Do You Ever Attend Non-Catholic Worship Services?

[ElToro]

Most of the posts I read, including mine, said that we would not attend a protestant service on a regular (weekly basis) for music and food. I know it seems innocuous enough to you, but I still feel that it is dangerous, ESPECIALLY considering your dissatisfaction with your parish and diocese.

Yes, we know you know it isn’t a Mass. Yes, I’m sure they are lovely people. My advice would still be to stop attending so regularly. However, as I said earlier, I’m sure you’ll do whatever you want to.

May your guardian angel be with you always.

How utterly offensive is that? You equate music/singing/prayer/preaching/fellowship and yes, food to “music and food.” Good grief…

Now I know why you were unable to give productive (name removed by moderator)ut to my question – either you really have no idea what I’m talking about (which might well be my fault) or you’re being offensive on purpose.

 

[ElToro]

And in contrast that attitude that worship services are meant to be entertainment is what leads to ‘church hoppers’.

Just where did you learn this “entertainment” mantra? The is FAR MORE to hearing and singing beautiful music than simply being “entertained.” In all sincerity I would like to know where that #2 universal response (right behind #1: “yeah, but we have the Eucharist”) came from? The Catholic Church is well aware of the great value of music in the liturgy.

The music is not my primary focus at mass or in any worship experience. So of course I’m going to say: They don’t have the Eucharist. Because all I want in any worship experience is an encounter with God. The rest is unimportant. I would gladly attend a Mass carried out in total silence. Clearly that isn’t the same with you, but you have to expect there are people out there who just don’t care if the music is good or not because their eye is on the prize not the paper egg.

I would sure hope music is not your primary focus. But to suggest that The rest is unimportant. The Catholic Church does not agree with you.

 

[Jack_Bauer]

Honestly I would say more they’ve perfected the ‘Emotional Manipulation’ Worship. I know I sure came away with some major emotional highs going to praise services. It always wore off and was such a disappointment. Not saying all Protestant services are like that but those were my experiences.

It’s mostly the mega churches. We used to call them the “what’s happen en now church”

 

[nickybr38]

It’s a darned shame that more Catholic parishes don’t make the effort so that people can feel that way after leaving Mass.

I mostly see people scurrying to leave and get a good seat at their favorite place for breakfast. A real shame.

Emotional highs are empty. We shouldn’t choose our faith based on how it makes us feel.

 

[nickybr38]

Just where did you learn this “entertainment” mantra? The is FAR MORE to hearing and singing beautiful music than simply being “entertained.” In all sincerity I would like to know where that #2 universal response (right behind #1: “yeah, but we have the Eucharist”) came from? The Catholic Church is well aware of the great value of music in the liturgy.

I would sure hope music is not your primary focus. But to suggest that The rest is unimportant. The Catholic Church does not agree with you.

You’re so stubborn and refuse to see the point I’m trying to make. Why do you defend Protestant services and continually look down upon the Mass?

There are good points to Protestant services but it’s just not enough for me and it’s superficial at best.

It would seem music is your primary focus. That and a rousing good sermon. That doesn’t make you a weak Christian but it does cause concern. When I say ‘the rest is unimportant’, I mean the homily and the music. If the music and the homily is bad IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER, because God is still present and Christ is still taken into us. Those elements do not make or break the Mass. That’s what I meant by it’s unimportant.

 

[ElToro]

Emotional highs are empty. We shouldn’t choose our faith based on how it makes us feel.

Nope. It would be a most positive thing to experience an “emotional high” because of the majestry of the Mass we are attending/just attended.

I have left Saint Peter’s Basilica after attending Mass on a HUGE emotional high…

 

[sapphire778]

I came from a Pentecostal background, and believe me, our form of worship was so dynamic! Everyone lifted their hands in praise and awe of His Majesty and basked in His presence with so much heartfelt joy and peace! I would say that Emotional high without rationality/ reason is of course, empty, but not when Christians lift up their all to worship God in exuberance. This, I cannot see in the Catholic Mass, but I understand that the Mass is the centre of worship for us Catholics and is meant to be a solemn sacrifice. Even though I have comne to embraced the Catholic faith and its truth, it can be said that there are areas in which the Catholics have to learn from Protestants in terms of diverse styles of worship, and it would be ignorant to discourage Catholics from stepping into a Church even though it may only be for a few times, to see what their fellow brethrens in Christ are up to, which is worshipping with so much fervour and love for our Lord.

Catholic Masses can be dry, and become more of a mindless and repititive practice/obligation which the faithful have to fulfill weekly, so it would be natural that we see less “on fire” Christians in the Catholic Mass than in “optional” Protestant services. But don’t get me wrong, I do believe that the Mass is the best form of worship, but it has to be done with as much pride and awe each time as in Protestant’s case when they worship only to music.

