous and damaging than you could possibly imagine.

im 15 and my mom is protestant but ive convinced her to let me go and im going alone next week. im really scared of judgement and people being upset if i mess something up. i just really want to be catholic. i was baptized with the trinity so i am saved but still

Since im an altar sever i dont really have to worry what to wear...

Thank you for the emphasis. May God bless you always

Thank you for this!

Very nice job of explaining the Mass, and the whys of it all! Thank you so much! 🙏😇 Meline

Thanks so much!

Thank you so much. 🙏💜 So helpful. 🙏💖

Thanks for making this guide! Looking forward to the Byzantine Divine Liturgy guide. Blessings this Eastertide.

i’m going to my first mass tomorrow with my friend and i’m nervous but excited 🙌🏽

God bless you I hope that my little granddaughter will grow up as a beautiful soul as you .🙏🙏🙏

Great video! I always wondered what we were supposed to do during the Our Father!

This was a great video. You do such a great job at describing the Mass in its beauty while being aware of what others might be thinking about the Mass. i will add to what Amber said, if you don’t feel fully connected to either the TLM or Norvus Ordo, there is one more Form of the Mass you can go to which has a mix of the two. The Ordinariate.

Excellent summary ^_^ As an Irish Catholic this is utterly fascinating to watch an American talk about mass!!! Every Priest and mass is different, so the responsitories might be different I really want to hammer this home - NOBODY CARES IF YOU DONT KNOW THEM- if you're at mass, we love you!!! Also we only a fasted before our first Holy communion, not every time we recieved the eucharist. I was also an alter server as a child, and as a girl!

AWESOME !🙏🙋‍♂️

There is a difference between respectful clothes and dressy clothes. T-shirts and jeans can be respectful. Cultural norms also make a difference since I grew up in the Pacific and there are areas where t-shirts and shorts are normal due to the heat and humidity. Veils are a throwback to an old tradition that is not required under Canon law any longer, but you are right in those who want to wear them are welcome to do so. No faults for those who opt not to wear them either.

Great video!

I am at the beginning of my Catholic journey and am very much enjoying your videos.

Hey there Hippie / Love your videos. I am a convert and received my sacraments this past Easter. Being a candidate, my Journey through RCIA was so wonderful. There was a few you tubers that helped me through my journey and you were one of them. Cris Alar, a priest with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was my favorite. I learned so much from him. I’m sorry but Fr. Mike Schmitz annoys me! Lol

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Last Sunday I went to mass for the first time in 20 years and I wasn't sure whether I should join the communion line or not. Now I know to cross my arms and receive the blessing.

Dang I can't wear my muscle shirt to Mass.... That one got me! Great video Amber! Keep up the good work

Your videos are so helpful. Our holy water fonts have been emptied since Covid-19. I’m not sure if they will refill them. I have a holy water bottle that I keep refilled. Can you do a video on blessing your home. Thanks.

A couple weeks ago, me and my mom went to a mass and when it came time for communion, I just went up because I thought that everyone went, and I went up and the lady said something and I just smiled because I didn’t know what to say, and she gave me the Eucharist and laughed. Now I’m so scared and feel guilty that I took it. 😥

Thanks for this guide. I haven't finished this yet as I am typing, but I am thankful for the time you took to make this. I haven't been to church in a long time, I guess because I just lost interest and didn't think it was important. Plus my parents weren't very active catholics or Christians (not that I'm blaming them only, I'm responsible as well). I am looking to get back into it and I'm just kind of lost. Thank you for the TLM finder. It turns out there's a tlm church near me, even if it's more of a drive than I'd like it to be.

Ambrose - Amber Rose. That’s really cool!

I think this immodesty problem isn't that big of a problem in Europe for example. I never saw someone wear immodest clothes to church.

I go to church daily to greet some fellow brothers that go to my Church, hope you feel well.

This was so helpful, even as a cradle Catholic! I think that it is always helpful to hear information that I technically know but don't actively think about. Also, this is a little off topic but I love the way you say "leggings" 😂

Super awesome video. A couple things I do at mass is nod/bow at every time Jesus’ name is said, and I also don’t genuflect when the tabernacle is empty…which signifies the beginning of Jesus’ passion and death. Jeff Cavins book “The biblical walkthrough the mass” is super awesome with understanding meaning of all parts of the mass. Super good!!!!

Ty!

You awesome today

Yep, there’s a difference between when mass starts and when you should be there. People think the mass revolves their schedule.

Thank You very much for the page to print responses. Bing wasn't showing that one with the new order.

