How to go to church when I am not into groups

gransruleok

The last service I attended, the congregation were invited to turn and hug the person to their left. Made me very uncomfortable, not been back, not my thing at all.

Since covid it is not at all common to even shake hands

Aim for a midweek service, or early morning where there is room to sit apart.
There are online services - ( I "went" to mass all around the world during COVID) I recommend Bishop Gary www.youtube.com/channel/UCRinXZ2d6GBMpnDM7boV1CA

All the Roman Catholic services I've been to over the last few years have a "signof peace" moment.

Thank you all, seems a morning service will be good for me. I am not against chats but I found the groups are not for me. Too long of an explanation and how I expect a group to enrich me but it does not do it for me so far. People covered some of the reasons ( like a man with a leaky eye who never met me, grabbed my whole face with two hands and forcefully kissed me and did the same to my daughter)

I am not a "joiner"
When I go I might wave a "hello" but don't stay.
Just a polite "thank you, I appreciate you asking but I won't join you" (if asked) is enough!

Thanks Aldom

You're very welcome Nanny27

I agree with Caleo that a Roman Catholic or Anglo Catholic/high church service would suit you better.
I’m a pretty sociable person, but like to keep to myself in a service. My late DH was in a ‘low’ church and I truly disliked so many people surrounding me, greeting me etc. when I accompanied him. Very good people, but not for me. If I had coffee with him afterwards in the church hall, that was a different matter, I really enjoyed that!

We all have different needs and it doesn’t mean one is better than the other, it’s just different styles.

Milsa

I am foreign woman married to a Catholic. I used to church go in my country, listen to the service, light a candle, see a priest if I have to and leave. No groups, no coffee meet ups. Etc.

I am not into groups

Just sit near the door and make a run for it as soon as they finish.

There’s absolutely no obligation to stay behind after the service for coffee and chat if you don’t wish to. No one will be offended if you choose to leave.
Not every church offers tea and coffee after the service, I think it depends on several factors - the type of service, the time of the service, available facilities, the desire of the congregation and so on.

An interesting topic.

Usually it's people complaining about no one speaking to them when they went to a new church.

I go to mass when I can, on my way to town. I enjoy the peace and 20 minute service . My family are Catholic but I am not, although I’m familiar with the mass.

I say good morning to anyone who looks my way as well as the Priest as I leave, but never stay for coffee.