Ok For Catholics to go to Other Religious Services?

[steido01]

Look, it’s actually pretty simple. So far as Lutherans are concerned, the problem is one of communion. You are taught that the presence is symbolic, as do many n-Cs, but Catholics hold that miraculous transubstantiation takes place and even though Lutheran liturgy is very similar to ours…there is no Eucharist as we have it. So to give the impression that we accept what you believe by our actions would be very wrong for us.

Huh? Lutherans definitely believe in the Real Presence. The Eucharist is not simply symbolic to us. The question for Roman Catholics would be the validity of our priests, on which we obviously would disagree.

Like I said though…there’s few reasons to attend any n-C service when you can find videos of them online and on TV.

Roman Catholic Masses are also shown on TV. An entire channel is devoted to it. Does that mean Roman Catholics shouldn’t attend Mass? Sometimes the reasons for attending another’s worship service run deeper than simple curiosity. I know that for my wife (a Roman Catholic) and I, attending each other’s services is part of what makes our marriage so strong - we can share our love of Christ with each other and pray together.

 

[seaton2005]

The default position is that Catholics cannot attend services that are not Catholic.

This is from Fr Vincent Serpa , a CAF Catholic apologist.

If you are going along to a non-Catholic service to worship, then you are taking part in something that is heretical. You will also be giving the impression that Catholics and non-Catholics, through worship, are part of the one spiritual community.

There is an exception made with regards to ecumenical services
vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html

I’m afraid I disagree with Father Vincent Serpa. I am troubled by his verbiage “heretical” in regards to taking part in a protestant worship. This is divisive and incendiary. I believe he is wrong. If it’s a Christian denomination, what’s the issue. I really don’t believe Christ would see it that way.

 

[adawgj]

Forgive me for not stating my motives. I want to go to learn and understand the differences and similarities between religions.

 

[steido01]

If you are going along to a non-Catholic service to worship, then you are taking part in something that is heretical. You will also be giving the impression that Catholics and non-Catholics, through worship, are part of the one spiritual community.

I won’t disagree with what your communion teaches regarding your first point, but I do have a question regarding the second. Aren’t all who receive the Trinitarian Baptism part of the ‘one spiritual community?’

“Among Christians, fraternity is not just a vague sentiment … it is grounded in the supernatural reality of the one Baptism which makes us all members of the one Body of Christ.”
-Pope Benedict XVI, in a 2005 address at the World Youth Day

“The baptized who do not enjoy full Catholic unity are in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church.” Roman Catholic Catechism 836-838

Maybe I’m not understanding you correctly?

 

[GaryTaylor]

I’m afraid I disagree with Father Vincent Serpa. I am troubled by his verbiage “heretical” in regards to taking part in a protestant worship. This is divisive and incendiary. I believe he is wrong. If it’s a Christian denomination, what’s the issue. I really don’t believe Christ would see it that way.

He’s a Catholic priest. I think your determining his personality and love of others and understanding of the mysteries of Jesus Christ by your own understanding of his words.

Nor is it for us to read the mind of God, we seek to understand, the fullness revealed, its for us to worship Him as He indicated to His Apostles and before scripture existed. When a congregation insists its not like us, we agree, and sadly at that often. In this understanding his is a signal to remember where the Church is instead of a novel search outside to which in truth in many case’s we don’t know what is out here.

 

[seaton2005]

He’s a Catholic priest. I think your determining his personality and love of others and understanding of the mysteries of Jesus Christ by your own understanding of his words.

Nor is it for us to read the mind of God, we seek to understand, the fullness revealed, its for us to worship Him as He indicated to His Apostles and before scripture existed. When a congregation insists its not like us, we agree, and sadly at that often. In this understanding his is a signal to remember where the Church is instead of a novel search outside to which in truth in many case’s we don’t know what is out here.

I’m aware he is a Catholic Priest but I still don’t think he should use such divisive language. Moreover, I believe his no correct this one.

 

[GaryTaylor]

I’m aware he is a Catholic Priest but I still don’t think he should use such divisive language. Moreover, I believe his no correct this one.

I don’t believe he needs to be defended any more than I did. I’m not understanding the remainder of your statement here. As to he is not correct?

 

[Brendan_64]

I won’t disagree with what your communion teaches regarding your first point, but I do have a question regarding the second. Aren’t all who receive the Trinitarian Baptism part of the ‘one spiritual community?’

We may all be part of the Body of Christ on Earth, but we are not all in full communion with each other. We are not all one spiritual community. Yes the Holy Spirit works through us all, but then again, the work of the Holy Spirit is also evident in non-Christians, atheists and all types of people. Good is not confined to Christians, and where there is good, God is.

