Non-Catholics want to join us for Mass

[Annabear]

I find it is difficult sometimes because when people don’t understand what is going on it can seem dry and rote. I’ve been to some protestant churches that are full of modern christian music and feeling and lively. In contrast, while I find our hymns beautiful, my protestant friends don’t respond well and often say they don’t feel anything during the Mass. Any suggestions for sharing the faith in a situation like this?

 

[exnihilo]

As far as evangelizing them, less is more. Read up on the Mass and also be prepared to answer questions about the Catholic Eucharist, but keep it short and simple. If you can arrive a few minutes early, they might like a little tour of the inside of the church; it will help make them feel more of a part of what is going on. Don’t be discouraged if they thank you very much and go on to another church next week. You are just planting the seeds; the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest!

I agree. Depending on the person they may not respond well to what they perceive as pressure or in secular terms a ‘hard sell’. Personally I wouldn’t mind it because I like to argue and debate, but not everyone or even many folks are like that. I would tell the person to feel free to ask any questions and to not be afraid of offending me. I think often times what may be perceived as offensive questions are the most helpful as they get to the root of a problem.

I find it is difficult sometimes because when people don’t understand what is going on it can seem dry and rote. I’ve been to some protestant churches that are full of modern christian music and feeling and lively. In contrast, while I find our hymns beautiful, my protestant friends don’t respond well and often say they don’t feel anything during the Mass. Any suggestions for sharing the faith in a situation like this?

It depends on the Protestant. I was one and when one I didn’t like the modern Christian music at all. My church was one that had more traditional hymns. The first Mass I went to was daily Mass and I loved it. I loved the quit contemplate nature of it.

If a person is relying on feelings to judge the value of worship you, as someone trying to reach them, have a challenge. I’m not sure what to do in that situation but I think you really need to get them to look at it differently. It might be helpful to point out how love is often misunderstood as a feeling. The most loving act can be to do something while not having a feeling of love. Worship isn’t a feeling but an act.

 

[Annabear]

I agree. Depending on the person they may not respond well to what they perceive as pressure or in secular terms a ‘hard sell’. Personally I wouldn’t mind it because I like to argue and debate, but not everyone or even many folks are like that. I would tell the person to feel free to ask any questions and to not be afraid of offending me. I think often times what may be perceived as offensive questions are the most helpful as they get to the root of a problem.

It depends on the Protestant. I was one and when one I didn’t like the modern Christian music at all. My church was one that had more traditional hymns. The first Mass I went to was daily Mass and I loved it. I loved the quit contemplate nature of it.

If a person is relying on feelings to judge the value of worship you, as someone trying to reach them, have a challenge. I’m not sure what to do in that situation but I think you really need to get them to look at it differently. It might be helpful to point out how love is often misunderstood as a feeling. The most loving act can be to do something while not having a feeling of love. Worship isn’t a feeling but an act.

Thanks for your response. You are right. I think the love analogy is one everyone can relate to, or most people anyway. I will try explaining it that way.