Catholic Church services in Poland

Are the Catholic masses in Poland structured like the ones in America?

I've only observed Catholic masses in two countries: America and the Philippines. In the Philippines, people greet each other during the peace greeting portion by looking at each other and bowing their heads. In the US, people greet each other by shaking their hands.

Also, when I go for communion I normally say "amen" after receiving the bread. Is there a Polish word for this?

Another thing, when the "Our Father" part comes, all parishioners hold hands. In the Philippines, I remember people just sticking their hands out as if they were receiving the Holy Spirit. I wonder what parishioners do in Poland.

Lastly, what times during Sunday are mass services shorter than usual? If I had the chance here in the US, I would go as early as possible to avoid extra songs normally injected during midday services.

Thanks!

basically yes


used to be the same in Poland in most places. Now, there may be exceptions as Polish people love to imitate Americans


Amen it is. I believe it is from Latin or Greek or Hebrew (who knows at this point) and pretty much the same in most languages


In Poland they don't do any of that. But see the first comment.


shame on you ;)), but the following is true

If you are going to a Polish mass, just follow what people do. We tend to kneel more than Americans (on the good note), but tend to push our way trough to receive the Communion (on the bad note, as though there was not enough for everyone).

And be prepared to pray in Polish ;))

Thanks! If I don't learn any prayers in Polish any time soon, I'll just do what I do here. I'll just move my mouth without saying anything. It works every time. :)

basically the same structure
that should be the essence of the mass....it should be the same in any church around the world



what I have learned is that raising up your hands high up should be done only by the priests, these is an act of collecting the prayers of the people and offering it to God...what the congregation can do was to lift his hand in an offertory gesture(symbolizing offering of prayers)...as for the parishioners holding hands, i can see more Filipinos doing this practice (until the SARS scare), to symbolize a one family with One God the Father