Field Observation Paper
             For my field observation, I attended a Catholic mass and Pentecostal service, both in my hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
             The first service I attended was the Catholic mass. The mass started at 10:30 a.m. with a Christmas hymn, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The priest was wearing a white robe with a purple sash. The colors of the priest's clothing are very symbolic in the Catholic religion, and white stands for purity and peace. The priest's sashes stand for such virtues as resurrection, death, and celebration. The priest was followed by three altar boys who assisted the priest in the mass up on the altar. The first altar boy was carrying a large cross with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on it. The crucifixion is a key symbol of Jesus' crucifixion at Pontius Pilate. It is represented world wide as a symbol of Jesus dying for mans' sins. The other altar boys were carrying candles. The altar boys wore simple white robes with purple belts, signifying the advent season. Advent prepares for the birth of Jesus.
             When the priest began his opening prayers, he bowed his head in reverence to Jesus and chanted the opening prayer. Many Catholic masses operate in a chanting manner. Another key part to a seasonal Catholic mass such as Advent is the decoration of the altar. The altar is where the priest performs the mass. During the mass, the altar was decorated with a wide variety of flowers, a Christmas tree, angels, and other decorative ornaments that were beautiful. This is probably a symbol of the celebration of the coming of Christ.
             A Catholic mass is full of symbolism. One symbolic gesture is genuflecting before entering into the pews. This shows respect to Jesus Christ before you partake in the mass. Another symbolic gesture is showing the sign of the cross often throughout the mass. The sign of the cross goes from your forehead, your chest, and both shoulders. This symbolizes the fat...