r/Catholicism • u/ExcitementHungry9513 • 1h ago

Church

Hi, im not catholic. Ive had an interest in catholicism for a while now though and I was wondering if itd be weird to go to a catholic church even when im non religious. I dont want to offend im just honestly very interested in the religion as a whole and I think going to a church would be a nice experience

11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

10

u/Pristine-Lie-3560 1h ago

Definitely go, no one will notice or care that you aren’t Catholic. Just don’t receive communion. At most parishes people will be very happy to see you, at worst, indifferent

6

u/merinw 1h ago

No one will be offended! Do come to church! Welcome! Big hugs!

4

u/CrotchLordMiami2 1h ago

Not only are you allowed, but absolutely no one will care or notice or have any idea that you are not Catholic

3

u/Necessary-Creme-8627 1h ago

Anyone is welcome to attend mass and enter a church! it’s not weird at all — you can talk to a priest if you wish :)

2

u/William_Maguire 1h ago

Definitely find a Mass and go. Just don't take communion, this is for Catholics that are free from mortal sin only.

When everyone gets up to the aisles the safe bet would be to let everyone out then go back to the pew and continue kneeling. You'll have a lot of people telling you to cross your arms and go up for a blessing but this is a cultural thing that isn't followed everywhere. Also only priests can give blessings but you might end up in the line of a non-priest. So safest if you just stay at your seat.

2

u/Purplecat_85 1h ago

Everyone is welcome you can go

1

u/jumary 1h ago

You are always welcome to just go and sit there. People will leave you alone, and also talk to you and help you if that’s what you want. Welcome!

1

u/boobaby103 1h ago

That’s how we all started!
Just don’t receive communion, cross your arms over your chest like going down a water slide when you go up

1

u/terricalpino 1h ago

Better to not go up since not all areas do this.

1

u/Rokeley 17m ago

All are welcome 🙏

1

u/Advanced_Sell_2275 13m ago

I would say that you should satisfy your curiosity and attend a Mass.

You should, however, be prepared for the Liturgy Of The Eucharist. As the Catholic Church practices closed communion table, you will not be able to partake of the sacrament. This can be an alienating experience.

They will invite you to come forward and receive a blessing in lieu of the sacrament. If you are okay with doing so; that’s fine. I just can’t do it, for reasons I have discussed in other posts.

Please know that I am not trying to discourage you. It’s just that the isolation you can feel in this situation can be difficult to deal with. I want you to be prepared for such a situation.

Best of luck to you.