Is it OK for a non-Catholic to attend Sunday Mass?

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JustJane

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That probably seems like a silly queston, but my family has been visiting different churches trying to find a church to join.
Short background, my husband and I were long time members of the LDS church, never knew anything else (meaning we hav little knowledge of other religions, denominations and so on) until about 10 years ago when we left, which of course is another long story.

We have visited/attended many churches, some for a day, some for months, but have not visited a Catholic Church, mainly because we don’t know if it is “allowed”.

I feel too shy to call and ask which I know makes more sense.

If it IS allowed, what do we do? Do we cross ourselves as we enter, bow down as we enter a pew, kneel when everyone else kneels? Do we join in prayers" Do we say anything at all?
I KNOW we cannot take communion - I was told by someone (who really is as clueless as I am!) that we should actually leave before Communion out of respect? Respect for Christ I assume- We are willing to do that but I wouldn’t want to get up and leave and later find it was rude to do so.

I know we are in the dark when it comes to Catholicism - I don’t even know where to start asking questions or inquiring. We aren’t really ready to make formal inquiry or attend classes but we would like to know more factual info.
 
Jane,

You’ve come to the right place to ask questions! These links should be helpful for putting your mind at ease about attending Mass. I included articles, books and audio recordings which will explain the basics of the Mass and the Catholic Church. You are welcome to come to everything we offer and to participate in anything you feel comfortable doing outside receiving Communion. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, you can post on our public forums or contact Catholic Answers directly. I hope to see you in church soon!
Recommended Reading:
What can Protestants do at Mass?

What Do You See at Mass? by Anthony E. Clark
The Mass, the Temple, and Loraine Boettner by T.L. Frazier
The Apocalyptic Mass by Scott Hahn
A Worshiping People by Most Rev. Donald W. Montrose
Recommended Books:
Mass Appeal: The ABC’s of Worship by Jimmy Akin (booklet)
The Mass Of The Early Christians by Mike Aquilina (book)
 
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