Veneration of the Cross

[Pamela_Jane]

I have been attending church with my boyfriend and his family. Monday I will be starting RCIA classes. I know that since I’ve not been welcomed into the church I know that I’m not able to receive communion. I’ll be going with them today, and I saw that the Veneration of the Cross is something traditionally done at a Good Friday service. I also read that “the faithful” are the ones who participate. Does this translate to members of the Church or are any who are faithful whether Catholic or not?

 

[Shin]

I have been attending church with my boyfriend and his family. Monday I will be starting RCIA classes. I know that since I’ve not been welcomed into the church I know that I’m not able to receive communion. I’ll be going with them today, and I saw that the Veneration of the Cross is something traditionally done at a Good Friday service. I also read that “the faithful” are the ones who participate. Does this translate to members of the Church or are any who are faithful whether Catholic or not?

I can’t speak with absolute certainty, but my impression of the matter is the rubrics simply aren’t anticipating visitors in this regard in the terminology – and so not intending to make a statement about who is or isn’t to venerate. Since this is the case and I do not know of anything that would prevent a visitor from veneration of the Cross (which is very much adoration of Him who it represents and is upon it), unless someone chimes in with a quite surprising revelation you should consider yourself to be free to venerate the Cross with the faithful.

I wish you a very blessed and sacred Good Friday.

 

[Phemie]

I have been attending church with my boyfriend and his family. Monday I will be starting RCIA classes. I know that since I’ve not been welcomed into the church I know that I’m not able to receive communion. I’ll be going with them today, and I saw that the Veneration of the Cross is something traditionally done at a Good Friday service. I also read that “the faithful” are the ones who participate. Does this translate to members of the Church or are any who are faithful whether Catholic or not?

If the Cross means anything to you, feel free to venerate with everyone else. That one isn’t reserved to Catholics only.

 

[Pamela_Jane]

I’d imagined that would be the case, and I’d hoped I was right. Thanks.

 

[EnJoyslife]

I have been attending church with my boyfriend and his family. Monday I will be starting RCIA classes. I know that since I’ve not been welcomed into the church I know that I’m not able to receive communion. I’ll be going with them today, and I saw that the Veneration of the Cross is something traditionally done at a Good Friday service. I also read that “the faithful” are the ones who participate. Does this translate to members of the Church or are any who are faithful whether Catholic or not?

Pamela Jane, you will be embarking on a beautiful journey as you start the RCIA process. I am absolutely thrilled for you. Tomorrow will be the 11th anniversary since I was welcomed into the Catholic church. My love for Jesus has grown so much since I’ve become a Catholic. I pray that your journey is as amazing as mine has been.

Love and Blessings to you.

 

[Pamela_Jane]

I’ve not even begun the classes. I will most likely be doing so on Monday. So far, though, it has been a wonderful experience for me. Today was absolutely amazing. I’ve never seen anything quite like what I saw today. I’m very grateful that I’ve been granted such a tremendous opportunity.

 

[Newbie2]

Since veneration of the cross is not participation in a sacrament, anyone so disposed can participate. It’s sort of like crossing yourself in that regard.

And I’m pleased to see that the OP doesn’t mistakenly see the practice as “idol worship”, as some might be tempted to do.

 

[Pamela_Jane]

Well, it’s not like a golden calf that had no real symbolic connection to God. It’s the cross. I can see where people get that idea, but to me it is different.

 

[MusicaDonumDei]

Congrats for your interest in the Church! I will be confirmed and take First Communion tomorrow, and I participated in the Stations of the Cross/Veneration of the Cross for the first time this Good Friday. The priest saw me beforehand and made sure I understood that everyone was welcome to come up.

By the way, I understand what you meant to say, but do know that you’re always welcome at any Catholic Church even if you aren’t yet able to receive the Eucharist.

Be assured of my prayers for you as you learn about the Church, and I hope you will take your own First Communion soon!

-Jonathan

I have been attending church with my boyfriend and his family. Monday I will be starting RCIA classes. I know that since I’ve not been welcomed into the church I know that I’m not able to receive communion. I’ll be going with them today, and I saw that the Veneration of the Cross is something traditionally done at a Good Friday service. I also read that “the faithful” are the ones who participate. Does this translate to members of the Church or are any who are faithful whether Catholic or not?

 

[Pamela_Jane]

Thank you. When I said “welcomed into the church”, I actually meant as a member.