I have seen the question regarding tips for attending a catholic church and I have also been invited to attend a catholic church and I was hoping to get some more tips. In particular I have noticed people dabbing their forehead with water and making a cross sign before they sit. How do I do this as a non-catholic?
2006-12-07 22:14:59 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You can do it if you are a non-catholic, it's not a problem. Just remember when making the cross it's from the forehead down to the sternum, left to the shoulder, right to the shoulder. I think it's funny when catholics do it wrong. I see it all the time. Another thing you can do is take a knee briefly upon entering the church as a way of showing respect.
2006-12-08 02:12:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't. Go, attend the service, but don't go up for communion. If you see someone do something that you don't do at your church, it's best not to participate in order to avoid offending. You can cross yourself, where you take your right hand and tap your forehead, then your tummy, then your left shoulder, then your right, then if you feel so moved, your heart. Or, just start up and work your way down. It doesn't really matter. Just watch people and see how they do it, chances are everyone does it differently, and in a catholic service they'll do it enough that you'll be able to see.
2006-12-08 01:51:35 · answer #2 · answered by GLSigma3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to make the sign of the cross if you're non catholic. I know that some religions see the sign of the cross as a remembrance of Jesus' suffering so they really don't like doing it. As long as you keep a good and proper behavior everything will be fine. Receiving the communion is also not an option since you haven't had the sacraments prerequisite for it. Hope this helped. Good luck with that. :]
2006-12-07 23:02:58 · answer #3 · answered by exie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be respectful and keep an open mind. You do not need to kneel, cross yourself, use Holy Water etc.. Just stand when everyone else does. When people kneel, it's okay if you just remain sitting quietly. If the church you visit invites people to shake hands with those around them as a gesture of goodwill you should participate in that. When I visit a church, I also usually put a few dollars in the collection plate, but that's not expected.
2006-12-08 01:42:24 · answer #4 · answered by Jane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my daughter's church, there are no kneeling benches , so I don't have to deal with that. But if there are benches, you may feel more comfortable to do it if everyone else does.
They sing hymns I've never heard of, so I just hold the book and stand there. No one knows whether I'm singing or not. The priest says something, and the people respond. I don't know what to say, so I don't say anything.
I don't go up for communion, I stay in my seat. I don't cross myself, because it is not my religion.
All I can say is to just be respectful, and you'll do fine. You do not have to dab you forehead with water, nor cross yourself.
2006-12-07 23:14:18 · answer #5 · answered by Cat Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in case you at the instant are not Catholic you may no longer have a communion (meaning you may no longer consume the flat bread). Communion is somewhat significant for Catholics, and in case you don't know the meaning of it you will possibly desire to easily sit down via the mass and pay attention. The mass is a ritual. it relatively is a fashion for Catholics to santify God and Jesus and that's a captivating ceremony the place each prayer and gesture (like kneeling), has a meaning. you may talk to the pastor after mass.
2016-10-14 06:26:29 · answer #6 · answered by juart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go and do what you do at your church. You don't have to pretend to be one of them just cause you are invited to their church. Be respectful and all for your friend's sake but other then that nod away or whatever you like. It's your time. My phsyc teacher once said, " The one thing that shouldn't be for sell is you and your time. You cannot put a $ figure to your time. It may well be your last hour or so on earth for all you or anyone knows, so don't wory about these petty things. Go to be with your friend if you like and if you don' t feel comfortable, leave.
2006-12-07 22:33:30 · answer #7 · answered by blackprezz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Also, there is always a money collection, normally twice this happens, so be prepared to put in small change. To answer your question, you don't need to to do that water thing, It's a catholic thing that has been part of the religious culture for centuries.
2006-12-07 22:23:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you dont have to do it..maybe just bow slightly as you enter the church. also, during Holy Communion, you CAN go up BUT you cannot receive Communion...so..make an X across ur chest and when you walk up, the priest will give you a blessing
2006-12-07 22:23:10 · answer #9 · answered by annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a non catholic..you don't.
2006-12-07 23:05:52 · answer #10 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