So yes, all Christians are in closer communion with each other than non-Christians and atheists are with us, but that does not mean that the fact that we are Christian makes us one spiritual community, in communion with each other. From a Catholic perspective, it is not a ‘closed wall’ view that says those baptised as Christians are one, everyone else is locked outside, it is a view of concentric circles like a stone dropped in a pond. The fullness of truth in the centre and then lesser and lesser degrees of truth radiating out. From a Catholic perspective, the Orthodox Church would be so close to the centre of the circle, that they are close enough to be considered as more or less full Communion, then as the circles ripple out there is partial communion in lessening degrees.

It is interesting, because when taking part in certain ecumenical events, such as the ‘Walk of Witness’ where we carry the cross through our town on Good Friday, I do look on my fellow Christians gathered as all being part of the wider Church (but I will view most of those present as being in partial communion with the fullness of the Church). Are we one spiritual community when we do our Walk of Witness? I will admit, it does feel that way.

I guess it depends on one’s definition of what a community is, and what a spiritual community is. Would you consider an atheist who cared for those around him and did good in this world (and I know quite a few of those) to be part of your spiritual community, even though the work of God can be seen through his actions?

God bless,

Brendan

 

[benjohnson]

I’m afraid I disagree with Father Vincent Serpa. I am troubled by his verbiage “heretical” in regards to taking part in a protestant worship. .

Keep in mind Father Serpa’s advice is appropriate for Catholics who are perhaps not strong in their faith. His advice is “safe” and won’t lead any Catholic to harm. Given that the OP is strong in their Catholic faith, Father Serpa’s advice may be a bit too cautious.

As for Father Serpa calling us heretical - from a Roman Catholic standpoint, that’s the correct term. ‘Heretical’ is vastly different than ‘heretic’ even though they share the same root - heretical doesn’t imply a knowing defiance.

Also… it could be worse

 

[Peter_J]

I’m afraid I disagree with Father Vincent Serpa. I am troubled by his verbiage “heretical” in regards to taking part in a protestant worship. This is divisive and incendiary. I believe he is wrong. If it’s a Christian denomination, what’s the issue. I really don’t believe Christ would see it that way.

I can’t say what Fr Serpa’s response would be. But, to be fair, Catholics aren’t the only ones who feel that way. Indeed, from an Eastern Orthodox pov, Catholics and Protestants are both heretical.

 

[Peter_J]

To me, going to n-C services is like going to a well known restaurant and discovering that there is nothing on my plate, because without the Eucharist it would be empty for me.

Speaking (partially) as someone who used to be in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, I agree with your affirmation of the Eucharist, but I find it sad that you believe that’s the only food on your plate during the mass.

 

[Brendan_64]

Speaking (partially) as someone who used to be in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, I agree with your affirmation of the Eucharist, but I find it sad that you believe that’s the only food on your plate during the mass.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. Mass exists for the Eucharist.

 

[Kal2012]

Do not attend a Wiccan circle.

This.

If you are determined to attend a Wiccan circle, realize that you (and they) are playing with spirits that aren’t of God and you need to ask for protection of your soul.

Some people think Wicca is just another new age type thing. It’s more witchcraft than new age fluff.

We need to be careful when exposing ourselves to non-Catholic/Christian religions. Jewish services are useful because you can see the elements of Judaism that were brought into our Mass. Other Christian services, at least, acknowledge Jesus is the Messiah, but are still lacking in other areas. (The real presence in the Eucharist, theological flaws, etc…)

Your faith journey is yours. It’s perfectly natural to be curious about other religions, but you have to assess your reasoning for wanting to experience these different faiths. Is it curiosity? Is something ‘lacking’ in your relationship with Jesus and the Catholic church and you think there’s ‘more’ out there somewhere?

 

[Nicea325]

Is it ok to attend other religious services? Like I will definitely go to Mass, but I might want to visit a synagogue or mosque, or temple.

Well it depends on your reasons and/or intention? I have visited Jewish synogues just to see and as a college student I did it as well. I have been to Lutheran,Baptists, Fundamentalist, etc weddings/services,yet not to become a member. I already have a church,no need to leave.

 

[adawgj]

Well it depends on your reasons and/or intention? I have visited Jewish synogues just to see and as a college student I did it as well. I have been to Lutheran,Baptists, Fundamentalist, etc weddings/services,yet not to become a member. I already have a church,no need to leave.