 

[ElToro]

You’re so stubborn and refuse to see the point I’m trying to make. Why do you defend Protestant services and continually look down upon the Mass?

Stop your LYING. NO WHERE have I looked down on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! To say I have is a LIE! I certainly lament how it is celebrated in some places but for me to look down on the Mass? NO WAY.

There are good points to Protestant services but it’s just not enough for me and it’s superficial at best.

Enough for what? What does that even mean? “Not enough” for you to spend two hours of your time on a Sunday evening? What’s your opportunity cost? Please don’t ever suggest I ever even so much as hinted about attending such a service IN PLACE of the Mass as I never have.

It would seem music is your primary focus. That and a rousing good sermon. That doesn’t make you a weak Christian but it does cause concern. When I say ‘the rest is unimportant’, I mean the homily and the music. If the music and the homily is bad IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER, because God is still present and Christ is still taken into us. Those elements do not make or break the Mass. That’s what I meant by it’s unimportant.

I never said music was my primary focus. Not ever. Nope. I noted perhaps a dozen times that the Eucharist is the source and summit of my faith. I also asked people to stop trying to compare these services with the Mass to little avail.

You’re TERRIBLY and OBJECTIVELY WRONG to suggest that the music and homilies don’t matter! The Catholic Church agrees with me on this. Too darned many people have left the Church because the music and singing is POOR. Too many have left the Church because the preaching is POOR. Too many have left the Church because the fellowship opportunities are POOR.

But wait you say! You’re an enlightened Catholic and “If the music and the homily is bad IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!” Those people are WRONG to leave because of the POOR music and singing! To heck with them! They should have known better! Those people are WRONG to leave because of the POOR preaching! To heck with them! They should have known better! Those people are WRONG to leave because of the POOR fellowship opportunities! To heck with them! They should have known better!

That very mindset has cost the Church MILLIONS of members worldwide. They leave NOT because they they are wrong or because they lose their faith in God but because they lose their faith in an institution that many times seems to support your erroneous notion that “If the music and the homily is bad IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!”

It matters…

 

[theistgal]

Reseda, huh?

Is Fr. Mel still over at St. Mary’s Byzantine in Sherman Oaks? Maybe you could talk to him about starting vespers there. Byzantine vespers are amazing. “Let my prayers ascend to you like incense…”

Yes he is still there, but I’ll let you talk to him.

We do occasionally have Vespers on the evening of a feast day (such as Tuesday night, the Vigil of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul).

By the way, I must say it is great to see Jack Bauer in this thread. Can Chloe be far behind?

 

[ElToro]

I came from a Pentecostal background, and believe me, our form of worship was so dynamic! Everyone lifted their hands in praise and awe of His Majesty and basked in His presence with so much heartfelt joy and peace! I would say that Emotional high without rationality/ reason is of course, empty, but not when Christians lift up their all to worship God in exuberance. This, I cannot see in the Catholic Mass, but I understand that the Mass is the centre of worship for us Catholics and is meant to be a solemn sacrifice. Even though I have comne to embraced the Catholic faith and its truth, it can be said that there are areas in which the Catholics have to learn from Protestants in terms of diverse styles of worship, and it would be ignorant to discourage Catholics from stepping into a Church even though it may only be for a few times, to see what their fellow brethrens in Christ are up to, which is worshipping with so much fervour and love for our Lord.

Catholic Masses can be dry, and become more of a mindless and repititive practice/obligation which the faithful have to fulfill weekly, so it would be natural that we see less “on fire” Christians in the Catholic Mass than in “optional” Protestant services. But don’t get me wrong, I do believe that the Mass is the best form of worship, but it has to be done with as much pride and awe each time as in Protestant’s case when they worship only to music.

Some charismatic Masses are quite lively. They are not my thing really, but they do appeal to quite a few.

 

[sapphire778]

Some charismatic Masses are quite lively. They are not my thing really, but they do appeal to quite a few.

Yeah, but Churches don’t have them as frequently. It’s not quite possible anyway…
And my point is, it is rather close-minded of Catholics to suggest that others should not attend a Protestant service simply because of their style of worship. As long as what is being preached does not contradict Catholic teachings and that the church go-er is learned and discerning, I don’t see why anyone should stop these people from attending.

Personally, I would not mind going back to a Protestant service like I have for the past 3 years (and they were really good experience btw), as it is good to remind me why I had decided to join the Catholic Church in the first place primarily because of the beauty of appreciation for the Mass, also enabling me to relieve those moments of freely worshipping with my brethren in the presence of God, and importantly, to be a testimony to the believers there, when they acknowledge my faith (or rather, my conversion) and dig in deeper from there.
But a word of caution of course, that if you are not well-versed in the Catholic faith, not quite sure why you do the things you do in your practice of the faith etc…don’t attend a protestant service especially charismatic ones because they can easily lead you onto their boat.

