Catholics can't attend Protestant services?

[twopekinguys]

You know, it’s really a matter of perspective.

If you are comfortable, and strong in your faith as a Catholic, it shouldn’t be a problem to occasionally attend a protestant service.

How can we tell our fellow Catholics to be understanding and tolerant of other faiths, if we know nothing about them?

As an RCIA coordinator in my parish, I will occasionally attend services at other churches, to gain a better understanding of where our candidates are coming from.

One other little tidbit. My maternal grandfather was a Presbyterian minister. Exactly how would I tell him I couldn’t attend his services?

Again, if you’re strong in your faith, I don’t see the problem, as long as you don’t make a habit of it.

 

[bobzills]

Fr Serpa wrote

:

**"Hi,

In the first place a Catholic has no business attending Protestant church services even occasionally. To participate in a heretical worship service and especially a communion service can be sinful for a Catholic because such an act is an affirmation of what we believe to be untrue. To attend an ecumenical service or a wedding or baptism is allowed, but Catholics are not allowed to attend such churches for the main reason of worship. Now if there are no Catholic churches in the vicinity on a Sunday, Catholics are allowed to participate in the Liturgy of Churches whose clergy are validly ordained such as the Eastern Orthodox Churches—including the reception of the Eucharist. Although we consider them to be in schism (not in union with the Pope) with the Catholic Church, such Churches are not heretical and share our basic beliefs.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P."**

Isn’t Fr. Serpa being a bit disingenuous here?? I work as a music minister for a protestant church which means I am obligated to attend their services. I get paid for being their music minister. I consider myself a Catholic Christian through & through…they know it, and I know it. I do not consider them ‘heretical’ at all BECAUSE those who are members, for the most part, were born into the denomination. .
Father Serpa says that Catholics should not participate in a heretical worship service, which would include a Protestant worship service. Of course, Father Serpa is absolutely correct here, as is Pope Paul VI when he wrote: “26. Common participation in worship (communicatio in sacris) which harms the unity of the Church or involves formal acceptance of error or the danger of aberration in the faith, of scandal and indifferentism, is forbidden by divine law.”
ORIENTALIUM ECCLESIARUM
POPE PAUL VI,
NOVEMBER 21, 1964

 

[LilyM]

peary;3528015:

Father Serpa says that Catholics should not participate in a heretical worship service, which would include a Protestant worship service. Of course, Father Serpa is absolutely correct here, as is Pope Paul VI when he wrote: “26. Common participation in worship (communicatio in sacris) which harms the unity of the Church or involves formal acceptance of error or the danger of aberration in the faith, of scandal and indifferentism, is forbidden by divine law.”
ORIENTALIUM ECCLESIARUM
POPE PAUL VI,
NOVEMBER 21, 1964

Note the wording - ‘common participation in worship … which harms the unity of the Church’ - it’s not a blanket condemnation of ALL common participation in worship. Participation in ecumenical services, for instance, can in some cases be a good thing and can strengthen rather than harm the unity of the Church.

Too, not all worship involves formal acceptance of error or the other harms mentioned. The mere presence of a Protestant at a Catholic Mass, f’rinstance, isn’t taken to mean that they accept the teachings of the Catholic Church. So, conversely, the mere presence of a Catholic at a Protestant worship service doesn’t mean they accept teh teachings of whichever denomination, just as surely.

 

[catholiconce]

I didn’t know all Catholics were Italian.

where have I used the word Italian ? I never said all Catholics were Italian !

