Went to a protestant cong. - Do I need confession?

[JoyToBeCatholic]

Do you think I need confession?

Last week I went to worship at a church of Christ. I have a bad excuse, but I believe my motives were good. (I’m sure we could argue that though). I am not happy at my parish, and it’s the best one in our city. I crave a community where people are all striving for holiness. The congregation I went to reminded me of the Carmelite order I was an aspirant to many years ago. Ultimately though, I don’t think I could leave the Catholic Church. Yes, I don’t deny the Eucharist, but reception of it has been very complicated since my dx of Celiac Sprue a few years ago. I’m no longer free to go anywhere to mass like I used to. Used to go to various parishes/shrines/monasteries for masses and now it’s almost always a big deal having to investigate my claims. My priest isn’t very cooperative about this either. He has a letter from the bishop but insists on being the go-between for me when I have to explain this to another priest. And my pastor is the head of the Deanery here too and very busy. I can take weeks to get approval, etc. Alright, so that’s an attempt to explain my bad excuses.

Anyway, my motive was only to seek out a place that would help me grow in holiness. I know I can’t do it apart from the Eucharist, so, it was a poor choice. I know I have to find a way to get my nourishment from the Catholic Church.

Do I need confession?

Thanks
~donna

 

[joshua_b]

First of all, you ARE free to go anywhere for the Eucharist, and to receive only under the species of wine (provided the cup is offered). The Church teaching on the Real Presence is quite clear on this…receiving under only the species of wine is perfectly acceptable and effects the same Grace. As far as attending another denominational service, I am fairly certain that attending the service of another faith is perfectly alright as long as you do not substitute it for your Sunday obligation (you are still bound to go to Mass every Sunday) and you do not participate in any “ordinances” or such (that means no “communion services”, “anointings”, or anything of the sort). As long as you adhere to those guidelines, I’m pretty sure no sin is committed. If I’m wrong I’m sure one of our more brilliant apologists will correct me on that.

 

[MamaSusie]

If you had some similar religion, I’d say go to both if you must…but don’t miss mass. In this instance you chose the “Church of Christ,” and I can’t begin to delve in to the apostasy that is the church of christ. I know that charismatic worship draws some people, and that an emphesis on the “Christian Walk” appeals to many too. Be careful of the blind leading the blind though…the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Find a charismatic Catholic prayer gourp or evangelical association in your area…or start a group!

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

MamaSusie:

If you had some similar religion, I’d say go to both if you must…but don’t miss mass. In this instance you chose the “Church of Christ,” and I can’t begin to delve in to the apostasy that is the church of christ. I know that charismatic worship draws some people, and that an emphesis on the “Christian Walk” appeals to many too. Be careful of the blind leading the blind though…the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Find a charismatic Catholic prayer gourp or evangelical association in your area…or start a group!

Actually, this church was quite the opposite of “charasmatic”. I’m very reserved myself. It was a simple service - no “anointings” or anything of the sort. It did take the place of mass, however. I suppose that makes it sin, correct?

First of all, you ARE free to go anywhere for the Eucharist, and to receive only under the species of wine (provided the cup is offered). The Church teaching on the Real Presence is quite clear on this…receiving under only the species of wine is perfectly acceptable and effects the same Grace.

The only parish I know of that offers the cup is now closing (I’m in Massachusetts).

Thanks for the replies!
~donna

 

[joshua_b]

We are kind of getting off topic here (sorry Moderator…I’m not intentionally trying to be rebellious), but have you approached your Bishop with your dillemma ? Also, have you considered going outside of your Diocese to find a parish in another ? Even if you weren’t to become a mamber of said parish, the Eucharist would still be valid, and you could licitly attend. This has to be tough, and I will pray for you.

 

[palmas85]

JoyToBeCatholic:

Do you think I need confession?

Last week I went to worship at a church of Christ. I have a bad excuse, but I believe my motives were good. (I’m sure we could argue that though). I am not happy at my parish, and it’s the best one in our city. I crave a community where people are all striving for holiness. The congregation I went to reminded me of the Carmelite order I was an aspirant to many years ago. Ultimately though, I don’t think I could leave the Catholic Church. Yes, I don’t deny the Eucharist, but reception of it has been very complicated since my dx of Celiac Sprue a few years ago. I’m no longer free to go anywhere to mass like I used to. Used to go to various parishes/shrines/monasteries for masses and now it’s almost always a big deal having to investigate my claims. My priest isn’t very cooperative about this either. He has a letter from the bishop but insists on being the go-between for me when I have to explain this to another priest. And my pastor is the head of the Deanery here too and very busy. I can take weeks to get approval, etc. Alright, so that’s an attempt to explain my bad excuses.

