Before RCIA starts can i go to church?

[mkipp]

I always feel weird when i go to Catholic Church, as i cannot receive the Communion/Eucharist. RCIA will likely start in the fall, is it okay for me to attend church eventhough i cannot fully partcipate?

 

[BrendanD]

Yes.

 

[I_Believe]

You can indeed attend Mass. And until you can receive, be sure to make a Spiritual Communion while others are receiving.

 

[LaLucia]

Everybody is welcomed to attend any Catholic church.

I think you should start reading some books on the Catholic religion so you learn the terminology. I went to a book store and bought me a book so I could memorize some of the prayers and also learn more about the Catholic church. It really helps to be prepared for your RCIA class. There is so much to learn.
Some of the RCIA teachers say that they have been studying for 30yrs. and they still are always learning something new.

 

[Margarite]

Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Anima Christi is also a beautiful prayer.

You can definently go to mass and just sit there, or go up to the priest and put your finger over your lip when he would normally give you holy Communion and he should bless you. Or you can just sit, people don’t think anything bad of people who don’t recieve Holy communion, and if they do, well they should confess that. So just go and be close to Jesus. And say that prayer and others when you are going up or sitting during Communion time.
Everyone loves to help converts, so ask away and we always love to help:thumbsup:

PS: Thank you for refraining from receiving, that is very considerate of you, I have heard of many converts who receive before they are Catholic, and it is very nice that you don’t.

 

[CarrieH]

Absolutely you can go, and welcome! Don’t feel weird or conspicuous about not receiving. There are plenty of Catholics who don’t receive for whatever reason (irregular marriage situation, they just ate before Mass, who knows?). Nobody should look at you funny if you don’t go up for Communion, and if they do, it’s their sin, not yours. We’re glad you are here!

 

[Mighty_Q]

I always feel weird when i go to Catholic Church, as i cannot receive the Communion/Eucharist. RCIA will likely start in the fall, is it okay for me to attend church eventhough i cannot fully partcipate?

You not only may attend, but you should attend. And as others have said, don’t feel self conscious about not receiving–people go to Mass to worship our Lord, not to judge others sitting in the pews.

 

[holdencaulfield]

Of course. In fact I encourage you.