i'm not baptized and i've never really been a church goer because my family was not religious while growing up. i've attended a few different kinds of churches, like the episcopal church, lutheran churches and non-denominational churches in the past. i would like to attend catholic mass, but frankly i am a little scared/nervous. i can't take communion, will people look at me strangely because of this? i don't have catholic friends to go with, at least not ones that are practicing. will the catholic church welcome someone who is just curious and inquiring?
by the way, i am in my mid-twenties if that makes a difference.
2007-06-12 12:49:48 · 16 answers · asked by KellyKapowski 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You have nothing to worry about. Everyone is welcome at the Catholic Church.
No one will look strangely at you for not taking communion, as there will likely be several others who do not receive Him either. Catholics consider this strictly between the person and God and do not interfere. You can remain kneeling to pray, which is perfectly fine. Thank you for respecting the Eucharist.
Do not worry if you don't know all the prayers or how to follow the Mass. There is a misselette available to follow the Mass, but it's still okay if you don't know how because you're new. That will come in time. Simply listen to the scripture readings, the homily, and enjoy your time with God. That's what the Mass is for - you and God.
On a side note, if you are considering becoming Catholic, you will need to inquire about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This is where you will learn about the Catholic faith. However, this will probably come later for you. For now, relax and enjoy God's presence and grace.
If there's anything else you need, do not hesitate to write.
God bless and take care.
2007-06-13 06:16:14 · answer #1 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am Lutheran, but have many Catholic friends. Regarding Welcoming....
In both denominations the smaller the Church , the more welcoming the people seem to be.
With regards to Communion. As in our Church generally the Catholic Church practices Closed Communion. We/they do this to protect those who do not understand the Sacrament, thereby preventing them from sinning against the Body and Blood of our Lord. As stated above, and we do this too, you are welcome to receive Gods Blessing from the Pastor without partaking.
(If you have attended Lutheran Churches you will find that the Catholic Mass, is very similar to the Lutheran Mass. Quite often the Lutheran Mass can be more elaborate, and more solemn).
Go and Praise God.
2007-06-13 00:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why now not? The church isn't that strict....they are watching for humans to belong to not outcast. As a ways as proving your baptism....move or name the church you had been baptized in and ask for a duplicate of your baptismal list. You will have got to acquire First Holy Communion and Confirmation and the church has methods for adults and older youngsters for those Sacraments....move forward...make an appointment with a clergyman and you do not ought to be superb to visit Mass....simply move. The Catholic Churches are all within the phone book and if a church has a pass at the tippy best, it is Catholic.
2016-09-05 14:23:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are always welcome to attend Catholic mass. I seriously doubt anyone will notice you not going up for Communion. And, if anyone should ask, don't be afraid to tell them the truth; that you are not Catholic but are considering it. There's no shame in that.
If you are interested in a little independent reading, might I suggest "We Worship: A Guide to the Catholic Mass" by Fr. Oscar Lukefhar. I think I spelled the author's name correctly. It will help you better understand, thus better appreciate, the goings-on at a Catholic mass. I've been a Catholic my whole life and I learned much from it as well.
I hope you enjoy Catholicism, and maybe even consider becoming a Catholic.
2007-06-13 06:49:44 · answer #4 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can always walk into a mass. Most churches are large enough that nobody would even notice. Unfortunately, this also keeps most of them to being super "welcoming" to people who are seeking to learn more. You could always call the church during the week to see if there is someone you could talk to, maybe a priest or deacon.
As far as not taking communion, don't worry about that. There are always people who stay back for one reason or another and nobody will look at you funny.
I think it is great that you are on this journey of faith and I personally welcome you to check out the Catholic Church!
2007-06-12 13:00:22 · answer #5 · answered by sparty035 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different parishes have different personalities:some are friendly and some are cold. Please consider yourself invited to attend a Catholic Mass. Follow along in the little paperback book the misalette. In the misalette are guidelines for participation and these are found usually on of one the inside covers The Catholic Church welcomes all people to come and experience.
2007-06-12 12:57:13 · answer #6 · answered by James O 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you are always more then welcome! you will not be the only one not attending communion - i promise!! there are times when i dont make it to confession andhave something pressing on my heart and i don't go either. ther eis a line right before the Eucharist that brings you to Him - promise!
make sure they have missals so you can follow along. don't be afraid to ask someone near you where they are in their books. often times people only use them for the songs but - i promise you'll be able to understand.
when we kneel during the concesration you don't HAVE too, you can sit, just watch out if someone is directly behind you ; ) they might be in your back. i'd recommend getting there a little early to find a seat and beableto flip through the missal. if the church you go to doesn't have them - feel free to let me know the next time you are going and i can give you the Scripture readings in advance!
if it's this Sunday the 17th they will be:
1st reading -2 Sm 12,7-10, 13
2nd reading Gal 2, 16, 19-21
3rd reading (Gospel) Lk 9, 18-24
there is a lot of sitting, standing and kneeling - just follow along in the missal OR with the congregation.
I pray you will find a loving parish with a pastor who is filled with the Spirit!!
please feel free to email me prior or post if you have additional questions!!
2007-06-12 12:59:22 · answer #7 · answered by Marysia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, people wont look strangely at you just because you didnt take communion because i myself dont and im a catholic. my reason for that is because i havent been to confession for quite some time and my dad told me not to take communion if i havent been to confession yet. In catholic churches, its not like other christian churches wherein everybody knows everyone so anybody who happens to be in the area and would like to go to that church would always be welcome.
that's good that you want to be connected to your religious side..it helps a lot especially when you have kids later on.
studies showed that people who go to church are more productive than the ones who dont. i dont how true it is since i just heard it on the radio but if you think about it..it actually makes sense.
2007-06-12 12:59:00 · answer #8 · answered by ...::kaydee::... 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, people go all the time and do not go up for Communion. If a person has sin on their soul, they do not go up (or they are not supposed to) and all kinds of people are always visiting our members so no don't feel weird it happens all the time. You can sit in the back if you want to or sit at the end of a pew so you don't feel like you are in people's way when they go up but, yes you are welcome!!
2007-06-12 13:56:14 · answer #9 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes the church is welcoming!!!
and even though you cant receive communion you can still go up and get a blessing. just cross your arms like an x. and the priest will give you a blessing.
when you get to the church ask an usher and they will explain it to you.....
I hope you enjoy the mass.
2007-06-12 12:54:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