Can I go to a Catholic Church?

Question

Okay so I feel a bit silly asking this but I honestly have no idea about this.

Basically in a few days it'll be my friends 22nd birthday and in a few weeks it'll be the 3rd anniversary of her death. Her family was Roman Catholic and she done her best to follow the same faith but due to her poor health she never went to mass regularly and she felt bad about it.

Ever since she passed away, I've been saying I'll try and go to church regularly kind of on her behalf but I don't know if just anyone can walk into a Catholic Church and sit down and join in during the prayers etc.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I'm not religious myself, and I don't really have a desire to take up a religion, I just think I'd feel more connected to her if I done this (if that makes any sense at all)

Any help will be really appreciated x

Answer 1

People tend to find attending a Catholic Mass intimidating if they are Non-Catholic. Basically it's the prayers and knowing when to sit, stand, or kneel during the Mass but of course that is why there is the Missal a book which goes step by step through the entire Mass all you need to know is the date of the Mass which will also include the readings which will be given during the Mass.

But of course the Catholic Church has closed communion which means you have to be a Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church in order to partake of the Holy Eucharist during communion.

If you don't feel comfortable going up during communion you don't have to go up in fact Catholics knowing that they are in a state or mortal sin will often not go up during communion they stay seated at the pews. This is actually preferred if your a Non-Catholic being that if you do go up and have your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing it identifies you as either being a Non-Catholic or a Catholic in a state of mortal sin which of course most Catholics that are in a state of mortal sin wouldn't even bother to go up during communion.



A Catholic service is not the same thing as a Mass and everyone is welcome to attend both a Catholic service or a Catholic Mass. For example on Good Friday there is no Mass it's a service because the Liturgy of the Eucharist is not preformed. As for communion on Good Friday it's been blessed and consecrated on Holy Thursday.

Answer 2

Anyone can attend a Catholic Mass, but communion is only for Catholics in good standing. Apart from that, sit and stand when everyone else does, and if you're not comfortable with kneeling when they do, remain seated instead. Don't bother trying to genuflect. You probably won't know the proper responses (and even familiar prayers can be slightly different than you may be used to), but you can join in on the hymns if you want.



If anyone gives you grief (which they shouldn't), just tell them you aren't Catholic, and they should be fine with that, provided you don't take communion. So don't.

Answer 3

Anyone is allowed to go to a Catholic service. If it's a Mass, (the most common Catholic worship service), don't go to communion. You may join the communion line and cross your arms on your chest in the form of an X. This tells the Eucharistic minister you don't want communion, so he/she will give you a blessing instead.

Don't sit in the back. Sit toward the front or in the middle. If you sit where I recommend, you can hear more and see better.

Answer 4

Yes, you can walk into a church, sit down and join in the service. However the Catholic church normally serves a Eucharist or Communion at every service. Some of the churches restrict the taking of the elements to members. Most Protestant churches however open it to everyone.



When you arrive, ask the usher or greeter at the door what the protocol is for their church, and they will be glad to tell you. Most churches welcome new people and first visitors, and will do their best to make you comfortable. If there are parts or rituals that they would prefer you not be part of, they will let you know.



They also understand that not everyone is at the point where they want to take full part in everything. It is common to see people sitting in the back, watching, learning. and not always taking part in everything or not what all to do. Happens in almost every service. Normal.

Answer 5

Shoving the trolls aside, there's nothing preventing you from going to a Catholic mass, but you should not partake in communion. This is a closed ceremony. Before or after service, talk to the priest and explain your situation. Then, the next time you get a chance, go to a church that worships the One true God and uses the Bible unaltered. Talk to the pastor and explain your situation and compare answers with the priest. Ask both to show you from the Bible where it says what they're explaining.

Answer 6

Catholic churches are open to all and if you want to go, do so. Don't go to communion and be prepared for the kiss of peace at the end of the service. It would be worth your while having an informal chat with the priest before you go, make an appointment to see him and he will tell you what to expect.

Answer 7

ICXwhatever is correct. All are welcome to Catholic religious services, but Catholics teach that non-Catholics should not participate in "communion" - that is, not participate in the Lord's Supper, eating the bread and drinking the wine.



I recommend that you sit near the back of the church until you learn the routine (Catholic religious services have a fairly complex routine - almost like calisthenics to those unfamiliar with it - but in my experience you will not be "frowned at" just because you are unfamiliar with the routine.).

Answer 8

Anyone can just walk into a Catholic church- however only Catholics can receive communion

Answer 9

Yes of course you can.....they will be pleased to see you and help in any way they can. I am sorry you lost your friend and your way of honouring her memory is laudable.



I am an atheist but even so, I think you should do what you think is right for your friend.



I wish you joy in your life.



Mo

Atheist

Answer 10

Ask the priest if water that has been blessed is chemically any different from ordinary water..

Answer 11

not unless you want a demon infestation problem.