What am I allowed to do during mass as a non-Catholic?

Question

I'm not a Catholic, but I do attend mass with my boyfriend regularly as I love the atmosphere of spirituality and the good vibes that the church holds.

However, since I'm not Catholic, I'm not exactly sure which things I can participate in and which things I can't during mass.

My boyfriend said that the only thing I can't do is take Eucharist (although it is awkward to sit in the pew feeling like i've been excommunicated or something).

I wanted to get a second opinion though - as a Christian who is not (yet) Catholic, what parts of the mass can I participate in and what parts can I not?

Also, if you have any links/resources that further explain Catholic theology/beliefs and how an adult Christian would "become" a Catholic, I would appreciate them as well.

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

The only thing I am aware of is that you cannot take communion during the mass.
There are several excellent books such as The Complete Idiot's Guide to Catholicism and Everything Catholicism, which give a good overview of the Catholic faith.

Answer 2

You can't participate in the Eucharist, but in order to "become" Catholic, there's this "thing" called RCIA classes which one attends to learn about the Roman Catholic rites and so forth. Gives you a chance to ask questions, and all the ones you want as you learn about it, and if you complete the course you have the opportunity to join the communion of the Catholic Church, and all of the other Sacraments.

www.EWTN.com Is a significant resource with leads into other areas of Catholicism, it's also on television if you have the TV that carries it.

_()_

Answer 3

You can pray, sing, listen, sit, stand, kneel, shake hands, smile, worship the Lord, and grow in your faith.

Your boyfriend is right - the only thing you can't do is receive the Eucharist. However, in many parishes, you CAN go up to the priest, cross your arms over your chest (right hand to left shoulder, left hand to right shoulder) and bow your head. The priest will give you a blessing and most people won't notice that you aren't receiving the Eucharist. Ask your boyfriend to call the parish to see if that's okay just to be sure, but it usually is.

You may also consider taking the RCIA class to find out more about Catholicism. Books to read at home include "What Catholics Really Believe" and "Catholicism for Dummies."

Answer 4

Just like he said. You can do everything but receive Holy Communion but you can still process up with everybody and cross your arms over your breast and receive a blessing instead of the Eucharist until you do become Catholic. This is what alot of people do and then they do not feel singled out and the Blessing is really nice too. Just make sure you get in the priests line for the blessing because the other people cannot give you the same type of blessing.

Answer 5

Are you going to the Easter Vigil for Baptism & Confirmation (typically dusk on Saturday) or Easter Mass (Sunday)??? Please feel welcome which ever mass you goto ... you can be silent if that is what makes you comfortable. Two - three scriptures from the Bible will be read by parishoners (Easter Vigil is 12 I think) ... then the Decon or Priest will read the Gospel ... before the Gospel people will use their thumb and make a sign of the cross on their forehead (think), mouth (word), and heart (soul). Then the Deacon or Priest will give a homily. During the "Lords Prayer" (Our Father who is in heaven) stand up and join hands with your boyfriend. Following that prayer, everyone will start shaking hands and say "Peace be with you". Following the shaking of the hands is the communion where Catholics get up to take the Eucharist. You can remain seated while his family takes communion; or you can get up, walk to the end of the seats and sit back down after everyone is on there way. What ever you're comfortable with. IF you're going to the Easter Vigil, then Mass will be around 3 hours. You'll be glad with the sitting, standing, kneeling rituals so that your body doesn't go into rigamortis. Have fun!!! GB

Answer 6

As a guest in the Catholic church, please feel free to engage in every aspect of Mass with the exception of confession and the Eucharist.

You may accompany your boyfriend to Communion, but when reaching the priest, cross your arms over your chest (like your shirt just fell off and you are trying to cover up! ;-) Right hand on the left shoulder, left hand on the right. The priest will cross you, or possibly touch your head, and offer a blessing to you. All you have to say is "Amen".

By the way, this is what Catholics do when they feel the need to go to Confession, so you may not be the only one!

Good reference would be the Catechism of the Catholic Church for more information. Good luck on your spiritual journey!

Answer 7

You boyfriend is right about the Eucharist. What you can do is go to the priest for a blessing. You simply approach him with your arms crossed in front of your chest. This sign will let him know to give you a blessing.

To become Catholic (welcome home!), you should speak with the priest about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). These classes will teach you the faith.

God bless.

Answer 8

Your boyfriend is correct. You are not allowed to receive Communion, but you are encouraged to do everything else.

In some churches, very small children go up and receive a blessing from the priest or Eucharistic Minister. If you see this happening, go forward and receive a blessing as well.

go to http://www.americancatholic.org and do a search on RCIA or any other subject. it is a very good site.

Answer 9

Thank you for showing respect by asking. And welcome.

Your boyfriend is correct, you may participate fully but out of respect, please do not to receive Communion.

However, 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.

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.

Here is an outline of the Mass:

+ Introductory Rites
. + Entrance (All stand)
. + Greeting
. + Act of Penitence
. + Kyrie Eleison (Latin for "Lord have mercy")
. + Gloria
. + Opening Prayer

+ Liturgy of the Word
. + First Reading - usually from the Old Testament (All sit)
. + Responsorial Psalm
. + Second Reading - usually from a New Testament Epistle
. + Gospel Reading (All stand)
. + Homily (All sit for the sermon)
. + Profession of Faith (the Nicene Creed) (All stand)
. + Prayer of the Faithful (prayers of petition)

+ Liturgy of the Eucharist
. + The Preparation of the Gifts - the bread and wine are brought forward and placed on the altar, our monetary offerings are also collected at this time (All sit)
. + The Prayer over the Offerings (All stand)
. + The Eucharistic Prayer - during this prayer the bread and wine change into the Body and Blood of Christ (Catholics kneel, visitors may kneel or sit)
. + The Lord's Prayer (All stand)
. + The Rite of Peace (We offer each other a sign of peace)
. + The Breaking of the Bread
. + Communion - non-Catholics are requested out of respect not to receive Communion, they may approach the altar with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing (Stand or kneel according to local custom)

+ The Concluding Rites
. + Announcements (All sit)
. + Blessing (All stand)
. + Dismissal
. + Procession

For more information, see the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/chapter2.shtml#sect3a
and http://stbrigids-kilbirnie.com/Pages/mass-1.html

With love in Christ.

Answer 10

I am a Catholic and I agree with everyone above re: not taking communion. If you feel so inclined later to participate, you can join the choir or volunteer to do soup kitchen. Our church does breakfast every Sunday morning for mass attendees, you can volunteer to serve food etc.

BUT I do have a follow-up question to Catholics, ARE NON-CATHOLICS ALLOWED TO SAY READINGS DURING MASS? (Sunday or weddings or funerals, please specify). I have a wedding that has both non-Catholics and Catholics. I want them to participate in the wedding as much as I can. Thanks!