What would be an appropriate amount of involvment in a non-Catholic church?

[smichhertz]

When I was in high school, I went pretty regularly with a friend to a non-denominational church service on Friday nights. It was essentially a Protestant prayer service that was directed towards teens. I felt like the time I spent there was ultimately beneficial to my faith. I made no secret about the fact I was Catholic and often enjoyed the friendly discussions I would have with others there after the service. The service itself would involve a band playing more contemporary Christian music, a minister would give a sermon, and then we would end in prayer. To my knowledge, they never said anything heretical or contrary to Catholic teaching. They kept it pretty generic. I also really liked the fact that it was going on during Friday nights. They were directly competing with the party time that was going on in High School, and it gave kids a great alternative.

So looking back on it now, I wonder if what I did was inappropriate. What would be an appropriate line to draw if a Catholic is at a non-Catholic church service? Should they actively participate or just passively observe? Would it be okay for them to make a regular thing out of it? Or even become involved in the Church?

Thoughts would be much appreciated. As well as any links to Church teaching on the matter. Thanks in advance!

 

[beth40n2]

Attending a non-Catholic worship service once in a while is not wrong as long as you do not miss Mass. And of course never take communion in another church.

Being available to answer questions about our faith and having knowledge of apologetics are good. A person must be well catechised in Catholicism or one could be influence in the wrong teaching.

 

[SonCatcher]

It initially sounds like a “let’s give kids an alternative to raucous parties” kind of event. I presume they had a regular Sunday service they also expected their members to be at. If that’s the case, then it probably was okay.

It seems to be bothering you now, though, so it could be beneficial to mention it at your next Confession. (it’s always okay to mention “I’m not sure if it was a sin but I once did this…” in that context - it’ll never hurt and may even help)

 

[smichhertz]

Attending a non-Catholic worship service once in a while is not wrong as long as you do not miss Mass. And of course never take communion in another church.

Yes, I in no way viewed it as a “replacement” for my Sunday obligation, and still went to mass, and there wasn’t even communion offered, but if there was, I knew enough then to know not to partake.

Being available to answer questions about our faith and having knowledge of apologetics are good. A person must be well catechised in Catholicism or one could be influence in the wrong teaching.

That’s true, and sometimes regular communication with people of other faiths helps this. There were countless times when someone would make an argument I didn’t have an answer to, and I’d have to go ask a priest or my parents. That’s how I learned a lot about my faith!

 

[smichhertz]

It initially sounds like a “let’s give kids an alternative to raucous parties” kind of event. I presume they had a regular Sunday service they also expected their members to be at. If that’s the case, then it probably was okay.

Yes, that is right, although to be honest, at the time, I didn’t know it was part of a church that also had a regular Sunday service.

It seems to be bothering you now, though, so it could be beneficial to mention it at your next Confession. (it’s always okay to mention “I’m not sure if it was a sin but I once did this…” in that context - it’ll never hurt and may even help)

I wouldn’t really say it’s bothering me. It was a completely positive experience, I’d have trouble believing I was sinning by doing it. But it made me curious as to what would be appropriate for a Catholic to do in situations like that.

 

[RosaryFan]

When I was in high school, I went pretty regularly with a friend to a non-denominational church service on Friday nights. It was essentially a Protestant prayer service that was directed towards teens. I felt like the time I spent there was ultimately beneficial to my faith. I made no secret about the fact I was Catholic and often enjoyed the friendly discussions I would have with others there after the service. The service itself would involve a band playing more contemporary Christian music, a minister would give a sermon, and then we would end in prayer. To my knowledge, they never said anything heretical or contrary to Catholic teaching. They kept it pretty generic. I also really liked the fact that it was going on during Friday nights. They were directly competing with the party time that was going on in High School, and it gave kids a great alternative.

So looking back on it now, I wonder if what I did was inappropriate. What would be an appropriate line to draw if a Catholic is at a non-Catholic church service? Should they actively participate or just passively observe? Would it be okay for them to make a regular thing out of it? Or even become involved in the Church?

Thoughts would be much appreciated. As well as any links to Church teaching on the matter. Thanks in advance!

Although what you’ve described seems harmless enough, I would caution any Catholic against participating at all in any non-denominational generic Christian prayer service. They may not be saying anything heretical or contrary to the Catholic faith, but they are lacking the important aspects of our faith (the Eucharist, sacraments, communion of Saints, etc.) and their “friendly discussions” could possibly be a tactful way of evangelizing a non-suspecting Catholic right out of their faith.

So to answer your question, it would not be appropriate to participate, just to play it safe. But that’s not to say I think it’s sinful - just unwise, like playing in traffic.