Can I still attend protestant things?

[Kendy]

AquinasXVI:

Kendy:

IMHO you can attend for social reasons, seeing old friends. So far as bible study, I don’t know if you’ve immersed yourself in the CCC. If you don’t have one. Try to get a personal copy…It is a solid tapestry of Bible verses, dogma, council declarations through the centuries, insights from the saints. Get familiar with it first…then you’ll be able to compare interpretation if you do attend a non catholic bible study. Many times our wonderful separated bretheren interpret from the hip and come up with conclusions that are not consistent with the rest of the bible.

I think it’s amazing how you’ve come around so quickly as well. Maybe the deeper you get into the faith, you will guide your friends to the church…

in XT.

I got the CCC. I am reading it and so far enjoying it .

Kendy

 

[Kendy]

Church Militant:

Hi Kendy,

After I came home to the faith, I tried to attend some of the non-Catholic services that I had been part of but they just didn’t cut it for me. Their Bible studies where too full of “Well, I think that this verse means this…” instead of comparing it to other passages for context and to what the early church said about that topic. And if I offered any insight into the ECF or something, it was not very well received.

Something else that you might consider is that even though you may do good stuff in Vineyard, isn’t the Catholic Church now your church home and don’t they deserve your full support and help? It’s not like the church isn’t full of needs that we need our people to step up and fill. If you are working for Vineyard, then aren’t you robbing time away from your church home and depriving them of your skills that might just be desperately needed among us?

I’m not tryin’ to shame you or anything my friend, but this is something that I think all Catholics need to think very seriously about. I see a lot of people cryin’ and whinin’ about things that they would like to see their parishes do and I often wonder why that person hasn’t stepped up to their pastor and offered to work hard for the church. That just doesn’t make sense to me. (I do realize that there are also those who have tried and are still working in parishes that really do have problems. God bless you guys!)

I frankly wish I could do more than I do, but I’m only one soul and unless Our Lord blesses me with bilocation…

This is just something that I wanted to suggest to you. Let’s not short-change our own parishes by spending talents in a church that doesn’t teach what we really believe.
Pax tecum,

I definitely want to get involved. I wouldn’t be okay with just going to Mass. Maybe, I just need a transition period. I feel like I am giving up my second family and I don’t know a single local catholic. Plus, my house group really wants me to keep coming to bible study (not to change my mind, just to keep the connection) and I hate to let them down since I am already doing that in other ways.

Kendy

 

[Kendy]

Philthy:

I hope so. I attend an Efree Church and play on the worship team (in addition to attending Mass).

Lets get something from the CCC before too much speculation occurs. My wife has distanced herself from the RCC and prefers to go to the Efree church - I guess that would be my “special reason” - my family unity.

Ive done it all. You may find that you have been given a special mission by God: spreading the unity of Christs family. Are you a middle child by any chance?

You can stay involved. You should also bring some of the familial love that you have to your new parish as well - this is something often lacking and a stumbling block for many. You are just the person to bring that experience to your new family members…

Peace,

Phil

No, I am the oldest.

Kendy

 

[Kendy]

Also,

I am obviously leaving because I think the Vineyard is wrong about some key doctrinal issues. But they are still Christians and very committed ones at that. I understand the danger of avoiding these wrong teachings, but there is also danger in segregation. I really value Christian unity and I don’t think it can be achieved if we are so isolated from each other. Now, my church will have a resident catholic if they have question.

Also, there are many catholics who attend the vineyard here. While they accept the church’s teachings. they say they find it hard to have a genuine Christian community in their local parish. The first time, I went to vineyard, several people introduced themselves to me. I have been to Mass in Chicago twice in the past couple weeks and no one welcomed me .

Kendy

 

[Philthy]

Kendy:

Also, there are many catholics who attend the vineyard here. While they accept the church’s teachings. they say they find it hard to have a genuine Christian community in their local parish. The first time, I went to vineyard, several people introduced themselves to me. I have been to Mass in Chicago twice in the past couple weeks and no one welcomed me .
Kendy

I know exactly what you are talking about, but here is what I have come to realize regarding a service vs a Mass - and I mean no disrespect!

• A service is primarily between the members of the community - it is predominantly social.
• The Mass is primarily between yourself and God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and it is predominantly personal.

