Growing up in the Midwest in the nineties, certain markers signaled someone had “made it”: a family cabin up north, a dad with a fishing boat or a Harley-Davidson motorcycle or a mom who drove a car with a built-in VCR. For millennials and younger generations, however, the focus has shifted from material possessions to experiences. We look around and see retail shopping continue to struggle while shared experiences such as concerts, festivals and travel have never been more in vogue. This emphasis on experience is why I think a not insignificant number of Catholics actually bring this question to me. They are not seeking to replace Mass with a non-Catholic worship service but to support friends, share in prayer and experience the communal joy of faith. So, what is the answer?
A common baptism
The Catholic Church answers with a heartfelt yes, provided we approach such moments with prudent discernment. The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism (“Unitatis Redintegratio“) affirms that Catholics and Protestants share a common baptism and belief in Jesus Christ. This shared baptism creates a very real, albeit imperfect, communion. If we are to take seriously Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21), opportunities for common prayer are beautiful avenues towards shared unity. Praying the Lord’s Prayer together, reciting the psalms or even spontaneous petitions can truly embody this prayer of Christ and lead to an ever greater mutual understanding and Christian fellowship.
In fact, the Catholic Church encourages participation in non-sacramental prayer with other Christians. The Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism states, “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.” This might mean joining a Protestant friend’s Bible study, singing hymns at a prayer gathering or attending an ecumenical service for peace. Such moments allow Catholics to witness to their faith while yet endeavoring to share in the unity brought about by our common baptism.
Areas of caution
Nonetheless, in these moments of shared worship, discernment is essential. Catholics must always avoid “communicatio in sacris,” that is, sharing in sacraments like the Eucharist, outside the Catholic Church. So, one should never receive Communion at a Protestant gathering, as Protestant understandings of Communion will often differ from Catholic theology. Further, one should refrain from joining in any creed or profession of belief if it includes teachings contrary to Catholic doctrine, such as differing views on Mary or authority. In these moments, Catholics should respectfully abstain. This does not mean that one cannot participate fully, just that our participation must reflect the truth of our faith. In doing so, we bear witness to both charity and truth. By living our faith with zeal and authenticity, we contribute to the unity Christ desires. In a world craving authentic experiences, shared prayer becomes a powerful opportunity to grow closer to God and each other, guided by the Holy Spirit toward true Christian fellowship.
