Question about Catholic wedding

I sit there. I don't really *participate* in the actions of the ceremony, but I am there to support them.

Attended my FFIL's wedding, he's catholic. I'm Jewish, FH is atheist. We rose when everyone rose, but either remained standing, or sat when others kneeled (I won't pray to someone else's lord). We sat or remained standing by what other non Catholics whom seemed to know what to do were doing,,,

Yes, you can sit there quietly. I am Catholic and would not be offended by that. In fact, it's almost more offensive to act like you're participating if you're not. KWIM???

As long as you are respectful and not obvious, there should be no problem with that. Katie has a good point: it is almost more offensive to participate if it's not your belief.

I'm atheist and my family are catholic, every time I go, I just stand up and kneel with everyone but I don't pray, I'm usually just having random thoughts!

I get complaints on why I go if I don't believe, but I just go to support my family in their religious beliefs because it's usually something important for them and I want them to know that although I don't have that belief I'll be there with them on the good and the bad regardless.

Either sit politely or follow through with the actions. Some people choose not to kneel anyway because of bad knees or back problems, or if what you're wearing makes it uncomfortable. Those kneelers aren't built for comfort!

But honestly, if anyone's offended it's their problem and not yours! You're not there for the mass, you're there for the couple.

When I have to go to church ( weddings, funeral) I usually just sit there, I don't even pretend to be praying.

Staying seated while others kneel is perfectly acceptable.

Stay seated; it's fine.

Just sitting there politely through it is just as good. Church go-ers don't expect everyone to kneel or partake in the sacraments but everyone is welcome to come. There are some instances where people don't kneel or pray at all and just listen (my grandparents and little children generally don't kneel).

I think its really great that you are there for your friend. I have several folks in my bridal party who are not Catholic and I don't expect them to partake in any standing or kneeling - just happy to have them there.

Thank you so much for your input, everyone! Me and one other bridesmaid are not Catholic and she was also asking about this, so I will pass along the info.

You're not required to kneel or stand but I personally (as a Catholic) think all the motion makes the time pass more quickly! Kneel twice and you're in the home stretch...

ETA: It is NOT offensive at all for you to participate in kneeling/standing/singing if you want to. The only thing they don't want you to do is participate in communion.

Being in the wedding party, will you be standing up front or seated in one of the front pews?

@Nancy T - I asked the bride and it sounds like we'll be sitting in one of the front pews. She said the ceremony will be over an hour long so that way we can sit for a bit.

I'd also talk to your friend about this, obviously she respects you, or wouldn't have asked you to be in the bridal party. Explain your comfort level, and ask what would be considered acceptable by her, and by her church. Tell her you don't really want to participate in something that isn't your beliefs, but want to respect her, her beliefs, and her church,

@nancy - Usually if there is a full Mass the wedding party is seated in the first few pews and only stands at the altar during the actual marriage ceremony.

I've been to a couple of Catholic weddings, but they were not full mass.

Winni, when standing up front, do what everyone else does so you won't be a distraction -- if it really does not bother you. I can just imagine a little kid with a big voice asking, "Mommy, why is that lady standing up when everyone is kneeling?"

When seated, do what makes you comfortable.

I'm LMAO @ LB...kneel twice and you're in the home stretch. Spoken like a true Catholic! I'm normally calculating how much longer we have at that point and hope there's not a lot of announcements after communion.

Agree with the other ladies, it's perfectly acceptable to just sit there.

Do whatever you want, just dont eat the bread LOL

@Jac Jac, thanks! Someone told me that as a kid and I never forgot it.

I am a bad kneeler, too. I usually leave my butt on the seat while kneeling. My Catholic guilt tells me I'm going straight to hell for this.