 

[catholiconce]

Fr Serpa wrote

:

**"Hi,

In the first place a Catholic has no business attending Protestant church services even occasionally. To participate in a heretical worship service and especially a communion service can be sinful for a Catholic because such an act is an affirmation of what we believe to be untrue. To attend an ecumenical service or a wedding or baptism is allowed, but Catholics are not allowed to attend such churches for the main reason of worship. Now if there are no Catholic churches in the vicinity on a Sunday, Catholics are allowed to participate in the Liturgy of Churches whose clergy are validly ordained such as the Eastern Orthodox Churches—including the reception of the Eucharist. Although we consider them to be in schism (not in union with the Pope) with the Catholic Church, such Churches are not heretical and share our basic beliefs.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P."**

Isn’t Fr. Serpa being a bit disingenuous here?? I work as a music minister for a protestant church which means I am obligated to attend their services. I get paid for being their music minister. I consider myself a Catholic Christian through & through…they know it, and I know it. I do not consider them ‘heretical’ at all BECAUSE those who are members, for the most part, were born into the denomination. Yes, there are some ex-Catholics in the congregation too, but that is their own issue. I do not get involved in it.

And I have no problem in seeing them as being offered salvation and a life of grace BECAUSE they practice a valid Baptism. They also have the Bible, which is the Word of God written. Though they may not have the fullness of Faith, they DO have Faith in Christ as they understand Him to be. I also share in their Communion service because, after much conscience-searching, I have concluded that, as Scripture tells us, “where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in the midst of them.” Although their concept of Communion is flawed, nevertheless, Jesus is present to them in a way He deems fit to be present to them, and not in any way we assume. Yes, we as Catholic Christians have the full Eucharist, but it does negate the presence of the Lord in some way during their communion sharing. Personally, I accept them as brothers and sisters in Christ, because they ARE.
Thank You Peary. However do not lump all Protestans in one group some believe the lords supper to be a symbol or a rememberance. Others (lutherans) do believe that Jesus is presnt in the Eucharist and that the Eucharist is the body and Blood of christ. Who are others to tell me what I can and can not believe. Fullness of the Faith? How can others judge my faith and tell me Jesus meant this or that when he said this. I John 6:53 He who eats my body and drinks my Blood has eternal life. Protestants believe in Jesus some believe that The Eucharist is as he said. “This is my body and this is my Blood”

 

[peary]

I didn’t know all Catholics were Italian.

Originally Posted by catholiconce
Case in point. First of all I said EWTN RADIO.If you are going to attack me get your facts straight Study the History of the Church. Not the History from your own point of view but from the perspective of others. Just because Jesus gave the Keys to Peter those who followed had no right Kill thousands of Fellow Christians as the Romans have done. Thou shall not Kill. There is no escape clause for Non Romans.

You implied as much. Are you saying here that ‘Roman’ Catholics have killed thousands of fellow-Christians? The only ‘Romans’ I know of are the Italians who live in Rome.

There is also no official entity called the Roman Catholic Church. You will NEVER find an official document in 2000 years of history in which the Church refers to itself as ‘Roman’. It is the CATHOLIC CHURCH and it is what it calls itself.

 

[Righteousone]

I didn’t know all Catholics were Italian.

There are Catholics from every country, Iraq, Lebanon, India, Africa, Phillipines etc…you do not have to be Italian to be Catholic. Just because the Vatican is in Rome where St. Peter was killed and martyred, doesn’t mean it stops there.

 

[JPatton]

What would be the reasoning for attending said services… that’d be a good starting point.

cuf.org/Faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=225

I’m not officially Catholic yet but I attend a non-denom service with my wife after Mass. It’s important that I attend with her since we have differences in our beliefs. When I do become Catholic I will still attend and worship along side her. If I refused to go to church with her it would cause even more strain on our marriage. I stopped receiving communion and that was enough strain, we don’t need anymore. Plus I could be a light to them to show them that Catholics do actually worship and praise God. A light only by God’d grace of course

Jamie

 

[wisdomseeker]

You are Right God alone is the judge. I am sorry if you viewed me as being judgemental that is not my intention. Google the reformation period and the peasant wars the history is there . Do not believe everything you hear and read without looking at both sides of the every story. You are right the judgement day is not yet here

be very carefull when listen to other voices. Our Lord said once “my sheep will hear my voice for they know their shepperd” who do you think is going to be most tempted? catholics because the devil is going after those who belong to God and catholics are most innocent of all people. some will fall and not expecting that is foolish.

