reqs for catholics

[strikerchris0411]

I know this sounds kind of dumb, but what are the requirements to join/be in the catholic church.

for example:
I know you are supposed to do confession at least once a year, but is that actually enforced?

if you want to talk this out over aim feel free

 

[rocklife]

I don't know

If you really would like to know, you can call your local catholic church and ask them first, if you are sincerely interested.

 

[hairettic]

I was wondering something similar. Can I take communion at Catholic Church if I am not Catholic? I want to go to mass with my aunt but wondered what is acceptable? Maybe we need to ask these questions in the Catholic forum? I am sure she would tell me I can't. So I have not asked her!

 

[ebia]

I know this sounds kind of dumb, but what are the requirements to join/be in the catholic church.

for example:
I know you are supposed to do confession at least once a year, but is that actually enforced?

if you want to talk this out over aim feel free

How could they enforce it?

I was wondering something similar. Can I take communion at Catholic Church if I am not Catholic?

Officially only Catholics and E. Orthodox Christians can take communion at Catholic services.

In practice many Catholic priests are quite happy for other Christians to take communion, particularly if they are from denominations that believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

I want to go to mass with my aunt but wondered what is acceptable?

If you keep your arms behind your back, or cross them over your chest with your hands on your shoulders, the priest will give you a blessing instead.

 

[rocklife]

I've heard some strange things about attendance at catholic church. One old friend of mine said they asked such personal questions about her life and had like a checklist of things that were acceptable and what isn't. that's why I say, call your local church you want to attend. I think churches are also not all the same.

 

[ebia]

I've heard some strange things about attendance at catholic church. One old friend of mine said they asked such personal questions about her life and had like a checklist of things that were acceptable and what isn't. that's why I say, call your local church you want to attend. I think churches are also not all the same.

You mean for someone wishing to join I presume? That would be very odd for someone just attending occasionally.

 

[foxsta]

In my case...(Im in the RCIA at the moment, converting from a protestant denom)...I rang up and asked about the RCIA after I had done research and was sure I wanted to do it. The priest told me when it was and got my details to register me (so they can send out hand outs and call if I cant get to a meeting without giving prior notice etc) and that was it. He just said "so you're interested in learning more about Catholicism?" and I said yes and thats all. First RCIA meeting, we were all asked to say why we wanted to do it just out of a 'getting to know everyone' thing and that was it...no wierd qustions asked. Anyone can do the RCIA out of general interest without the pressure of converting or completing it and you can join the church if you agree with the teachings and beliefs of the church...no other requirements that I know of. The priest shouldn't give you the Eucharist if he knows your not Catholic...its more an 'out of respect' thing. And yeah, Catholics should go to confession and receive the Eucharist at least once a year esp at Easter and yeah...I guess there isn't a way to enforce it other than each individual's desire to partake in the practices of the church. Well, I think that covers it all lol! Hope it helps, ciao

 

[foxsta]

Oh yeah...anyone can go to mass, just don't receive the Eucharist if you're not Catholic

 

[VickiY]

Ebia, while Catholics allow Eastern Orthodox to recieve the Eucharist at a Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches DO NOT allow Eastern Orthodox to recieve the Eucharist in a Catholic Church. Just a clarification.

 

[strikerchris0411]

I've heard some strange things about attendance at catholic church. One old friend of mine said they asked such personal questions about her life and had like a checklist of things that were acceptable and what isn't. that's why I say, call your local church you want to attend. I think churches are also not all the same.

I don't believe that, though.

Lol I suppose I am just not posting my questions clearly enough!

Lol and I just realized its in the total wrong section too!

 

[MikeMcK]

I was wondering something similar. Can I take communion at Catholic Church if I am not Catholic?

No. They do not consider non-Catholics to be real Christians, so we're not allowed to participate with them.

One of their dogmatic teachings is ex ecclesia nulla salas, which means, "Outside of the Roman Catholic church, there can be no salvation".

Honestly, the best advice is to stay away from Roman Catholicism altogether and find yourself a good, Bible believing church.

 

[Letalis]

I know this sounds kind of dumb, but what are the requirements to join/be in the catholic church.

for example:
I know you are supposed to do confession at least once a year, but is that actually enforced?

if you want to talk this out over aim feel free

Striker, I encourage you to go to your local parish and speak with the priest there. Depending on your circumstances, there are a lot of different variables that might depend on how you would enter the Church. It can be a long process -- up to two years. You must be baptized (unless you have already been baptized), you must confirmed, and you must take first Communion.

