Should I go to mass if i’m not joining RCIA until September?

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roseyelephant

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I’m going to college in the fall so the local catholic church said he would get in contact with the church up by my college and i can start RCIA there. Until then, should i attend mass (without receiving any sacraments, confession, etc.), learn about catholicism on my own a bit, pray to saints, read a catholics bible version until then? or should i just continue to attend my nondenominational church? and should i wait to be baptized with the catholic church?
 
I would recommend you to go to Mass more often and at the same time less frequently at your old church, making the transition smoother, that’s at least what I did.

Also, use some spare time to read up on Catholicism. And yes, I would certainly wait with the baptism.

Good luck and welcome to the Church!
 
You can go to the Catholic Mass. Just don’t make use of the Sacraments yet.
 
I think you can start going to mass so you can begin to get acclimated, then eventually, truly enjoy the Mass experience. 🙂

Welcome 🙂
 
Do you still live at home with your parents? If so do they have a problem with you not attending your non denominational church?

I’d definitely hold off on baptism until you can be baptized in the Church. I’d go to Mass as much as I could. Even not receiving communion you still benefit. Over time you may find your non denominational church not as fulfilling and naturally stop going.
 
Yep, I do. Only my mom goes to church with me so she doesn’t mind. Thank you!
 
Yes, I believe it’s mortal sin to miss sunday mass (unless ill, or other serious reasons) if you believe in Catholicism then you should believe in its teachings on mass
 
Oh, really? I’m so intimidated, though…and I feel like I’ll be seen as an outcast.
 
It is a mortal sin for Catholics to miss Sunday Mass without valid cause. You are not Catholic yet, so there’s no sin in your not going to Mass on Sundays. Still, I encourage you to go if you can. Do not worry about feeling like an outcast. Everyone is welcome at Mass. Non-Catholics should refrain from receiving Communion, but you know that already.

Be at peace, and welcome home. 🙂
 
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Thank you…I may try to attend soon. I still feel sinful going to an extremely open, liberal, nondenominational church, but I understand that this process is slow and I don’t have to rush into it.
 
There are converts who made the switch instantly. If you’re not comfortable with that, you can certainly opt for a gradual change.
 
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simonjosiah1 said:
Yes, I believe it’s mortal sin to miss sunday mass (unless ill, or other serious reasons) if you believe in Catholicism then you should believe in its teachings on mass
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roseyelephant said:
Oh, really? I’m so intimidated, though…and I feel like I’ll be seen as an outcast.
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That was bad advice. Maybe the poster didn’t see the part about you not having yet converted.

You can go to Mass as much as you would like. When I was converting, going to Mass really helped me learn and be sure of my decision. If you are comfortable not attending your current church, by all means stop going. If there is still trepidation, continue for awhile.

I’d like to say there is nothing intimidating about attending Mass but there is that period of time when you’re not quite sure when to stand, sit, kneel, and you don’t know the responses. 😀 That will pass after awhile. You will learn and it will become like second nature.

Welcome home!
 
Every church website I’ve been to says you must do RCIA and go through the 8 month long process
 
You do have to go through RCIA but you can still attend Mass. You just can’t receive the Eucharist (communion).

One of the many benefits I received from attending Mass on my own was learning the postures and norms of my parish. When I was in RCIA I attended Mass on my own on Saturday evening, then attended Sunday morning with my group.

If you’re able, go to the Easter Vigil this year at your parish. It will be March 31st, check with your parish on the time. It is a great Mass for converts.
 
roseyelephant said:
  1. Until then, should i attend mass (without receiving any sacraments, confession, etc.),
  2. learn about catholicism on my own a bit,
  3. pray to saints,
  4. read a catholic bible version until then?
  5. or should i just continue to attend my nondenominational church?
  6. and should i wait to be baptized with the catholic church?
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Yes, yes, yes, yes, no, yes.

You can consider yourself a student of the Faith even before being formally enrolled in RCIA. Make yourself known to your pastor and he can suggest suitable reading. Life is full of waiting but patience is a virtue.
 
have you tried latin mass? You might really like it, Ive started going in the last couple of years, I find the people friendly there!
 
Absolutely start attending Mass as often as possible. Watch, observe, and participate with the songs, prayers and readings. There is a prayer you can pray until you are able to participate in the Eucharist. If you continue to attend your undenom church with your mom, I believe you will see that Christ is at the Mass and how the entire Mass leads to Christ in the Eucharist. I also believe that your desire to attend the undenom church will fade away. Prior to RCIA is a great time to learn about the Catholic Church. Listen to Catholic radio. Read about Church history, conversion stories. This is what I did two years ago, except I had already stopped attending my Baptist Church. Another suggestion is to subscribe to Magnificat. It’s a monthly publication which lists all Mass readings, the Order of the Mass, and prayers. This will help you become more comfortable in your new surroundings. I have purchased many resources from The Catholic Company. EWTN and CA. Best to you on your journey.
 
As he’s going to college it shouldn’t be a problem as I’d assume he’s an adult. After all, he would be going to the One True Church, and if his mother tried to stop him I doubt it would be a sin to go anyway. After all, the martyrs were suppressed by people of false faiths and the martyrs continued to practice the One True Faith so 🤷‍♂️

To the OP, please attend Mass as much as possible. If it’s in your area, I highly recommend you check out the Traditional Latin Mass. Its far more beautiful and reverent than the NO Mass and I’m sure you’d enjoy it! 👍
 
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