Lovest Thou Me?
Sins Against Faith: Attending Non-Catholic Services
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In recent years it has been common to hear from Catholics that they go or would attend certain non-Catholic worship functions and event. They still do, it isn't uncommon. This poses a dangerous threat to the soul of a Catholic. In the next few lines, using a traditional Catholic catechism, we will look at what a Catholic needs to know before venturing into these territories that could potentially harm the soul.
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Excerpts from the My Catholic Faith Catechism - Lesson 95: Sins Against Faith
Why does a Catholic sin against faith by taking part in non-Catholic worship?
A Catholic sins against faith by taking part in non-Catholic worship, because he thus professes belief in a religion he knows to be false.
1. It is wrong to be present at Protestant or Jewish services even when we do not participate in them because such services are intended to honor God in a manner He does not wish to be honored in. If He instituted a Church of His own, He must wish to be honored in the ways of that Church of His own, He must wish to be honored in the ways of that Church. In addition, we then give bad example and expose ourselves to the danger of losing our faith.
When necessary, for social obligations, a Catholic may be present at a non-Catholoc wedding or funeral, but he must not participate in the services. In no case may he attend other services of non-Catholic churches, such as the installation of ministers, sermons, etc.
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There you have it, it would do well for you as modern-day Catholics to remember this. Don't go to non-Catholic services, don't send your kids to non-Catholic services. It leads to sins against the Catholic faith. Is it worth going to hell over because you want to attend a non-Catholic worship event? It shouldn't be. For the protection of your soul and the souls of your family members, DO NOT GO!
About the Author
Born a Protestant, I converted to the Catholic faith at the age of 18 during my senior year of High School. I was baptized a United Methodist, became an American Baptist, and when I got my license I began to serch out other Churches and denominations. At 16 to 17, I was placed in the pulpit of a non-denomational church and preached a total of two sermons in the span of three months, before ultimately beginning the long and somewhat bumpy journey of converting to Catholicism. I was received into the Catholic Church on September 4th, 2021 and was confirmed on September 19th, 2021 by the Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. For my patron saint, I was lucky enough to take the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who deeply inspired my conversion to the Catholic faith. I am currently discerning what God has in store for my life and what He will lead me to do. I am just beginning to publish articles that I have written. As St. Paul tells us, "Whatever you do...do it for the glory of God!" That is exactly what I intend to do. God Love You!
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