 

[TrueLight]

ElToro,

I do attend a Protestant service once a month because I sing in the church’s choir once a month.

I was raised as a Protestant and I have been in different Protestant denominations.

I’m going to be honest with you. By reading some of your posts, not just in this thread but in others, you strike me a someone on the road to converting to Protestantism. I say this with sisterly love and concern.

You are essentially protesting a lot of Catholic disciplines.

A lot of people on the forum don’t understand the lure of Protestantism. They start threads like “Why be Protestant” or they say your the line that annoys you , “But we have the Eucharist”.

The lure is the free worship, the beautiful music, the meaty sermons, the emphasis on reading your Bible outside of church, the welcoming community.

As a pre-convert I miss some of those things, but I also know what I am missing by not being Catholic.

As an outsider looking in, these things will tempt you. Why is the Church so rigid, you will ask? Why all the legalism? Why do parishioners run out of mass? Etc, etc.

If you are not careful, you will find yourself attending these services more and more until you are a Catholic by baptism only.

Please be careful.

 

[Hboggs]

You’re TERRIBLY and OBJECTIVELY WRONG to suggest that the music and homilies don’t matter! The Catholic Church agrees with me on this. Too darned many people have left the Church because the music and singing is POOR. Too many have left the Church because the preaching is POOR. Too many have left the Church because the fellowship opportunities are POOR.

But wait you say! You’re an enlightened Catholic and “If the music and the homily is bad IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!” Those people are WRONG to leave because of the POOR music and singing! To heck with them! They should have known better! Those people are WRONG to leave because of the POOR preaching! To heck with them! They should have known better! Those people are WRONG to leave because of the POOR fellowship opportunities! To heck with them! They should have known better!

That very mindset has cost the Church MILLIONS of members worldwide. They leave NOT because they they are wrong or because they lose their faith in God but because they lose their faith in an institution that many times seems to support your erroneous notion that “If the music and the homily is bad IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!”

It matters…

**I believe that the original question was not intended to initiate a continuing debate between just a few members. If you so feel inclined, maybe private posts would be a better alternative.

THEORITICALLY, bad music, homily does not matter. Unfortunately, in REALITY it does matter. I have been fortunate to have experienced excellent music, homily, etc in a very small parish and also a parish in a town of 100k in rural Georgia. It would be hard if not impossible for me to know how I’d feel otherwise. But again the questions was more simple in nature and I think demands a more respectful reply. God Bless All**

 

[SwizzleStick]

ElToro,

I do attend a Protestant service once a month because I sing in the church’s choir once a month.

I was raised as a Protestant and I have been in different Protestant denominations.

I’m going to be honest with you. By reading some of your posts, not just in this thread but in others, you strike me a someone on the road to converting to Protestantism. I say this with sisterly love and concern.

You are essentially protesting a lot of Catholic disciplines.

A lot of people on the forum don’t understand the lure of Protestantism. They start threads like “Why be Protestant” or they say your the line that annoys you , “But we have the Eucharist”.

The lure is the free worship, the beautiful music, the meaty sermons, the emphasis on reading your Bible outside of church, the welcoming community.

As a pre-convert I miss some of those things, but I also know what I am missing by not being Catholic.

As an outsider looking in, these things will tempt you. Why is the Church so rigid, you will ask? Why all the legalism? Why do parishioners run out of mass? Etc, etc.

If you are not careful, you will find yourself attending these services more and more until you are a Catholic by baptism only.

Please be careful.

A thoughtful, considerate, concerned, charitable post that outlines well the concerns of others. Very good.

 

[ElToro]

Yeah, but Churches don’t have them as frequently. It’s not quite possible anyway…
And my point is, it is rather close-minded of Catholics to suggest that others should not attend a Protestant service simply because of their style of worship. As long as what is being preached does not contradict Catholic teachings and that the church go-er is learned and discerning, I don’t see why anyone should stop these people from attending.
Personally, I would not mind going back to a Protestant service like I have for the past 3 years (and they were really good experience btw), as it is good to remind me why I had decided to join the Catholic Church in the first place primarily because of the beauty of appreciation for the Mass, also enabling me to relieve those moments of freely worshipping with my brethren in the presence of God, and importantly, to be a testimony to the believers there, when they acknowledge my faith (or rather, my conversion) and dig in deeper from there.
But a word of caution of course, that if you are not well-versed in the Catholic faith, not quite sure why you do the things you do in your practice of the faith etc…don’t attend a protestant service especially charismatic ones because they can easily lead you onto their boat.

I agree. There are four things that would make me leave:

1.) Anything that was anti-Catholic.

2.) If I attended in place of attending a Catholic Sacrificial Liturgy

3.) Being prosthelyzed.

4.) I would not attend a service that had a simulated communion or “clergy.”