Protestant reformation was not a reformation of the catholic church. the True Church still here the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church which is the Kingdom of God. jesus said behold the Kingdom of God is at hand. Only the catholic church can interpret Sacred Scriptures in truth because it was passed on from the apostles themselves to which is now the catholic church. protestants only see the sins of man like they dont have no sins. as catholic we know that Jesus came for the sinners and as long as we are here we will sin. obviously if protestants post the truth about the reformation do you really believe that anyone would be protestans? i dont think so. catholics were greatly persecuted by the reformers back then, calvin would send his bodyguards into the catholics homes to see if they had anything that had reminded catholicism if they did their whole family would be killed. M luther and his gangs rapped killed and women and children in Rome. until this day there is street as memorial of these events. in America catholics were highly persecuted by protestant, catholics were forced to become protestants it was a realy dark times for catholics when they came here. there much much more.

just chech this out. catholic.com/radio/calendar.php

go to january 2008 issue. look for catholic urban legends: listen to it and tell me what you think.

 

[peary]

peary;3528015:

Thank You Peary. However do not lump all Protestans in one group some believe the lords supper to be a symbol or a rememberance. Others (lutherans) do believe that Jesus is presnt in the Eucharist and that the Eucharist is the body and Blood of christ. Who are others to tell me what I can and can not believe. Fullness of the Faith? How can others judge my faith and tell me Jesus meant this or that when he said this. I John 6:53 He who eats my body and drinks my Blood has eternal life. Protestants believe in Jesus some believe that The Eucharist is as he said. “This is my body and this is my Blood”

The answer is: A VALID PRIESTHOOD AND APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION - both of which Lutherans do NOT have.

 

[catholiconce]

Originally Posted by catholiconce
Case in point. First of all I said EWTN RADIO.If you are going to attack me get your facts straight Study the History of the Church. Not the History from your own point of view but from the perspective of others. Just because Jesus gave the Keys to Peter those who followed had no right Kill thousands of Fellow Christians as the Romans have done. Thou shall not Kill. There is no escape clause for Non Romans.

You implied as much. Are you saying here that ‘Roman’ Catholics have killed thousands of fellow-Christians? The only ‘Romans’ I know of are the Italians who live in Rome.

There is also no official entity called the Roman Catholic Church. You will NEVER find an official document in 2000 years of history in which the Church refers to itself as ‘Roman’. It is the CATHOLIC CHURCH and it is what it calls itself.

I see my mistake and I am sorry.

 

[khutcheson]

catholiconce;3529724:

The answer is: A VALID PRIESTHOOD AND APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION - both of which Lutherans do NOT have.

And who defines valid?

 

[c659smith]

peary;3532484:

And who defines valid?

Lutherans

 

[peary]

peary;3532484:

And who defines valid?

Certainly not the Lutherans LOL

 

[gaderenian]

Peter refused to entertain the mere thought of eating unclean meat. “Far be it for me…”
Out of burning passion for his God, Saul, himself took rocks and smashed them into and executed our ancient brethren.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

 

[ufamtobie]

We have catholic’s join us in our service, and Bible studies. I would hate to lose them.

I know there are boundaries and issues in this area, but for me I see no problem with attending other services.

FTL
For The Lord

Harold,

why would a Catholic want to go to a Protestant Bible studies when the King James version is incomplete. Martin Luther took out 7 bible verses.

Imagine someone who is studying to become a doctor and is missing form his medical book 7 chapters, I tell you he is not going to do well in his test.

Ufamtobie

 

[gaderenian]

the kingdom of heaven is within
you

the heavens declare the glory of God
and
the firmament showeth his handiwork
day unto day uttereth speech
and
night after night declareth knowledge

 

[Annie_B]

I recently asked this very (well close enough) question in “Ask an appolgist” and this is the answe that I was given by Michelle Arnold. She refered me to a link and this is what was there:

Nov 3, '04, 12:54 pm
Smiley
Junior Member Join Date: November 3, 2004
Posts: 4

Could Catholics attend Protestant services before Vatican II?

