Is there any reason for a Protestant to attend Mass?

[anjoh66]

Originally Posted by mab23

thanks - I learn something new everyday

my wife is doing RCIA - and the Sister leading the class tells her to do it

As i said, Blessed John Paul II approved of it, so whos authority do you follow, the Blessed Pope or the people at CAF?

[Patavium]

Originally Posted by anjoh66

As i said, Blessed John Paul II approved of it, so whos authority do you follow, the Blessed Pope or the people at CAF?

??? Why don't you show the Church documents supporting this, so the rest of us can follow it too?

[anjoh66]

Originally Posted by Patavium

??? Why don't you show the Church documents supporting this, so the rest of us can follow it too?

I did in my previous post, he mentioned it in ut unum sint, if you had cared to read my post you would have seen it

[po18guy]

Originally Posted by LilyM

Are you familiar at all with the Catholic practice of Eucharistic Adoration?

Since we believe in the Real Presence, and moreover a presence that doesn't require consuming the Host or Chalice to be real for each of us, we believe just being in church together with Our Eucharistic Lord gives is special graces even without receiving Him in Communion.

Kinda like just being in the same room with your spouse is special, compared to when they're not there, even if you don't physically touch.

You, of course, beat me to it, but truer words were never spoken.

[adf417]

Originally Posted by po18guy

Amen!

OP: Try to imagine that you are in the upper room at the last supper - which you are. Imagine the entire host of heaven hovering overhead when the "Holy, Holy, Holy" is sung - which they are. Place yourself at the foot of the cross - where you spiritually are. It is for a Divine and eternal reason that it is called the sacrifice of the mass. It's main intent is not to preach, although you hear that as well. At the mass, which has never ended once Christ began it, time stands still. Time is made irrelevant, as the One Mass is made present to us. Since you cannot yet receive, place yourself in the person of the centurion who exclaimed "Surely, this man was the Son of God!" Talk - even preaching - is cheap, but being in the physical presence of Christ is priceless. It does not matter which Priest is there. He can be a lifelong friend, or one whom you have never seen before. What matters is that Christ is made present to us. When we see Him returning on the clouds of heaven, will all the preaching in the world even matter to us?

How about reading a book which explains the mass? Here is a book that I have and which I can recommend. Another book that I also have and highly recommend is Catholicism for Dummies. You cannot go wrong with it.

Another thought: The Lord did not speak to Elijah from the driving wind, or from the earthquake, or from the fire, but rather in the whisper of a soft breeze. 1 Kings 19:9-12. If you are seeking, the person you are seeking is Jesus Christ. Rather than attending a mass, call the parish and ask when they offer adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Then go, and sit in silence in the presence of our Lord. Ask Him to reveal His presence to you. You might be amazed sooner, or you might be amazed later, but you will be amazed. You will be a changed person once you know He is there. Then, you will desire the mass like nothing else. Just don't expect Him to reveal His presence at your command. He waits until your heart is fully opened to Him.

I like this. Thsnks for the blessing Po

[Bob Crowley]

Originally Posted by Taestron

Maybe I have been unlucky, but the few times I have been to Mass, I have felt that there was no reason for me to have been there. There was no preaching (this might have been the unluckiness of which I spoke); everything seemed focused on the celebration of the Eucharist, which is wonderful. But there is just one problem; as a Protestant I cannot receive Communion. I wonder why then a Protestant who is exploring Catholicism should attend Mass if they cannot receive? I could go to my Nazarene church and receive both preaching and Communion there. But as a spiritual seeker, I really desire there to be meaning when I visit a Mass. Any ideas?

The reason non-Catholics cannot receive the Eucharist is that it is a reminder that the body of Christ is divided.

"Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 § 4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 § 3).

"As a spiritual seeker", you need to investigate the reasons for this ruling. The church is divided. That division originally took place in circumstances of immense violence, and it remains divided by the will of men.

However, as a former Protestant myself, I can sympathise with you on the lack of a homily, or an inadequate homily. I think the Catholic Church could do a much better job in it's preaching. In fact, I'm convinced it's one of the reasons it struggles in the evangelical field. When I compare the standard of the homilies with the standard of the sermons I used to receive from my first pastor in particular, there's a big gap. And that's not to criticise any particular priest. In fact, one priest I spoke to admitted "The Church has struggled with that for a very long time."

