Perhaps so, and you will have to decide if your presence at your parent’s worship would be positive for them, the members of their church, and for you.
Jon
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Jon
O
Orchanian
Guest
My husband attends a Baptist church, and I’m Catholic. I will attend with him at times (after attending Mass). If they are set up for the Lord’s Supper, I try to slip out because I won’t partake.
I attend with my husband because it helps our relationship. He doesn’t attend with me, which is right for now, because when he does, I’m sure he has sinful thoughts about the Catholic Church. So rather than have him in a situation in which he will sin, I am fine going to church without him. (By the way, he was raised Catholic and left in his late teens, joined a Baptist church 25 years later.) Some may say, if he won’t go with you, you shouldn’t go with him. But that makes our marriage more of a negotiation, and I don’t want that. This is a gift I give to him, even though it’s not spoken of in that way.
One problem with my attending with him is that people think I’m a member of the Baptist church (even though I’m not usually there on Sunday mornings). I usually let people know that I attend the Catholic church. This gives me a chance to let people know what a Catholic is like - I am a walking billboard for the Catholic Church. I know they are watching me to see what I do. There are a lot of misconceptions about Catholics (I’m in the Bible Belt), and this can give me an opportunity to address them.
In the beginning, I found it difficult not to have my defenses up all the time, just waiting to hear something anti-Catholic so that I could be offended. This kept me from really hearing the Word of God being preached. I think that’s a sin. God can speak through anyone - even protestants (I know - it’s shocking!) So I work to hear God’s voice, no matter who it’s coming from.
I’ve spoken to my priest about this situation and he agrees that I’m doing the right thing. I’m a knowledgeable Catholic and in agreement with all the church teaches. I can recognize error and that’s good. I know I will always be a Catholic. There’s nothing better.
Do I believe that all churches are the same? Obviously not. If I did, it would be wrong of me to continue to attend a different church from my husband. Do I wish he were receiving the Sacraments with me? Absolutely. And I pray that he will one day return to the church of his youth. (Maybe you can say a little prayer for that…)
I attend with my husband because it helps our relationship. He doesn’t attend with me, which is right for now, because when he does, I’m sure he has sinful thoughts about the Catholic Church. So rather than have him in a situation in which he will sin, I am fine going to church without him. (By the way, he was raised Catholic and left in his late teens, joined a Baptist church 25 years later.) Some may say, if he won’t go with you, you shouldn’t go with him. But that makes our marriage more of a negotiation, and I don’t want that. This is a gift I give to him, even though it’s not spoken of in that way.
One problem with my attending with him is that people think I’m a member of the Baptist church (even though I’m not usually there on Sunday mornings). I usually let people know that I attend the Catholic church. This gives me a chance to let people know what a Catholic is like - I am a walking billboard for the Catholic Church. I know they are watching me to see what I do. There are a lot of misconceptions about Catholics (I’m in the Bible Belt), and this can give me an opportunity to address them.
In the beginning, I found it difficult not to have my defenses up all the time, just waiting to hear something anti-Catholic so that I could be offended. This kept me from really hearing the Word of God being preached. I think that’s a sin. God can speak through anyone - even protestants (I know - it’s shocking!) So I work to hear God’s voice, no matter who it’s coming from.
I’ve spoken to my priest about this situation and he agrees that I’m doing the right thing. I’m a knowledgeable Catholic and in agreement with all the church teaches. I can recognize error and that’s good. I know I will always be a Catholic. There’s nothing better.
Do I believe that all churches are the same? Obviously not. If I did, it would be wrong of me to continue to attend a different church from my husband. Do I wish he were receiving the Sacraments with me? Absolutely. And I pray that he will one day return to the church of his youth. (Maybe you can say a little prayer for that…)
S
Shaken
Guest
I think you are not supposed to go to non Catholic services. It might possibly be one of the things you gave up when you became a Catholic. You could post this question in the “Ask A Question” section to get one of the staff to reply more authoritatively.
