Catholics, I have a question?

Question

hi Im not catholic but sometimes Id like a place to pray. i do pray a lot even though I dont belong to any particular religion so am just wondering is it ok to just walk into a catholic church at any time and sit down and silently pray?

i dont want to join the church or anything but will people look at me weird or will I be unwelcome or have to explain who i am or explain my beliefs or anything?

i know catholic churches are usually open all the time for this, arent they? i dont want to speak to preists and nuns or anyone i just want somewhere to pray, but im not catholic. does it matter that im not? i just like the calmness and quietness of the church

Answer 1

You're always welcome in any church, catholic or else, to pray peacefully.  Moreover, I'd like to add that you don't need to be in a church to pray ... remember this lesson of Christ :

5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9"This, then, is how you should pray:

   " 'Our Father in heaven,

   hallowed be your name,

10your kingdom come,

   your will be done

      on earth as it is in heaven.

11Give us today our daily bread.

12Forgive us our debts,

      as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Love, peace, respect.

Answer 2

In this day and age, most chapels are closed during the day, due to eejits who insist on creating a rumpus!! You will be more than welcome in any chapel that is open, to pray privately. It does not matter what your beliefs are, if you need to pray, then any holy building is the right place for you...At the end of the day, the need to pray overcomes any religion that you might follow. we are all God's children and he will be happy that you want to spend some time talking to him, whether you are Cathiloc, Protestant,or anything else....

Answer 3

Why would you want to go into a Catholic church if your not catholic. It is a place that represents the people that killed a tortured in the name of a God. If you want to pray/Meditate find somewhere you are comfortable and happy. Churches are not happy places.

Answer 4

You can absolutely go there anytime to pray, if it's open.  They used to be open 24 hours a day to be a sanctuary of sorts for people, but many of them no longer are.  You probably won't have people bothering you;  I think Catholics see prayer as a private thing more so than other Christians.  This has just been my experience; I've gone to several Christian churches just to observe and the Catholics focus the most on private, quiet prayer.  Other Christians focus on fellowship as a form of prayer, which is fine, but it is not the Catholic way.  So basically what I'm saying is that if you're sitting there praying quietly you probably won't be interrupted.  I've been to a couple non-denominational churches and when I tried to pray quietly I got interrupted by people wanting to ask me questions (because I hadn't been there before).  I don't know if that happens often, but that's just been my experience in non-catholic churches.  

Just be aware that if you stay for mass, you shouldn't receive communion.  But it sounds as if you wouldn't want to anyway or are savvy enough to know this.  

Sorry that was so long...I'm rambling.

Answer 5

I am also not or catholic or christian. But I visit church when ever I can and sit in silence. So far no one objected me.I found it is a very peaceful experience.  

Answer 6

Yes it is.

Answer 7

I really doubt anyone would ask you to leave...

Answer 8

Some churches are open 24 hours a day for that purpose.

That should not be any problem.

You may want to call in advance or check the hours.

Good luck and God bless.

Answer 9

Anyone is always welcome in a chapel Regardless of their backround. Don't worry, you won't be questioned about who you are as soon as you go through the door, it a a quiet place, where people go to pray for many reasons. You are welcome to light candles for your intentions or just kneel and pray, A chapel are a place for everyone to come and reflect, I'm sure you'll be made very welcome!

Answer 10

Unfortunately the way the world is now Catholic churches aren't always open, some may be but most aren't.  Too many have been robbed or vandalized so they no longer stay open 24 hours.  If you find one that is open and you pray there will be nobody who looks at you like you're weird and you will be welcome.  I hope you can find one that is always open. Good luck

Answer 11

By all means go in and pray and meditate.  That is what the doors are open for.  Indeed you will find it is very peaceful.  Go more than once or twice too.  

You will not have to explain any of your beliefs to anyone.  If they ask, simply say you came there to pray.  They will most likely be happy, smile and leave you alone as they should.  

Of course you don't have to be Catholic to go in and pray.  You should encounter no problems.   Peace.

Answer 12

I am a Catholic and anyone is most welcome to come into a church and pray or meditate or enjoy the silence and the sense of love and peace.  I did it long before I became a Catholic.

You are under no pressure at all to convert.  Everyone has their own journey and if Catholics can walk with you part of the way, then this is our pleasure, but you take as much or as little as you feel ready for.

If you want, light a candle in front of Our Lady if you have anyone you have special thoughts for and she will help protect them.  There is the holy water which has been blessed and helps wash away bad thoughts upon entering the church.  Enjoy too the saints and read about their stories - maybe they will inspire you.   If you have been treated unjustly, then walk the Stations of the Cross and know that Jesus has walked the same path with you.  In the altar of every church there is a relic of a saint, so always you are aware of a holy soul present as you pray.

Or do none of these things and just enjoy the tranquility.

P.S. The royal troll above is quite wrong about salvation.  No Catholic can judge where you are going, only God can do that, and the destiny of your soul depends on your state of grace at the point of death - the seven Sacraments are merely an aid to improving your prospects.  God loves everyone equally, believer and non-believer alike, but not everyone chooses to love in return.

Answer 13

You have a problem.

                                I can understand  that any church provides a sort of comfort and awe, they are designed to do just that!

                                 Perhaps before I go any further I should say I am atheist.

                                    Ops   don't rush away, atheist means I don't believe in God, I do understand your need to believe in God, above all I understand your your need to have  'chat' with your God, without having to join any 'true' religious group.

                                        Any church should cover your needs, just tell any one that asks in any church that you are there to speak to God, if they enquire more, just excuse your self and leave.

                                        Good luck to you.

Answer 14

Of course, all are welcome.

Come in anytime and pray.

With love in Christ.

Answer 15

I have spent quite a bit of time in various Catholic churches without believing - or praying - at all. No problem. I think you can expect to be able to pray in a church (when it's open, of course) without having to explain yourself at all. The Catholics are generally pretty cool about this.  

Answer 16

You would have no problem whatsoever. I am a catholic but have never attended church on a regular basis. Sometimes, its been five years between visits. Like you, i just feel like popping in for some quiet time.

Nobody would approach you at all. Just walk in, you will be left alone to do your own thing.

One more thing, quite a lot of the smaller churches are actually locked up during the day nowadays. It may not be easy finding one open on a whim.

You may have to go into the cities to do this.

Dont be scared darling. You will be fine.  x*x

Answer 17

Yes it is open to anyone just for that reason. They are great places to pray and contemplate.

Answer 18

ANY open church, any time.  Welcome.

Answer 19

Feel free. Usually no one will bother you. You might check and see if they have a Prayer Garden around the Church, a couple of our Catholic Churches here have them.

God Bless You

Answer 20

You may pray in a Catholic church whenever you wish, but you should be aware that Catholics believe there is NO SALVATION APART FROM THE CATHOLIC SACRAMENTS!

If you are not participating in the Eucharist, Confession, and the five other ridiculous Catholic rituals that compose their sacraments, you are lost and on your way to Purgatory at best, and more likely h**l.

Nice religion, isn't it?  

Answer 21

If you would like more answers, consider asking around this site as well...

http://christianforums.com/forumdisplay....