Just say no to the Methodists?

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AnotherChance

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I am in the process of converting, but waiting on annulment. In the meantime I have been attending Mass and educating myself on all things Catholic. I used to play the piano for our Methodist church on occasion.

Last week, I was called and asked if I would fill in yesterday for the service since the regular pianist broke her arm. I said yes, because I don’t mind doing it and used to enjoy it (I never got paid and still don’t).

Anyway, I was basically shocked at how much the service has gone downhill. Part of it is me getting used to the solemnity and reverence of the Mass, but the church itself has become irreverent I think almost to the point of blaphemy. The “acolyte” was wearing jeans, stomped up the aisle, lit the candles, and then literally threw down the lighting instrument onto the altar with an extremely loud THUMP.

Before they got into the real hymns which I was supposed to play, they sung this pop Christian hand-waving song to recorded music “Shout to the Lord”.People were literally shouting, and not in a joyful or musical way–just SHOUTING! No one really sang the hymns I played, because they put the words on a screen instead of having people look at the notes in the hymnal, so no one knew the tune. (Though they definitely knew the tune to the shouting song, since they remained consistently one half-step above or below it!)

I haven’t officially told the church that I am leaving and becoming Catholic. I was waiting until I was officially a Catholic. So I suppose they think I just don’t feel like coming anymore.

So I just wondered if anyone, especially converts, had a perspective on this. Is it wrong for me to occasionally go back there when I am going through the conversion process? If they call in need of a pianist, is it rude to say that I just can’t participate in this kind of service anymore? This church used to be more traditional, but is making a pitiful effort to attract people by being casual as far as I can tell, I know others don’t like it either, but most just quietly disappear.

When you converted, did you make an official goodbye to your old church, or just quietly disappear?
 
If they get mad at you for wanting to quit, they can’t make you stay. One of the organists at my parish is Episcopalian and also plays at a nearby Episcopalian church and has no problem. He jokes about playing Catholic hymns at the Episcopalian church and Episcopalian hymns at my parish to give us a little variety (he really doesn’t), but he’s always been an odd duck.

Then again Methodists aren’t Episcopalians or Catholics so they might not take it so well.
 
Just going to add that I’ve heard “Shout to the Lord” played at Mass before [Lifeteen I think] and I like the song- if it’s played well and the people are actually singing.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with filling in, but if you feel uncomfortable just say thank you, you’re sorry, but can’t fill in.
 
I seem to recall something about how Catholics aren’t supposed to be “actively involved” in nonCatholic services, though I couldn’t cite it. If I am correct, then attending in itself is not necessarily a problem, although I wouldn’t recommend playing the piano for them. From your description, it sounds like they aren’t too concerned about pianos anymore either way 😦

Either way, informed my former Pastor at Church of God (kind of nondenominational 🙂 ) that I was converting. People tend to find out about these sorts of things anyway from my experience, so I’d recommend letting the relevant church members know to avoid crazy gossip or scandal or something. (I’d recommend being prepared to answer some questions, though 🙂 )

As far as politeness goes, I’d be more offended (as an individual) by a person who didn’t communicate their changed commitment to me than a person who was up front with a decision I didn’t like. That way I at least know what resources I have available to me.

Best of luck!
 
I think since you are just volunteering it might be better to politely decline if you are asked to play again. Just say you are busy… and then go to Mass at the time of the Methodist service. Perhaps you know someone who would like to play for them that you could recommend.

Actually if you were getting paid I would say go ahead and play. It would be just a job. But as a volunteer it’s time to say good bye since you are going to be joining the Catholic Church.
 
Your family here loves you - and I see many expressing that love.

I came out of a Baptist background, but never did say goodbye. I also worshiped for years with a church of Christ, and have often thought I should be in touch (they are now an 11 hour drive away) to explain to them why I am full and blessed communion with the Catholic church.

Your comments about the lack of holiness at the other “service” are revealing. Your answer is there.

As a mother, do you want to set an example that includes sitting on the fence?

You are coming home, blessed disciple, and anything other than the true church will ring false in your ears now.

:gopray:
 
  1. I once told a friend, who is a Redemptorist priest, if it is OK if I attended a Protestant service, he said it was OK as long as I didn’t have the attitude that it does no matter which church you attend etc. So well, maybe talk to your priest?
It is wrong though for Catholics to attend non-Christian services.
  1. I think if you continue with the service at the Methodist Church, it might be an opportunity for you to share why you have decided to join the Catholic Church. Lots of Protestants have this prejudice against Catholics, maybe it would be a chance to bring it down among your ex-fellow believers?
 
There are some great ideas here so far. Thank you! I do like the idea of using the opportunity of saying goodbye to reach out to the Protestants and explain why I am taking this step.

It also makes sense what a few have mentioned–that perhaps it would be OK to play the piano if you were doing it as a job. I was there several months ago when they were doing the once a month “communion”, and I certainly couldn’t take part in that.

I was just surprised at how obvious it was to me that this service was getting very far away from worship. I had that nagging feeling for years, and that is part of what led me home to the Catholic Church, but now it is just so clear. It makes you wonder why it isn’t obvious to everyone?
 
I am a revert. When I left the Catholic church in my twenties, I started attending a Methodist church. What attracted me to the Methodist church was the very traditional service.

Fast forward to three years ago. I was very involved in the Methodist church (mostly choir) but I started feeling a tug to return to the Catholic church. Two years ago I completed that journey. I still sing in the Methodist choir, though. I go, I sing, I leave. I go to the 5:30 pm Sunday mass. If there’s a question of not being able to attend both because of scheduling issues, the Catholic church wins!!!

I will say that I’ve started seeing a lot of what the OP describes, a move toward the mega church-type services – big screens with the words printed on them instead of using hymnals, lots of praise and worship.

So, to sum it up, I think if you enjoy playing the music and want to help out, I think you’re fine doing so – as long as your obligation to the CC is fulfilled. If you’re uncomfortable and you don’t want to participate, a simple, “Thank you, but I don’t have the time to help you out” will suffice.
 
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