What to say to non-catholics/fallen away catholics when they agree to go to mass

  • Thread starter Thread starter maxdouglas402
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

maxdouglas402

Guest
I know that God does 100% of the work, I’m just used as an instrument to help guide the way, but what do I say to men/women who don’t know much about the Catholic Church in their late teens and early twenties when they agree to come to mass with me?

I’ve thought about reading Scott Hahn’s Supper of the Lamb, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.

I want to explain the significance of the Eucharist and Confession, but I don’t know if just any random person can go to Confession.

I don’t know how to show the beauty of the Catholic Church when other church denominations can be “entertaining” to attend.

Maybe I worry too much when I should let God do his thing. Usually when Mass is over I just simply ask them, “did you enjoy it?”

SOoooo, IdK 🤷
 
In the words of a very wise man, St. Francis of Assisi - “Preach the gospel always. When necessary use words.”

I wouldn’t try to explain anything unless they ask. You could perhaps say afterwards something like “I hope you enjoyed coming to Mass with me today. I enjoyed having you there. Do you have any questions?” The Holy Spirit will guide you.

P.S. ‘Any random person’ may not receive communion in the Catholic church. In order to receive communion they must be baptized and have already received the sacrament of first communion (and, of course, be free of mortal sin).

I think it’s great that you’re inviting some friends to church with you.👍
 
‘Any random person’ may not receive communion in the Catholic church.
Click to expand...
Good point, but he was asking about Confession (Reconciliation), not Communion. I’m not sure of the answer to who may recieve Reconciliation, but I figured I should clarify this until someone who does shows up.
 
maxdouglas402 said:
I know that God does 100% of the work, I’m just used as an instrument to help guide the way, but what do I say to men/women who don’t know much about the Catholic Church in their late teens and early twenties when they agree to come to mass with me?

I’ve thought about reading Scott Hahn’s Supper of the Lamb, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.

I want to explain the significance of the Eucharist and Confession, but I don’t know if just any random person can go to Confession.

Only a baptized in full communion with the Church.

I don’t know how to show the beauty of the Catholic Church when other church denominations can be “entertaining” to attend.

We do not seek entertainment. The very fact can be a disqualifier.

Maybe I worry too much when I should let God do his thing. Usually when Mass is over I just simply ask them, “did you enjoy it?”

I don’t think it’s a good question. Would you ask that to John after witnessing the Last Supper or the death of Christ on the Cross?

SOoooo, IdK 🤷

Same here :rolleyes: And, by the way, huge difference between non-Catholics and Catholics who have walked away from the Church.
Click to expand...
 
If the person wants to go to confession, I would tell him to let the priest know that he is not a practicing Catholic. A non-Catholic cannot receive the Sacraments until received into the Church. That does not mean he cannot speak to priest for direction and solace.
If the person is Catholic, he cannot receive Communion until after he has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I do tell people that I invite that Communion is reserved for Catholics. In the church where I now attend Mass, the prayers and readings are displayed on the wall. Before Mass begins, the rules are given (no gum chewing, cell phones on silent, etc.). The powerpoint frame for Communion has “Communion is only to received by Catholics” printed at the bottom.
 
If it is a fallen away catholic, then give them a green scapular and ask them to put it in their wallet. Just tell them it is a gift from Mary and it will help you. Then get one for yourself and pray this prayer twice each day, once for yourself, once for them:
“Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”

Now as far as explaining the Mass and church go, keep it simple. Like:

First part: prayers, hymns, readings, and sermon.
Second part: Blessing of bread and wine, hymns, and holy of holies(Jesus becomes present and offered to the Father).
Third part: Our Father prayer, reception of Jesus in communion, concluding hymn.

Summary:
Listening to God
Offering to God
Reception from God

Then mark the place in the book in the pew for them.
Take some pieces of paper as book mark holders with you.

If they wish, they may take part in everything except receiving communion. Lasts about an hour.
Visitors are welcome and catholics from other churchs come as well.

If you feel there is time and that they are interested, before Mass explain the
altar, sanctuary, gold chalice, gold vessel, candles, vestments.

Altar is a special table to hold the gifts offered to God in worship dating from early church times.
It is set in front and middle of church just where the first churches had their altars.
Sanctuary is the large area containing the altar and where the holy worship takes place.
The main body of the church is where the people take their places.

The bread is contained in a gold vessel and set on the altar.
The wine is held in the gold chalice and set on the altar.

