Attending an Anglican service

[newangela]

Hello all-

This Friday I will be attending a funeral for my husband’s grandfather, at an “Anglican Catholic” church. I need some advice on what to do and not do at this mass. I know I will not be receiving communion, as this is not a Catholic church, but do I kneel, genuflect, etc.? I want to be respectful, but I don’t know if we are to act as though Christ is physically present there, as he is when I go to my local parish. Ironically, this mass will be “higher” than what I’m used to…sung in Latin, priests facing away from the congregation. Should be interesting!

Thanks for any advice. I want to do the right thing!

Angela

 

[FrDavid96]

First of all, keep in mind that it is not because “it’s not a Catholic church” that you cannot receive Communion. You won’t be able to receive Communion because there will not be any Communion to be received.

Just follow along with everyone else when it comes to sitting, standing, etc. Of course, since it won’t be a real Mass, and there won’t be a valid consecration, there won’t be any Eucharist–therefore there’s a conflict with kneeling to something that is not the Body of Christ. However, it’s better to follow along than to call attention to yourself and give the impression that you’re trying to make some kind of point. In other words, be a polite guest.

There’s no problem following along with the hymns and prayers, unless of course you’d be saying something contrary to the Catholic faith, and this is not very likely.

 

[YoungTradCath]

Do what everyone else does. Don’t assume that Catholic practices will be done there. Just watch everyone else.

 

[1ke]

You can stand, kneel, and sit as you feel comfortable. You can sing, you can pray prayers or make responses as you see fit.

Do not genuflect. Genuflection is reserved for the Blessed Sacrament, and that is not present.

Do not receive communion, of which you are already aware.