Attending Protestant Services

[jbelokur]

Hello,
My wife and I were confirmed into the HCC during the Easter vigil mass of '07. My parents both pastor at a protestant Church. My dad is the “music minister” and my mother is the pastor of outreach and evangelism. Is it acceptable for me to attend their services? My dad likes for me to attend when he preaches. Which is about once a month. Obviously, I don’t recieve communion because we are not in communion. I want to show him my love and respect, though I don’t want any mixed messages to be sent to the other members who attend there that we approve of Protestantism in general by my presence. What are your thoughts?

 

[JonNC]

Hello,
My wife and I were confirmed into the HCC during the Easter vigil mass of '07. My parents both pastor at a protestant Church. My dad is the “music minister” and my mother is the pastor of outreach and evangelism. Is it acceptable for me to attend their services? My dad likes for me to attend when he preaches. Which is about once a month. Obviously, I don’t recieve communion because we are not in communion. I want to show him my love and respect, though I don’t want any mixed messages to be sent to the other members who attend there that we approve of Protestantism in general by my presence. What are your thoughts?

From what I’ve read here, attendnace at a protestant church does not replace your obligation to attend mass, and, as you mention, you shouldn’t receive communion. Some Catholics here will say you shouldn’t go at all, while others will tell you it is good to honor your parents in that way. My opinion is the latter. It might also be nice if they were to return the favor by attending a Saturday mass with you on occasion, if their schedule allows.

Jon

 

[SSTeacher]

Hello,
My wife and I were confirmed into the HCC during the Easter vigil mass of '07. My parents both pastor at a protestant Church. My dad is the “music minister” and my mother is the pastor of outreach and evangelism. Is it acceptable for me to attend their services? My dad likes for me to attend when he preaches. Which is about once a month. Obviously, I don’t recieve communion because we are not in communion. I want to show him my love and respect, though I don’t want any mixed messages to be sent to the other members who attend there that we approve of Protestantism in general by my presence. What are your thoughts?

What does your wife say about the situation?

Curiously,
Mick

 

[jbelokur]

From what I’ve read here, attendnace at a protestant church does not replace your obligation to attend mass, and, as you mention, you shouldn’t receive communion. Some Catholics here will say you shouldn’t go at all, while others will tell you it is good to honor your parents in that way. My opinion is the latter. It might also be nice if they were to return the favor by attending a Saturday mass with you on occasion, if their schedule allows.

Jon

You are absolutely right; I forgot to post that I would never try to “replace” my Sunday observance with one of their services. He usually preaches at their evening service, so my wife and I would have all ready attended mass that day. They know not to ask us to come on Sunday mornings.

 

[jbelokur]

What does your wife say about the situation?

Curiously,
Mick

She thinks the same as I do. That over all my parents and the people of the congregation know we are Catholic, and that it says something that they never see us Sunday mornings and only occationally on Sunday nights. They also will notice that we stay seated during communion. However, I just was curious what the oppinions fo others were.

 

[JonNC]

You are absolutely right; I forgot to post that I would never try to “replace” my Sunday observance with one of their services. He usually preaches at their evening service, so my wife and I would have all ready attended mass that day. They know not to ask us to come on Sunday mornings.

Do they ever join you at a Saturday evening mass?

Jon

EDIT: What denom are they?

 

[jbelokur]

Do they ever join you at a Saturday evening mass?

Jon

EDIT: What denom are they?

They have never attended my home parish, though unfortunately they have attended mass with me at the most abysmal of masses. Where they got the here and see a priest that acts more protestant then they do! Lord have mercy. Hopefully they will come to Satuday night mass with mee soon and see a truly reverant mass. I love my home parish by the way. And my priest!!

 

[twopekinguys]

If I am understanding your situation correctly, you are fulfilling your Sunday obligation with the Catholic church, and you are attending services at another church in support of your family, and not participating in their communion (if they offer it).

