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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I read an old thread about how only certain Catholics are allowed to take communion and it made a Catholic service sound kind of uncomfortable for a visitor
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/476684.page

I was thinking of visiting a local Catholic church but this has me reconsidering it a bit. I don't want to end up embarrassed because of my ignorance of what to do. I guess I can just take a seat and never leave it and that's fine?

Between the scandals and the seemingly non-visitor friendly approach, I wonder how the church gains new members.

That being said, I'm impressed by the 'stickiness' of the faith with the Catholic schools, knights of Columbus etc. It definitely feels like a club that people wouldn't leave so easily once they join.[/quote]

Convert here. Yeah, some protestants have a really hard time getting past the communion thing, but you just have to be respectful and recognize that Catholics recognize communion as more than a symbol.  Indeed, it's one of the defining elements of the faith.  During the communion, you may remain seated, or often, you may approach the priest with your hands folded over your chest and request a blessing.  There is no shame in either course.

In the meantime, there is plenty to get out of a mass.  And if your interest is piqued, go to an RCIA class.  One of the things you will be impressed by is how intellectually coherent and "thought-through" it is, and how varied the tradition is.  (Note, that is not to say everything is "rational" in the scientific sense - no religion is that way - but there is a reason for virtually everything.)  Most priests and parishes would love to have you learn more, even if you have no present intent to convert and just want to learn more.  Alternatively, if you're not comfortable with that, stream Robert Barron's Catholicism series on your TV - a very nice overview of Catholic faith and tradition.  [/quote]

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