To *be* Catholic, the "minimum" is:

• Attend Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation
• Go to confession annually
• Receive Communion during Easter
• Observe laws of fasting and abstinence
• Obeying the marriage laws of the Church
• Supporting the Church financially and otherwise

Of course, the minimum is only what is expected. It is encouraged to go far and beyond the "minimum."

 

[Letalis]

To the question of whether non-Catholics may receive the Eucharist. Generally, unless there is a grave necessity, no, they may not receive.

From the Catechism:

1400 Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church, "have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders."239 It is for this reason that, for the Catholic Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible. However these ecclesial communities, "when they commemorate the Lord's death and resurrection in the Holy Supper . . . profess that it signifies life in communion with Christ and await his coming in glory."240

1401 When, in the Ordinary's judgment, a grave necessity arises, Catholic ministers may give the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church, who ask for them of their own will, provided they give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments and possess the required dispositions.241

 

[Letalis]

No. They do not consider non-Catholics to be real Christians, so we're not allowed to participate with them.

Mike, that is not at all true.

From the Catechism:

1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church."[80] "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn."

Why don't you ask us what we believe, instead of telling us what we believe? I think that, out of all Christians, we would certainly be the ones to know what it is we teach and believe.

 

[strikerchris0411]

Striker, I encourage you to go to your local parish and speak with the priest there. Depending on your circumstances, there are a lot of different variables that might depend on how you would enter the Church. It can be a long process -- up to two years. You must be baptized (unless you have already been baptized), you must confirmed, and you must take first Communion.

To *be* Catholic, the "minimum" is:

• Attend Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation
• Go to confession annually
• Receive Communion during Easter
• Observe laws of fasting and abstinence
• Obeying the marriage laws of the Church
• Supporting the Church financially and otherwise

Of course, the minimum is only what is expected. It is encouraged to go far and beyond the "minimum."

Well I will give a little bit of my history.

I was in the baptist church for a while, born and raised there. I was baptized there, but I have recently left that church. and am in the process of deciding if I should join a church, and if yes, Which church

The financial part does bother me though.

 

[strikerchris0411]

No. They do not consider non-Catholics to be real Christians, so we're not allowed to participate with them.

One of their dogmatic teachings is ex ecclesia nulla salas, which means, "Outside of the Roman Catholic church, there can be no salvation".

this is untrue.

 

[chilehed]

I know this sounds kind of dumb, but what are the requirements to join/be in the catholic church.

for example:
I know you are supposed to do confession at least once a year, but is that actually enforced?

if you want to talk this out over aim feel free

For one thing, one must believe the dogmas and doctrines of the Church. Typically an adult will go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which involves a period of formation in Church doctrine. Once a Catholic, the Church considers you to be a Catholic permanently unless you formally leave the Church (which as I understand it involves contacting your Bishop).

Catholics are bound to observe the discipline of the Church. One must attend mass on holy days of obligation, and must receive the Sacrament of Penenace and Reconciliation (confession) and the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least once per year.

When I was a Protestant this all sounded like a bunch of legalistic nonsense, but it's turned out to be a wonderful vehicle through which God pours rich blessings on me; why anyone would want to go a year without having sacramental confession or receceiving the eucharist is beyond me! Not receiving all of the graces that God wishes me to have is certainly enforcement enough. If you mean "will the priest keep tabs on you and drag you kicking and screaming to the sacraments", of course not. Even if he did, one must be properly disposed in order to receive absolution.

Please, by all means feel welcome to attend Mass if you wish. BUT - DO NOT RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST IF YOU AREN'T A CATHOLIC! Remember - we believe that the Eucharist is actually the true Body and Precious Blood of Jesus. To receive without recognising it for what it is is dangerous" "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died " (1 Cor. 11:27-30)

Oh, and MikeMcK has it wrong. The Catholic Church does consider validly baptised Protestants to be "real" Christians:

Who belongs to the Catholic Church?

836
"All men are called to this catholic unity of the People of God. . . . And to it, in different ways, belong or are ordered: the Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and finally all mankind, called by God's grace to salvation."

837
"Fully incorporated into the society of the Church are those who, possessing the Spirit of Christ, accept all the means of salvation given to the Church together with her entire organization, and who—by the bonds constituted by the profession of faith, the sacraments, ecclesiastical government, and communion—are joined in the visible structure of the Church of Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops. Even though incorporated into the Church, one who does not however persevere in charity is not saved. He remains indeed in the bosom of the Church, but ‘in body' not ‘in heart.'"

838
"The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter." Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church." With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord's Eucharist."