Hey Amber or chat. I was a Protestant as a child and young boy. I lost my faith. I had a pull or calling to the Catholic Church for whatever reason as a 46 year old. I’ve attended several masses. I do like everything about it so far. It’s really exactly what I was searching for. But I’m having a hard time with other parish member’s. No one really reaches out to you and introduces themselves. I guess I’m guilty of that as well. So I have a difficult time with that. It’s quite different from the churches I attended as a child. All the member’s seem a lot older than me as well. But I look forward to it every week. I enjoy it. I’m currently attending vigil mass on Saturday afternoons, maybe that makes a difference in the crowds. I will also be starting OCIA classes in a few months. Any advice on reaching out. I’m a bit nervous to do anything as a a beginner.

Religious Hippie La Dueña de mi corazón ♥️. I 💗 TLM St. Joseph intercede for us. 🙏

@18:02... important distinction.. we are not "blessing ourselves"..we are asking Christ to bless us in His triune name. Anytime we make the sign of the cross. --With humility and appreciation💕🙏

This is one of the best videos I've seen on Mass. Thanks for making it! I may have missed it, but did you mention the Sign of Peace, where everyone shakes hands and/or greets each other by saying "peace"? Is that done in latin Mass?

Can't believe I got a link to an ad by the Jesuit Magazine (America Magazine) on this video

I'm not Catholic as of yet, but I am learning. I've been learning about the rosery prayer but I'm stuck on what to for the mysteries. I'm not sure if we're supposed to meditate on what's going on in real life depending on what the mysteries are for that day, or if we're supposed to pray on those mysteries being solved for others if that makes any sense. If you could make a video that talks about that, that would be super helpful, because I am so very stuck on that part of the rosary prayer.

During the liturgy, at any rate, when the Trinity is named, when Jesus is named, or when the Virgin Mary or the saint of the day are named, a bow of the head is the recommended liturgical gesture. GIRM 275. A bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them.

11:10 The songs inbetween is always from the Holy Scripture, in most cases a psalm (but not necessarily).

I go to a Novus order and a lot women veil.

As a new convert or returning Catholic, buy yourself a Daily Missal.

There is four places (if you include the Oratory established that is connected to the parish) within driving distance that Latin Mass and there is a Maronite parish within driving distance. I am awkward in that I am dependent on a part of the bus line for people with disabilities where you arrange rides for everything. Sometimes, when I say the Mass is at 8am, they say “we have a 7:35-8:05 pickup.” At that point, I’m like “do you have anything for the 11am Mass time?”

Hi. I admire you trying to reach out to other young Catholics that are closer to your generation, but I'm glad that you set a bar for those who can afford nice outfits as opposed to those who are in poverty. As you rightly said... There are people who attend mass who are on social assistance, living in poverty, and the outfits that they own may not be up to the standards of certain Catholics. We have to remember that the poor and the destitute were close to Jesus' heart. Jesus looks beyond whether someone is wearing a nice, snazzy outfit, especially if the person lives in poverty, and looks into a person's heart. We cannot judge, so certain Catholics need to be careful not to criticize someone who attends mass in clothes that don't meet their standards.

I didn't had a chance go to a traditional latin mass at my country but still I abide with strict liturgical reverence

I usually wear a suit to mass. You should always present yourself well because we're going there to worship the Lord.

After a very long break from the Catholic Church, I'm back. I have know Idea what I'm doing and your video is very helpful. Going to confession this Saturday and very nervous. In your video you mention a PDF of the Beginner's Guide to the Catholic Mass. Is it possible to get a copy. This Sunday will be my third mass. Thank you for all that you do.

Great subject and very important points.. about the veil if someone asks why, it is because God gave us ladies a beautiful hair to be our crown, so when we go to church we hide our crown with the veil to show Jesus crown inside the church.. Amen

Great Video! Does your priest recite the St. Micheal prayer at the end of mass? Few priests ever do this anymore and it is one of many reasons why our culture is in a state of decline. If I'm at mass and this prayer is not done, I will pull out my Rosary and recite it out loud during the time the procession is exiting.

Do you have a video on WHY all these NO's on what to wear?

To understand about mass in Catholic. There are general instruction roman missal (GIRM). Some Catholics still follow the traditional Latin mass where people now down on the name of Jesus and Mother Mary. The wearing of veil is clearly allowed at Girm.The veil is meant to be an external sign of a woman's interior desire to humble herself before God, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. As women, we are symbols of the Church - the Bride of Christ - and "the veil is meant to be a visible reminder of the perfect submission of the Church to the loving rule of Christ."For 2000 years, Catholic women have worn some kind of head covering in Church. Though the particular reasons for doing so have varied (for example, modesty in the time of St. Paul), this practice has always focused on the transcendence of the place - the church, the very dwelling of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Having been given this magnificent Gift by Jesus himself, every Catholic church holds something not found anywhere else: the true, living presence of our Bridegroom, hidden under the appearance of bread and wine. "The veil is a visual sermon, ... a public proclamation before the Lord that He IS the Lord and that we love Him and that we are ready to obey him. It's a totally counter-cultural statement proclaiming obedience in the midst of a culture that is totally permeated with this attitude of 'I will not serve.'" The veil is a sign of the great dignity inherent to a woman, who has the potential to receive life within herself... both human life and the supernatural life of God. This is an important message the world needs to hear, now more than ever!

