Midnight mass in a French church

5 replies

mamhaf · 04/10/2004 13:37

We're going ski-ing in France over Christmas and I'd like to go to follow our usual practice and attend church. We are Anglicans so familiar with the communion service here - but I would think it would be in a Roman Catholic church in France which is a bit daunting...also I speak a little French, but nowhere near fluently. So, could anyone give advice about what we could expect, probably at midnight mass? (I've never been to a Roman Catholic service) Would we be welcome to take communion? (DD1 is being confirmed in our own church next month). Merci beaucoup!

OP posts:

Ameriscot2004 · 04/10/2004 13:52

The Roman Catholic mass in English is similar to a Book of Common Prayer Eucharist (The RCC adopted the C of E's liturgy).

The RCC does not allow non-RCers to take communion, but they will give you a blessing.

Mum2girls · 04/10/2004 14:01

Don't know about France, but in RC churches in the UK, you're given a small booklet so you can follow the service.

The 2 main differences with RC services is that the congregation participates in so much as there are certain verbal responses at different times during the mass, and you are required to kneel, sit and stand at different stages in the mass. Certainly in the UK, no-one would notice or care though if you didn't respond.

Tommy · 04/10/2004 21:25

Probably wouldn't get a booklet in France unless you were very lucky and turned up to a very switched on parish. The service would be the same in any RC church around the world so if you can get hold of a Missal you should be able to see what to expect. Very similar to a high CofE communion service. Whereabouts are you going?

Original poster

mamhaf · 05/10/2004 13:34

Hi Tommy - we're going to La Plagne in the French Alps - have you been there? It'll be our first visit

OP posts:

Ameriscot2004 · 05/10/2004 20:09

We went to La Plagne 12 years ago. It's a very good ski area - lots of high areas and plenty of snow machines, and a good variety of runs. There are lots of bars up in the mountains too.

We stayed in the village of Montchavin, which is at 1000m, so rarely with good pistes - but very well served by the lift system. We were in a chalet with a creche & nanny, as well as the chalet girl.

Flip