Im no expert, but that is my opinion. Now that much being said, I still think there is PLENTY of room for FELLOWSHIP in Catholic Parishes - it just shouldn’t have anything to do with MASS.

Phil

 

[RiverRock]

Philthy:

I know exactly what you are talking about, but here is what I have come to realize regarding a service vs a Mass - and I mean no disrespect!

• A service is primarily between the members of the community - it is predominantly social.
• The Mass is primarily between yourself and God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and it is predominantly personal.

Im no expert, but that is my opinion. Now that much being said, I still think there is PLENTY of room for FELLOWSHIP in Catholic Parishes - it just shouldn’t have anything to do with MASS.

Phil

Wow, Phil, you said exactly what I was trying to put into words. If you want warm fuzzies with Jesus, go to Mass. If you want warm fuzzies with other people, do it outside of Mass, in the Church hall, or in many other events. My wife is in the Catholic women’s ministry group, I’m on the parish council and also a Knight of Columbus AND we host a Catholic Bible study on Friday nights with our retired Nun neighbor. I think we have a pretty personal relationship with all involved–foremost Jesus in HIS Church, and many other people who share our same devotions to the true Church. There are plenty of socializing opportunities, especially when you are doing God’s work (fund raising events, social events, food bank, etc.) and sometimes you have to go look for them. If they don’t exist, then you are called to step up and create them.

 

[Church_Militant]

Kendy:

Also,

I am obviously leaving because I think the Vineyard is wrong about some key doctrinal issues. But they are still Christians and very committed ones at that. I understand the danger of avoiding these wrong teachings, but there is also danger in segregation. I really value Christian unity and I don’t think it can be achieved if we are so isolated from each other. Now, my church will have a resident catholic if they have question.

Also, there are many catholics who attend the vineyard here. While they accept the church’s teachings. they say they find it hard to have a genuine Christian community in their local parish. The first time, I went to vineyard, several people introduced themselves to me. I have been to Mass in Chicago twice in the past couple weeks and no one welcomed me .

Kendy

A couple of important points to consider here.

If no one greets you at Mass, then perhaps that is a starting place for your ministry within the church, and perhaps the best people to get involved with you in your parish are those Catholics at Vineyard who have said this stuff to you.

How in the world do we fix a problem by walking away from it? That’s nonsense, right? My own parish has someone standing at the door to greet you as you come in and at least one of the priests is in the narthex talking to people as we come in as well. It’s a full on ministry here.

Bible study? What about Catholic RCIA, CCD, and Sunday School classes and Catholic prayer groups? Holy Cats people! There are so many different things that we can do in the church that it boggles the mind.

If your parish is cold…Bring your own fire and set it ablaze! I listen to every complaint and wonder in my heart just what this person is doing to help remedy the situation?

If n-C churches have something that makes them seem warm, then what can we do as Catholics who know and love our most holy faith and know the truth of the Real Presence in the Eucharist to communicate that to others as they come in the door? Nobody else has this miracle! We are blessed to participate in that miracle in every Mass. Man that makes me want to shout it from the rooftop and I rejoice with tears as I kneel at the consecration and then go up to receive Our Risen Lord.

Just look at my signature…it is the words of St. Thomas in John 20:28 and I was taught to repeat those words as the host and cup were lifted up at Mass

“My Lord and my God.”

 

[RCCDefender]

Kendy,
I’ve been reading this post and thinking about what you are saying and how in a way it does make sense. Return to the Catholic faith, but stay involved in your old church to sort of be a witness to the Catholic faith.

Then it just really hit me.

Staying so intimately involved in your old church to be a witness to the Faith (or even if it’s not just to be a witness to the Faith) can really send the wrong message to those you are hoping to reach. They may see very little change in you (because you are obviously already a very committed Christian) and think you are talking the talk but not walking the walk. Some may start to think, “Gee, she said she was going back to the Catholic Church, but they must not have much to offer because she’s here all the time. I guess the Catholic Church must not be very Christian after all. I mean, if they were the One, True Faith as they claim to be, why isn’t she fellowshipping with them?”

Do you see my concern?

I also don’t think your house group has a completely innocent objective in really wanting you to keep coming to bible study. Please, don’t get angry with me for saying this, but they may try, in oh so subtle ways, to put cracks in your newly laid foundation.
And I understand they would be doing this out of love and concern for your salvation.