I'm TLM and prefer to attend FSSP Mass, but because I'm in Chicago I go to St. John Cantius. They're truly extraordinary, the pun and glory intended. I wear khakis, a navy blazer, a necktie, and a British regimental necktie. The ladies wear modest dresses and chapel veils or mantillas. My first parish was a tiny place in a bad neighborhood in Vegas, but despite the 120 degree heat, everyone was just as formal. In fact, it was obvious that many of the men carried side-arms. No matter where I have enjoyed the Latin Mass, there was the joyous sound of babies crying to let us all know we are in a living church! Contrast that with an English vulgate mass near my AirBNB in Manila. Locals briefed me in advance to wear a simple white all-weather polo shirt. I was over dressed. On a random Sunday night during the beginning of the rainy season, most people were wearing old logo t-shirts and shorts or old jeans. This reflects only on their poverty, not their piety. I would regularly see teenagers and young adults in groups of two or three joining me in worshipping our Lord. In America, teenagers are taken to the mass by their family. In a predominately Catholic country, they attend voluntarily. I was honored to be among my faithful brothers and sisters, despite being embarrassed by my wealth. As soon as I can work remotely on contract and live in that majority Catholic society, where divorce and abortion are both illegal, I will.

im going to my first actual catholic mass today and i'm super exicted !!! my dad doesn't know i belive in God so i think he thinks i'm going to see the arcitecture and i'm scared what he'll say if he finds out :(( very informative video !

I'm going to my first Catholic Mass this Sunday. After not going to church for a while, I've been going to a different church for the past year and a half. And yes, the dress I see is appalling. I started only wearing dresses to church four months ago and sometimes feel overdressed when I shouldn't. At some point, I heard a voice tell me I needed to dress for God, not others, so I sewed skirts I could wear in and out of the church since I didn't have money to buy them. That's how I got around being poor but needing a more respectable wardrobe.

Dear Amber-Rose, Have you ever considered doing a video on Confraternities? Happy Easter Vigil! Pax, Chris

Are all the Mass proceedings Universal, as in, in all countries? Or they differ depending on the country or area?

Okay, if you have never been to mass before would you suggest to do the holy water when entering w/sign of the cross and the genuflect out of respect or is it something you can skip because it’s your first time? Which is more disrespectful?

I would also suggest that you make videos braking down portions of the mass. For example, one video tha that details WHY you should dress in a respectful manner. One that details WHY and how we know the Eucharist is the true body and blood of Christ, etc. Your youth puts you in a unique situation to reach out to young people in a very special way.

Hi. Quick question: if the tabernacle is not anywhere near the altar (i.e. it's in a hallway somewhere around the corner near the back), do we still genuflect entering/leaving the pew?? Again, already said hi to Jesus when walking in, now at the pew and Eucharistic Jesus is nowhere in sight, do I genuflect? I hope I make sense haha :)

Although the bread that becomes the Body of Christ is unleavened in the West, it doesn’t have to be unleavened and is leavened in some Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox circles. Also, the 1983 Code of Canon Law allows for receiving on the hand and it was the normal way when St. Cyril of Jerusalem was alive.

Also, once you have received Jesus during communion, be quiet. Spend that time with him. Don't speak, kneel, and there should be silence. Jesus is present in your body, for I think 15 minutes.

is it ok for non-catholics/people who haven't been baptized to make the sign of the cross using holy water? ty for your video

Could you kindly drop your other social media handles. I love your work. Well done.

❤✝️🙏✝️❤

I attended my first mass last month and will be starting my rcia in the fall. Is it disrespectful to wear a long jean skirt to mass? I thought it was okay but now I’m starting to feel it is very informal. Thank you for your time.

So, I looked up men’s dress shoes on Zappos, and it appears that men’s dress shoes in my size go anywhere from $39.99-$529. That seems good and also Zappos also allows you to take four monthly payments if you don’t have the money upfront. I work part time in a warehouse for a nonprofit and am on disability for bipolar disorder, but I would like to get off disability, so I am returning to community college for an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies. Regardless of what I do, I hear that the RAMP bus is based off my health condition and not if I have a part time or full time job. The RAMP allows me to schedule rides to most places in Northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati from my condo for $5 per round trip.