Anyway, my motive was only to seek out a place that would help me grow in holiness. I know I can’t do it apart from the Eucharist, so, it was a poor choice. I know I have to find a way to get my nourishment from the Catholic Church.

Do I need confession?

Thanks
~donna

If you are unable to receive Holy Communion for whatever reason you can always make spirutual communion. There were several saints who could not receive due to various medical conditions and always received spiritual communion only. There are several fairly standard ways of asking for spiritual communion, the most common goes something like this. When the people around you start to line up you kneel and pray as follows:

My jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and long for You in my soul. Even though Ii cannot receive You sacramentally come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You and unite myself totally to You. Never allow me to be separated from You.

While it is certainly a wonderful thing to be able to receive often, every day if we want, it is very good to remember that frequent reception is a very recent development in the church. I pray that you find a path out of your dilemma.

I would ask a question though, why would you go to a non-Catholic Church instead of a Catholic Church? Except for those Churches in communion with Rome and the Orthodox, they don’t have valid orders and they don’t have the real presence. Why would you neglect your faith in order to go to one of them? That really doesn’t make any sense to me.

 

[patti2]

palmas85:

If you are unable to receive Holy Communion for whatever reason you can always make spirutual communion. There were several saints who could not receive due to various medical conditions and always received spiritual communion only. There are several fairly standard ways of asking for spiritual communion, the most common goes something like this. When the people around you start to line up you kneel and pray as follows:

My jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and long for You in my soul. Even though Ii cannot receive You sacramentally come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You and unite myself totally to You. Never allow me to be separated from You.

While it is certainly a wonderful thing to be able to receive often, every day if we want, it is very good to remember that frequent reception is a very recent development in the church. I pray that you find a path out of your dilemma.

I would ask a question though, why would you go to a non-Catholic Church instead of a Catholic Church? Except for those Churches in communion with Rome and the Orthodox, they don’t have valid orders and they don’t have the real presence. Why would you neglect your faith in order to go to one of them? That really doesn’t make any sense to me.

Dear Joy to be Catholic,

With deep sympathy I can understand your position. I am recently down on the liberalism and modernism in our Churches today. I am depressed and I too almost went to a protestant church. Miracle, God protected me… so I have done some research and have come to a conclusion , no I will never step into a protestant church cause that is what they do Protest !
I love and respect too much the Eucharist more than ever . I will never deny Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and I will never deny the Pope no matter what errors he does… Our Lady at Fatima warns us of this to not follow modernism and continue with tradition no matter what… If we have the true faith we will stick to the tradtions and accept persecution from others to set an example and to save souls. Christ is testing our faith in these latter times. I believe that is why all this liberalism has entered in our Catholic Churches. So continue with the faith and pray for Jesus, console him and ask him to give you strength and to keep you strong even when people persecute you for the love of Jesus. He has been persecuted and died so we could be saved. Isn’t it our turn now more than ever in these latter times for the tables to turn on us?! Pray for our mother Church for we want her back and we love Her and Our Savoir.
I would like to add a comment on the spiritual communion, true this is how I do my communion when I can’t receive It , truly it has to be in a state of Grace even if we don’t have any mortal sin on our soul. On if you need to go to confession , if you feel you need to go to ease your conscience and you feel the Holy Spirit leads you to it then go. I would.
Hope I have helped to give you a little hope. END QUOTE//patti2

While it is certainly a wonderful thing to be able to receive often, every day if we want, it is very good to remember that frequent reception is a very recent development in the church. I pray that you find a path out of your dilemma.

I would ask a question though, why would you go to a non-Catholic Church instead of a Catholic Church? Except for those Churches in communion with Rome and the Orthodox, they don’t have valid orders and they don’t have the real presence. Why would you neglect your faith in order to go to one of them? That really doesn’t make any sense to me.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

joshua_b:

We are kind of getting off topic here (sorry Moderator…I’m not intentionally trying to be rebellious), but have you approached your Bishop with your dillemma ? Also, have you considered going outside of your Diocese to find a parish in another ? Even if you weren’t to become a mamber of said parish, the Eucharist would still be valid, and you could licitly attend. This has to be tough, and I will pray for you.

Yes, when this initially happened, my pastor insisted on researching this host (from the Benedictines in Missouri) and talking with the Bishop himself. Now every time I want to go somewhere else it’s a hassle. I couldn’t receive communion at all in my parish for at least a month or two (can’t remember exactly- it seemed like forever!) when all this was going on. Then I have to receive it seperately up at the altar (which I hate - and it draws a lot of attention which I especially hate - and everyone is always asking me why I have to go up there etc.). Now I’m just whining. It’s worth it of course, but I am not free to go where I want to like I used to. Can’t just decide on a whim to go across town if I miss the one closer to home, etc. This is not the reason I wanted to go elsewhere, but it does add to the load of issues I have with being Catholic.

