Activity at Protestant Services

[Melchior_1]

Why not find a Tridentine Catholic Mass to attend and maybe you will meet a Traditional Catholic girl there? You know, in the “old days” it was a mortal sin to date a non-Catholic, leta lone attend their services actively. And as much as people like to say the Catholic Church does not believe in the Bible, that IS based on Scripture:

First, why a Tridentine Catholic Mass? He can meet Traditional Catholic girls at the Ordinary Form.

And I committed a mortal sin by dating the girl who is now my wife?

 

[Love_Divine]

First, why a Tridentine Catholic Mass? He can meet Traditional Catholic girls at the Ordinary Form.

And I committed a mortal sin by dating the girl who is now my wife?

Maybe his church is like mine where the average age is 60, and that’s only because there’s some toddlers who skew the average?

I get what he’s saying though. I’ve met more people my age at the Tridentine Mass, and the Traditional form of Confession. I actually met a nice guy there one Saturday night, but sadly I had to turn down his invite to coffee because I was two hours from home and still had to get home.

 

[Melchior_1]

Maybe his church is like mine where the average age is 60, and that’s only because there’s some toddlers who skew the average?

I get what he’s saying though. I’ve met more people my age at the Tridentine Mass, and the Traditional form of Confession. I actually met a nice guy there one Saturday night, but sadly I had to turn down his invite to coffee because I was two hours from home and still had to get home.

Maybe his Church is like mine where there’s several young adults and youth who attend. And the local FSSP parish he goes to has a more elderly base.

It does work both ways, you know

 

[joclucsylv]

If they see a little weakness in you at all, they will try to convert you. IMHO… your willingness to attend services with her will be looked upon as a weakness. My advice is to stay strong in your Catholic faith and never mind tinkering with the Baptist faith!!!

 

[ThatOneDudeAlex]

I find it difficult to believe that having asked about this matter on CAF and two priests no where have you ever heard that it is absolutely forbidden for you to receive communion at an Protestant service. by all means ask your priest again since his answer was incomplete, or you misunderstood, if he left the impression that this was permissible. I hope you also understood from them that you are still required to meet your Sunday Catholic Mass obligation every week.

Since you don’t know such a basic teaching about Eucharist it also raises doubt that your own Catholic Faith is strong enough to allow you to participate without risk or danger to your faith in Protestant worship on a regular basis.

I’m an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. I know my faithfulness to the Eucharist. What I was referring to had nothing to do with Eucharist, but Communion. There is indeed a difference

Especially a Baptist service! They’re not fond of Catholics at all, and insist our form of Baptism is invalid. If I was this guy, I’d stay far away from this Baptist service. Also, what about this girl’s parents? How do they feel about your Catholicism?

Her mother is a Catholic. Her father is a Baptist. They have no problem with it.

The ENTIRE paternal side of my family is Baptist, and they’re fond of me just fine, thanks.

He’s going out of Charity and love for his girlfriend, that’s much different than the place being his primary place of worship.

Not all Baptists think our Baptism is invalid, and not all of them think such negative things about Catholicism.

Alex, make sure you know your own faith before you go to her services. You need to know what the Catholic Church teaches first and foremost.

Someone who understands what I meant? Wow, cool!

Maybe his church is like mine where the average age is 60, and that’s only because there’s some toddlers who skew the average?

I’ve attended mass at no less than a dozen local churches. Since I live in a large Archdiocese, I wouldn’t quite expect this, but I’ve found this is the norm in most churches. Particularly my parish.

Before anyone gets overly defensive, or butt-hurt, I’d like to thank you all for your opinions. I came asking a question, worried that I’d get some answers that would make me uncomfortable and upset. What do you know, I was right! Post whatever you wish, but as the OP, I’ll say this thread has no point anymore.

I won’t be receiving communion. I will continue dating her. I will occasionally attend services with her family. Thanks…

 

[Melchior_1]

Well, this is the traditional Catholic section, so you’re going to get answers that are more traditional (ie; pre-1963 or so). Some of the answers given make sense in that context. I disagree with some of the answers, but I understand why they have them.

But really, IMHO, it boils down to show Charity and remaining true to the precepts of the Catholic faith. Study hard, learn as much as you can. And show Charity in all things and all ways.

By the way, the term “butt-hurt” wasn’t really necessary, and some would probably use that a sign of a lack of maturity on your part (yes, I am aware it is a very common term used on Internet message boards - but this isn’t your typical Internet message board).

 

[ThatOneDudeAlex]

By the way, the term “butt-hurt” wasn’t really necessary, and some would probably use that a sign of a lack of maturity on your part (yes, I am aware it is a very common term used on Internet message boards - but this isn’t your typical Internet message board).

