What can a non-catholic believer do?

[Stevenrushing]

I know that a non-catholic cannot receive the Eucharist. What can a non-catholic who loves the catholic church but is not united with it do? Can they volunteer for an hour of Adoration? Can they help set up classes (not teach obviously) or perhaps care for children or take people’s coats? How can a non-catholic serve in the catholic church to feel more united with it?

 

[edward_george]

You are certainly welcome to participate in the Mass and in Eucharistic Adoration. I notice that you lead with that a non-Catholic cannot receive the Eucharist; perhaps you could add to your prayers an act of Spiritual Communion, such as this one:

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

You are also most welcome to pray any other Catholic devotions that strike your fancy; perhaps the rosary would prove fruitful to you. Go to RCIA classes, even if you’re not intent on joining the Church at the present time–they’re also good for inquirers who wish to learn more. Ask around at the local parish with the priest or anyone else who has some charge of what goes on there, perhaps there are opportunities for you to help out.

-ACEGC

 

[Jon_S_1]

I know that a non-catholic cannot receive the Eucharist. What can a non-catholic who loves the catholic church but is not united with it do? Can they volunteer for an hour of Adoration? Can they help set up classes (not teach obviously) or perhaps care for children or take people’s coats? How can a non-catholic serve in the catholic church to feel more united with it?

You can pretty much volunteer for any parish event or activity. Some roles will require you being catholic for obvious reasons, but I would say doing things like outreach, bible studies and service as well as attend mass would be encouraged.

The real question might be, what is holding you back from jumping in all the way! At least in signing up for RCIA (no conversion commitment required) you could learn about the faith and meet people and get exposed to different ministry opportunities.

 

[AKDee]

I know that before I was in full communion I was told I could participate in the perpetual adoration and other things. It’s just the sacraments that were barred, until I came into full communion.

Since you love the Church, are you planning to join? Then you could participate in all the sacraments.

 

[Elizium23]

I would recommend that if you take people’s coats, you should also consider returning them to their owners later on.

 

[MyNameIsDan]

I would recommend that if you take people’s coats, you should also consider returning them to their owners later on.

hahaha. Nice joke.

I’d say if somebody has such passion that they can find being close to Catholicism from taking people’s coats that there are many places in Catholicism they could find that they would be happy with!

Do they like music? If they do, maybe they can join the choir or if there is a music ministry, they can do that. Music is a great way to get to know other members of the Church since it is about community!

If they’re male, they can join the Knights of Columbus. I believe they’re involved in a lot of causes such as fundraising for various things such as anything a parish might need.

If they’re female, they can join the Catholic Women’s League which does similar things.

There are many other groups one can join.

At my parish, there are people who help with seating or help with distributing bulletins at the end of mass.

Depending on their age, they might also be able to join the youth ministry. There are many Catholic youth groups out there; some specific to a parish, and some are even at universities!

There are so many ways to be part of the community! The possibilities are endless! I hope this helps.

 

[Elizium23]

The Knights of Columbus is only open to practical Catholic men, so a non-Catholic would not be able to join.

As far as liturgical ministries go, different parishes and dioceses have their own requirements. You may find that a non-Catholic is not eligible to do everything in the liturgy.

 

[Cloisters]

I know that a non-catholic cannot receive the Eucharist. What can a non-catholic who loves the catholic church but is not united with it do? Can they volunteer for an hour of Adoration? Can they help set up classes (not teach obviously) or perhaps care for children or take people’s coats? How can a non-catholic serve in the catholic church to feel more united with it?

Practice the presence of God.

Make the Sign of the Cross.

Pray the rosary.

Make rosaries.

Wear the scapular.

Wear the Miraculous Medal.

Attend adoration.

Attend Mass (no communion).

Practice Lectio Divina.

Make a morning offering.

Pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

Report to your local pastor and make oneself available for volunteering.

I was in the same boat at one time. The local pastor told me I could do everything that they did except receive communion (and go to confession). This was before RCIA.

St. Paul the Apostle said, “Even if an angel were to give you a gospel contrary to ours, you shall not follow them.” I pray for Mormons and Muslims every day because of what St. Paul wrote.

Blessings,
Cloisters

 

[Memaw]

I know that a non-catholic cannot receive the Eucharist. What can a non-catholic who loves the catholic church but is not united with it do? Can they volunteer for an hour of Adoration? Can they help set up classes (not teach obviously) or perhaps care for children or take people’s coats? How can a non-catholic serve in the catholic church to feel more united with it?

There are many things you can do and you named a few of them, talk to the priest or someone in charge and they will help you. And go to RCIA and see if you truly want to join the Catholic Church. Prayers and God Bless, Memaw

 

[MyNameIsDan]

The Knights of Columbus is only open to practical Catholic men, so a non-Catholic would not be able to join.

As far as liturgical ministries go, different parishes and dioceses have their own requirements. You may find that a non-Catholic is not eligible to do everything in the liturgy.

My apologies! I did not think enough before listing. Thank you for the correction.