Did I say the right thing?

[whatevergirl]

Hi all;

Just curious on something. I don’t want to name names, so will use an example to best illustrate my question.

Let’s say I have a Catholic friend, and she would like to visit a mosque or a temple. She would like to actually worship partially there, and still remain Catholic. My question is…I told her that she should pray and reflect on where God is leading her. (I would hope to remain Catholic) But, that being said…I mentioned to her that if she *chooses to worship *in another faith, she should be mindful that she cannot receive the Eucharist. (worship a faith that totally opposes Jesus as Lord and Savior) Of course, I’m stating this out of love and care for my friend.

So…my question is…would someone be in a state of mortal sin, if he/she chose to worship elsewhere and then also went to mass on Sunday…and received the Eucharist? From my recollection of Catholic law, it would seem to be that one would be in a state of mortal sin, if one is starting to follow another faith, no? And…was my comment judgemental to her?

My friend was not offended by my comment…by the way. But, I told this to one of my non-Catholic friends, who stated that ‘is why she is not Catholic,’ because it seems to rigid.

Our rules are not meant to hinder, I explained…but meant to lead people to the cross…to Christ…to the Eucharist. One should not take such an honor…lightly. Another reason that RCIA is such a lengthy process…so, people have time to really embrace the faith.

sigh…

So did I say anything wrong? Look forward to your replies.

 

[aurora77]

I think you did the right thing by reminding your friend what she will be missing out on. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our friends or family is to remind (not nag, not harrass, not be nasty too) them of the truths of the faith. It sounds like you did that well and it was well recieved.

This only sounds rigid to those who don’t truly understand the faith. I’ve heard that often enough from non-Catholics; it’s really a challenge to explain to them how important these “rules” are. I like to use the analogy of a haiku poem. The rules are very strict on what haiku is, but within those restrictions lies the ability to write beautiful poetry. The same thing with the Faith. Sure, there are many rules and guidelines, but they are only there to help us live our lives to the fullest.

 

[Della]

Since I do not know enough about canon law to comment on your friend worshiping with non-Christians and still receive the Eucharist, I will only address this part of your questions:

My friend was not offended by my comment…by the way. But, I told this to one of my non-Catholic friends, who stated that ‘is why she is not Catholic,’ because it seems to rigid.

If your friend was not offended, then she must understand that what you are doing is for her benefit, and that is never wrong to do when it is done out of love and with discretion, as you did. So, I wouldn’t worry about that.

Your other non-Catholic friend’s comment though only demonstrates her ignorance of Catholic teaching, along with her acceptance of our society’s ridiculous notion that standing up for the truth equals being “judgmental.” Rigidity is not always a bad thing. We certainly wouldn’t want to risk our lives in an elevator whose floor wobbled or whose lift system was made of Jello. There is a time for rigidity and a time for laxity, wisdom is knowing which is needed when, which the Church certainly does know.

 

[Texas_Roofer]

Our Deacon teaches the action of attending another’s worship is not a sin in itself, provided it is Christian based, but is dangerous as one can easily select the easier rules of the other religion and thus begins to deny parts of God teaching. This can become grave in consequences.

 

[AnnettefromTX]

My husband’s entire family goes to the Churches of Christ (including my husband when he goes) and every once in a while (like when one of my neices or nephews is being baptized) I will go to the earliest Mass then over the their church. I do not participate in their “communion” service.

However, I do see a problem with this if you are “luke warm” in your faith to begin with because I have caught them teaching things that are distinctly non-Catholic in nature and it would be easy for someone who doesn’t have a strong grounding in their faith to be swayed - that’s one reason that it’s not a good idea to visit other churches.

Additionally, if your friend does decide to switch faiths, the problem then is that she had the fullness of truth and rejected it which is a mortal sin.

 

[whatevergirl]

wow–thank you all for such wonderful and insightful replies…my next question is…is it a mortal sin if this person receives communion? Is it a mortal sin to receive the Eucharist, if one isn’t 100% convinced that this is the body, blood and Divinity of our Lord?