If you are unable to receive Holy Communion for whatever reason you can always make spirutual communion.

I have a Eucharistic chaplet I used to say, but it certainly isn’t the same thing. I really need more than that.

I would ask a question though, why would you go to a non-Catholic Church instead of a Catholic Church? Except for those Churches in communion with Rome and the Orthodox, they don’t have valid orders and they don’t have the real presence. Why would you neglect your faith in order to go to one of them? That really doesn’t make any sense to me.

I used to go to a Franciscan Friary every morning for vespers and mass. I was able to go to confession on a weekly (or more if needed) basis. It was like going to heaven every morning. This was an incredible privilege. Now I feel like I’m starved, and it’s torture not to be able to do these things. The little I am able to attend mass is like a tease. I think I was just hoping that if I left my cravings would go away - I know that’s crazy but I was hopeful. I figured, since I couldn’t get what I needed sacramentally the way I used to, if I could at least find a community that was striving to live the way I’d like to…

With deep sympathy I can understand your position. I am recently down on the liberalism and modernism in our Churches today. I am depressed and I too almost went to a protestant church.

Well, we belong to the most orthodox parish in my city, and I am just disgusted with it to say the least. It’s hard enough to face the state of society today but to have it in your face in the house of God is actually sickening to me - the blatant disrespect and immodesty are so appauling. It’s bad enough that I don’t feel nourished anymore, but to have to see this stuff while at mass makes me want to scream. The friary would be ideal, but my husband would never allow it at this point. I got horrible advice from a priest there once - nearly destroyed our marriage.

I would like to add a coment on the spiritual communion, true this is how I do my communion when I can’t receive It , truly it has to be in a state of Grace even if we don’t have any mortal sin on our soul. On if you need to go to confession , if you feel you need to go to ease your conscience and you feel the Holy Spirit leads you to it then go. I would.
Hope I have helped to give you a little hope.

Unfortunately, I don’t stay in the state of grace very long lately. I have grown somewhat bitter this past few years. I used to have so much faith in the church. Over the years I’ve had priests, in confession, give me un-Godly advice and damaging advice. I don’t see God working there. So I no longer trust what I am told in confession. Can’t go to mass like I used to, can’t stand to be at mass while I am there (unless I keep my eyes closed - I know, I shouldn’t judge, but these people are impressing my children!), and any hope of joining Carmel is very far in the future.

I appreciate your advice and encouragement. I know I have to try to find a way to get to mass more often, and confession. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours was always a great help. I have a terrible habit of backsliding though when I don’t receive sacraments frequently, and I’m just not growing anymore. I’m sure the answer may not be to leave, but I crave a community where people encourage one another - I really need the encouragement.

Thank you,
~donna

 

[MusicMan]

If you willingly missed Mass(but could have gone), you have committed a grave sin and need to go to Confession. If you missed Mass to deliberately attend a Protestant worship service, you have committed a grave sin and need to go to Confession.

If you met your obligation to attend Mass and went to this Protestant church as well, you have not sinned. If you received the Communion at this church, however, that would be a sin and you would need to go to Confession.

I am not, however, a spiritual director or a Canonist, so I cannot speak to whether or not you sinned by “investigating” another denomination with the intent of ascertaining whether or not to leave the Catholic Church for this denomination. The next time you go to Confession, it would be good to discuss this with the Confessor, but I, personally, don’t think you sinned by your investigation.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

MusicMan:

If you willingly missed Mass(but could have gone), you have committed a grave sin and need to go to Confession. If you missed Mass to deliberately attend a Protestant worship service, you have committed a grave sin and need to go to Confession.

If you met your obligation to attend Mass and went to this Protestant church as well, you have not sinned. If you received the Communion at this church, however, that would be a sin and you would need to go to Confession.

I am not, however, a spiritual director or a Canonist, so I cannot speak to whether or not you sinned by “investigating” another denomination with the intent of ascertaining whether or not to leave the Catholic Church for this denomination. The next time you go to Confession, it would be good to discuss this with the Confessor, but I, personally, don’t think you sinned by your investigation.

Thank you. I will leave it up to God, and just try to get to confession next opportunity I get.

Bless you,
~donna

 

[hollybc]

JoyToBeCatholic:

Actually, this church was quite the opposite of “charasmatic”. I’m very reserved myself. It was a simple service - no “anointings” or anything of the sort. It did take the place of mass, however. I suppose that makes it sin, correct? The only parish I know of that offers the cup is now closing (I’m in Massachusetts).

Thanks for the replies!
~donna

I too live in Massachusetts… If you live in southeast Mass.- Sacred Heart in Middleboro routinely offers the cup.

Holly