Candles on the altar are lit to indicate the light of christ and at one time also to furnish light.

Vestments are the special clothing priests wear for the worship going back to the ancient days of Rome in the times of the early christians.

At the end of Mass, ask them if they have any questions. If you don’t know the answer, just say,
I don’t know but I will find out for you. No answer is better than a wrong answer. Just keep the answers simple and to the point. Less is more in this case.

You will do just fine.
 
maxdouglas402 said:
I know that God does 100% of the work, I’m just used as an instrument to help guide the way, but what do I say to men/women who don’t know much about the Catholic Church in their late teens and early twenties when they agree to come to mass with me?

I’ve thought about reading Scott Hahn’s Supper of the Lamb, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.

I want to explain the significance of the Eucharist and Confession, but I don’t know if just any random person can go to Confession.

I don’t know how to show the beauty of the Catholic Church when other church denominations can be “entertaining” to attend.

Maybe I worry too much when I should let God do his thing. Usually when Mass is over I just simply ask them, “did you enjoy it?”

SOoooo, IdK 🤷
Click to expand...
Dear Max,

The Mass is an extraordinary gift from God and cannot be put into a few words, imho. If someone who is either a non Catholic or a fallen away Catholic agrees to go to Mass, there is Grace given by God for their willingness to go. I would suggest something that might help them cooperate with this grace before and after their experience of Mass, and that is a book written for lay persons, by a lay person who himself returned to the Catholic faith after years of being both an athiest and later a member of other denominations.

This book is The Ordinary Path to Holiness and it gives much to help anyone appreciate the beauty of the Catholic Church and all the spiritual treasures she holds, especially the Mass and the sacraments. It is not a thick book, but is a book that needs to be read slowly and prayerfully. I would recommend you buy and read it so that you are able to help them before and after they choose to go to Mass with you.

See HERE

The Introduction is written by Fr. Groeschel and the contents are much more than mere “entertainment”. I hope you will look into this for yourself and for all those whom God sends your way. Each person is unique and God’s grace works uniquely in each soul. Pray for any person you know, as well as those you don’t know personally but whom we all know, truly need God in their lives, and need to know the Absolute Truth which subsists in the Catholic Church. You may want to wait before asking about their experience after the Mass. "Did you enjoy it? may not be the best question especially right after Mass. Pray to the Holy Spirit for words that may encourage each person to cooperate with God’s Grace and help them to ask and seek and knock on the door of His Heart for more.
 
I’d just say, “it’ll be great to see you there,” and let the Mass speak for itself!
 
MariaChristi said:
Dear Max,

The Mass is an extraordinary gift from God and cannot be put into a few words, imho. If someone who is either a non Catholic or a fallen away Catholic agrees to go to Mass, there is Grace given by God for their willingness to go. I would suggest something that might help them cooperate with this grace before and after their experience of Mass, and that is a book written for lay persons, by a lay person who himself returned to the Catholic faith after years of being both an athiest and later a member of other denominations.

This book is The Ordinary Path to Holiness and it gives much to help anyone appreciate the beauty of the Catholic Church and all the spiritual treasures she holds, especially the Mass and the sacraments. It is not a thick book, but is a book that needs to be read slowly and prayerfully. I would recommend you buy and read it so that you are able to help them before and after they choose to go to Mass with you.

See HERE

The Introduction is written by Fr. Groeschel and the contents are much more than mere “entertainment”. I hope you will look into this for yourself and for all those whom God sends your way. Each person is unique and God’s grace works uniquely in each soul. Pray for any person you know, as well as those you don’t know personally but whom we all know, truly need God in their lives, and need to know the Absolute Truth which subsists in the Catholic Church. You may want to wait before asking about their experience after the Mass. "Did you enjoy it? may not be the best question especially right after Mass. Pray to the Holy Spirit for words that may encourage each person to cooperate with God’s Grace and help them to ask and seek and knock on the door of His Heart for more.
Click to expand...
Dear Max,

I’d like to add to my suggestion, a more recent book by the same author. It is only in e-book format but it is specifically on the Mass. It is a shorter work but it is well worth reading yourself and offering if to others, before their joining you to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, or perhaps afterward. See HERE

It’s Title: The Mass in Movements - Converseion, Consecration, Communion may also attract many Catholics who are really looking for a deeper participation in the Mass, for themselves, as well as others. I highly recommend this book to all.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top