I’m deeply saddened, because I think I’m going to be losing my friend to another faith…and I cannot stop her.

I correct that…when I see Jesus on the cross…I’m saddened for Him.

 

[Della]

wow–thank you all for such wonderful and insightful replies…my next question is…is it a mortal sin if this person receives communion?

If she meets all the criteria of being culpable of committing mortal sin, yes. She may be confused and/or attracted by something in these other faiths she doesn’t think exist in the Church. You could help her best by helping her see that the Church has all she could desire for her soul and ultimate happiness.

Is it a mortal sin to receive the Eucharist, if one isn’t 100% convinced that this is the body, blood and Divinity of our Lord?

No, it isn’t. We all have doubts–that’s a part of being fallen human beings. It would only be a mortal sin if such a person denied the Real Presence with full knowledge and with free will and still received.

I’m deeply saddened, because I think I’m going to be losing my friend to another faith…and I cannot stop her.

I correct that…when I see Jesus on the cross…I’m saddened for Him.

Yes, I am sure Jesus too would be saddened. This is why you have to be Jesus to her and help her all you can. I will keep you and your friend in my prayers.

 

[whatevergirl]

If she meets all the criteria of being culpable of committing mortal sin, yes. She may be confused and/or attracted by something in these other faiths she doesn’t think exist in the Church. You could help her best by helping her see that the Church has all she could desire for her soul and ultimate happiness.

No, it isn’t. We all have doubts–that’s a part of being fallen human beings. It would only be a mortal sin if such a person denied the Real Presence with full knowledge and with free will and still received.

Yes, I am sure Jesus too would be saddened. This is why you have to be Jesus to her and help her all you can. I will keep you and your friend in my prayers.

You have been a great help. Thank you. I forget sometimes the components of mortal sin…so true, that really, she might not understand what leaving the Eucharist would mean for her…and that in and of itself, could be why she is so easily swayed to another faith.

Is it wrong to be afraid, to an extent, of turning one’s back on Christ? To accept a faith that does not support that Christ was Divine, and died for our sins…is in essence turning one’s back on Him, no?

 

[Della]

You have been a great help. Thank you. I forget sometimes the components of mortal sin…so true, that really, she might not understand what leaving the Eucharist would mean for her…and that in and of itself, could be why she is so easily swayed to another faith.

I would bet she really doesn’t understand her Catholic faith. If she did, she wouldn’t be attracted to anything else. We have our part to do as Catholics, don’t we? We have to put some effort into prayer and learning and doing–we can’t just sit there and expect to be entertained and kept amused. The Mass isn’t like watching TV or listening to music, it’s meant to be interactive, with the people assisting the priest with their prayers and worship.

Is it wrong to be afraid, to an extent, of turning one’s back on Christ? To accept a faith that does not support that Christ was Divine, and died for our sins…is in essence turning one’s back on Him, no?

It isn’t wrong to be afraid of turning one’s back on Christ, indeed it is laudable and a check to our running off into the blue to follow just anything that attracts our attention.

To formally reject one’s Christian faith is to reject Christ, yes. However, it has to be done with full knowledge and consent of the will for a person to be culpable of mortal sin.

 

[whatevergirl]

I would bet she really doesn’t understand her Catholic faith. If she did, she wouldn’t be attracted to anything else. We have our part to do as Catholics, don’t we? We have to put some effort into prayer and learning and doing–we can’t just sit there and expect to be entertained and kept amused. The Mass isn’t like watching TV or listening to music, it’s meant to be interactive, with the people assisting the priest with their prayers and worship.

It isn’t wrong to be afraid of turning one’s back on Christ, indeed it is laudable and a check to our running off into the blue to follow just anything that attracts our attention.

To formally reject one’s Christian faith is to reject Christ, yes. However, it has to be done with full knowledge and consent of the will for a person to be culpable of mortal sin.

