Attending non-Catholic church for homework

[Stylus]

I’m currently going to school to become a sign language interpreter and part of our course assignments are to go out and socialize with the deaf. Right now because of my work schedule it’s pretty difficult to find a social event that I can go to. One popular place that several students go to is an episcopal church. There is a service in the morning followed by a social. This would be pretty convenient for me but is it wrong for me to go to there? I’m not going there for the intention of worshiping, it’s strictly homework. I read in a moral theology book something about ‘passive participation’ being acceptable but I’m not certain what that means. There is one part in the service where all the attendees go around to each other and exchange the handshake of peace. Even if I don’t participate, that part is pretty hard to avoid. So…bottom line, is it wrong to attend a non-Catholic service if you’re doing it for a school requirement? Thanks.

 

[IrishAm]

There is no reason you cannot join others, especially other Christians, in worshiping our God. You would not receive communion, were it to be offered, but otherwise you may certainly pray, sing, and, yes, even shake hands.

It does not, of course, “count” as you Sunday Mass obligation.

I went to my mother’s Presbyterian church on Mother’s Day. Made mama happy.

 

[teachccd]

I see no wrong in what you describe. Our Catholic Church holds ecumenical interfaith meetings for the sake of unification. I have been to Christian services but because I am so grounded in my Catholic faith there is no concern for my spiritual well being. If someone were not grounded as such, there might be a concern that something there might attract them.

As long as you do not partake in their communion and attend Mass for your Sunday obligation then all should be well. Great homework assignment…teachccd

 

[Lil_M]

I second the pp…I went to several Protestant services with FH before he converted, and I just went to support him, I still went to Mass.

Good luck with your career! I work with deafblind so I know some sign (Signed Exact English though not ASL) and I think that interpreting is a cool job

 

[Seatuck]

I’m currently going to school to become a sign language interpreter and part of our course assignments are to go out and socialize with the deaf. Right now because of my work schedule it’s pretty difficult to find a social event that I can go to. One popular place that several students go to is an episcopal church. There is a service in the morning followed by a social. This would be pretty convenient for me but is it wrong for me to go to there? I’m not going there for the intention of worshiping, it’s strictly homework. I read in a moral theology book something about ‘passive participation’ being acceptable but I’m not certain what that means. There is one part in the service where all the attendees go around to each other and exchange the handshake of peace. Even if I don’t participate, that part is pretty hard to avoid. So…bottom line, is it wrong to attend a non-Catholic service if you’re doing it for a school requirement? Thanks.

I don’t think there is a problem with you going as long it is not in place of your Sunday obligation and as long as you do not have any indication that this would put your Catholic faith in danger. From the reasons you give above , I tend to think not.
There is nothing wrong with offering a sign/handshake of peace any time or place.

 

[Newbie2]

What they all said.