It is a sticky situation, as you indicate, because you want to respect your parents, and because you love them. But there is that division text in the bible about setting relatives against one another: “father against son and son against father” etc. Maybe this is the type of dilemma that excerpt referenced?
As long as your circle is Catholic this isn’t a problem. But in the real world of many faiths and denominations it becomes an issue. By all means, ask the question, especially of the clergy, so that guidelines may be clarified.
It is a sticky situation, as you indicate, because you want to respect your parents, and because you love them. But there is that division text in the bible about setting relatives against one another: “father against son and son against father” etc. Maybe this is the type of dilemma that excerpt referenced?
As long as your circle is Catholic this isn’t a problem. But in the real world of many faiths and denominations it becomes an issue. By all means, ask the question, especially of the clergy, so that guidelines may be clarified.
G
GodIsGracious
Guest
Exactly.
If you’re with them outside of their services, how are you neglecting them? I personally don’t feel that attending protestant services is a “great” way to witness to them. Sort of like, you’re on their turf. They’re going to have A LOT of support, sort of like, “home field advantage.”
And while it may be “only” once a month, it’s still, once a month on a continual basis.
You know your situation better than I. Myself, I wouldn’t go. I’ve only been to one protestant service and that was a coworker’s wedding well close to 10 years ago. My next one will be September, for a friend’s wedding. I’m kind of dreading it. I don’t want to attend what my boyfriend (who is a groomsman and this is his best friend) considers merely a “civil service” wedding. I pretty much agree. I’m going to “be nice” and because my boyfriend is a groomsman. He knows not to take the crackers and juice. I’m just wondering how others will take it when he doesn’t. I’m sure it’ll be obvious. But then I think, why should it matter? We’re Catholic, not Lutheran.
I like the point you made, why do you have to go to their services? Why don’t they go to Mass with you? Remember, protestants are PROTESTING the Catholic church. I take it that they are protesting Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. (But that’s just me.)
I’ll pray for you that you find what works best. I’ve been told I’m a “hard liner.”
I am, by no means, a “hard liner.” I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. And that the Catholic church is IT. 
Peace!
PS: I got dirty looks when I passed the crackers and juice tray to the next person without taking any. I didn’t care. Later I was asked why I didn’t take communion. I responded with, “That wasn’t communion and I’m Catholic.” They left me alone.
D
denwiles
Guest
It’s sad how divided we are. The same blood that was shed for the world can’t be enjoyed if someone is a Christian but not Catholic. God have mercy on you children. Same Jesus? I say go. But who am I.
D
denwiles
Guest
Thats not right and that is not LOVE. Jesus Is bigger than you make him out to be. You are very disrespectful. Jesus said you will know them by the Love they have for Each other. Not, show Love only to the Catholics, but to all. Witness??? I need to to witness to you about LOVE. Read 1 Cor 13. It’s His Parents and they are Christians. When I became a Pastor my Mother would not come and hear me give the Homily because she is Baptist I still am hurt over that. Come on people don’t be decieved "you will know them by their fruits and Love. Turff??? Ok I guess we are gangsters Now.Exactly.
If you’re with them outside of their services, how are you neglecting them? I personally don’t feel that attending protestant services is a “great” way to witness to them. Sort of like, you’re on their turf. They’re going to have A LOT of support, sort of like, “home field advantage.”
And while it may be “only” once a month, it’s still, once a month on a continual basis.
You know your situation better than I. Myself, I wouldn’t go. I’ve only been to one protestant service and that was a coworker’s wedding well close to 10 years ago. My next one will be September, for a friend’s wedding. I’m kind of dreading it. I don’t want to attend what my boyfriend (who is a groomsman and this is his best friend) considers merely a “civil service” wedding. I pretty much agree. I’m going to “be nice” and because my boyfriend is a groomsman. He knows not to take the crackers and juice. I’m just wondering how others will take it when he doesn’t. I’m sure it’ll be obvious. But then I think, why should it matter? We’re Catholic, not Lutheran.
