#AwkwardCatholicMoments

A few years ago, this list of “The Top 7 Awkward Catholic Moments” was floating around. While the things on this list are very true, here are a few additions that make it onto this list of #AwkwardCatholicMoments.

1. Saying the old translation of the Mass

“And also withhh….your spirit” Immediately after doing this you look around in a panic, scanning the people around you to see if anyone else noticed. Then you start defending yourself in your head, “I come to Mass every week, I promise. This was a one time thing!” Don’t worry though. You won’t mess up again because you’re DEFINITELY on your toes for the rest of mass.

2. Blanking out and messing up the Nicene Creed not just once, but multiple times

You’ve been saying this prayer at just about every Sunday mass, but you still stumble over the words. It’s especially annoying when you’ve been praying the rosary and switching back and forth from the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. This is just too much to handle.

3. Having sweaty hands during the Our Father and Sign of Peace

We have all had this experience, either as the offender or the victim. Throughout the entire mass, your hands are just fine…until right after the Amen is sung. Then it hits you. You try to dry off your hands as quickly as you can on your shirt or pants, but it just doesn’t help much.

4. During the final blessing when you don’t know when to say “Amen”

You know those final blessings the priest gives at the end of mass when the congregation is supposed to respond with “Amen” multiple times throughout? The priest doesn’t leave enough of a pause. Like lost sheep, you try your best to join the stammering statements of “A – A men. (Amen).”

5. Being in a different Christian church and searching for kneelers

Granted, this doesn’t happen in a Catholic church, but have you ever had this when you visited a different Christian church or chapel for a concert or some other event? You situate yourself in the pew and start adjusting to your surroundings. You feel that something is missing. Once you swing your foot out, you realize there aren’t any kneelers. Sitting still for a long time isn’t comfortable in pews, no matter where they are.

There are probably many other moments that could make it on this list. What are some of those? Share them with us by tweeting @steubystl or commenting below!

Written by Katie Reitano
Originally from Belleville, IL, Katie Reitano is a student studying theology and music at Saint Louis University. She is also an intern at the Office of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, and playing piano.