Anti-Catholic Comments in a Non-Catholic Church

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I have literally posted this question an several sites hoping for some guidance with no resposes.

In my job I supervise a DD adult who is a Seventh Day Adventist. It is my responsibility to take him to church on Saturdays. Initially I decided that it would be the most respectful for me to sit in during the services. I did not want to appear a snob. Also, I am expected to have direct supervision of this client. In general the people have always been very friendly and welcoming.

Occasions came up where anti-Catholic comments were made. The stereotypical Pope = antiChrist, the Catholic Church = the Whore of Babylon and that to pray to Mary is misguided idolatry that leads straight to hell kind of stuff. When this happened I did speak up and make clear that I am Catholic.

Although some were apologetic [sic], obviously they were apologising only for having offended me but continued to insert such comments during service as time went on. There was no strong arm type evangelization placed on me.

My dilemma is this, I am very uncomfortabel in the environment. I am very uncomfortable with the Catholic bashing. I feel compelled to do something in defense of the faith but becoming argumentative is counterproductive. I figure that I am on their turf and to challenge them during their worship is out of line.

Suggestions and advice requested. Anything covering this and contained in the CCC will be gratefully referenced.
 
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coyote:
I feel compelled to do something in defense of the faith but becoming argumentative is counterproductive.
Suggestions and advice requested.
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When in a situation like this, I did not feel like it would be appropriate for me to say anything or to give a response inside a nonCatholic Church. however, after the service, I asked if there was a catechism class for people interested in becoming informed or receiving information on their Church. I attended the catechism class, and I felt it was appropriate for me to express my opinions in that class.
 
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stanley123:
When in a situation like this, I did not feel like it would be appropriate for me to say anything or to give a response inside a nonCatholic Church. however, after the service, I asked if there was a catechism class for people interested in becoming informed or receiving information on their Church. I attended the catechism class, and I felt it was appropriate for me to express my opinions in that class.
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They hold “Sabbath School” prior to the service. I sat in on this too. I did participate but received some very definite passive aggressive treatment from two elders who lead the lessons.
 
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coyote:
I did participate but received some very definite passive aggressive treatment from two elders who lead the lessons.
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A possible alternative is to speak with an elder after the lesson and ask if you could ask questions or communicate via e-mail.
 
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stanley123:
A possible alternative is to speak with an elder after the lesson and ask if you could ask questions or communicate via e-mail.
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Actually I don’t want to become more involved with this church than I have to. If it wasn’t a consequence of my job I would avoid it altogether.
 
Is there any possible way to ask a co-worker to take over this duty as it is offensive? Possibly you should talk to your supervisor about it, telling him/her that you feel you ought to be in there to supervise the client but that you find it very offensive as they bash your faith beliefs. If there is a way to avoid the situation, and since you have no interest in enlightening these folks, you may want to consider this option. However, I would like to point out, as I am sure you already know, your purpose for being there has nothing to do with learning their religion or teaching about yours, so is it possible to ignore the service politely? Police officers havve to defend KKK rallies even though they may not agree with the cause…Just food for thought.
 
Occasions came up where anti-Catholic comments were made. The stereotypical Pope = antiChrist, the Catholic Church = the Whore of Babylon and that to pray to Mary is misguided idolatry that leads straight to hell kind of stuff.
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I’m really suprised that they would spend much time on that, as opposed to talks about Christian living or faith, hope and charity, or preaching against cigarettes, booze and meat (many SDA’s are vegetarian and probably most of the devout ones).

Sounds like a queer little church, to spend so much time on a topic (the Catholic Church) which has so little practical consequence to the membership.

I wouldn’t let them bother me in the slightest, you’re just on a work detail
 
Odd, indeed. I had business dealings with a large Seventh-Day Adventist organization, and they were always very kind and respectful, even though they knew I was a Roman Catholic.

This organization openly preached tolerance.

The agent with whom I worked was also a Seventh-Day Adventist, and was one of the finest example of Christian ethics and behavior I have known.

Some churches just get a little out of line, I guess.
 
I have had the same problem with a S.D.A. family I know well. If it is of any help this was my approach. Firstly I listened intently, was always respectful, never getting visibly annoyed. I then went into the web and found out as much as I could about the Seventh Day Adventists Church and it’s teachings. I then went into Catholic web sites and got answers to all their scuttle-butt about Catholics; i.e. Ellen Gould White’s name also adds up to 666, and that sort of nonsense. I printed all this out and gave it to them over a period of months. They have now left their church, this took about two years of listening to me, and have talked of becoming Catholics. Time will tell.

Regards,
jonman 😃
 
I agree that you do not have the right to speak up during their service. If you are asked by anyone afterwards, I think it would be OK to tell them that you are Catholic & did not appreciate the anti Catholic comments.

If it’s your job and you must go, you could always spend the time in prayer for the them.
 
Interesting Jonman,

Were their any particular issues regarding SD Adventism that particularly maked them question their faith in Adventism and/or EGW in particular. Or was it simply the little by little questioning.

Just curious.

I ask because I find SDA and particular the most cerebral to be the most stubbornly blinded by their supposed “biblical” - misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
 
why not take your rosary in and just pray quietly during the service…
 
I suggest that if you are a provider assisting a disabled person, which is what I think you are saying, you accompany him wherever he needs to go and remain entirely neutral. You are engaged only to the extent of meeting his needs, not to becoming involved yourself in the activity he is doing. For instance, if you were to take him swimming, horseback riding, anything like that for his therapy, you would of course get in the pool or on a horse yourself if required, but that does not mean you have to become an olympic swimmer or equestrienne.

If you take him to his church, simply be there for his needs, and remain aloof from the proceedings, which are almost sure to be offensive in a SDA church. Mentally pray the rosary, or whatever you normally do in such waiting time that your job entails. There is no purpose to be served, and no benefit to your patient, in actively engaging in debate with his church, and that in fact could be detrimental to him. Your witness and evangelization to him, and to his church, consists in the loving charity you show in your exemplary fulfillment of your duty towards him.
 
If your job is to supervise, supervise. No more. No less.

– Mark L. Chance.
 
First of all…I appreciate the job you do. My brother-in-law requires constant care and supervision and the care givers who do that work are angels in disguies in my opinion.

What I would advise is that you pay no attention to the service. Quietly, and discreetly pray the Rosary while this service is going on. You don’t have to whip out your beads. God gave us ten fingers for many reasons. 🙂 You do your part, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.
 
Perhaps God has placed you in this predicatment for a reason…

Praying the rosary during their service would accomplish many goals simultaneously…you could pray for their conversion, it could help you maintain peace of mind, it would give an example to those around you.
As charitably as possible, when the occasion presents itself, explain Catholic belief, question any inconsistancies or obvious errors, in other words evengelize by example and by words. Who knows, there may be someone in that congregation that God intends to use you as the catalyst for their conversion.
 
Thanks to everyone who provided (name removed by moderator)ut into my situation. I have found valuable advice from your posts.
 
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mlchance:
If your job is to supervise, supervise. No more. No less.

– Mark L. Chance.
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IPod.

Or better yet bring a cassette and earpiece and listen to a Fr. Corapi tape. For entertainment, pretend the person talking is lip-syncing him.
 
You have been called to a very unique vocation–praying the rosary at an SDA service! 👍

May God Bless you as you fulfill this calling for the Kingdom of Heaven. 🙂

Mickey
 
Would it be in violation of any work rules for you to convert your client?
 
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