Visiting a Protestant church

[cassopher]

I was raised Protestant but after high school quit attending as I never got much out of my faith at the time of my life. I’m in my late 30’s now and 4-5 years ago my wife and I decided to begin RCIA, as we were invited by friends of ours, and take the wonderful journey into the Catholic faith and what peace and joy it has brought to our lives! My mother, who is still Protestant, has seemingly struggled to find stability with a church home. In the past 10-12 years she has been through 4 different churches. She came to the vigil mass with us last night and afterwards I pointed out the fact that she has been to so many churches and asked what it was she was searching for, and that if she hasn’t found yet it then it may very well be in front of her in the Catholic faith. She seemed less than open to the idea of joining the church and instead invited us to come to church with her sometimes, which I’m not opposed to because I love her and want to support her faith. My question is could we and should we attend a Protestant service on occasion while still fulfilling our Sunday obligation to attend mass? Anything wrong with this or should I keep inviting her to know the peace that we have found. Thanks for all of your replies and happy Easter all!

 

[Hereiam]

My question is could we and should we attend a Protestant service on occasion while still fulfilling our Sunday obligation to attend mass?

Yes, as long as you meet your Sunday obligation and refrain from taking part in their version of the sacraments (communion).

If however, you are not yet secure in your faith, you may want to abstain until you are.

 

[Dan_Defender]

Nothing wrong with going to a Protestant service if you have the time. Just keep in mind that they hold a partial truth and focus on what we Catholics have in common with them.

 

[Ardent_Fire]

As a cradle Catholic it’s always been my understanding that it’s OK to attend a different denomination’s service as long as you’re going to mass on your own and it’s not done with the belief that “one church or religious service is as good as the other and they’re all the same”

Of course she’s always welcome to come join you at mass at any time and maybe it will catch on.

 

[QwertyGirl]

Nothing wrong with going to her church occasionally. Continue to invite her to yours, well. By understanding eachothers’ faiths, you will have a deeper understanding of eachother as people. That is always a good thing.