 

[strikerchris0411]

For one thing, one must believe the dogmas and doctrines of the Church. Typically an adult will go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which involves a period of formation in Church doctrine. Once a Catholic, the Church considers you to be a Catholic permanently unless you formally leave the Church (which as I understand it involves contacting your Bishop).

Catholics are bound to observe the discipline of the Church. One must attend mass on holy days of obligation, and must receive the Sacrament of Penenace and Reconciliation (confession) and the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least once per year.

When I was a Protestant this all sounded like a bunch of legalistic nonsense, but it's turned out to be a wonderful vehicle through which God pours rich blessings on me; why anyone would want to go a year without having sacramental confession or receceiving the eucharist is beyond me! Not receiving all of the graces that God wishes me to have is certainly enforcement enough. If you mean "will the priest keep tabs on you and drag you kicking and screaming to the sacraments", of course not. Even if he did, one must be properly disposed in order to receive absolution.

Please, by all means feel welcome to attend Mass if you wish. BUT - DO NOT RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST IF YOU AREN'T A CATHOLIC! Remember - we believe that the Eucharist is actually the true Body and Precious Blood of Jesus. To receive without recognising it for what it is is dangerous" "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died " (1 Cor. 11:27-30)

Oh, and MikeMcK has it wrong. The Catholic Church does consider validly baptised Protestants to be "real" Christians:

Why don't you explain the nature of the eucharist....Why should Catholics be the only ones allowed to do it?( I am not trying to sound mad or anything, its a genuine question)

 

[MikeMcK]

Mike, that is not at all true.

Three phrases:

1. "imperfectly tied to the church"

2. Invincible ignorance

3. Ex ecclesia nulla salas

Why don't you ask us what we believe, instead of telling us what we believe?

Because you can't be trusted to tell the truth about what Roman Catholicism teaches.

I think that, out of all Christians, we would certainly be the ones to know what it is we teach and believe.

I'll certainly try to remember that when you people constantly tell us what we believe.

 

[chilehed]

Why don't you explain the nature of the eucharist....Why should Catholics be the only ones allowed to do it?( I am not trying to sound mad or anything, its a genuine question)

The Church has always taught that, at the consecration during Mass, the substance of the bread and wine changes, becoming the Body and Precious Blood of Jesus. Although it looks like bread and wine, it really isn't - it's really our risen Lord.

This is supported by the words of Jesus at the Last Supper : "This is my body, this is my blood", and by the encounter of Jesus with the Apostles after the Resurrection, when they didn't recognise him, begged him to stay with them, and then recognised him in the breaking of the bread at which instant he vanished.

There's abundant evidence that this is a doctrine from the earliest days of Christianity:

“I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ who was of the seed of David, and for drink I desire His Blood, which is love incorruptible.” (Ignatius of Antioch, student of the Apostle John, Letter to the Romans, A.D. 110)

“Take care, then, to use one Eucharist, so that whatever you do, you do according to God: for there is one Flesh of our Lord Jesus Chriust, and one cup in the union of His Blood; one altar, as there is one bishop with the presbytery and my fellow servants, the deacons.” (Ignatius of Antioch, student of the Apostle John, Letter to the Philadelphians, A.D. 110)

“Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Christ....they abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father in His goodness raise up again.” (Ignatius of Antioch, student of the Apostle John, Letter to the Smyrnaeans, A.D. 110)

“We call this food Eucharist; and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration, and is thereby iving as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread nor common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucahristic prayer set down by Him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, is both the flesh and blood of that incarnated Christ.” (Justin the Martyr, Apology to Antoninus Pius, inter. A.D. 148-155)

“For as the bread from the earth, receiving the invocation of God, is no longer common bread but the Eucharist, consisting of two elements, earthly and heavenly,...If the body be not saved, then, in fact, neither did the Lord redeem us with His Blood; and neither is the cup of the Eucharist the partaking of His Blood nor is the Bread which we break the partaking of His Body...He has declared the cup, a part of creation, to be His own Blood, from which He causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of creation, He has established as His own Body....When, therefor, the mixed cup and the baked bread receives the Word of God and becomes the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, and from these the substance of our flesh is increased and supported, how can they say that the fleash is not capable of receiving the gift of God, which is eternal life – flesh which is nourished by the Body and Blood of the Lord, and is in fact a member of Him?” (Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, inter. A.D 180–199)​

Why shouldn't Protestant's be allowed to do it? For one thing, they can't because only a validly ordained priest is able to confect the sacrament, and as a general rule there aren't any Protestant denominations that have maintained valid Holy Orders. The other reason I already gave: "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died " (1 Cor. 11:27-30)