I'd prefer to see the best of both worlds - the Catholic eucharist and a much stronger preaching presence.

[Patavium]

Originally Posted by anjoh66

I did in my previous post, he mentioned it in ut unum sint, if you had cared to read my post you would have seen it

For the sake of not arguing in this thread, I looked at it, but there has been no official approval as part of the liturgy. It is more of a personal decision, but then again isn't the liturgy not supposed to be contradicted across Catholic Churches?.

Thus, I wouldn't recommend this to a fellow friend considering attending Mass. Let's stick to the official.

Be Blessed.

[benjohnson]

I go to mass now and then to encourage my Catholic friend and his family to go to mass. As a Lutheran, I think it's very wise to take special notice on how reverently and deliberately our Catholic friends treat the Body and Blood of Chirst. Also, spending some time in Adoration is a good thing too.

Originally Posted by Bob Crowley

T I think the Catholic Church could do a much better job in it's preaching. In fact, I'm convinced it's one of the reasons it struggles in the evangelical field.

In my limited experience I'd concur - Encourage your catholic priest to get some fire in the belly for the lord!

[57Bill]

Originally Posted by Taestron

Maybe I have been unlucky, but the few times I have been to Mass, I have felt that there was no reason for me to have been there. There was no preaching (this might have been the unluckiness of which I spoke); everything seemed focused on the celebration of the Eucharist, which is wonderful. But there is just one problem; as a Protestant I cannot receive Communion. I wonder why then a Protestant who is exploring Catholicism should attend Mass if they cannot receive? I could go to my Nazarene church and receive both preaching and Communion there. But as a spiritual seeker, I really desire there to be meaning when I visit a Mass. Any ideas?

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is wrapped up in wonderful "package".

Once you have a feel for what is happening and why (by previous suggestions) you will be able to get a ton more out of your experience. Also just a gentle comment, that the homily is not meant to be a "Bible study"

[PJM]

=Taestron;9379638]Maybe I have been unlucky, but the few times I have been to Mass, I have felt that there was no reason for me to have been there. There was no preaching (this might have been the unluckiness of which I spoke); everything seemed focused on the celebration of the Eucharist, which is wonderful. But there is just one problem; as a Protestant I cannot receive Communion. I wonder why then a Protestant who is exploring Catholicism should attend Mass if they cannot receive? I could go to my Nazarene church and receive both preaching and Communion there. But as a spiritual seeker, I really desire there to be meaning when I visit a Mass. Any ideas?

For ALL of the following reasons

That's the Home of the singular TRUTHS of God's own Faith

Jesus Christ IS "Really; Truly and Substanually Present there"

God Died so that you COULD!

We want to meet you!

Let ME know if you have questions? Send me a private message;

God Bless you,

pat /PJM here on the FORUM

[po18guy]

Originally Posted by benjohnson

I go to mass now and then to encourage my Catholic friend and his family to go to mass. As a Lutheran, I think it's very wise to take special notice on how reverently and deliberately our Catholic friends treat the Body and Blood of Chirst. Also, spending some time in Adoration is a good thing too.

We can all circle around and shout to the OP that Christ is present. Yet, it will be heard only in the silence of his heart, and in the presence of the Lord.

[Taestron]

Originally Posted by annaevers

At your Nazarene church you might receive communion meal but you won't receive Holy Communion which is Eucharist which is Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Lord Jesus Christ.
*Snip
Just ask yourself questions:
Do you believe in the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist?
Do you believe you must confess your sins to Jesus through His appointee, the priest?

I pray for you.

Anna

Thank-you for your prayers. I do respect the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist (which is why I do not go up to partake when attending Mass), but I must believe (along with my denomination) that when we partake of communion we are really partaking of Holy Communion. And so, it seems that if I can't partake of Communion during Mass, it would be better for me to go where I can partake.

Originally Posted by LilyM

Are you familiar at all with the Catholic practice of Eucharistic Adoration?

Since we believe in the Real Presence, and moreover a presence that doesn't require consuming the Host or Chalice to be real for each of us, we believe just being in church together with Our Eucharistic Lord gives is special graces even without receiving Him in Communion.

Kinda like just being in the same room with your spouse is special, compared to when they're not there, even if you don't physically touch.

I was not familiar with this belief. What kind of graces are present at the time of the Eucharist?

Originally Posted by po18guy

Amen!