You say you “hate to let them down since I am already doing that in other ways.” Which tells me that underneath it all they really do have a problem with the path you’ve chosen.

Stay the course and don’t look back, what you are longing for now is nothing compared to the riches you can inherit.

You are in my prayers.

 

[scylla]

I still spend time with friends from Calvary Chapel, in fact I went to one of their baptisms at the beach about 5 months ago.

I love to spend time with them as they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not ever substitute the Mass or any Catholic gatherings for a Calvary Chapel gathering, or service.

If you are coming back to the Church it might be good to familiarize yourself with all the Church has to offer. It has taken me over a year to really get comfortable learning and seeing what the Church really is. There is sooo much and 2000 years of things to learn and enrich your faith. I also had to learn not to overeact each time someone brought up something to make me doubt the faith, and I didn’t find an answer in 5 minutes.

The unfortunate thing is there are some non-catholics who once I have an answer for their questions then don’t want to talk about the Church anymore. It seems your friends are more open for discussion.

Now my sister in law’s husband has gone to Mass with me and even accompanied me to confession a couple weeks ago. It sometimes takes time to open up to the Church and before they wouldn’t speak to my wife and I when we came back to the Church.

I don’t know if my comments helped but I understand a little how you feel. Calvary Chapel is very friendly and a great place to fellowship with others.

God Bless
Scylla

 

[Kendy]

RCCDefender:

Kendy,
I’ve been reading this post and thinking about what you are saying and how in a way it does make sense. Return to the Catholic faith, but stay involved in your old church to sort of be a witness to the Catholic faith.

Then it just really hit me.

Staying so intimately involved in your old church to be a witness to the Faith (or even if it’s not just to be a witness to the Faith) can really send the wrong message to those you are hoping to reach. They may see very little change in you (because you are obviously already a very committed Christian) and think you are talking the talk but not walking the walk. Some may start to think, “Gee, she said she was going back to the Catholic Church, but they must not have much to offer because she’s here all the time. I guess the Catholic Church must not be very Christian after all. I mean, if they were the One, True Faith as they claim to be, why isn’t she fellowshipping with them?”

Do you see my concern?

I also don’t think your house group has a completely innocent objective in really wanting you to keep coming to bible study. Please, don’t get angry with me for saying this, but they may try, in oh so subtle ways, to put cracks in your newly laid foundation.
And I understand they would be doing this out of love and concern for your salvation.

You say you “hate to let them down since I am already doing that in other ways.” Which tells me that underneath it all they really do have a problem with the path you’ve chosen.

Stay the course and don’t look back, what you are longing for now is nothing compared to the riches you can inherit.

You are in my prayers.

I see your point. And I never meant to imply that they were not against it. There is one woman who is pretty indifferent, but mostly, they think catholics are christians, but that it is not the best way to be Christian. They disagree with many of the church’s teachings. They would be very happy if I didn’t become catholic and asked me if I would come back to the vineyard if I wasn’t being “spiritually fed” in the catholic church. Nevertheless, we are very close community, and they have been very supportive of me and still are. They paid my rent one month when I lost my job and show their love in numerous ways. So, I hope you can understand why it’s difficult to just walk away .

Kendy

 

[Kendy]

scylla:

I don’t know if my comments helped but I understand a little how you feel. Calvary Chapel is very friendly and a great place to fellowship with others.

God Bless
Scylla

I am sure you do. Vineyard came out of Calvary Chapel so there are a lot of similarities. Community and fellowship is very import.

Kendy

 

[Dorothy]

Kendy:

Also,

I am obviously leaving because I think the Vineyard is wrong about some key doctrinal issues. But they are still Christians and very committed ones at that. I understand the danger of avoiding these wrong teachings, but there is also danger in segregation. I really value Christian unity and I don’t think it can be achieved if we are so isolated from each other. Now, my church will have a resident catholic if they have question.

Also, there are many catholics who attend the vineyard here. While they accept the church’s teachings. they say they find it hard to have a genuine Christian community in their local parish. The first time, I went to vineyard, several people introduced themselves to me. I have been to Mass in Chicago twice in the past couple weeks and no one welcomed me .

Kendy

I think this has to do with what the Mass is all about. It is the central act of worship in the Church, and when people enter they, for the most part, sit or kneel and pray in preparation.

I get into community with fellow members when I go to the other groups that are active in the Church, such as the prayer group, bible study group, book discussion group, etc. That is where we get to really know one another.

