4Real Forums: Non-catholic guests at Mass

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login

Domestic Church
4Real Forums : Domestic Church

Topic: Non-catholic guests at Mass

Author

Message

<< Prev Topic | Next Topic >>

DianaC
Forum Pro

Joined: March 27 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 404

Posted: April 03 2013 at 11:30am \| IP Logged

Can anyone share a gentle and clear way to explain to guests that they are not able to receive communion when they attend Mass?

My daughter invited a friend to attend Mass and a youth group activity right after Mass. She explained to her friend that she could process with everyone with her arms crossed over her chest to receive a blessing, but would not be able to receive the Eucharist. Her friend said that she understood. She did process up to the Extraordinary Minister but did not cross her arms and had a very awkward experience. Then she seemed annoyed with my daughter. I hate to think that she would not feel comfortable attending Mass in the future. And, I feel that we probably shouldn't invite non-Catholic friends unless we can clearly explain all expectations.

Any suggestions?

JennGM
Forum Moderator

Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702

Posted: April 03 2013 at 12:08pm \| IP Logged

Just don't make it a personal thing. I would link or quote the official guidelines from the USCCB.

First a full explanation can be found here from Catholic Answers, so you could link to that for further guidelines.

This Guidelines for the Reception of Communion is included in all our parish programs (like for Easter, weddings, funerals) that will include non-Catholics.

It also is found on the back of many missalettes. If you can't find it, perhaps you could make a program for all your visiting family and friends for them to follow along the Mass and include this for them.

Just an idea!

__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to

& ds1

'03 & ds2

'07
Family in Feast and Feria

JodieLyn
Forum Moderator

Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234

Posted: April 03 2013 at 12:24pm \| IP Logged

Yes there's usually a nice blurb in the Misselette, usually inside the front cover.

Also, I find that it's easier to avoid the awkwardness if you ask them to remain in the pew rather than going forward. Kids especially will be afraid to do something unfamiliar (like crossing their arms) just because they feel unsure and in glancing around they won't see many people doing it and will start to feel silly and then won't do it.

__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4

All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott

10 Bright Stars
Forum All-Star

Joined: Nov 16 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 728

Posted: April 03 2013 at 3:31pm \| IP Logged

I think staying in the pew is the best way to avoid confusion and embarrasment. A, "You can sit right here..I'll be right back" whisper, after she has already explained the situation earlier as you said, would let the girl know "what to do" so she feels comfortable in staying back etc. Often, non-Catholics are just embarrased that they will "stick out" so I think going up with crossed arms would be embarrasing to me, even as a Catholic!

So, she probably just felt like she drew attention to herself. If it comes up you could say, "Oh, don't feel embarrassed. People are usually really busy praying once they receive the Blessed Sacrament, so I am sure no one noticed anything at all. We were SO happy to have you with us though! What a blessing!" And then just move on.

__________________
Kim married to Bob (22y)
Mom of 11 blessings:
Bobby 19, David 17, Noah 14,
Mary 12, Gracie 10,
Isabelle and Sophia 8,
Gabrielle 6,
William Anthony 4, Joseph 3 and Luisa Marie - born in M

Search for other posts by 10 Bright Stars

DianaC
Forum Pro

Joined: March 27 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 404

Posted: April 04 2013 at 8:01am \| IP Logged

Thank-you all for the advice! I think it will be wise to show them the instructions from the missalette and invite them to stay seated.

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

[Add this topic to My Favorites]

Printable version

Forum Jump

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com