I like the point you made, why do you have to go to their services? Why don’t they go to Mass with you? Remember, protestants are PROTESTING the Catholic church. I take it that they are protesting Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. (But that’s just me.)
I’ll pray for you that you find what works best. I’ve been told I’m a “hard liner.”
Peace!
PS: I got dirty looks when I passed the crackers and juice tray to the next person without taking any. I didn’t care. Later I was asked why I didn’t take communion. I responded with, “That wasn’t communion and I’m Catholic.” They left me alone.
J
jbelokur
Guest
Denis,
Thanks for your reply. But, to support those you quoted, would you attend a Mormon or Jehovah witnesses’ service if your relative went to one of there services? They believe in Jesus in some of the same tenants as you do, but they are obviously not the same, and do not portray the fullness of the faith which Jesus promised to His Church via the Holy Spirit. It is the same situation here, my presence can be seen as “approving” or “validating” their denomination; which I don’t. I want the best for them, which is to be in full communion with Christ through His Church, and to begin receiving all the graces He has gifted the Church with via the Sacraments most notably Holy Communion. It is for me not a lack of love, but love which drives me to be the best witness for them in every situation of the truth of the Catholic Church, and this applies even to those situations that may be sensitive and lead to hurt. Who am I? The Holy Spirit? No I don’t change hearts, but the Holy Spirit can use me and these situations to change their hearts. Now I know that you don’t think their hearts need to be changed but that is a fundamental difference between us at this point.
Grace and Peace
J
jbelokur
Guest
Wow, that is a great sacrifice. Don’t give up hope!
G
GodIsGracious
Guest
I am by no means disrespectful. This is exactly why I need to stick to my Catholic faith and what the Catholic church is teaching me. “Love” is not always permissive. Sometimes love appears rude. I don’t know if that is you and your daughter in the picture in your signature, but if it is, then that means you’re a parent. And as a parent I’m sure you’ve had to tell your daughter “no” out of love. And I’m sure she didn’t like hearing it. She probably thought you were rude.
YOU just didn’t like reading what I had to say. So YOU think it is rude on my part. It is not.
It is “rude,” in my opinion, for a protestant to expect a Catholic to take juice and crackers for their “communion” during their services. Don’t forget, protestants are PROTESTING the Catholic church. You are in apostasy. And to expect a Catholic to support this is rude.
And here in is exactly the reason why Catholics should avoid attending protestant services. Situations such as these.
BTW, YOU were limiting Jesus. I’m not. As a protestant you do not believe in transubstantiation. I have evidence of transubstantiation. Evidence that I have witnessed as well as others having witnessing the same thing. And there is no way that the juice and crackers at a protestant’s service is the body and blood of Jesus Christ. I won’t mock my faith and demean what taking communion means and IS by participating in some act just so I won’t appear “rude” to others.
D
denwiles
Guest
***all *** who build their house on Him are wise.
D
denwiles
Guest
who build their house on Him are wise.
You are right about one major thing and I am Catholic. Me and you are diffrent, because we do not believe in the same Jesus at least it don’t seem like it. The Jesus I serve is Mercyful, kind and Love. God Is Love. The Jesus I serve Died for the world John 3:16 and all who come to Him will not be cast away. The Jesus I serve Paid the price for sin I owed and could not pay. Buddy I came out of the world and would of done anything to have parents who were in the ministry. You have this precious gift and treat them with contempt. You don’t want to go to Church because you don’t want people to get the wrong idea. Please!!! Gods people are marked with Love. He told his disciples, you know how you will know mine “you will know them by their love for one another.” Can I have your parents? I will go to Church with them every Sunday. I don’t mean to sound harsh. Please forgive me if I have offended you. Know Christ Know Love or no Christ no love your choice.
J
jbelokur
Guest
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oneGODoneCHURCH
Guest
who build their house on Him are wise.