 

[Tonks40]

I just wanted to add on to my experience in coming back to the Church. It must’ve been maybe 10 or more years since I’ve been involved in any group or ministry at my parish, but when I came to my priest and told him what was happening to me spiritually, one of the things he told me to do was to get involved! I started out with attending a 3-night retreat, where I met many people who were involved in the life of the parish, and I even “re-met” some of my old friends that I used to hang out with at church. I then got involved in our stewardship committee (headed by someone I first met 20 years ago), then the music ministry, singing at the Saturday vigil masses with two more new people I met. It’s gotten to the point now where whenever I went to Mass, I get “Hi!” and “How are you??” wherever I turn!

Even if I didn’t know anyone at my parish, taking that first-step in getting involved in the life of the church is very important. This is your Spiritual Family - you’ve been away for a while - come back and give them a chance to know who you are all over again!

God Bless you, Kendy, on your wonderful journey back!

 

[Subrosa]

Hi Kendy -

Kendy:

Also,

I am obviously leaving because I think the Vineyard is wrong about some key doctrinal issues. But they are still Christians and very committed ones at that. I understand the danger of avoiding these wrong teachings, but there is also danger in segregation. I really value Christian unity and I don’t think it can be achieved if we are so isolated from each other. Now, my church will have a resident catholic if they have question.

What a wonderful idea!

Also, there are many catholics who attend the vineyard here. While they accept the church’s teachings. they say they find it hard to have a genuine Christian community in their local parish. The first time, I went to vineyard, several people introduced themselves to me. I have been to Mass in Chicago twice in the past couple weeks and no one welcomed me .

Kendy

How about you get those Catholics and start your own gathering? So many Catholics go to mass just as a thing to do that it is disheartening. I used to be one of them. You and your friends may be able to show them what it is like to be enthused about Catholicism.

BTW, you never told us if you came to accept the authority of the Church. Would you mind telling us?

Christ be with you,
Subrosa

 

[Kendy]

Subrosa:

Hi Kendy -
What a wonderful idea!

How about you get those Catholics and start your own gathering? So many Catholics go to mass just as a thing to do that it is disheartening. I used to be one of them. You and your friends may be able to show them what it is like to be enthused about Catholicism.

BTW, you never told us if you came to accept the authority of the Church. Would you mind telling us?
Christ be with you,
Subrosa

I think I do, but like everything, I feel like I have no choice. I don’t know enough about church history to say that the church has never erred or changed its doctrine, but I feel like given the other things that I do know, I have to accept the church’s authority as part of the package. Besides, I am not crazy about the alternative. I don’t like the fact that there are so many versions of Christianity floating around. I know it’s not what Jesus wants. And I don’t like the fact that when we disagree in housegroup about what scripture says, there’s no one we can run to settle the dispute. Plus, I am impressed by how unwavering the church is in the face of opposition. I know I don’t sound confident, but I am still working through it and it’s all a bit much.

Last week, when I met with my pastor I wanted him to give me definite answers. I wanted him to speak with conviction and without wavering, but he was passive. Not in a nonchalant way, but like he was more interested in being “loving” (which meant tolerant in this situation) than he was in speaking with conviction. And suddenly this person that I respected seemed really small. I couldn’t figure out why he was so indifferent about me becoming catholic. And if being catholic wasn’t such a bad thing, then how come he wasn’t catholic?

Christian unity is very important to me. I thought we were protestants because there were good reasons to be separated from the catholic church. So, I was really annoyed to find out that my pastor was indifferent to the spiritual implications of me becoming catholic. Mostly, he wanted to make sure that I found a good community, which as you can see, is important to me, but if I recall that’s not why we had the reformation.

Okay. I am ranting. And I mean no offense to all the protestants who feel strongly that there are good reasons to not be catholic. I realize that you have deeply held convictions and I respect them. I am just annoyed with my pastor .

So, do I accept the church’s authority? Okay! Fine! Whatever keeps the body together!

