Non catholic worship?

[fireproofpoodle]

Hi.

Let me spell out the situation: My school, in England, has close links with the local Anglican cathedral, which is literally 100 yards away from the school site. We go there evey monday and friday for a short service where we sing, pray, and hear a sermon from our Anglican chaplain. There is an alternative, which is a secular service on school grounds. Many of the teachers who I know are Catholic attend the secular service instead, although my catholic friends attend the prayer service. Is it ok for me to go to the prayer service or should I opt out?

Also, it is our carol concert coming up, which will be held in the abbey. I can’t get out of this - everyone has to go - there’s no secular alternative. I used to help out by carrying the cross in the procession. This was fine before my converson to Catholicism when I was anglican, but if I am asked to do so now should I ask not to?

God bless.

 

[GeorgeSword]

It’s fine to take part in any Christian service, provided you do not take the Eucharist there. While theologically they may be wrong, they are still the children of God. Praise Him with them if you wish, but it’s no alternative for Catholic Mass, either.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I went to an Episcopal College some 50+ years ago that had mandatory chapel, because I got an excellent scholarship there. Our priest congratulated me, said chapel was okay, but I should not take an active part in the service.

I would prefer the Episcopal service to the secular one I think; though it would depend on how far they have strayed from their origins.

It would be best to check with your Catholic pastor.

 

[Traditional_Ang]

Hi.

Let me spell out the situation: My school, in England, has close links with the local Anglican cathedral, which is literally 100 yards away from the school site. We go there evey monday and friday for a short service where we sing, pray, and hear a sermon from our Anglican chaplain. There is an alternative, which is a secular service on school grounds. Many of the teachers who I know are Catholic attend the secular service instead, although my catholic friends attend the prayer service. Is it ok for me to go to the prayer service or should I opt out?

Also, it is our carol concert coming up, which will be held in the abbey. I can’t get out of this - everyone has to go - there’s no secular alternative. I used to help out by carrying the cross in the procession. This was fine before my converson to Catholicism when I was anglican, but if I am asked to do so now should I ask not to?

God bless.

FireProof Poodle:

I think George & Joe have said most of what needs to be said. An Anglican service which keeps to the Word of God is always to be preferred over some secular service. You’ll hear the Scriptures, see them treated reverently, and be in a situation where God is treated as God. Remember, the teaching & training you had as an Anglican helped you to receive the Catholic Faith and to accept the truth of Catholic Teaching.

I know that even High-Church Anglo-Catholics often do not teach all the Catholic Church holds and teaches. But, I also know that if the Clergy at the Cathedral are faithful to the teachings of the Anglican Church, and if they are believers themselves, what you should hear and see should be OK far more often than not. OTOH, I wouldn’t receive the Eucharist or serve in the Mass. I believe Pope Leo is right about “Anglican” Orders (Most of the Continuing Anglicans have theirs through the PNCC), and serving at the Altar indicates an acceptance of Orders and of the Validity of the Sacrament (Which, as a Catholic, you can’t do with the Anglican Communion).

God inhabits the PRAISES of His people, & He who sings prays sings twice.

You Tube - Come Let us worship & bow down and kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker.
youtube.com/watch?v=NEK9u51ofZE&feature=related

We can talk about this at length through P/M if you want. I hope this helps.

Your Brother & Servant in Christ, Michael%between%