Is it okay to go to Catholic church just because I cannot find Protestant one suitable?

Question

As Japanese working on Saturdays and Sundays, I can't join any Church or otherwise end up feeling isolated (because I can join the Sunday service just once a month or every second month)
I found a Catholic church I could join early morning on weekdays...when I went there for the first time, I felt accepted by the people there.
It was the first time for me to go to a Catholic church and some things I saw there were quite new to me.
Is it okay to go to Catholic church and remain protestant? Should I become a Catholic believer?

mesho f , I have NO Protestant teacher or whatever to ask my question in my area.

Scooch threw the most horrible answer! All of the protestant pastors I have ever met worth nothing and so hurmful!

Answer 1

Pastor Billy says: yes it is okay, perhaps God put this problem in your path for a reason why not study what Catholicism teaches.

One thing you shouldn't do is go up for communion as Catholics and Protestants do not understand this to be the same thing.

Welcome hope you decide to learn Catholic Christianity

addendum: you should know the Sunday Mass is usually longer as the priest or deacon will have a longer homily (what you know as surmon) during the first portion of the Mass called the Liturgy of the Word.

ignore Chris he is a raving anti-Catholic

Would love to know more about where in Japan you are I'm assuming the south as this was the major center of evangelism for Catholics

Answer 2

You are always welcome to join any Catholic parish for worship, any time you feel comfortable doing so. No, you do not have to convert, although as long as you remain Protestant, you must refrain from receiving the Holy Eucharist. Catholics and Protestants have different understandings about Communion, you see.

If you would like to learn more about Catholicism to understand what goes on at Mass, pick up a copy of "The How-To Book of the Mass" by Michael Dubriel. Two other good books are "Catholicism for Dummies" and "What Catholics Really Believe." You might also consider taking a class at the parish called RCIA -- you don't have to convert at the end of it, but it will explain Catholic theology to you very well.

Answer 3

Yes, it's fine to attend even if you are a Protestant. In fact, this would be a good chance to start studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church to understand what the Church believes.

To receive the Body and Blood of Christ in communion you must be Catholic, but God will lead you there if you humbly pray and seek the truth with all of your heart.

Until that time, while at Mass, you may make a "spiritual communion" and receive graces that way.

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 4

You are more than welcome at the Catholic Church. All people of all faiths are welcome. We only ask that non-Catholics do not receive the Eucharist out of respect for the Blessed Sacrament and for themselves. You can, however, go to the priest for a blessing anytime.

I am a former Protestant who is now Catholic, so I know how you feel. When you go to Church, simply enjoy God's peace. This is your time with God, just you and Him. You don't have to worry about anyone else there.

If you're interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, you should speak to the priest about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initation of Adults). These are the classes that will teach you the Catholic faith.

God bless and take care. Write me anytime if you have questions.

Answer 5

Welcome.

It is okay to come to a Catholic church and remain Protestant.

If you feel God pulling you toward the Catholic Church then you should investigate whether you want to join or not.

+ The Mass +

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.

Here is an outline of the Sunday 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 6

Christ is celebrated at Catholic Mass, and all who love Christ are welcome.

You do not have to take part in Communion, you do not have to sing the songs (although we share most of ours in common with other Christians, and indeed borrow many of Wesley's hymns), you don't have to observe the genuflections and other traditions particular to Catholicism. All you need to do is take the time to enjoy the Presence of Christ and worship Him. That's really all we're doing there.

Don't feel forced to convert, although if you find out more about what we believe (theology) and why we do some of the customs (liturgy) it may make you feel more comfortable and perhaps appreciate more why we do it.

Either way, by coming, listening to the Scriptures, and setting aside time for Christ, you are following the Commandment to keep holy the Sabbath - you are making time for the Lord.

If you do ever have questions, I'm happy to help as best I can. Contact me through my avatar.

Answer 7

Talk to a pastor at the church you have been attending. Explain your dilemma and ask for guidance. The priest should let you know what to expect, how to include yourself and why you should exclude yourself from parts of the mass. Focus on the biblical teachings you are exposing yourself to rather than the vehicle by which it is coming at you. You may begin to understand that very little separates the two during your quest to obtain a fullness in faith.

Answer 8

If you feel accepted at the church then that is good, continue you going, learn more of the doctrine and then decide whether you wish to become a Catholic. At the end of the day it is still Christian even if you are a Protestant one.

Answer 9

catholicism was the 1st Christian religion. they just didn't call it "catholicism" til later. All other Christian religions (protestant) derived from Catholicism. The protestants broke away from The catholic religion bc they didn't like what Catholicism taught. So, go, you may learn things that were removed from your religion, but it's basically the same thing. At the root, we all believe in the same God and the teachings of Jesus.

Answer 10

Go to any church you want to. They're all fingers pointing (more or less) in the same direction.