Participating In Something Non-catholic

[Guest motherof7]

Hi,
I've never posted here before and am computer illiterate so I hope this is OK. My 12 year old daughter is a member of a band which has been asked to perform at the National Missionary Convention in Peoria, IL. Here is a link to the convention which includes a video. [url="http://www.nmc-windows.org/nmc/home"]http://www.nmc-windows.org/nmc/home[/url] This is not a Catholic missionary group. My son, a seminarian, has recently returned from South America where he was working with Catholic priests. He encountered many non-Catholic missionaries who attempted to convert Catholics to whatever religion they were promoting. If my daughter performs with the band at the National Missionary Convention, isn't she condoning and supporting other religions? I have a gut feeling that for her to participate would be just plain wrong and possibly even sinful. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

[CatherineM]

Cooperating in ecumenical activities is perfectly okay. We are encouraged to come together for the increase in understanding between denominations, so long as we never compromise on our own teachings. If the activity doesn't involve something that is against our teachings, such as a prayer day for the passage of a gay marriage act or some kind of pro-abortion activity, it's okay. We can attend worship services so long as we do not participate in a non-Catholic communion. I am also careful to not attend things that might "look bad." I wouldn't attend a Baptist vacation bible school or a tent revival that's purpose was to convert us. Sometimes our presence at these activities might be the first time non-Catholics have ever been around Catholics. We can never know when our actions might touch another person in an evangelistic manner.

[Theoketos]

I think that there is a nuance that needs to be added. It is not ok to attend a non Catholic worship service as it would formal cooperation with being non Catholic. One may observe other religions and denominations.

[cappie]

This is a question that comes up from time to time usually in the context of worship in a Protestant Denomination, though not as a substitute for Sunday Mass.

It is my understanding that a Catholic may attend non-Catholic church services if he/she still fulfills their weekly obligation of Mass. A Catholic must of course not recieve communion or give the impression that there is no separation between Catholics and protestants.

Participation in common prayer without taking part in a communion rite is an act of true ecumenism—promoting unity without denying the truths of the one true faith—and should not likely be a cause of scandal. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, in its 1993 Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, encourages such participation:

In liturgical celebrations taking place in other churches and ecclesial communities, Catholics are encouraged to take part in the psalms, responses, hymns and common actions of the church in which they are guests. (no. 118).

The Catholic must also guard their faith and anyone they are responsible for such as a minor child. Anyone with a shaky or not well grounded faith should not attend protestant services though. I used to attend the youth group of a Congregational church Sunday evenings. This entailed attending the evening worship which did not do me any harm, but I was well versed in my faith.

Edited July 4, 2009 by cappie