visiting non Catholic churches?

[Monica4316]

Hi

I’m very sure of my faith as a Catholic… and I wouldn’t consider switching to another form of Christianity or another religion.

But I was just wondering if it’s alright to visit a non Catholic church, not because you want to convert, but for another reason. For example, my family is Eastern Orthodox and would it be wrong to go to a DL with them as long as I also go to Mass? Also, my family don’t receive the Sacraments, so would it be right for me to support and encourage them to receive Communion and go to Confession at their church, even though it’s not Catholic?

In addition, I was thinking of visiting my old non denom. church just to see how it’s like now, after 2 years, and to see my friends there. Would this be wrong?

I know the early Church was very strict on worshipping with schismatic churches but what is the Church law on this? Again, Im not looking to convert at all.

Please give me the traditional teaching, not anything watered down, thanks

God bless

 

[jay29]

I believe you can visit any church you want but you must still do your Sunday Obligation and refrain from protestant communion at ALL times. You may receive Holy Communion in the Eastern Orthodox Churches in an emergency. The EO Churches all have valid Sacraments because they have a valid priesthood. Protestant denoms have no valid priesthoods and the only sacraments they have are baptisms and marriages.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

From what I have read, the Catholic Church has no restriction on its members receiving the Eucharist in an Orthodox Church and vice-versa. However the Orthodox Church forbids this , and we are asked to honor their rules as any good guest should.

 

[stuart12]

As I have stated before, a Catholic should not attend non-Catholic services unless there be a need, that is, funerals, weddings etc. It is contrary to the will of God that you ‘worship’ Him in a manner different to what He has revealed.

Attending Mass or a Divine Liturgy is more than a social occasion, it should not be done for the sake of pleasing others, but should be done to honour God.

You are not Eastern Orthodox, you are not a protestant, so don’t attend any of their services actively.

 

[choy]

From what I have read, the Catholic Church has no restriction on its members receiving the Eucharist in an Orthodox Church and vice-versa. However the Orthodox Church forbids this , and we are asked to honor their rules as any good guest should.

sorry, not true

Catholics cannot ordinarily receive sacraments from an Orthodox Church. however, since the Catholic Church sees Orthodox Churches are true Churches, with valid Sacraments including Holy Orders (thus valid priesthood and Apostolic succession), in extreme cases we may join Divine Liturgy and receive sacraments from an Orthodox priest. such scenarios are, being in a town/city in a country where there is no accessible Catholic Church, but there is an Orthodox one. if you’re in an emergency situation and an Orthodox priest is nearby and no Catholic priest. but you are not free to join an Orthodox Divine Liturgy and receive Sacraments if you have access to a Catholic Church

 

[OraLabora]

As I have stated before, a Catholic should not attend non-Catholic services unless there be a need, that is, funerals, weddings etc. It is contrary to the will of God that you ‘worship’ Him in a manner different to what He has revealed.

I think this is overly restrictive. My wife is Anglican and I occasionally go to her church, and she comes to Mass from time to time. We only receive communion in our own church. And I do make sure I fulfill my Sunday obligation when I do go to her service.

The Church permits mixed marriages, one would think she assumes that people in mixed marriages may occasionally attend services at the spouse’s church.

 

[cradlecatholic5]

OraLabora - I agree w/ you. My husband is a protestant. I’ve attended his church’s services and he’s attended Mass w/ me. I always make sure I’ve attended Mass before I attend his church services. Neither one of us receives communion in the other’s church.

I would never leave my Church. It’s just nice to attend together. I sing the songs of worship & praise everywhere/anywhere I go.

I find this helps strengthen our marriage.

Peace

 

[stuart12]

OraLabora - I agree w/ you. My husband is a protestant. I’ve attended his church’s services and he’s attended Mass w/ me. I always make sure I’ve attended Mass before I attend his church services. Neither one of us receives communion in the other’s church.

I would never leave my Church. It’s just nice to attend together. I sing the songs of worship & praise everywhere/anywhere I go.

I find this helps strengthen our marriage.

Peace

Feelings don’t come into it.

Pope Pius XI in Mortalium Animos:

“Everyone knows that John himself, the Apostle of love, who seems to reveal in his Gospel the secrets of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and who never ceased to impress on the memories of his followers the new commandment ‘Love one another,’ altogether forbade any intercourse with those who professed a mutilated and corrupt form of Christ’s teaching: ‘If any man come to you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house nor say to him: God speed you’ (II John 10).”