I have no desire to leave the Church Christ built. I want to visit certain areas (not a Wiccan circle) to gain better aspects of other cultures and peoples beliefs. I see myself as a person like Fr Matteo Ricci, S.J who would spend countless hours learning Confucius and Chinese. His work eventually converted many Chinese and gained admiration from the monarch in the 15th century.

 

[Nicea325]

I have no desire to leave the Church Christ built. I want to visit certain areas (not a Wiccan circle) to gain better aspects of other cultures and peoples beliefs. I see myself as a person like Fr Matteo Ricci, S.J who would spend countless hours learning Confucius and Chinese. His work eventually converted many Chinese and gained admiration from the monarch in the 15th century.

For educational purposes, I see no reason why you cannot go?

 

[mek42]

As a lapsed RC current agnostic, should I then refrain from the, Pardon the vernacular, Catholic gymnastics, if I should visit a Mass?

I occasionally attend Anglican services. My wife is Anglican (as was my late father, though I was brought up Catholic as my parents were married with a dispensation in the Catholic Church).

I do it to pray with her, not to “worship”, and she attends Mass with me as well. My conditions for doing so:

-It is not in lieu of Mass; I will fulfill my obligation in a Catholic church;
-I do not make acts of worship there (genuflecting, kneeling, etc.);
-I obviously do not go up for communion;
-I do pray with them, the prayers we hold in common, such as the Creed and the Our Father, or the intercessions.

I do believe that they are gathering in His name; and He did say He would be there when two or three gather in His name. While Anglicanism may be heretical, bear in mind that most people there are NOT guilty of the sin of separation. That sin was done 500+ years ago, and most are simply worshipping the way they were brought up:

(Catechism of the Catholic Church).

That said I’m certainly curious enough to go to a synagogue; not because I have any plan to join but bear in mind that Jesus was Jewish, that they are our “elder brothers”, and that much of the Catholic liturgy has its roots in Judaism.

Though Islam interests me from a purely intellectual point of view, going to mosque… less so because I don’t understand Arabic.

Keep in mind also that Judaism and Islam worship the same God we do, even though their understanding of Him differs or is incomplete.

It all boils down to our reasons for attending.

 

[mek42]

As a lapsed RC current agnostic, should I then refrain from the, Pardon the vernacular, Catholic gymnastics, if I should visit a Mass?

I occasionally attend Anglican services. My wife is Anglican (as was my late father, though I was brought up Catholic as my parents were married with a dispensation in the Catholic Church).

I do it to pray with her, not to “worship”, and she attends Mass with me as well. My conditions for doing so:

-It is not in lieu of Mass; I will fulfill my obligation in a Catholic church;
-I do not make acts of worship there (genuflecting, kneeling, etc.);
-I obviously do not go up for communion;
-I do pray with them, the prayers we hold in common, such as the Creed and the Our Father, or the intercessions.

I do believe that they are gathering in His name; and He did say He would be there when two or three gather in His name. While Anglicanism may be heretical, bear in mind that most people there are NOT guilty of the sin of separation. That sin was done 500+ years ago, and most are simply worshipping the way they were brought up:

(Catechism of the Catholic Church).

That said I’m certainly curious enough to go to a synagogue; not because I have any plan to join but bear in mind that Jesus was Jewish, that they are our “elder brothers”, and that much of the Catholic liturgy has its roots in Judaism.

Though Islam interests me from a purely intellectual point of view, going to mosque… less so because I don’t understand Arabic.

Keep in mind also that Judaism and Islam worship the same God we do, even though their understanding of Him differs or is incomplete.

It all boils down to our reasons for attending.

 

[4love2God]

Catholics in a non-Catholic “church”

Several Popes have personally attended (and participated) in non-Catholic (and even non-Christian) services.
Among other reasons, this has to do with being ecumenical.
So, if

1. our Pope attends non-Catholic services, and
2. does not tell us to refrain from do so, then
3. God bless everyone who attends other religious services.

Some people are so elitist as to believe that every denomination of Christianity (even Eastern Orthodox, and other Orthodoxes) are (somehow) twisted.
Well, our former Pope ordered us to not use that stupid “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” attack.
All Christians were created equal.
Some are a little MORE equal than others.

When I see Posters acting so negatively about attending a non-Catholic service, I wonder how weak their Faith is.
Hanging out for an hour anywhere (not including strip bars, etc.) is probably not corrosive to one’s Faith in Jesus.
For those people, I guess they should be deathly afraid of hearing anything that isn’t approved by the Pope.

Most Catholics have relatives who are non-Catholic.
These people probably have invited different family members and friends to attend Mass.
I think it is rude to flatly refuse to attend a Protestant service, when I am out-of-Town visiting relatives.

 

[mek42]

What kind of attitude?