OP: Try to imagine that you are in the upper room at the last supper - which you are. Imagine the entire host of heaven hovering overhead when the "Holy, Holy, Holy" is sung - which they are. Place yourself at the foot of the cross - where you spiritually are. It is for a Divine and eternal reason that it is called the sacrifice of the mass. It's main intent is not to preach, although you hear that as well. At the mass, which has never ended once Christ began it, time stands still. Time is made irrelevant, as the One Mass is made present to us. Since you cannot yet receive, place yourself in the person of the centurion who exclaimed "Surely, this man was the Son of God!" Talk - even preaching - is cheap, but being in the physical presence of Christ is priceless. It does not matter which Priest is there. He can be a lifelong friend, or one whom you have never seen before. What matters is that Christ is made present to us. When we see Him returning on the clouds of heaven, will all the preaching in the world even matter to us?

Another thought: The Lord did not speak to Elijah from the driving wind, or from the earthquake, or from the fire, but rather in the whisper of a soft breeze. 1 Kings 19:9-12. If you are seeking, the person you are seeking is Jesus Christ. Rather than attending a mass, call the parish and ask when they offer adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Then go, and sit in silence in the presence of our Lord. Ask Him to reveal His presence to you. You might be amazed sooner, or you might be amazed later, but you will be amazed. You will be a changed person once you know He is there. Then, you will desire the mass like nothing else. Just don't expect Him to reveal His presence at your command. He waits until your heart is fully opened to Him.

I guess I am exploring whether or not I believe all this. At the present, I believe everything that (truly) happens at Mass, happens in during the communion meal at my Protestant church. So I guess my question is while I am deciding whether or not my belief is true, would it be better for me to receive communion at my Protestant church rather than not receiving at Mass? But thank-you for your suggestion about prayer during adoration.

[Contarini]

Originally Posted by Taestron

Maybe I have been unlucky, but the few times I have been to Mass, I have felt that there was no reason for me to have been there. There was no preaching (this might have been the unluckiness of which I spoke); everything seemed focused on the celebration of the Eucharist, which is wonderful. But there is just one problem; as a Protestant I cannot receive Communion. I wonder why then a Protestant who is exploring Catholicism should attend Mass if they cannot receive? I could go to my Nazarene church and receive both preaching and Communion there. But as a spiritual
seeker, I really desire there to be meaning when I visit a Mass. Any ideas?

You can adore Christ in the Eucharist, if your beliefs allow you to do so.

Medieval lay Catholics received communion one to three times per year for the most part. Yet the devout ones went to Mass every day.

And then there are the prayers and Scripture readings.

I go to weekday Mass sporadically--I would like to do it more often (there are two Catholic churches just down the road from my house so I have no excuse).

Edwin

[po18guy]

Originally Posted by Taestron

I guess I am exploring whether or not I believe all this. At the present, I believe everything that (truly) happens at Mass, happens in during the communion meal at my Protestant church. So I guess my question is while I am deciding whether or not my belief is true, would it be better for me to receive communion at my Protestant church rather than not receiving at Mass? But thank-you for your suggestion about prayer during adoration.

Exploring is very good, as it tells God that your heart is open. His graces will lead you to the fulness of truth. Since you remain protestant, you should honor those beliefs until and unless your heart is convicted otherwise. Yet, I had no devotion to Christ in the Eucharist (or to many other things) until a Priest laid hands on me and prayed over me. I experienced a most profound conversion after that experience of the Holy Spirit. Since then, I have experienced minor miracles, true supernatural experiences during prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The sense of peace is amazing.

[annaevers]

Originally Posted by Taestron

Thank-you for your prayers. I do respect the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist (which is why I do not go up to partake when attending Mass), but I must believe (along with my denomination) that when we partake of communion we are really partaking of Holy Communion. And so, it seems that if I can't partake of Communion during Mass, it would be better for me to go where I can partake.

Taestron, but when you take communion at your church and are consuming the bread and wine, do you believe that you are eating Body and drinking Blood of Christ? Or is it only a symbol?

During the Holy Sacrifice of Mass I know I am eating His Body and Drinking His Blood because He said so.

If you want to understand the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, I would strongly recommend to read Scott Hahn's: The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth. It is written in very simple and understanding language.

Even better, you might want to visit The Lamb's Supper: The Bible and the Mass. It is a short online Bible study based on the book based on the book and you can buy the book through their link on the bottom of the page.

Peace in Christ.