Wording for an invite to Mass

[adf417]

I am struggling with the wording on inviting a friend to Mass but stipulating to the closed communion aspect of the invitation. Many people may know and understand the Catholic teaching on closed communion as visitors, but some do not. It is extremely hard for me to invite but stipulate and was just wondering if any of you had advice on a short invite wording that would be both welcoming and communion-limiting at the same time.

Peace!!!

 

[pianistclare]

Are you hoping this person will one day convert, or are you simply wanting them to observe what a Mass is like? For discussions sake…

 

[adf417]

Are you hoping this person will one day convert, or are you simply wanting them to observe what a Mass is like? For discussions sake…

A friend had expressed interest in possibly attending a Mass a while back and I wanted to refresh the invite.

 

[IrishAm]

Don’t overthink it. Ask her if she wants to “go to church” with you and, if she says yes, at some point on the way mention “sometimes people wonder what to do at Mass when they aren’t Catholic; mostly, you can stay seated if you are comfortable doing that, or stand when we stand and sit when we sit, and sit when we kneel. Communion is only for Catholics in ‘good standing,’ so no one will think anything when you stay seated as others go up for Communion.” While I realize some people consider closed Communion very much a hot-button issue (and some people just harp on it to irritate others), I find most Christians would not think of receiving Communion in a church with which they are not affiliated. Just good manners.

 

[pianistclare]

Don’t overthink it. Ask her if she wants to “go to church” with you and, if she says yes, at some point on the way mention “sometimes people wonder what to do at Mass when they aren’t Catholic; mostly, you can stay seated if you are comfortable doing that, or stand when we stand and sit when we sit, and sit when we kneel. Communion is only for Catholics in ‘good standing,’ so no one will think anything when you stay seated as others go up for Communion.” While I realize some people consider closed Communion very much a hot-button issue (and some people just harp on it to irritate others), I find most Christians would not think of receiving Communion in a church with which they are not affiliated. Just good manners.

This is very true. And, if you keep the conversation really casual, they will not feel "left out or insulted.
Hope it goes well! It’s nice that you are inviting them! God bless you!

 

[PJM]

=adf417;11839098]I am struggling with the wording on inviting a friend to Mass but stipulating to the closed communion aspect of the invitation. Many people may know and understand the Catholic teaching on closed communion as visitors, but some do not. It is extremely hard for me to invite but stipulate and was just wondering if any of you had advice on a short invite wording that would be both welcoming and communion-limiting at the same time.

Peace!!!

Here’s how to [IMO] solve both issues

Invite your FRIEND to attend WITH YOU.

The you can explain before going in that because catholic Holy Communion IS CHRIST in person; one must 1. Be a catholic 2. And BE in “the sate of grace” to receive Holy Communion

There are two Extraordinary reasons to be an Informed and fully practicing Catholic:

1. The sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist
   Mt. 26:26-28; Mk. 14: 22-24; Lk 22: 19-21; John 6 [all] but especially verses 41-56
   St Paul 1st Cor. 11: 23-30
2. The Sacrament of Confession .

1 Jn. 1: 8-10
1 Jn. 5: 16-17
John 20:19-23

It would be good and prudent to be aware of these bible passages as reference to your friends “WHY”

God Bless you,
Patrick [PJM]

 

[Linybaby]

I have invited many of my friends growing up to mass with me. I would explain to them that receiving the Holy Sacrament meant you needed teachings and then you receive the gift of Jesus during Communion.

One of my friends who would go with me to church on holidays and was even part of my bridal party for some reason receive the Body Of Christ. I was very uncomfortable with this. I spoke with my pastor about it. (He was an older man who was very spiritual) He told me she doesn’t do it out of hatred that she is following what everyone else does. Jesus has a forgiving heart and so should I.

So when my wedding came and she ultimately received the Blessed Sacrament, I just forgave. After all my pastor was the one who married us!

 

[QNDNNDQDCE]

I would just let them know when you get there. If you give them too much information in the invitation, you’ll just overwhelm them and scare them off. Just ask if they would like to come with you and they can learn what they need to do while they are experiencing the mass.