You are both right and wrong. The early church fathers were not talking only of the Roman Catholic Church they were talking of also the those Catholic churches of the Eastern Rites as well. You have to remember that at the time they were righting there was only THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
I come from a family that is split my many different Christian faiths. I will go to one of their services for a special occasions. MY niece was baptized in the Lutheran Faith a few months ago and I was there would not have missed it. My Dad was made a deacon in the Southern baptist a few years ago and I was there. At the same time most of those who know me there know that I am Catholic and am more than willing to discuss the Faith with them. They also know that I believe they are missing out on the fullness of what Jesus and the Apostles gave us in the Church and that there faith traditions are not complete because there founder decide the leave the Church and start his own years ago.
I pray for the day when the Satan’s lies and dividing plan falls short and All Christian come home to the Chruch that Christ built on the Rock ST.Peter and the Apostles.
J
jbelokur
Guest
J
jbelokur
Guest
who build their house on Him are wise.
As I have all ready posted above, the Church and therefore I never use the term Roman Catholic.
Have you ever considered the fact that maybe it is not up to you to interpret the early Church Fathers, who were Bishops of the Catholic Church? Don’t you think that the Catholic Church would be the most equipped to interpret their own? This also applies to Sacred Scripture as well. The Holy Spirit inspired the Church to write Sacred Scripture as well as directing the Church in canonizing those sacred texts into what we now know as the Bible. Don’t you think that it is within that same Church, the Catholic Church, where we can go knowing that this same Holy Spirit that caused the Bible to be will also use that same instrument to interpret it as well?
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GodIsGracious
Guest
G
GodIsGracious
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J
jbelokur
Guest
GodIsGracious;5212142 said:
It seems, really, that you need to work on being Catholic, and not just simply “Loving Jesus.” There is more to it than that. They are NOT in communion with God. They are called “protestants” because they are PROTESTING the Catholic church. They are PROTESTING the Word of God. They are PROTESTING the Bride of our Lord Jesus Christ, who he promised to protect and that He will never leave Her. As a result, they are NOT in communion with God, because they are NOT in communion with the Catholic church.
This is why it is VERY important that they unite with the Catholic Church. They are in apostasy. So yes, they DO have to “join a certain group.” That certain group is the Catholic Church.
Now, this does not mean that I cannot witness to them. This does not mean that I cannot evangelize. We are commanded to do so. But this does NOT mean we should be attending services that are NOT Catholic and a mockery of the Lord’s supper.
You agree with this? You condone this in protestants? I don’t. Also, consider, it is Satan who has deceived many Catholics into thinking it is ok. He wants to protect the souls he has won over in protestants because he knows that should protestants ever reunite with the Catholic church he has lost them to God.
Whew! I have highlighted some of your post to comment on.
- Attending “protestant” services.
usccb.org/comm/archives/2003/03-239.shtml
usccb.org/comm/archives/2007/07-066.shtml
Seems that the US Council of Catholic Bishops and their representatives don’t share your POV about, at least, Lutheran worship. They seem to think that worshpping with Lutherans is appropriate at times.
scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm
Here again, you seem to be at odds with your Church.
usccb.org/seia/koinonia.shtml#9
Frankly, I will take the opinions of your bishops and Cr. Ratzinger over yours regarding what Catholics think of our Eucharist.
Jon
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Gabriel_of_12
Guest
Gabriel of 12;
I read your post and asked myself, what would Jesus say?
Matthew 19:29
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.
Luke 12:51
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Easier said than done; I can just imagine the sacrifice our Priests made when they adhered to God’s calling.
Practicing your living Catholic faith, would draw their Love for God. Again easier said than done. Sharing and living your faith would be the example for them. Visiting another church is not a problem, so long as you are “Confirmed” and set on Rock meaning cannot be moved by every wind of doctrine other than the one handed down to you from Jesus and the Apostles from the Catholic Church. And do not partake in their communion services. But be ready to give an answer for your faith. Find a spiritual advisor, to discuss your Christian walk through these times of witnessing either by sharing or just living out your Christ like walk.
Peace be with you
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