Catholic Church Observation

I chose to attend Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on November 13. We live in New Braunfels, and our religious options are very limited; we have Catholic churches and various types of Protestant churches. I have always been interested in what happens at a Catholic church; when you have never been to one it can seem interesting and very different. Sts. Peter and Paul is no exception; form the outside alone, I have always considered it one of our most beautiful churches. Sts. Peter and Paul Church is one of the first Catholic churches in Central Texas. It was first established in 1849, but the actual chapel was not built until 1871. The church is built out of white bricks, and has a steeple that is so high it can be seen from most parts …show more content…
Amen.”. The Priest then talks about how we need to be faithful to Christ and ask him for mercy. He tells us “God ruled the world with justice. Lord have mercy.”, and the congregation repeats “lord have mercy.” Next, he asks for Christ’s wisdom and strength, then says “Christ have mercy.”, and the people repeat “Christ have mercy. He then asks God to forgive our sins and grant everlasting life, followed by “Amen”. The people then recite a statement that says, God is our only God; only he can take away our sins, and then they ask for forgiveness. Then, the altar girl holds up an open Bible while the Priest says a …show more content…
A girl, that was about 10, came to the podium off to the side and said “A reading from The Book of Malachi”. It talked about how Judgement Day was coming, and that “evildoers” will pay for their sins. It also said there would be “healing rays” for those who believe. She ended this with “the word of the Lord.”, and the people replied “Thanks be to God.” Between the readings, another girl came up and sang the Psalms. The young girl returned for the second reading, The Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. The letter explained how the Thessalonians should work and behave. She then says “The word of the Lord.”; the people reply “Thanks be to God.”, and then she puts her Bible away. The last reading is done by the Deacon. The altar boy and girl stand next to him, holding the candles they carried in at the beginning of the service. He says the reading is from The Book of Luke, and it talks about the signs and struggles that will happen before Judgement Day. When he is done, he makes the sign of the cross and holds up the Bible; he then kisses it, and places it in front of the podium where the people can