Question for any RC members

[moggiek]

Long story, so apologies in adavance! I'm not a chuchgoer, but have always been a firm believer.
Brought up Church of Scotland, went to Sunday School till around 13. DH brought up RC, stopped going to church around 15.
Married when I was 18 (33 years ago). Civil ceremony, enormous disappointment for his family, less so for mine. We had our first child two years later, had our marriage blessed by our local RC priest, and had him baptised. Before he started school, I decided that I had to find out more about the religion my son was going to follow. Went for instruction for almost a year, then had my first confession and communion. Two more sons followed, both baptised RC. Soon after, we moved to a small village with no RC school close by, so enrolled the boys in local non denominational school, and have not been churchgoers since. All of my boys would call themselves Christians, but of no particular denomination.
I've thought about this for a long, long time, and I don't believe in transubstantiation. I believe that the host should be venerated for what it represents, but I don't believe that it changes its form. I believe absolutely in resurrection to eternal life, but I don't believe that its corporeal.
Now my question. I'd like to start going to mass again, but given what I believe (or rather don't), am I just being a hypocrite? Would my presence there be offensive to the small congregation?

I read this earlier and have been thinking about it. I really think that if you are feeling strongly about going to Mass then you should go. You say you don't believe in Transubstantiation and other things. I think you should go along and pray and enjoy and be part of the Mass. Look into it and pray about it and see how things develop for you.. I wouldn't be offended or think you were being a hypocrite.. certainly no more a hypocrite than just about everyone there in one way or another. The belief in the Real Presence is a great gift of faith from God and I think your heart often knows what your head refuses to believe. Faith and reason... HTH.

the Rc Church represents so many things that i don't believe in. I am RC. i am comfortable with the bells and smells way of worshipping. i am no a regular churchgoer anymore ( just the last 2 years really) but i do find i have times where i need to go to church.

this is where i make my distinction.

i have a faith.

i happen to express my faith through RC.

hope this makes sense

I'm RC and don't believe in Transubstantiation, I just can't get it to make sense to me. Your faith is unique and personal and if you are happy worshipping at Mass then go.

Thank you all so, so much. I feel a great deal of peace and 'togetherness' (does that make sense?) during Mass, but I wouldn't go if I thought that my personal belief would be too hypocritical.

Can't see there being anyone at Mass if the pre-requisite is perfect faith in every aspect of church teaching.

I think the official line about doubts / disagreements is that you have to make sure you've properly informed your conscience ie found out a lot more about the subject, considered as important that it is an official teaching, prayed for help in dealing with the dilemma.

Then you're obliged to follow your conscience. (rather topically, Cardinal Newman did a lot to develop this model of handling doubts / disagreements).

If you feel drawn to it, I advise you to follow that sense of being called, as I do.
You won't be the only one there with doubts!

Custardo hit the nail on the head for me: 'I happen to express my faith through RC.' It may not be the same as the faith and beliefs as the people in the pews in front and behind me ... but I was born into a Catholic family and therefore am happy and confident to accept it as the way I worship, despite my views differing markedly from those of the Pope!

Catholics are one sixth of the world's population. We can't all think exactly the same thing. Making the effort to join together with others at Mass is a valuable thing to do. I hope you enjoy it again!