Pope Pius IX:

They [the faithful] should totally shun their religious celebrations, their buildings, and their chairs of pestilence which they have with impunity established to transmit the sacred teachings. They should shun their writings and all contact with them. They should not have any dealings or meetings with usurping priests and apostates from the faith who dare to exercise the duties of an ecclesiastical minister without possessing a legitimate mission or any jurisdiction.” (Graves ac diuturnae)

 

[stuart12]

I think this is overly restrictive. My wife is Anglican and I occasionally go to her church, and she comes to Mass from time to time. We only receive communion in our own church. And I do make sure I fulfill my Sunday obligation when I do go to her service.

The Church permits mixed marriages, one would think she assumes that people in mixed marriages may occasionally attend services at the spouse’s church.

Why would you want to go to a church which rejects the Faith revealed by God?
If one rejects one single doctrine, that person rejects the whole.

 

[tweetymom]

I love visiting non Catholic Churches, cause even tho I attend Mass every week my heart is not there. It is back in my Protestant Church. But i can worship God whereever i am.

 

[cradlecatholic5]

Stuart 12 … what the?

 

[stuart12]

Stuart 12 … what the?

I am only quoting the Pontiffs on this matter.

 

[cradlecatholic5]

Well, thanks. But, I know in my heart what I’m doing isn’t hindering my faith.
Peace to you

 

[Aramis]

Hi

I’m very sure of my faith as a Catholic… and I wouldn’t consider switching to another form of Christianity or another religion.

But I was just wondering if it’s alright to visit a non Catholic church, not because you want to convert, but for another reason. For example, my family is Eastern Orthodox and would it be wrong to go to a DL with them as long as I also go to Mass? Also, my family don’t receive the Sacraments, so would it be right for me to support and encourage them to receive Communion and go to Confession at their church, even though it’s not Catholic?

In addition, I was thinking of visiting my old non denom. church just to see how it’s like now, after 2 years, and to see my friends there. Would this be wrong?

I know the early Church was very strict on worshipping with schismatic churches but what is the Church law on this? Again, Im not looking to convert at all.

Please give me the traditional teaching, not anything watered down, thanks

God bless

If you attend the EO parishes, the sacraments are valid and you would not need to also attend mass (See the directory for ecumenism in the US) since you have attended valid divine worship according to a Catholic Rite; you may commune if the pastor will let you (which is unlikely).

Depending upon the nature of the protestant service, even participation could be problematic, as many of them have active heresy being taught in their P&W songs. Communion is absolutely forbidden with any protestant group.

 

[stuart12]

Well, thanks. But, I know in my heart what I’m doing isn’t hindering my faith.
Peace to you

It is a dishonour to God to worship Him in a way contrary to how He has revealed. If you believe the Catholic Faith is of God, you cannot choose to do otherwise.

 

[stuart12]

If you attend the EO parishes, the sacraments are valid and you would not need to also attend mass (See the directory for ecumenism in the US) since you have attended valid divine worship according to a Catholic Rite; you may commune if the pastor will let you (which is unlikely).

Depending upon the nature of the protestant service, even participation could be problematic, as many of them have active heresy being taught in their P&W songs. Communion is absolutely forbidden with any protestant group.

You must mean the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches? The Eastern ‘Orthodox’ are not in communion with the Roman Pontiff, and attending a service (however valid) is schismatic.

 

[Mr_Sun]

Im catholic and going to my friends Baptist church soon.

I personally see nothing bad with it since its worshipping God either way. and Love never changes.

but I know some people would say thats bad. Better go to SOME church than none at all if I don’t go!

 

[tweetymom]

Im catholic and going to my friends Baptist church soon.

I personally see nothing bad with it since its worshipping God either way. and Love never changes.

but I know some people would say thats bad. Better go to SOME church than none at all if I don’t go!

Amen brother worship where you are.

 

[Cristiano]

Feelings don’t come into it.

Pope Pius XI in Mortalium Animos:

“Everyone knows that John himself, the Apostle of love, who seems to reveal in his Gospel the secrets of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and who never ceased to impress on the memories of his followers the new commandment ‘Love one another,’ altogether forbade any intercourse with those who professed a mutilated and corrupt form of Christ’s teaching: ‘If any man come to you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house nor say to him: God speed you’ (II John 10).”

Pope Pius IX:

They [the faithful] should totally shun their religious celebrations, their buildings, and their chairs of pestilence which they have with impunity established to transmit the sacred teachings. They should shun their writings and all contact with them. They should not have any dealings or meetings with usurping priests and apostates from the faith who dare to exercise the duties of an ecclesiastical minister without possessing a legitimate mission or any jurisdiction.” (Graves ac diuturnae)

So are you saying that people should not attend SSPX chapels either?

 

[stuart12]

So are you saying that people should not attend SSPX chapels either?

The SSPX are not in schism as Rome has constantly stated. At least they accept the papacy and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Do the Eastern Orthodox or protestants accept him? NO.