I had a similar situation. My grandfather was a Presbyterian minister, and I used to play the organ. (I’ve since had a hand injury that prevents me from playing in public situations) My grandfather loved for me to play at his services, and I would oblige at every opportunity. Sometimes he would preach on a touchy subject, and would tell his congregation if they didn’t like his interpretation of scriptures, they could check with his “Catholic” grandson to the the Catholic perspective. I always cringed at that (in a loving way). Sometimes I think he should have been an Evangelical instead of a Presbyterian.

My only concern with going to protestant services on a consistent basis is that some of their teachings/preachings which may be in conflict with the Church, can inch their way into your mind, and possibly plant seeds of doubt or confusion.

You sound like you have a secure grip on where your faith lies, but I think it is something you should keep in mind.

I do like the question Jon posed. Do they ever attend a Mass with you? Have you invited them?

God Bless

 

[SSTeacher]

They have never attended my home parish, though unfortunately they have attended mass with me at the most abysmal of masses. Where they got the here and see a priest that acts more protestant then they do! Lord have mercy. Hopefully they will come to Satuday night mass with mee soon and see a truly reverant mass. I love my home parish by the way. And my priest!!

I hope you won’t mind my asking another question but what do you mean by, “the most abysmal of masses”? Can you please describe for me what happened at that Mass that in your view made it abysmal?

Respectfully,
Mick

 

[JonNC]

=jbelokur;5209426]They have never attended my home parish, though unfortunately they have attended mass with me at the most abysmal of masses. Where they got the here and see a priest that acts more protestant then they do! Lord have mercy.

What does that mean, “a priest that acts more protestant than they do”?
I’m not sure how to take that?

Hopefully they will come to Satuday night mass with mee soon and see a truly reverant mass. I love my home parish by the way. And my priest!!

I hope so, too. I have always enjoyed it when I’ve attended a Catholic mass, particularly it’s reverence. Of course, it might be because it is so similar to Lutheran worship (or, our is so similar to yours ).
I am thankful that the Holy Spirit has blessed you with a parish and priest that you love.

Jon

 

[7_Sorrows]

Hello,
My wife and I were confirmed into the HCC during the Easter vigil mass of '07. My parents both pastor at a protestant Church. My dad is the “music minister” and my mother is the pastor of outreach and evangelism. Is it acceptable for me to attend their services? My dad likes for me to attend when he preaches. Which is about once a month. Obviously, I don’t recieve communion because we are not in communion. I want to show him my love and respect, though I don’t want any mixed messages to be sent to the other members who attend there that we approve of Protestantism in general by my presence. What are your thoughts?

what is the HCC? Holy?

 

[GodIsGracious]

Well, since you asked.

Continued attendance, even in “support” of your parents, supports the apostasy of protestantism. You’re Catholic. Stand up for the Church. While I can see that you want to support your parents, IMO, this is supporting the heresy of protestants. If it’s a one time deal, like a wedding, sure. But continual attendance? I’d have to say no.

But that’s just me.

 

[JonNC]

Well, since you asked.

Continued attendance, even in “support” of your parents, supports the apostasy of protestantism. You’re Catholic. Stand up for the Church. While I can see that you want to support your parents, IMO, this is supporting the heresy of protestants. If it’s a one time deal, like a wedding, sure. But continual attendance? I’d have to say no.

But that’s just me.

I know a lot of Catholics feel as you do, and I actually respect and understand it, as I would not regularly attend, say, a Baptist Church for the same reasons.
But speculate with me for a moment. The OP sounds like a wonderful Catholic Christian. What if by his attending on an occasional basis,

1. someone is inspired to seek more information about the Catholic Church?
   or:
2. the Holy Spirit moves that protestant congregation to have a more respectful and loving view of their Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ?

Jon

 

[jbelokur]

I hope you won’t mind my asking another question but what do you mean by, “the most abysmal of masses”? Can you please describe for me what happened at that Mass that in your view made it abysmal?

