Can non-Catholics participate in the gestures at Mass?
The short answer
Yes. A non-Catholic in the congregation may do everything Catholics in the pews do — sign of the cross, kneeling, standing — except receive Communion. Guests may join in as far as they are comfortable; observers need only stand when others stand and otherwise sit quietly.
Everything but Communion
As a member of the congregation, a non-Catholic may do as much as Catholics in the pews, with the one exception of receiving Communion: making the sign of the cross, kneeling, standing and so on.
Guests and observers
Non-Catholic guests (as distinct from those in RCIA) can take part as far as they feel comfortable, again except for Communion. Those who simply want to observe need only stand when the congregation stands and otherwise sit quietly.
Continue exploring
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- Doesn't the new Mass reject Pius V's mandate in Quo Primum?Q&A
- I don't like the Novus Ordo and can't get to the old Mass every week. Is it a sin not to go?Q&A
- If I'm on active duty and can only attend a Protestant service, does it fulfill my Sunday obligation?Q&A