On Sat, 10 Dec 2005 08:47:29 -0500, Lord Reginald Smithers wrote:

JohnH,

I am not Catholic, but I thought Christmas Mass was like a Jewish Temple
for the High Holidays. You had so many people showing up that they had
trouble sitting all of the people who wanted to attend. Many temples will
provide tickets to the active members of the temple. Do they ever limit
attendance to at the Church to active Catholics? Or do they allow the
dregs of society in?

I am just wondering how Harry is allowed to attend Christmas Mass. A non
Catholic, who is not even a Christian. Does this mean an active, devote
Catholic will have to stand up in the back of Church so Harry can attend
Mass?

FWIW, I've never heard of a Catholic Church limiting attendance. There
are many "Catholics" who only attend church on those special occasions,
Christmas and Easter. To receive Communion one is expected to be a
practicing Catholic, but to attend the service, all are welcome.