[Quix]

Shocking as it may be to some . . . or perhaps even sacriligious . . .

I drive by ST Mary’s frequently.

And, I don’t have any big problem praying in a quiet remotely Christian place regardless of the label on the door or church yard.

However, I wouldn’t want to be out of order and would want to respect as much as conscience would allow—the basic parameters involved . . . so . . .

Are you saying I’d have to believe in the REAL PRESENCE to pray in the chapel?

Or could I go in, sit in a back pew and pray quietly and leave when finished?

Particularly if I promised not to pray loudly in tongues, roll in the asile or hang from the chandeliers?

[Cronos]

Particularly if I promised not to pray loudly in tongues, roll in the asile or hang from the chandeliers?

You can pray in tongues -- we're not Calvinists who consider that to be impossible -- we know some of these are from God.

hanging from the chandeliers would be a no-no, as you could injure yourself. Ditto rolling

[Alamo-Girl]

Or could I go in, sit in a back pew and pray quietly and leave when finished?

Particularly if I promised not to pray loudly in tongues, roll in the asile or hang from the chandeliers?

How funny! LOLOL!

Seriously though, I take our elderly cousins to Mass all the time and no one ever objects. Of course I do not take part in the cup and bread because the Church notice tells non members to refrain.

[Cronos]

Are you saying I’d have to believe in the REAL PRESENCE to pray in the chapel?

What are you talking about? mlizzy's post in 2343 was to opusatfr, not to you and you can freely pray in the chapel. Just respect the peace and the place as per how we pray -- just as we would do the same on visiting your place of worship

[presently no screen name]

And promise not to enter their confessional phone booth. ;)

But since born again believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we pray where ever we are as He’s always with us so He always hears and answers us no matter where we are.

[mlizzy]

Or could I go in, sit in a back pew and pray quietly and leave when finished?

Not sure if your St. Mary's has Eucharistic Adoration (where Jesus -- the Host -- is in a Monstrance (not necessarily in the church proper) for the faithful to Adore; check here to find out), but it doesn't matter as Christ (the consecrated Host) is in the Tabernacle (little box behind the altar or to the side), which brings a wonderful peace to the church. Anyway, one does not need to believe in Christ (who would know?) to enter the Catholic Church, and one certainly does not need to be Catholic either.

If the church does not have Adoration, and their doors are locked when not having a Mass, you could attend a daily-Mass in part or in full (they are about 25-30 minutes long; their times are online on the St. Mary's website) and stay afterward to pray too. Anytime the door is open, you're welcome to come on in, and sit wherever you like. I've even attended the wedding and funeral Masses of people I didn't even know. :):)