I was referring more to myself when I said that, as I over-think things a great majority of the time. Sorry if I offended anyone

 

[Zhenia]

First, why a Tridentine Catholic Mass? He can meet Traditional Catholic girls at the Ordinary Form.

And I committed a mortal sin by dating the girl who is now my wife?

I’m just stating what Roman Catholicism traditionally teaches, I didn’t create the rules.

 

[Melchior_1]

I’m just stating what Roman Catholicism traditionally teaches, I didn’t create the rules.

It’s a good thing you didn’t, because then I wouldn’t have the current fruit of my totally valid marriage to my Catholic wife, who converted while we were dating.

 

[jmcrae]

First, why a Tridentine Catholic Mass? He can meet Traditional Catholic girls at the Ordinary Form.

And I committed a mortal sin by dating the girl who is now my wife?

According to 1963 canon law, you may have also committed a venial sin by marrying your god-daughter, as well, since your parental role of being her god-father (especially since, presumably as a convert, she has no Catholic parents) conflicts with your role as her equal partner in marriage.

It’s good that she converted, though - what would you have done if she had never converted, and had chosen to raise your children with her Protestant faith? Not everyone converts.

 

[jnewaz]

First, why a Tridentine Catholic Mass? He can meet Traditional Catholic girls at the Ordinary Form.

And I committed a mortal sin by dating the girl who is now my wife?

Because the Tridentine Mass really brings out a girl’s eyes.

 

[TrueLight]

Because the Tridentine Mass really brings out a girl’s eyes.

How can you tell anything about her eyes beneath that veil?

 

[Zhenia]

It’s a good thing you didn’t, because then I wouldn’t have the current fruit of my totally valid marriage to my Catholic wife, who converted while we were dating.

Sometimes things work out while we are sinning…St Augustine said God can bring good out of an evil situation. That is not, however, a license to sin, or to continue sinning.

 

[Roy5]

She attends mass with you, so attend her Baptist church with her. We have the same God, and there is an arrogance and even a sillyness in treating Protestants as though they are second-class citizens in the wider Christian community. That’s the root of much of the skepticism of Catholicism among Protestants and others.

Awhile back I asked a newspaper editor if the media didn't go after the Catholic church. His is a Catholic. His answer went something like this. One reason we get hit hard is because we claim to be the 'one true church', which leads others to enjoy finding and exposing scandals among us. It's like feeling a certain satisfaction in giving a 'come upenth' to a person who boasts that he (or she) is better than everyone else. The same principle is at work.  

 The Baptists are fine people and do wonderful work around the world. There are many varieties of Baptists, of course. Some believe that they alone belong to the 'one true church'. But most of them (like most Catholics, by the way) don't claim that. I have Baptist kinfolk and they are devoted to Christ.

  When the time comes, we will not be judged by our doctrines, rituals or church affiliation but by our love for God and one another - and how we expressed it while on earth. That was how Christ summarized our moral obligation. See, among other passages, Matt. 25:31ff and I Cor. 13.

 

[YoungTradCath]

She attends mass with you, so attend her Baptist church with her. We have the same God, and there is an arrogance and even a sillyness in treating Protestants as though they are second-class citizens in the wider Christian community. That’s the root of much of the skepticism of Catholicism among Protestants and others.

Awhile back I asked a newspaper editor if the media didn't go after the Catholic church. His is a Catholic. His answer went something like this. One reason we get hit hard is because we claim to be the 'one true church', which leads others to enjoy finding and exposing scandals among us. It's like feeling a certain satisfaction in giving a 'come upenth' to a person who boasts that he (or she) is better than everyone else. The same principle is at work.  

 The Baptists are fine people and do wonderful work around the world. There are many varieties of Baptists, of course. Some believe that they alone belong to the 'one true church'. But most of them (like most Catholics, by the way) don't claim that. I have Baptist kinfolk and they are devoted to Christ.

  When the time comes, we will not be judged by our doctrines, rituals or church affiliation but by our love for God and one another - and how we expressed it while on earth. That was how Christ summarized our moral obligation. See, among other passages, Matt. 25:31ff and I Cor. 13.

And wouldn’t you call our doctrines, rituals, and church affiliations an expression of our love for God and for one another, besides the obvious charity work and other things? I certainly would.
Your statement about not being judged on our doctrines, rituals or church affiliations goes against the institution of the Eucharist itself as well as papal authority granted by Christ himself. If we aren’t judged by our doctrines, rituals, and church affiliations, then effectively, we deny Christ as much as if we don’t obey God in the way of caring for our brother man.