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I was just told by a Protestant that prior to Vatican II it was a sin for Catholics to go to a Protestant church service. Is this true?

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#2 Nov 5, '04, 11:32 am
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers Apologist Join Date: May 3, 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 2,411

Re: Could Catholics attend Protestant services before Vatican II?

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Let’s begin by sifting out whether it was a sin from whether it was a permissible action. Again, sinfulness depends on the individual’s knowledge and consent; the action itself can only be determined permissible or not (or moral or immoral).

The common belief of average Catholics of the pre-Vatican-II era was that a Catholic could never attend a Protestant service. This understanding was flawed, but it was based upon the Church’s much more restrictive position on Catholics attending non-Catholic services.

The 1917 Code of Canon Law stated that, ordinarily speaking, a Catholic should not attend non-Catholic services; however, the Code did provide for exceptions to the normative law:

Quote:
§1 It is not licit for the faithful by any manner to assist actively or have a part in the sacred [rites] of non-Catholics.

§2 Passive or merely material presence can be tolerated for the sake of honor or civil office, for grave reason approved by the bishop in case of doubt, at the funerals, weddings, and similar solemnities of non-Catholics, provided danger of perversion and scandal is absent (canon 1258, 1917 Code, emphasis added).

Basically, if a Catholic had a serious reason to attend a non-Catholic service (e.g., he was a convert whose non-Catholic relative had died), he could attend the service as a guest, not taking part in the service but merely observing it. For him to attend such a service without serious reason was considered grave matter because it was believed to jeopardize his Catholic faith:

Quote:
Whoever in any manner willingly and knowingly helps in the promulgation of heresy, or who communicates in things divine with heretics against the prescription of canon 1258, is suspected of heresy (canon 2316, 1917 Code, emphasis added).

The law was strict in this era because it was a time when one’s religious observance was considered to denote his religious identity. For a Catholic to attend a non-Catholic service without serious reason was for Catholics of the time considered to be a betrayal of Catholic identity. Still, as can be seen from the exceptions above, the law was not absolute. Consider for example the case of St. Edith Stein, an early-twentieth-century saint who was known to have attended synagogue with her elderly mother after her conversion to Catholicism from Judaism. St. Edith attended Jewish religious services out of respect for her mother, but prayed the psalms out of her Catholic breviary (source).

When considering why the Church was strict on this in the past, we must remember that Protestants of the time were more likely to actively seek to evangelize Catholics because often they believed Catholics to be non-Christians in need of salvation according to the Protestant understanding of the gospel. Avoiding non-Catholic services was both a matter of not giving scandal to fellow Catholics and protecting one’s own faith from aggressive and often anti-Catholic proselytization.

Even today, while the common understanding of Catholics is that they are permitted to attend non-Catholic services, the Church places some strictures on Catholic attendance at non-Catholic services. Compare the prior canonical prescriptions with the canonical prescription of the 1983 Code:

Quote:
One who is guilty of prohibited participation in [non-Catholic] religious rites is to be punished with a just penalty (canon 1365, 1983 Code).

For information on permitted and prohibited participation in non-Catholic Christian services, please see Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism.

---

“If anyone comes to me, I want to lead them to Him.” --St. Edith Stein

---

 

[gaderenian]

as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples.

When the Pharisees saw this,
they said to His disciples,
“Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”

But
when Jesus
heard [that],
he said unto them,
They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

But go and learn what this means:
“I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,”
for I did not come to call the righteous,
but sinners.

The Son of Man came eating and drinking,
and they say,
“Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”

Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.

 

[PattyPryor]

I totally agree with what the Father says about attending other church services. When I was perfectly happy being a Catholic and went to a LDS (AKA Mormon) church I was sooo confused I had no where to run to. I should have gone to a priest but instead got sucked into meeting with missionaries. It is not a good thing to go to other services other than Catholic! but non Catholics can come to ours