W
wendy_w
Guest
If a catholic attends Mass every Sunday but would like to go
to a different church for fellowship in addition to Mass is this ok?
to a different church for fellowship in addition to Mass is this ok?
My first question: Why?If a catholic attends Mass every Sunday but would like to go
to a different church for fellowship in addition to Mass is this ok?
I did this and wound up out of the Church for 10 years. My advice would be to find some like-minded folks or maybe the K of C or even just yourself, and begin a coffee and doughnuts time after Mass or between Masses perhaps. Nothing huge; maybe not even every week, but just a start. Your priest is likely too burdened already to take any of this on himself, but he could say a word about the importance of fellowship and give a boost. Christians need both the sacramental life and the camaderie that goes with following Christ. If that is just plain impossible, drive wherever you have to to find a parish where you can feel at home. Either way it will take some effort, but it is certainly possible that this is what Christ is calling you to do.If a catholic attends Mass every Sunday but would like to go
to a different church for fellowship in addition to Mass is this ok?
I did this and wound up out of the Church for 10 years. My advice would be to find some like-minded folks or maybe the K of C or even just yourself, and begin a coffee and doughnuts time after Mass or between Masses perhaps. Nothing huge; maybe not even every week, but just a start. Your priest is likely too burdened already to take any of this on himself, but he could say a word about the importance of fellowship and give a boost. Christians need both the sacramental life and the camaderie that goes with following Christ. If that is just plain impossible, drive wherever you have to to find a parish where you can feel at home. Either way it will take some effort, but it is certainly possible that this is what Christ is calling you to do.![]()
Aren’t there other types of social activities in your area that may attract other Christians?If a catholic attends Mass every Sunday but would like to go
to a different church for fellowship in addition to Mass is this ok?
I don’t see why this would be sinful. I think it’s important for us to have a community that builds us up, that we can relate to. I do something very similar. I attend mass every Sunday, but in my church I’m usually the youngest person there by a good 30 years…literally. And this is the only Catholic church around. I am part of a Methodist ministry on my college campus, and I love it. The Eucharist and mass build me up every Sunday, and I’m a firm believer in the Catholic faith, but I could not have made it as a Christian in college without the help of my Christian friends who are my age. I have to know what I believe and stay firm in that, but honestly, that’s the same in any part of life.

That’s my thinking too. I don’t participate in another church’s actual service, but I do participate in a multi denominational Men’s Prayer breakfast once a month ( we eat, have a speaker, and then pray) and also do a lot with the YMCA and Boy Scouts. Both Christian organizations not tied to one church’s doctrine. It’s a lot of fun!Aren’t there other types of social activities in your area that may attract other Christians?
Crafting? Book clubs?..etc.
I get going to a protestant prayer service or ministry programs…But going to their actual “mass” (for lack of a better word) seems a bit heretical to me. By going to our Mass, you are affirming your belief in the REAL PRESENCE of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Then, you turn around and go to another denomination’s church where there is no REAL PRESENCE…
When I was younger I Church Shopped. I always would tell myself that I was still a Catholic. I would always tell myself that I was just trying to get closer to Christ.
Now, I realize that by going to another denomination’s church service, I was denying the One True Church.
*Felt like I was cheating on my Church. *
Just my opinion…
That’s my thinking too. I don’t participate in another church’s actual service, but I do participate in a multi denominational Men’s Prayer breakfast once a month ( we eat, have a speaker, and then pray) and also do a lot with the YMCA and Boy Scouts. Both Christian organizations not tied to one church’s doctrine. It’s a lot of fun!