Am I being disrespectful in Catholic mass?

Question

When I go to church with my fiance and his catholic family I cant/dont participate in the eucharist because I am a non-catholic, but at the same time I don't kneel with the everyone either. Am I being disrespectful by not kneeling? If I dont participate in any other mass activities should I still participate in that one?

NBM, I don't go to a catholic mass just to show I am different. I am supporting my fiance and am extremely open to other denominations. All I wanted to know was if non-kneeling was disrespectful, nothing else.

Answer 1

No.

Thank you for showing respect by asking.

Please:
+ If you feel comfortable then pray and sing with the rest of the congregation.
+ Sit and stand when everyone else does.
+ If you feel comfortable kneeling during the Consecration then do so, otherwise sit.
+ Out of respect do not to receive Communion, according to local custom, and only if you wish, you may approach the altar with their arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

There is no need for you to stand and kneel at the same time everyone else does. It is not disrespectful. It's wonderful that you go!!

The church, as a whole, would (or at least should) want you to be comfortable. Not force you into something.

If you like, even if you don't stand and kneel when everyone else does - you can go up to the priest with your fiance and his family. Rather than taking the body and blood, you cross our arms over your chest, a hand to each shoulder, and bow your head. The priest (or deacon) will bless you. If the mass is using extraordinary ministers (lay people in plain clothes) there's not much point in doing that.

Edit: Hi Jason, You know you are correct. See the General Instruction on the Roman Missal. You are not supposed to hold hands during the Our Father. And proper decorum (not waving one's arms) is to be observed at all times.

The Holy Father is working hard to stop churches from these sorts of Liturgical abuses. But American Bishops seem to think they can do whatever they want.

Answer 3

Sitting, standing, kneeling are ways we show respect for what is happening in the liturgy. The Eucharist is an action as much as it is the body and blood of Christ, and everyone should feel welcome to participate. But if you are uncomfortable kneeling or standing, then sit. But whatever your posture, try to take in and think about what is happening. This is a gift that God left for us all.

And yes, as someone in an earlier post said, by all means you are welcome "at the table". When your boyfriend and his family leave the pew to take communion, go with them. When you get to the priest or the Eucharistic Minister, cross your arms and receive a blessing.

Peace and all good!

Answer 4

You can attend Catholic Mass without kneeling. Elderly, physically handicapped and infirm people often do not kneel, so I doubt you are the only one.

You should do what you feel comfortable doing. We Catholics kneel because we believe we are in the presence of our King. If you are a Christian who believes "where two or more are gathered in My name, I AM," then you might want to kneel to acknowledge the Lord's presence in the Mass. However, if you are not a Christian, or if you do not believe that God is present, there is no need to kneel at all.

Answer 5

Well, not taking the Eucharist is standard for a non-Catholic. However, kneeling is a sign of respect, but I can understand not doing it if you don't believe that what is happening is sacred, so I guess it's unusual, but OK.

However, if you wish, you may walk to the front during Communion and obtain a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. It can be very comforting, you should try it one day.

Answer 6

No. Do whatever makes you comfortable. I am Catholic, and I don't like some of the new things people are doing in mass (holding hands, waiving arms during songs, etc.) I refuse to go along with the crowd. Nobody will notice you not kneeling if they are paying attention to what they should be.

Answer 7

Following the customs of the church that you're in is considered a mark of politeness and respect, the way that I see it. I often go to church with Protestant friends when I visit them, and I don't kneel or genuflect because that's not a practice of their church. I try to follow their customs, such as standing during the singing of hymns, etc.

Although it's not absolutely necessary, I think it would be a nice gesture if you knelt with the others. My husband goes to Mass with me on occasion, and even though he's Presbyterian, he kneels during the appropriate times.

Answer 8

Catholics kneel during the consecration of the host because we believe that the bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ and we are kneeling before God made present. If you do not believe that, then it is understandable that you do not kneel. It is very nice, though, that you are concerned about respecting our beliefs. God bless you.

Answer 9

I think that it is wonderful that you go to mass to support your husband. I have also attended some masses for various reasons. I share your concern. As I am not allowed to receive the communion, I do not participate in the ritual of the communion. So no I don't knee. Don't worry about what others think. People have welcomed me for being there - nobody ever tells me I should have kneeled.

Pastor John

Answer 10

I am a former catholic. I left the church because I don't agree with their teaching, but if I was invited to go by someone close to me, I would kneel.
What's wrong with just kneeling? I mean, think about it, all your doing is kneeling.
God will not smite you for kneeling in a catholic church.

Even if you don't believe in God, the kneeler has a soft pillow cushion on it, just kneel there and enjoy checking out all their statues, ha.