I appreciate your comments about needing to be strong in one’s faith to attend such services. I VERY MUCH agree. If one is teeter-tottering then they should stay clear. I don’t however subscribe to the universal prohibition of such services.

 

[ElToro]

ElToro,

I do attend a Protestant service once a month because I sing in the church’s choir once a month.

I was raised as a Protestant and I have been in different Protestant denominations.

I’m going to be honest with you. By reading some of your posts, not just in this thread but in others, you strike me a someone on the road to converting to Protestantism. I say this with sisterly love and concern.

You are essentially protesting a lot of Catholic disciplines.

A lot of people on the forum don’t understand the lure of Protestantism. They start threads like “Why be Protestant” or they say your the line that annoys you , “But we have the Eucharist”.

The lure is the free worship, the beautiful music, the meaty sermons, the emphasis on reading your Bible outside of church, the welcoming community.

As a pre-convert I miss some of those things, but I also know what I am missing by not being Catholic.

As an outsider looking in, these things will tempt you. Why is the Church so rigid, you will ask? Why all the legalism? Why do parishioners run out of mass? Etc, etc.

If you are not careful, you will find yourself attending these services more and more until you are a Catholic by baptism only.

Please be careful.

Like what?

Horrible music/singing?

Lack of fellowship?

The desperate need to flee parish churches after communion or the final prayer?

The need to wear a t-shirt from the coolest local winery, shorts and jelly sandals to Mass?

What exactly?

I am absolutely certain that there are Catholic parishes out there with excellent music programs. Where everyone at least tries to sing and most are on key. Ones that have good, no, great preaching and excellent opportunities for fellowship after liturgy.

I just have never seen such a parish is all. If there was one in my town I would join it.

 

[Jack_Bauer]

Like what?

Horrible music/singing?

Lack of fellowship?

The desperate need to flee parish churches after communion or the final prayer?

The need to wear a t-shirt from the coolest local winery, shorts and jelly sandals to Mass?

What exactly?

I am absolutely certain that there are Catholic parishes out there with excellent music programs. Where everyone at least tries to sing and most are on key. Ones that have good, no, great preaching and excellent opportunities for fellowship after liturgy.

I just have never seen such a parish is all. If there was one in my town I would join it.

Preaching not in line with Christ’s teaching is only a smoke screen for luring people further away from truth if they are already Catholic.

I certainly know what you mean about the lack of fellowship and all that jazz. This is one part about my Protestant faith I continue to miss. Catholic culture is much different that the non-gambling, dry tea totaler, no cursing, bible only, etc. mentality Protestant faith I come from. But, the Eucharist is center stage in the Church. The Protestants will never have the Eucharist unless they recruit validly ordained priests to perform the consecration illicitly. Confession is a beautiful sacrament that restores one back with God. There are many Protestant congregations that don’t have great singing, even though they sing. The same is true for Catholic parishes. Sermons? Same thing. I’ve heard just as many “bad” sermons in Protestant faiths, full of empty prosperity theology as one example.

You seem to be focusing only on the negative. If I focused only on the negative about my wife, I would not be married very long.

 

[TrueLight]

Like what?

Horrible music/singing?

Lack of fellowship?

The desperate need to flee parish churches after communion or the final prayer?

The need to wear a t-shirt from the coolest local winery, shorts and jelly sandals to Mass?

What exactly?

I am absolutely certain that there are Catholic parishes out there with excellent music programs. Where everyone at least tries to sing and most are on key. Ones that have good, no, great preaching and excellent opportunities for fellowship after liturgy.

I just have never seen such a parish is all. If there was one in my town I would join it.

Are you asking me what I would be missing if I didn’t join the Catholic Church?

Well the Eucharist of course . Which I hope to receive soon.
– The fullness of the Church
– Communion of Saints
– The reverent, beautiful sacrifice of the mass (I attend an EF)
– This:
– The liturgy of the hours
– The Magisterium
– the guidance of our Holy Father

I’m sure you get my drift.

 

[TrueLight]

Like what?

The desperate need to flee parish churches after communion or the final prayer?

The need to wear a t-shirt from the coolest local winery, shorts and jelly sandals to Mass?

.

I’m blessed in that in the EF I attend, I don’t see the above.

 

[ElToro]

**Are you asking me what I would be missing if I didn’t join the Catholic Church?**Well the Eucharist of course . Which I hope to receive soon.
– The fullness of the Church
– Communion of Saints
– The reverent, beautiful sacrifice of the mass (I attend an EF)
– Blessings
– The liturgy of the hours
– The Magisterium
– the guidance of our Holy Father

I’m sure you get my drift.

No, I didn’t ask that. I wanted you to expalin your earlier accusation *“You are essentially protesting a lot of Catholic disciplines.” *

I am protesting NONE of the above. Can you even answer a question about what you posted earlier?