Attending Services at Non-Catholic Christian Congregations

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And I did…I said that sacramental marriage is all about what you believe. If you don’t believe in sacramental marriage then I don’t think the Church would validate the marriage, right?
 
And I did…I said that sacramental marriage is all about what you believe. If you don’t believe in sacramental marriage then I don’t think the Church would validate the marriage, right?
No, even an atheist and Catholic can validly be married in the Catholic church (given the proper permission is acquired). If the non-Catholic isn’t baptized, it’s considered a “natural marriage”. If the non-Catholic is baptized, the marriage is a sacrament.
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Natural Vs. Sacramental marriage? Liturgy and Sacraments
[image] Can someone please briefly explain the difference between a natural and a sacramental marriage?
 
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I am pretty sure that you are required to believe in sacramental marriage before it can be a sacramental marriage. If a person enters a marriage with the belief that they can get divorced, then that is not sacramental marriage, right? I’m going to have to talk to a priest now cause I’m totally confused.
 
First one is wikipedia, so YMMV.


Catholics are forbidden to marry non-Catholic Christians “without express permission of the competent authority”,[83] but, if the other conditions are fulfilled, such a marriage entered into in spite of the prohibition is seen as valid and also, since it is a marriage between baptized persons, as a sacrament.


A marriage can be regarded at two levels – whether it is valid in the eyes of the church and whether it is a sacrament. Both depend in part on whether the non-Catholic spouse is a baptized Christian or a non-baptized person, such as a Jew, Muslim or atheist.

If the non-Catholic is a baptized Christian (not necessarily Catholic), the marriage is valid as long as the Catholic party obtains official permission from the diocese to enter into the marriage and follows all the stipulations for a Catholic wedding.

A marriage between a Catholic and another Christian is also considered a sacrament. In fact, the church regards all marriages between baptized Christians as sacramental, as long as there are no impediments.
 
Sorry, can’t really help you out then…but right there is states…twice…that a marriage between two baptized Christians is a sacrament in the Catholic Church.
 
Even if they are atheist (baptized) and don’t believe in sacramental marriage ever?
 
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Ok I was blessed to speak with a priest and he was able to explain things better. So, yes that is true…Catholics teach that two Christians who marry are in a sacramental marriage, even if they don’t believe in sacramental Marriage.
 
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People will probably say I’m heretic but I listen to the likes of Bianca Olthoff, Lisa and John Bevere, Charlotte Gambil, Rick Warren, etc. (podcasts) and have attended a women’s conference at evangelical/non-denomination church Their practical and simple approach, I find is very helpful. In fact, the knowledge they impart about the scripture and the way they encourage us to read scripture I find is a great compliment to attending Mass. I will have to say their approach to the bible (reading plans, etc) is very beneficial and I wish we Catholics have bible devotionals like the protestants do.

I don’t find anything in-conflict. (so far) The only thing I’m not 100% comfortable in is their concert style worship. I enjoy contemporary christian music (which they play) but I still can’t “connect” and “feel” the way they are expected to. (hand raising, etc)

I feel most “at home” at a Catholic church but don’t question the heart and spirituality of the people around me when I’m at these events. I’ve learned so much from my protestant friends - - one of which is being bolder in speaking about my faith. Interestingly enough, I was inspired to join the choir at a protestant retreat. 🙂
 
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I’m not sure what’s going on at your church, but the several parishes I attend all have Bible study and scriptural “devotionals”. Usually multiple options for each. The Bible studies tend to be structured programs that have a reading plan. I myself am using the Great Adventure reading plan which is available for free on the web.

I also don’t know why you’d assume people would say you were heretic. I listen to Protestant stations on the radio frequently when I am in the car. I particularly enjoy Gayle Erwin. Some of them do bash Catholics or have very misguided ideas about Catholic teaching, which are good for a laugh. I think some of the preachers are talented speakers and are enjoyable to listen to, but I feel the same way about many of the priests who currently preach at Catholic Masses. However, unlike you I don’t find the Protestant stuff particularly “complementary” or filling a void that is lacking. It’s just something to listen to in the car that is more edifying than a music station playing vocoder sexy dance hits or a news station with people yammering about politics.

There’s a big difference between listening to something to fill time in the car and making the time to actually go sit in a church for an hour however. If I have an hour to spend in a church I’ll spend it at Mass, thanks.
 
In my case I’ve always had a somewhat ecumenical mindset. At university I attended mass at a multi-denominational building and as long as I met my obligations was never discouraged from attending non-Catholic and ecumenical events.

Graduation was a culture shock and I quickly learned that typical parishes aren’t really equipped for that sort of fellowship so I have been grateful for opportunities at the churches my husband attended to socialize with Christian’s my age, attend prayer and Bible groups, volunteer etc

Just wish that more of this was on offer in ordinary Catholic parishes.
 
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