Another question about church attendance?

If I were in your shoes, I'd feel compelled to have the dread conversation with them - as unpleasant as that's going to be. The facts are: Your heart's not in it. It's fraudulent for you to go.

I'm sorry that I can't furnish you with a doctrinal or theological argument to present them that would substantiate why it's ok for you not to go, thereby making it alright in their eyes. The end of the story is it's not what you want or what's real for you. And: you're 21, not only legally, but made an adult in the Church when you were Confirmed. You're responsible for how you practice your faith - or don't.

Good luck.

This is more of a question about not being honest about your beliefs with your parents than a question about participating in Mass.

If you have chosen to leave the Church then your attendance while appreciated is not really necessary. However it sounds like you have either not really made this decision or have not informed your parents of your decision.

If you have chosen to be a Catholic then your attendance is important.

We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near (Hebrews 10:25).

Christianity is not a spectator sport.

Christianity (among other things) requires that you:

• Worship your creator

• Develop your relationship with God

• Help build up the Church, the Body of Christ, the Communion of Saints, the family of believers

Regular attendance and participation in your Church's services can help you reach these goals.

You also obey the Commandment to "keep holy the Lord's day" by going to church on Sundays.

With love in Christ.

Well, I'm not a Catholic, but Communion, which I thought was the biggest part of Mass, is intended for believers as a sign of belief. So, not only would I consider it a legitimate reason not to, I would say that if you don't believe, you SHOULD NOT take part in Communion. Really, belief is the point of salvation within Christianity, so I don't understand why your parents would focus on attendance and not Faith.

In summary: if you don't believe, don't go. Explain that this is why you are not going. Don't go soft and say "I don't see the point," be honest and tell them you don't believe, and it wouldn't be right to go in unbelief.

If I were in your shoes, I'd feel compelled to have the dread conversation with them - as unpleasant as that's going to be. The facts are: Your heart's not in it. It's fraudulent for you to go.

I'm sorry that I can't furnish you with a doctrinal or theological argument to present them that would substantiate why it's ok for you not to go, thereby making it alright in their eyes. The end of the story is it's not what you want or what's real for you. And: you're 21, not only legally, but made an adult in the Church when you were Confirmed. You're responsible for how you practice your faith - or don't.

<<Another question about <SNIP> them on Sunday.>>

Yes, you should continue going to Mass with your parents.

You can't support yourself, and your parents are nice enough to provide you with a roof over your head until you do get on your feet. The least you could do in return is devout one hour of your time, once a week, and go to Mass with your parents.

<<My parents can't seem to tolerate the idea of me "sitting at home doing nothing" while they're out doing "the most important thing in the world.">>

Good parents don't tolerate that sort of thing.

<<I'm not really <SNIP> shape, or form.>>

Going to Mass is not about giving the "right" or "wrong" idea about anybody to anybody.

<<My parents don't <SNIP> without an "excuse.">>

As well they should.

<<It's at the <SNIP> by doing along.>>

Since I seriously doubt that your friends are mind readers, I would worry about what they think you should or should not be doing.

<<What do you guys think? Advice from Catholics would be appreciated>>

Keep attending Mass with your parents on a weekly basis. That's all.

You should continue to go to Mass. Your parents are allowing you to live with them, temporarily, and during this time you should consider their wishes and what is important to them.

One hour a week won't kill you. I wouldn't worry about what others might think, God knows your heart and he knows you are not there for him. But honoring your parents is one of the commandments and with it the promise of long life. So if for no other reason, then you love your parents, continue to attend Mass.

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Pray for Chris/David/patterss (all the same person),

~~~~~ Do not listen to Chris/David/patterss,

2Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

2Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

2Corinthians 11:15 So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

~~~~~Just Believing in Jesus is not enough or demons would be saved.

James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

Luke 4:41 Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ.

James 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Peace be with you

<<<Devout Catholic>>>

Stay home and put a few babbys on the barbie for when the family returns.

Seriously, be true to yourself. Stay home. Go to the park. Read. Do homework. Whatever.

Volunteer at a hospital or seniors' home on Sunday afternoons.

You aren't doing nothing, you're *resting*. Is this not God's command?