Help about with being invited to a different Christian church

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carguy

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So I had an interesting day and could use some clarity and advice. So I finally want to a mass for the first time in a few years. But I have been watching on online to get back into things. I’ve been to confession a couple of times and started daily rosaries for about a week. Anyway that’s just some background for this topic. So I reached out to someone who I care very deeply for and was never really over. She invited me to go a church function but didn’t tell me what her denomination was when I asked. So I am confused on what is the protocol here. Also I have found out she’s seeing someone and I’m not sad at all. Just relieved and happy for her. She had a very bad relationship before I meet her and I’m happy to hear she’s healed. I also feel like I can emotionally move on now. I want to still be friends with her and I’m honored she is willing to want me involved with her faith. So how does one go about this? I’ve only had passing interactions with orthodox churches and that I’m much more comfortable with as I know that our church doesn’t view their teachings as heretical. Also that it is possible to intermarry without converting with a blessing from a bishop, thus why I’m more comfortable. Sorry for the long rambling post but I could use some help here.
 
Do you know what sort of function it is? You will get different answers here but I think as long as you don’t replace the mass with it then it’s fine.
 
I would go, I’ve been to plenty of ecumenical, other church and secular events. It’s unlikely there will be anything anti-Catholic going on and if there is you don’t have to go again.
 
Your post is a little confusing. Is this just a matter of going to a social outing with a friend, like a picnic or a dinner that happens to be sponsored by her church, so you can catch up with your friend?

Or are you still wanting to maybe have a relationship with this woman? You said she is seeing someone and you’re happy for her, but you also say you care deeply about her and talk about marriage outside the faith and about being “involved with her faith”.

From a religious standpoint, if you are committed to Catholicism, it’s probably okay to go to an occasional social function of another church with a friend. However, going very often to the functions of other faiths can put your own faith at risk, since a lot of churches use their social functions as a means of recruiting members. As a Catholic, you shouldn’t be looking to get “involved” with somebody else’s church beyond like I said, going to an occasional social function. You definitely shouldn’t be participating in anything that’s primarily directed to sharing the teachings of the other church as opposed to just having a meal, an entertainment program, or a party.

From a social standpoint, this lady has a boyfriend. If you’re not really over her or are thinking in terms of a marriage between you and her being okay, then you need to be careful about your involvement with her because right now she’s not available, as well as being from another faith that could get in the way of your own.
 
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No I would never try to break up her relationship. I want to make she is ok and all. When I first meet her she was just out of a very abusive relationship and I worry she was finally fully honest with me. I think she might be trying to get me to meet more people as I’m exceedingly shy and socially anxious. She’s the only person who has ever not made me feel like that. And as for my post being confusing is a mix of relief of having some closure, being sleepy and needing a good sounding board
 
Well, bottom line is it’s okay to go to other church’s social functions occasionally if you’re strong in your Catholic faith.
If they start trying to persuade you to join their church, or pushing a lot of their teaching at you, or if you start thinking it’s more fun to be hanging around with the other church than being a Catholic, then your faith is in danger and it’s time to stop going.
 
Ok that makes sense. I am just always wary of things. I also know my local church doesn’t have any young adult events I can go to. So I do want to meet more people of faith at least. Which I worry is something that could be risky that it could be a recruiting thing. I also could just be working myself up for no reason.
 
You may want to check with your diocese if there are Catholic young adult events. Sometimes these are promoted by the diocese and not so much by local parishes. I know that in one of my regular dioceses, they have events like “Theology on Tap” that are diocese-wide and aimed at young adults.
 
I will look, thanks I want to try and be more socially active in the future. It’s a process for me and I’m very shy and guarded.
 
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