Non-Catholic Participation in Mass

[donald123]

My question is to what extent can a non-catholic participate in mass?

I’ve attended many masses (so I know pretty much how it goes), but I am not Catholic. So, what I’ve always done is go along and particpate in everything (doing all the genuflections, prayers, reciting creeds, making sign of cross at appropriate times, kneeling, standing, etc.) except that I stayed in my pew and sat or kneeled and prayed instead of going up and receiving host.

So, Is this the right level of participation? Is there any other part of the mass other than actually receiving the host that is “for members only”. I’m actually thinking of doing RCIA and becoming Catholic, so I’m trying to be a little more “proper” instead of just doing whatever.

If you are able to cite real authority in official church doctrine for your answers, that would be more appreciated that just an unsupported opinion or anecdotal stories about what people do in your parish.

Thanks.

 

[rcn]

You’re doing fine. Many parishes encourage everyone to come forward at communion time - those who are not receiving may receive a “blessing”. But this is a new practice, not in the official rite of the mass, and you are not required to do so.

 

[mommy]

That’s what I did until I was received into the church. I participated in everything, and at the time of communion, I stayed in the pew.