New to Catholicism, have a question

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kaatje

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Hello everyone, I’m new here and also new to Catholicism. I have a question I hope somebody may be able to help with.

As briefly as I can, can a Catholic attend a Synagogue (Liberal) on a fairly regular basis, while they are still a practicing Catholic?

The reason I ask is because I am strongly considering becoming a Catholic. I am not Jewish and do not intend to convert to Judaism for that matter. I was baptised a Methodist, though never practiced. While going though a period of seeking something more in my life, like faith I started to attend a Liberal synagogue and have been made very welcome there, regardless of whether I decided to convert to Judaism or not. I would still like to continue going but probably not every week. I feel that attending the synagogue actually helped me turn towards the Catholic faith, not because they did anything wrong, but in learning more about the Jewish faith I have in turn learnt more about Christianity (origins of and meaning behind certain things that both religions have in common).

Would this be something I could still do?

Would appreciate any help here, thanks

Kaatje
 
kaatje said:
Hello everyone, I’m new here and also new to Catholicism. I have a question I hope somebody may be able to help with.

As briefly as I can, can a Catholic attend a Synagogue (Liberal) on a fairly regular basis, while they are still a practicing Catholic?

The reason I ask is because I am strongly considering becoming a Catholic. I am not Jewish and do not intend to convert to Judaism for that matter. I was baptised a Methodist, though never practiced. While going though a period of seeking something more in my life, like faith I started to attend a Liberal synagogue and have been made very welcome there, regardless of whether I decided to convert to Judaism or not. I would still like to continue going but probably not every week. I feel that attending the synagogue actually helped me turn towards the Catholic faith, not because they did anything wrong, but in learning more about the Jewish faith I have in turn learnt more about Christianity (origins of and meaning behind certain things that both religions have in common).

Would this be something I could still do?

Would appreciate any help here, thanks

Kaatje
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Nothing prohibits a Catholic from attending another religions services if there is some serious reason to do so. For instance if Married to a person of another religion a Catholic could attend with their spouse or family, as long as they meet their Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation. And guard against anything that might be a threat to their Catholic Faith.
 
Why would you want to regularly attend the services of a religion you do not beleive?
 
As long as you still fulfilled your duties as a Catholic (Mass attendance, etc.), I don’t think there would be a problem with it. I took a Jewish Scriptures and Traditions course in college, and I learned all sorts of Jewish Practices that related to Catholicism.

If the synagogue strengthens your faith in Christ and His Church, then I see no problem.
 
Cluny said:
Why would you want to regularly attend the services of a religion you do not beleive?
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In answer to this question, its not really a question of regularly attending services I don’t believe in, its more about respecting the religion in which Christianity originated from. It is also about respecting those who respect me and my choice of religion i.e a Christian not Jewish.

In going to the synagogue and attending a course there (like a introduction to Judaism) with no requirement that I convert, I have learnt a lot, which maybe many Christians are not aware of, i.e the similarities between these religions.

In between posting my first question and writing now I have spoken to the priest who is running the RCIA course and he was very positive about the situation and certainly did not say I should not go.

Ultimately, there is nothing in a Shabbat service that I find insulting, or goes against Christian belief, for me not to go on this basis, in any case I would not attend every week. All services have a mix of Hebrew and English, with all Hebrew translated into English for those who do not understand Hebrew. Therefore I am always aware of what is being said, and can participate as much as I need to.

Thanks to everyone for all your responses, they did help.

K
 
Just my :twocents: but Catholicism is a continuation of Judaism. Why attend the service of those who did not accept their Savior instead of just attending the Church set up by that Savior?

Yes, I realize that those who are currently practicing Judaism didn’t live during Christ’s time and didn’t actively reject Jesus. I am in no way saying they are not on a path to God but they are not on THE path to truth which is through Christ and His Church. This isn’t to say all non-Catholics are going to hell - the point is you know the path why continue on another? You can stay friends and such with them but why attend their services?
 
Br.Rich_SFO said:
Nothing prohibits a Catholic from attending another religions services if there is some serious reason to do so. For instance if Married to a person of another religion a Catholic could attend with their spouse or family, as long as they meet their Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation. And guard against anything that might be a threat to their Catholic Faith.
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A few actually. I’ve been w. the church for a year & a half & there’s a few blanks I have. Firstly:

Is it necessary to have rosarys or crucifixes blessed?

Secondly:
What does the blessing of the sacramental do do the item other than giving it the virtue of having been blessed?

Third:

I bought a crucifix/rosary set from the Lady of the Snows Missionary Oblates. It’s made of Olive wood from The holy land, the crucifix has a pebble on it from the hill where Jesus was crucified. The rosary, on the back of the centerpiece has a piece of cloth touched to Jesus’ tomb. ~~My question is, what does the pebble from calvary do? And I had no idea we knew where Jesus’ tomb was…but what is the cloth’s purpose that was touched to the tomb? What would change if I got these items blessed? THANX!!!
 
“Christianity is completed Judaism or it is nothing” - Benjamin Disraeli (British statesman, of Jewish background).

It’s a bit like choosing to live in an unpainted house when you have the option of painting - sure it’ll provide shelter, but why would you settle?
 
=kaatje;5724076]Hello everyone, I’m new here and also new to Catholicism. I have a question I hope somebody may be able to help with.
Click to expand...
As briefly as I can, can a Catholic attend a Synagogue (Liberal) on a fairly regular basis, while they are still a practicing Catholic?
Click to expand...
The reason I ask is because I am strongly considering becoming a Catholic. I am not Jewish and do not intend to convert to Judaism for that matter. I was baptised a Methodist, though never practiced. While going though a period of seeking something more in my life, like faith I started to attend a Liberal synagogue and have been made very welcome there, regardless of whether I decided to convert to Judaism or not. I would still like to continue going but probably not every week. I feel that attending the synagogue actually helped me turn towards the Catholic faith, not because they did anything wrong, but in learning more about the Jewish faith I have in turn learnt more about Christianity (origins of and meaning behind certain things that both religions have in common).
Click to expand...
Would this be something I could still do?
Click to expand...
Would appreciate any help here, thanks
Click to expand...
Kaatje
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Can you yes! Should you?

Some points to consider.

You would still have to fulfill your Sunday and Holyday obligations.

Second: being new to the Faith you risk what you claim to be embracing. Satan is very active in the life of converts. Judism is the foundation to Christanty, BUT they do NOT Accept Jesus as God. That friend is seeking trouble.

This is an issue you should discuss with your Pastor who knows you, and definetly requires a great deal of prayer on your part.

To participate with them outside of “service” might be a more prudent idea.

Love and prayers friend,
 
Why would you? And you said it is liberal?
The liberals in our own faith are the problem today.
For instance liberal as in, same sex marriage is o.k.? Well you cant be Catholic and believe that.
Liberal and think abortion is o.k.? Same as above.
 
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