You've had some great responses already, but I'll touch upon this: "I’m very nervous about this. I feel too nervous to go to mass because I have no idea how it works or what to say or when to stand and kneel and all that."

It is perfectly normal to feel nervous. There are very few rituals that humans has been doing with consistency for close to two millennia, and now you are choosing to partake on that tradition. If you were not at least a bit nervous, I would worry that you're not taking Mass seriously.

Now to take off some pressure . . . In many parishes you will find two books - sometimes on a table near the entrances, sometimes on a table between the pews, and sometimes on the pews themselves. The two books are the Sunday Missal and the Catholic Book of Worship. The Sunday Missal has all the texts, responses, actions, and things that are covered in Sunday Service. It is your guide to mass and walks you through everything that happens. Your responses are even in bold so you know what to respond at the appropriate time. The Catholic Book of Worship has the lyrics and notes for almost every hymn covered in Mass. And finally, if you're not sure what to say it is perfectly okay to be quiet and listen.

If your parish does not have the Sunday Missal, there is a good chance that they are available for sale at the parish office or you can always order one online.

And finally, do not worry about making mistakes. We all make them. Catholicism is about a journey, not about being the perfect Catholic. In fact, you will learn about perfection along the way.