Attending "Born Again" Christian Church as Observer?

[bmaj]

Are Catholics permitted to do this if “invited” to attend occasionally as observers? I would still attend my Catholic Church on Sundays and Holy Days but might also go to this one once in awhile as well as a courtesy to a family member who has invited me - that is if it isn’t considered inappropriate by the Catholic Church. ( I would not be receiving the Communion in the non-Catholic Church.) I have no desire at all to “convert” from Catholicism, but I also don’t wish to make the person feel that their Church is “worthless.” I know it is very special to them.
In addition, can anyone recommend a good response to them if I don’t attend their service?
Thanks.

 

[mark_a]

Are Catholics permitted to do this if “invited” to attend occasionally as observers? I would still attend my Catholic Church on Sundays and Holy Days but might also go to this one once in awhile as well as a courtesy to a family member who has invited me - that is if it isn’t considered inappropriate by the Catholic Church. ( I would not be receiving the Communion in the non-Catholic Church.) I have no desire at all to “convert” from Catholicism, but I also don’t wish to make the person feel that their Church is “worthless.” I know it is very special to them.
In addition, can anyone recommend a good response to them if I don’t attend their service?

From personal experience, I have found folks pressuring me to attend their church is a poorly disguised attempt to get me out of the Catholic Church.

I hope it’s not the same for you.

Best wishes.

 

[Catholic1954]

I would be EXTREMELY CAREFUL in accepting such an invitation; you could be walking into big trouble. Make double sure that everyone you meet there knows that you are there as a visitor, just this one time only. Is the other person willing to attend Mass with you? I would make that a condition for you to go with them to their church, and make sure they go with you first. After you have attend each others churches, graciously thank them for their interest and hospitality and tell them that as a Catholic, you are not allowed to attend another denomination. I am curious why someone would think that you would regard their church as “worthless” if you do not attend it?

 

[svid]

As long as you are a one-time observer, and you still attend Mass et al, I’ve always understood that it’s okay. I go to non-Catholic weddings and memorial services, and occaisionally other times, and I let everyone know I love Holy Mother Church. I even wear a lapel button that says ‘Papist’! They figure it out.

 

[GeorgeTheWild]

I would be EXTREMELY CAREFUL in accepting such an invitation; you could be walking into big trouble. Make double sure that everyone you meet there knows that you are there as a visitor, just this one time only. Is the other person willing to attend Mass with you? I would make that a condition for you to go with them to their church, and make sure they go with you first. After you have attend each others churches, graciously thank them for their interest and hospitality and tell them that as a Catholic, you are not allowed to attend another denomination. I am curious why someone would think that you would regard their church as “worthless” if you do not attend it?

If the OP still attends Catholic Mass, I don’t see why the OP should tell the person that he is not allowed to attend another denomination. Saying such a thing is an apparent contradiction in your logic since he was allowed to attend once. A brief google search leads me to believe that there is no official ban on attending churches in imperfect communion with the Roman Catholic Church from time to time.

cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=225

 

[ByHisWounds]

I’m Baptist but have attended Mass several times. And my Catholic friends have come to church with me. I don’t bind myself to a denomination, but rather to the Word of God. I love the opportunity to worship God regardless of the setting. Stand firm in your faith and what you believe, and I think it is absolutely okay. But not if this goes against your Church’s teachings. Blessings.

 

[bmaj]

As long as you are a one-time observer, and you still attend Mass et al, I’ve always understood that it’s okay. I go to non-Catholic weddings and memorial services, and occaisionally other times, and I let everyone know I love Holy Mother Church. I even wear a lapel button that says ‘Papist’! They figure it out.

I just love these ideas!

Thanks so much to everyone for your (name removed by moderator)ut and suggestions. They’re very helpful. I’m not sure if I will attend once or not out of courtesy, but I already know I would not feel very comfortable if I do. I would not mind attending weddings or funerals in other Churches, but it just doesn’t feel “right” to me to attend a regular Sunday service at one. I just love the Catholic Church so much - and CAF is terrific, too!

God’s blessings to all of you for your help.

 

[yosephdaviyd]

I also don’t wish to make the person feel that their Church is “worthless.”

Sure go, but please do yourself and them the awesome favor of inviting them to YOUR Church as well. I am sure they will go, if not only because they don’t want you to feel as if your Church is worthless.