OK to attending this Protestant group?

[Urn]

Hi Urn,
I am in my sixty’s and have been Catholic all my life. I am relatively new to this forum also, or, at least, I don’t post often, but here is my experience.
I “joined” a non-Catholic Christian group of men in a local non-denominational church about three years ago. I love the Catholic Church and would never consider leaving her because we are the only ones who have the Eucharist.
The reason I joined was because of the lack of fellowship in the catholic church (and I have an addiction which is more embarrassing than most). Now I have found fellowship with others and discovered a personal relationship with God. And man, do these people know how to sing songs of praise to God! I am very happy at this point in my life and have become a better Catholic because of my relationship with my ‘brothers’ in the christian group. I still attend Mass every Sunday, and sometimes even during the week. My spiritual relationship with my God has grown in leaps and bounds. And I do not boast of myself but I do boast of God and his grace to me.
My wife does not attend this group with me, being content with our local parish, but she has told me on many occasions how much I have changed since joining this group of men. “You blow me away” were her exact words at one time…
If joining your non-catholic group is bringing you closer to Christ - we are, after all, the Body of Christ for each other - then I commend you on your decision. Enjoy yourselves! God bless.

A “personal relationship with God” is nothing new to Catholics. We enjoy a sacramental relationship with God – the most personal relationship with Him possible here on Earth.

 

[Urn]

I don’t think you would be allowed to do their communion. That would indicate you believe that it is a symbol. Maybe a prayer group would be better. Again it would be an opportunity to evangelize and share that you are Catholic and belong to the One True Church of Christ. And if someone asks why you won’t take communion you could talk about the Eucharist. Also you might ask them to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with you.

There is no communion. I wouldn’t attend if there was. It’s singing, prayer, preaching and eating dinner.

 

[Urn]

I thought this was the case too… Catholics are not allowed to worship with Protestants.

I can understand wanting fellowship, but you can get fellowship with other Catholics. Worshipping and then gathering with Protestants is dangerous to your faith. Sure, most of what they teach will be the same as Catholic teaching. BUT NOT ALL… If everything they taught were the same, then they wouldn’t be protestant, right?

This is supposed to be a serious discussion. Please stop.

 

[andrewstx]

Those ecclesial bodies calling themselves “non denominational” are usually far from it. They are overwhelmingly either Baptist or Charismatic or sometimes a blend of the two.

The largest Baptist church in a nearby city moved to the suburbs and changed their name from Temple Baptist church to CrossRoads Non-denominational fellowship. The only change was in the name, they are still a Baptist church.

These people will tell you that you are not baptized, and not a Christian because you have not 'gotten saved".

Be very carefull, please. They will chip away at your Catholicism.

 

[Urn]

Not a good idea but maybe you could use the potluck get together as an opportunity to evangelize. Yes they are Christian but Christ wants all in His Church.

No way. No prosthelization/evangelization at that parish. No one has tried to “flip” me – they really don’t care that I am a Catholic Christian and I am sincerely grateful for that. I’m not about to go into their house and break their rules.

 

[Urn]

Those ecclesial bodies calling themselves “non denominational” are usually far from it. They are overwhelmingly either Baptist or Charismatic or sometimes a blend of the two.

The largest Baptist church in a nearby city moved to the suburbs and changed their name from Temple Baptist church to CrossRoads Non-denominational fellowship. The only change was in the name, they are still a Baptist church.

These people will tell you that you are not baptized, and not a Christian because you have not 'gotten saved".

Be very carefull, please. They will chip away at your Catholicism.

Nonsense. I have been attending for over two years and there has been no such “chipping.” I’m not even sure where you came up with that?

This parish is “denominational” – it’s a local Protestant parish of the “x” variety. It’s definitely not “Baptist” or “Charismatic.”

I suspect in reality it’s simply a local Protestant parish geared for those that want to focus on God and not on $$$ or parish politics or other denominations, etc.

 

[Corki]

It’s none of his business.

Of course it’s his business. As pastor, the spiritual life and growth of his parishioners is his primary responsibility.

 

[TomyS]

A “personal relationship with God” is nothing new to Catholics. We enjoy a sacramental relationship with God – the most personal relationship with Him possible here on Earth.

Gee, sorry you see it that way…

Your attitude in your replies to others are getting pretty abrupt with the people who are trying to help you. We are not theologians, merely other Catholics trying to get to heaven and who want to help each other out.

You seem to have had the answer to your question before you asked it.

 

[Rich_C]

This is supposed to be a serious discussion. Please stop.

Serious as a heart attack, Urn.

Catholics may not ordinarily join Protestants in worship.

The Church has been very clear about this. Ask father for yourself, you’ll see.