Silly question probably

[KansasGirl]

I have been attending Mass for quite some time, though I am not a full member of the Catholic Church. I am going through RCIA this Fall (I had fully expected to go through last year, but Satan was in full attack mode upon me and my family.).

This is my question: Is it permissable for me to go through the practice of crossing myself as I go into the chapel, and genuflecting before sitting down? Or do I just walk on in like any other protestant would? I know this is probably a trivial thing, but it has been bugging me for some reason.

 

[mommyof4]

Absolutely! And welcome to the Church!

 

[fermat]

Welcome!

You are free to fully participate in the Mass with the exception of receiving the Eucharist.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I think that you actually should cross yourself and genuflect given that you are converting. You will probably stop defining yourself as a protestant soon
And of course, congrats!

 

[KarenElissa]

The reason we genuflect is to show respect to Jesus in the tabernacle. Given that, my general rule is that if you believe that The bread and wine are turned into the Body and Blood of Christ, then it is appropriate to genuflect to show respect to Him.

 

[RosaryFan]

I have been attending Mass for quite some time, though I am not a full member of the Catholic Church. I am going through RCIA this Fall (I had fully expected to go through last year, but Satan was in full attack mode upon me and my family.).

This is my question: Is it permissable for me to go through the practice of crossing myself as I go into the chapel, and genuflecting before sitting down? Or do I just walk on in like any other protestant would? I know this is probably a trivial thing, but it has been bugging me for some reason.

If you are taking the journey to enter the Catholic faith, then one must surmise it is because you believe that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and, therefore, in the Tabernacle as you enter a church or chapel. Crossing yourself and genuflecting as you enter is your way of saying, “Yes, Jesus, I am aware that you are physically present here with me and I am genuflecting out of reference and respect for You, my King”.

You are not only welcome to join Catholics in this practice, but I would think it is preferred and would be a beautiful testimony of what you are feeling in your heart!

Welcome to the faith. Good luck in your RCIA classes! Ask lots of questions. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question!

 

[Edward_H]

The Cross is a wonderful way to strengthen the presence of God in your mind…bringing God to your mind, bringing God back into your mind. Welcoming Him in.

God isn’t always present everywhere…He may not be in our mind!! So with the sign of the cross we bring Him into our mind!!!

Wonderful question.

 

[KansasGirl]

Thank you all! I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t over-stepping any “boundaries.”

 

[RosaryFan]

Thank you all! I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t over-stepping any “boundaries.”

KansasGirl, you can do anything and everything, except receive the Eucharist. Our parish priest who moderates our RCIA program, always recommends that the candidates attend Mass regularly (at least every Sunday, but as much as you’d like) and participate in any way possible in parish life while they are going through the program. If you have an opportunity to visit with the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration, I would highly recommend that. It is a way of making a spiritual Communion with Our Lord until you will be able to receive Him physically.

All the best to you in this upcoming year. I’m sure you will really enjoy the RCIA classes. I’ve been attending as a team member for several years now, and I’m always amazed at how much I’m still learning (you never stop learning).