Respectfully,
Mick

No problem, I actually thought twice about writing that because I thought it might take it off track. While my parents would not have through anything of it, there were more than a few liturgical abuses that undermine the doctrines the Catholic Church holds so dear to our faith. For one example the priest did not genuflect or even bow at the consecration of the host and wine. They would not have known any better, but to see a priest genuflect and pay reverence to our Lord in the Eucharist is a witness to our faith. That is just one thing. Also during the homily the priest basically said you can not trust the Pope nor Bishops and that every religion is on the basic same plane. When I take my parents to see my home parish they will be forced to see a stark difference between their own services and the mass, at this mass they were more confirmed in their heresies than confronted with the truth.

 

[jbelokur]

what is the HCC? Holy?

Sorry, Holy Catholic Church.

 

[jbelokur]

My only concern with going to protestant services on a consistent basis is that some of their teachings/preachings which may be in conflict with the Church, can inch their way into your mind, and possibly plant seeds of doubt or confusion.

You sound like you have a secure grip on where your faith lies, but I think it is something you should keep in mind.

God Bless

Not to sound cocky, but, I am a former protestant minister, with a seminary degree from my former denominations seminary, I would say that there is nothing that they would say that the convictions that drew me to the Catholic Church have not all ready answered. My real concern is more for them and their congregation then for myself, though I am reticent to take my kids there too often.

 

[Mark77]

**As long as you are strong in your Catholic Faith, then it is a great way to witness to our Protestant brothers and sisters!
**
It is also an opportunity to discuss differences with your parents and to research questions that may arise.

i am a revert and have attended numerous Protestant services. i have learned a great deal about our beautiful Catholic Faith from the errors preached at these services. I would often hear “All you have to do is accept Jesus in your heart and confess His name out loud and you are saved…The Eucharist (they called it communion or wafers) isn’t necessary, baptism isn’t necessary, it is just symbolic…” and many other erroneous beliefs.

Because i was so uninformed from being away from the Faith for nearly 30 years, it forced me to find the Truth by taking these questions to prayer, reading Sacred Scripture, the Catechism and the teaching of the Magisterium, as well as the writings of Church Fathers and Doctors like St. Augustine and many others.

CA and many online resources also led me Home joyfully!

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Ora Pro Nobis Peccatoribus!,

mark

 

[jbelokur]

Well, since you asked.

Continued attendance, even in “support” of your parents, supports the apostasy of protestantism. You’re Catholic. Stand up for the Church. While I can see that you want to support your parents, IMO, this is supporting the heresy of protestants. If it’s a one time deal, like a wedding, sure. But continual attendance? I’d have to say no.

But that’s just me.

I would say that my attendance is only once every month or two at the most. But I really do understand your point and that is what I am wrestling with. It is tough trying to balance desire to be a witness to the faith and never to betray Christ and His Church with my actions, and for my family not to feel like I’m rejecting them and that their daily sacrifice for Christ in the only way they have ever know.

 

[jbelokur]

I know a lot of Catholics feel as you do, and I actually respect and understand it, as I would not regularly attend, say, a Baptist Church for the same reasons.
But speculate with me for a moment. The OP sounds like a wonderful Catholic Christian. What if by his attending on an occasional basis,

1. someone is inspired to seek more information about the Catholic Church?
   or:
2. the Holy Spirit moves that protestant congregation to have a more respectful and loving view of their Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ?

Jon

I think the reply to this line of though might be why do I have to attend one of their services to do these things, when I am with them outside of their services as well.

 

[JonNC]

**
i am a revert and have attended numerous Protestant services. i have learned a great deal about our beautiful Catholic Faith from the errors preached at these services. I would often hear “All you have to do is accept Jesus in your heart and confess His name out loud and you are saved…The Eucharist (they called it communion or wafers) isn’t necessary, baptism isn’t necessary, it is just symbolic…” and many other erroneous beliefs.

mark**

Of course, Mark, you know that isn’t the case with all of us.

Jon