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Can non-Catholics participate in the gestures at Mass?
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Can non-Catholics participate in the gestures at Mass, such as kneeling, making the sign of the cross, etc.?
Answer
As a congregant, a non-Catholic is allowed to do as much as do Catholics in the pews with the exception of receiving Communion. You can make the sign of the cross, kneel, stand, etc. Those non-Catholics who are guests (as distinguished from RCIA members) can also participate to the extent they feel comfortable doing so, with the exception of receiving Communion. If they are merely there as observers and do not wish to participate, they need only stand when the congregation does and otherwise sit quietly.
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I recall Bill Clinton (a non-Catholic) attending Mass and receiving communion during his administration. For some reason, not much was said about this. Considering his record, it is quite possible that he may have used the consecrated host in other, less holy, activities later.
I recall Bill Clinton (a non-Catholic) attending Mass and receiving communion during his administration. For some reason, not much was said about this. Considering his record, it is quite possible that he may have used the consecrated host in other, less holy, activities later.