I wonder at what point is one knowingly leaving…She said that she believes that Jesus died for our sins…is Divine, etc…but does not like that there doesn’t seem to be a sense of community. I explained that it depends on your parish…I have personally belonged to parishes where perhaps to my own fault, I didn’t join in enough…but with this one I belong to now, and have for years…my husband is part of Knights of Columbus, I’m an Extraordinary Minister, and my daughter is an altar server…it’s changed things 10 fold to participate…and praying the Rosary again…and really trying to grow spiritually does take a certain amount of effort on our parts.

I do believe that if one leaves the faith…they don’t fully understand the beauty they are leaving…for, why would they leave then?

Again–your help has been great…thank you for listening.

 

[Della]

I wonder at what point is one knowingly leaving…She said that she believes that Jesus died for our sins…is Divine, etc…but does not like that there doesn’t seem to be a sense of community. I explained that it depends on your parish…I have personally belonged to parishes where perhaps to my own fault, I didn’t join in enough…but with this one I belong to now, and have for years…my husband is part of Knights of Columbus, I’m an Extraordinary Minister, and my daughter is an altar server…it’s changed things 10 fold to participate…and praying the Rosary again…and really trying to grow spiritually does take a certain amount of effort on our parts.

I do believe that if one leaves the faith…they don’t fully understand the beauty they are leaving…for, why would they leave then?

Again–your help has been great…thank you for listening.

It’s encouraging that she still believes in these basic teachings. It sounds like she just needs some direction and a reawakening to the possibilities within her own parish life. In any case, I will keep her in my prayers. And, you are welcome to my small advise and my ear. I just hope it helps you and your friend. God bless.

 

[AnnettefromTX]

…She …does not like that there doesn’t seem to be a sense of community…

I totally understand this because my husbands church is “all” about “fellowship”. They have to be because that’s all they have. If they could truly understand and grasp the Real Presence in the Eucharist, they wouldn’t need all that touchy feely stuff.

Also, like you said, when you just show up for Mass on Sunday mornings and don’t even try to get involved with other ministries in the church, it can seem like an unfriendly place. But that’s because some people don’t want to be bothered with meeting other people - they just want to “get their time in and over with”. But the people who get involved… that’s where you can really feel the warmth of the Catholic church.

Our parish is probably average size for our area (suburb of Houston - 1700 families) and I’m sure that I know everyone that want’s to be known. The average parish has such a vast variety of things to do, (ie book club, RCIA, Knights of Columbus, Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, Adult Education) there’s something for everyone… not just your typical protestant “dinner on the grounds” hug everyone and call them sister/brother so and so. Real substance.

Annette

 

[whatevergirl]

I totally understand this because my husbands church is “all” about “fellowship”. They have to be because that’s all they have. If they could truly understand and grasp the Real Presence in the Eucharist, they wouldn’t need all that touchy feely stuff.

Also, like you said, when you just show up for Mass on Sunday mornings and don’t even try to get involved with other ministries in the church, it can seem like an unfriendly place. But that’s because some people don’t want to be bothered with meeting other people - they just want to “get their time in and over with”. But the people who get involved… that’s where you can really feel the warmth of the Catholic church.

Our parish is probably average size for our area (suburb of Houston - 1700 families) and I’m sure that I know everyone that want’s to be known. The average parish has such a vast variety of things to do, (ie book club, RCIA, Knights of Columbus, Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, Adult Education) there’s something for everyone… not just your typical protestant “dinner on the grounds” hug everyone and call them sister/brother so and so. Real substance.

Annette

Hi Annette…so true! I think that often times, we feel we should be entertained…or that by following this faith or that is like a magic pill that will make all my problems go away. Part of the beauty of the Catholic faith, is to unite ourselves with Christ’s suffering (when we are struggling with things)…there is real liberation in that (to those who say Catholic have no freedoms lol) There is utter beauty in knowing that God wants to have a personal relationship with me…so much so, that He desires my nourishment every Sunday (or more if you can make it to weekly masses)
I guess at this point, I will keep praying for her. Thank you for your help and advice…