I brought a rosary online feel embarrassed asking but could i get it blessed properly by a priest, would they be ok with that.

You can also offer your intentions during the consecration of the bread and the wine into Our Lords body and blood. That is when I present my intentions to God. Then at the end of the consecration the priest says pray brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours maybe acceptable to God the almighty father. Or at the start of the mass I'll say silently to myself Lord I offer this mass to thee for...insert intentions here...

Hey, what happened your tt? Your content was always entertaining and inspiring 🤷‍♂️

Finally, THANK YOU! For sharing some wisdom in why some people should NOT present themselves for communion. Our Holy Father could learn a lot from you.

Where is the pdf

i know im late to this video but where would I be able to get cute clothes for church? i feel like nothing I find is comfortable and nice

Why the NO would be "not reverent"? It's just a more simplified rite and the local vernacular is used instead of Latin, the chants are not only gregorian... but this doesn't detract from the reverence due to the Word of God and to the Eucharist.

So I know you prefer the extraordinary form, which is totally fine for personal preference, but I think it must be made clear to those who don’t know much about Catholic mass that the Catholic Church has placed her focus and attention on the Novus Ordo as the official form of the Latin rite going forward. So obviously if you have a strong preference for the extraordinary form that is fine, but as far as the mind of the church goes Pope Francis has made it very clear that the Novus Ordo is what will receive more emphasis and support going forward.

Thank you for these videos, I am half Catholic half Anglican, I am what they call an Anglo-Catholic, I am aloud to receive the Eucharist from both the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church, and I agree 100% about those people who come to church with food and drinks continuously, it is disrespectful, I sit beside the priest every mass and we can see all of those people chomping on food, and mass only goes for an hour, why can’t they wait, in our parish we even have morning tea afterwards, so I don’t see why they need to eat, drink Soda or chew gum in the middle of mass. I do agree those people who haven’t been to confection in a while and they have a guilty conscience, should not receive holy communion. My roll in my parish is a Lay Minister and my title is the Preacher, but because our parish no longer has a Deacon, The Bishop of our diocese has aloud me to be used as a alternative sub Deacon, so I am still a Lay Minister but if and when they need a sub Deacon or Deacon I am often used as an alternative. I love the reverence given during the holy Communion, I often assist the priest in holy communion, when the priest is giving out the body of Christ, I am given the chalice and I give out the blood of Christ to all those that receive communion, it is so beautiful to see the change in people, once they receive communion, it’s like Jesus has sprung life inside of them. Anyway enough about me and my church, I love your videos, they are amazing, I think that God has great plans for you, keep up the good work, god bless

A word about what to wear. Some of us can barely afford to put food on the table and cannot “dress up” for mass, I’m not saying wear revealing clothing etc but maybe some people only have the clothes on their back, if you know what I’m saying. Go with a clean heart and clean clothes, as we say in my family. Because of a medical problem I can only wear stretch clothes and since I’m on disability there is zero money left over each month for anything after rent, medicine, utilities, gas and food. I cannot and do not dress up and many people are wrongly judgmental. Thank you for your video

Saves in the highest? Rescues in the highest? What does that mean???

Honestly, we have no right to judge what anyone is wearing. We have no idea what it took for them to get there. Let's be happy they're there.

TLM is almost non existent in Central Florida.

Hi your so cute and lovely thank you for this video stay safe always 💕

Wow, I’ve never seen booty shorts or talk tops at Novus Ordo. Once in my church I saw some pretty ridiculous casual sweats, but never anything nuts.

Let's just be happy to see people at Mass and leave the judging to Jesus. He'd rather see us there than not. The Bible says man looks at the outward appearance and God looks at the heart. I agree, respect is important, but Catholics need to get better at welcoming non-Catholics and making non-Catholics feel at home. God will work on their hearts. It's good to have the information, but PLEASE no side-eye people, ESPECIALLY AT MASS!!!

????

Generally I agree with dressing nice to mass. However, I don’t see what’s inherently disrespectful about a tank top or gym shoes.

Oh, please! Jeans have all the dignity of other kinds of clothes, and so do sneakers and graphic t-shirts. I understand that clothes have to be modest and well kept (no tank top, no shorts, no miniskirts, no baggy, soiled or worn out clothes), but they don't need to be "dressy": jeans and t-shirt with sneakers are perfectly acceptable, assuming that they are clean and not worn out. Our dignity goes beyond clothes and our love for God is not shown with fancy dresses.

You probably look nice dressed when you go to mass. A nice dress or slacks and your dress shoes.