Kendy

 

[MJZ]

Before my faith in the Church began to mature I was very attracted to the protestant style of worship. I didn’t understand our way so I thought I was having a deeper, more exciting experience. Now that I understand the mass and the need for community I barely have enough time to keep up. The first answer about communion services was problay the most correct; however, the formation of my conscience is most important to me. To have the mind of Christ is all of our goals. So, I don’t allow protestant theology to penetrate my conscience when it comes to the interpretation of scripture and tradition. I do enjoy, some times, the singing and fellowship of our seperated brethren, who by the way are still sanctified and justified through baptism, but we as Catholics are instructed, in an ecumenically correct way, to not let go of the truth. and go and preach the Gospel to all nations, and to stand firm to the traditions we where taught, either by our word or epistle, and to fight for the faith. All these things are in the Holy Scriptures and the CCC. Pray and listen. Serve and love. Be patient and never stop asking questions. God bless you!

 

[Redbandito]

Kendy:

Hi,

I have decided to go back to RCC, but I still have a lot of attachments to my vineyard church, and I just want to clear up exactly what is ok behavior. Someone said that it was ok for me to attend protestant services as long as I don’t go to communion. But I read somewhere else that catholics can only attend protestant services if they have a special reason, like funerals. So, I am not sure what is the right thing to do.

I plan to go to Mass every Sunday, and I am trying to get involved in a catholic bible study, and I am looking into catholic charities to get involved with. But I am wondering if it’s ok to participate in vineyard worship services and bible studies if I don’t participate in communion and I don’t tithe to the vineyard church. I am hoping that I can stay involved in the church in a limited fashion: go to bible studies, and occasionally go to worship, and help out with volunteer actvities, and social events. Okay, so this isn’t very limited. But my church has been like family and a lot of ways and I don’t want to just walk away from family.

Kendy

Hey Kendy,

My Father-in-Law is a Baptist minister. My wife and I used to go to an adult group they had on Sundays before Mass. Ironically enough, I met my, now, best friend there. He is convinced about the RCC but is struggling to come into the Church due to family pressure. Pray for him. Anyway, I don’t think there is anything intrisically wrong with going there as long as you maintain very strict boundaries. Everyone there knew who we were and what we believed. We gained a lot from their classes on prayer and so forth. One of the problems is that past a certain point, I was afraid we would be a distraction. We weren’t going to get anything more out of it, and I was even more afraid that we would cause problems for them. Thus, we moved on. I have attended Bible studies with Protestants before. There is a lot to be learned. Just as long as you do two things: 1) You don’t seek to replace your Catholic “obligations” (I know you don’t like that word) with anything outside of the Church, and 2) That you keep in mind that it is easy to get in over your head. We never want to cease to challenge our faith (Paul said “Test everything, hold on to the good”), however we don’t need to fill our minds with error either. It’s a fine line. You’re certainly not going to go and fill your mind with witchcraft or anything of that sort (not that Protestantism even approaches that level of error), but you must know enough to defend your faith against it (and possibly even evangelize those who are involved in it). I think you can do the same thing with Protestants. There are many great Protestant Christians that you can learn a ton from. Just make sure they respect your beliefs as much as you respect their’s before you decide to devote a lot of time to them. If not, I think you are putting yourself in harm’s way.

 

[desire_the_end]

Kendy,

I wish you all the best in your persuit of the Catholic life. I too am finding my way to the RCC.

I don’t think it would be wise or rational to leave your old church completely. Just keep in mind that since you have returned to the RCC, you’ve accepted more than certain doctrine and teaching. You also have duties or obligations. That means respecting your call to serve God with your Catholic Christian bretheren.

I used to think that Catholics were shallow with their “tradition”… Not so much anymore; on the contrary I find myself disappointed with many of my protestant bretheren whom I had tremendous respect for. Like you spoke of your loving pastor - though he was no less your brother - he now seemed unimaginably tiny compared to the man you had once seen and known him as. I’ve heard clashing interpretations of the very same verses, even within the same building (and in the same hour)… It’s very discouraging when you can’t get an authorative definition of a word or verse or doctrine from anyone you’d like to trust. This is why I’m returning to the RCC.

But I encourage you to seek fellowship with your Catholic brothers and sisters without totally separating yourself from your second family at Vinyard! They need to see that you are as on fire as a Catholic as you were as a Protestant- No, even more passionate and humble then you were before. Catholics need to see this too! Pray that it be so. Pray that God may use you, his daughter, as a participant in a very special detailed purpose, however possibly minute or temporary, that involves witniessing to and encouraging both your beloved bretheren at Vinyard and in Rome.

Godbless & Godspeed. Go in peace!
Tony