 

[Melchior_1]

According to 1963 canon law, you may have also committed a venial sin by marrying your god-daughter, as well, since your parental role of being her god-father (especially since, presumably as a convert, she has no Catholic parents) conflicts with your role as her equal partner in marriage.

Except I was her Confirmation sponsor, not a God-parent, as she had a valid Baptism already through a different Church. She chose me as her sponsor because at the time I was the only practicing Catholic she knew (her father, and the majority of his side of the family, are Catholic in name only. And frankly, I’m less concerned with venial sin than I am with someone saying “you’ve committed a mortal sin!” when I haven’t.

It’s good that she converted, though - what would you have done if she had never converted, and had chosen to raise your children with her Protestant faith? Not everyone converts.

We talked about this. We would have raised our kids Catholic, although the odds are Confirmation would have likely taken place when they were an age they could choose for themselves. We still might do this, actually. The kids likely may have been exposed to elements of her faith at the time.

Frankly, I knew at the time we met that if God willed it, she would likely convert. She already did not believe in faith alone, which meant all it took was acknowledgement that Scripture alone wasn’t enough. Sure enough, in a couple of years that went down and she mentioned her growing desire about converting. The key thing was how the message of Catholicism was delivered.

Sometimes things work out while we are sinning…St Augustine said God can bring good out of an evil situation. That is not, however, a license to sin, or to continue sinning.

I’m aware of the concept; that’s one of the reasons why children conceived through rape should still get a chance to live. I’d like you to provide current documentation stating that I, and Alex, committed a mortal sin by dating a non-Catholic. I believe you may not, since with dispensation a Catholic and non-Catholic Christian can get married, let alone date.

But please, provide for me recent documentation that shows I committed a mortal sin by dating her.

 

[Steadfast_love]

If I still receive the Eucharist on a weekly basis, is it okay to participate in this “communion”? Thanks in advance for the help, guys!

P.S. If you disagree, please don’t attack me for attending the services in the first place. I know what I’m doing, and if I feel my faith is threatened, I will stop going with her.

No! Of course not. How could reciving the actual blood and body of Christ once a week make it ok to take a counterfit?

I too am blessed with many Baptist inlaws and I know first hand how difficult it is to stop them from forcing their “open communion table” down my throat ( ) but man up! This is the eucharist we’re talking about! The source and summit of Christian life if you don’t have the wherewithal to defend the most essential point of Catholicism your other scruples are worse than nothing since they will serve to solidify your role as an interloper and underminer of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church.

Don’t be weak! Be satisfied with the real presence. God Bless!

 

[Contarini]

No! Of course not. How could reciving the actual blood and body of Christ once a week make it ok to take a counterfit?

How is it a “counterfeit” when they don’t claim it’s the body and blood in the way Catholics do?

I get how someone who was convinced that we Anglicans don’t have valid orders might see our Eucharist as a counterfeit. I can’t see it that way, which is part of my problem with becoming Catholic.

But Catholics and Baptists are in pretty much complete agreement about what the Baptist Eucharist is. It’s a symbolic action that reminds them of the death of Jesus.

Edwin

 

[BertBlyleven]

She attends mass with you, so attend her Baptist church with her. We have the same God, and there is an arrogance and even a sillyness in treating Protestants as though they are second-class citizens in the wider Christian community. That’s the root of much of the skepticism of Catholicism among Protestants and others.

If I refuse to attend your church because it teaches heresy, am I really treating you as a second-class citizen? No, I’m just being honest. If anything, I am treating you as a first-class citizen. Insecurity of others is no reason to not preach the truth.

The Baptists are fine people and do wonderful work around the world. There are many varieties of Baptists, of course. Some believe that they alone belong to the ‘one true church’. But most of them (like most Catholics, by the way) don’t claim that. I have Baptist kinfolk and they are devoted to Christ.

And there are many who actively preach and work against the Church. You aren’t justified by believing you are in the ‘one true church’ or not. You are justified by actually belonging to it. Its like “faith alone”: per Protestant teaching, you are saved by faith alone. However, what they preach and act upon is that you are saved by believing you are saved by faith alone. Most Catholics do not attend Mass; why on earth would I listen to them regarding matters of the Church?

When the time comes, we will not be judged by our doctrines, rituals or church affiliation but by our love for God and one another - and how we expressed it while on earth. That was how Christ summarized our moral obligation. See, among other passages, Matt. 25:31ff and I Cor. 13.

And if you love God (and your neighbors) why on earth would you not be apart of His Church? What if our doctrines are true? Would God then judge us for obeying them or not?

I invite you to a deeper understanding of Catholicism! You can become neither hot nor cold by idleness!