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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:03 am |
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I'm tired of the pro/con war going on in my head. I want to be Catholic. There, I said it. Now what?
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4981 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:07 am |
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Kim M. wrote: I'm tired of the pro/con war going on in my head. I want to be Catholic. There, I said it. Now what?
All together now:
Shall we gather at the Tiber...
Seriously, you need to go and talk to a priest. He'll guide you from there. We'll cheer from the sidelines!    
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:09 am |
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Okay, Rick. Pray for me! Don't let me chicken out, okay?
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 859 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:12 am |
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Kim, oh, man, I wish I could give you a real hug right now!
We rejoiced over you during prayer time tonight and remembered your husband and children.
Each journey is different. I wanted direct contact with a priest who could speak to me with authority and to whom I could give obedience as I made decisions about facing my family and my church responsibilities.
Do you know any Catholics there (ones you really respect and trust) who could guide you to a priest in a local parish or in a local religious community?
Becky
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"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:14 am |
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I have one friend I haven't seen in awhile. I think I'll give her a call and meet for coffee.
Thanks for being so supportive Becky! You are a big, big, BIG blessing to me! And I've never even seen you before! lol Doesn't matter. Our souls can communicate just fine. Your prayers are deeply needed right now.
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Steven Barrett
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:15 am |
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I got Kim started by putting on my Palestrina channel on Pandora!   (I hope that's Italian Espresso he's serving!)
The devil went down to Georgia lookin' for a soul to keep from Rome, but he ran into Kim and he got knocked back to hell and gone! C'mon in sister!
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For anyone suffering from a mental illness or has a loved one with a mental illness, my book "Lead kindly Light: A Devotional For The Mentally Ill" might be of some help: http://www.lulu.com/ (Use search box at the top of page.)
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:18 am |
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lol Steven, you certainly have a way with words! I'll take the decaf espresso, please. (Is there such a thing? Seems oxymoronic.)
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Kim M.
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:22 am |
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Y'all can thank the Xanax I'm on for helping me make the decision. It shut out all the noise in my head and I realized with clarity that I want the Catholic Church with all my heart. I want the Eucharist. I want the Authority. I want to be part of the Catholic family, warts and all. I love you guys!
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 720 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:29 am |
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Kim M. wrote: ..... warts and all.
Whose warts??? Our warts or are you saying you have some warts??? 
Let us know when you cross the river so we can all yell, "WELCOME ABOARD!!!"
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 859 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:29 am |
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Kim M. wrote:
I have one friend I haven't seen in awhile. I think I'll give her a call and meet for coffee.
Sounds good. Be sure to tell her that you really want a priest who is faithful to the Magisterium, not one who cuts people slack and ignores Church teaching.
Catch me up, Kim. I'm trying to remember if you've even attended a Mass yet. Did you?
Thanks for being so supportive Becky! You are a big, big, BIG blessing to me! And I've never even seen you before! lol Doesn't matter. Our souls can communicate just fine. Your prayers are deeply needed right now.
Thanks for the kind, generous words. On the forum folks tend to bless each other. You've been a blessing to all of us from the beginning. It was pretty clear that the Holy Spirit had called you out and that you had an open heart. So we've just been waiting for things to resolve themselves. 
As for prayers, Kim, I have been praying for you by name on a daily basis for some time now. I pledge my continuing prayer support to you as you say your "Yes!" to the Father. If you should ever want to PM me, feel free. The open forum is fine as well.
Dear Jesus, how joyous this night is!
It keeps getting better, Kim. Resolve to follow him, no matter what.
Let me know what you learn about area priests.
In Christ,
Becky
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:37 am |
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Becky, your words are a balm. Thank you for lifting me up in prayer so much! No, I've not been to a mass yet, but I was planning to go to the next Eucharistic Adoration Friday after this (if I don't have surgery yet - iffy right now). I don't think I can wait, though! I'm itching to get going!
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"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:40 am |
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Sounds good. Be sure to tell her that you really want a priest who is faithful to the Magisterium, not one who cuts people slack and ignores Church teaching.
Will do! I want to start off on the right foot! 
____________________
"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:42 am |
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BodRod wrote: Kim M. wrote: ..... warts and all.
Whose warts??? Our warts or are you saying you have some warts???
Let us know when you cross the river so we can all yell, "WELCOME ABOARD!!!"
lol BOTH! I get to live with your warts and you get to live with mine!
Thanks Cliff! 
____________________
"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 155 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:47 am |
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Yay, Kim!
This is a great week as Our Holy Father is in the United States and you can watch his masses on the ewtn website! Go to http://www.ewtn.com and they will have a schedule of events I'm sure! Some of them might be on the fox news channel; I don't know about any of the mainstream media -- or do you have access to ewtn on your tv?
We'll continue to pray as we know the journey doesn't end with your decision, but just begins.
Also, just a cautionary note  Once you decide to enter the Church, our spiritual enemy will be quite mad and will likely place additional doubts and obstacles in your way. I heard someone say once, when the devil comes a-knockin' just say "Hey, Jesus, would you get that for me??!!"
More prayers heading your way!
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 859 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:50 am |
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Kim M. wrote:
No, I've not been to a mass yet, but I was planning to go to the next Eucharistic Adoration Friday after this (if I don't have surgery yet - iffy right now). I don't think I can wait, though! I'm itching to get going!
Oh, my! Just think! The first time you attend Adoration, you will be able to gaze on Jesus and tell Him that you are ready to follow Him wherever He leads! How thrilling. The Lord has been very good to you, Kim.
Take plenty of Kleenex to Adoration, sweet friend.
Becky
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Kim M.
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:51 am |
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Thanks Didi! I've been having a strong urge to call him "Papa". 
I have felt lately that every obstacle has been thrown in my way. That's okay. God is making a way around them for me. Praise His Name!
____________________
"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Kim M.
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 417 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 04:53 am |
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Take plenty of Kleenex to Adoration, sweet friend.
Yes'm! One nice thing about the Xanax is that it makes it easy to cry. I need to cry! So much has been pent up in me that needs to let loose! God uses everything!
____________________
"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 859 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 05:10 am |
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Kim M. wrote:
I need to cry! So much has been pent up in me that needs to let loose! God uses everything!
Kim, we have to learn to use everything also, especially the suffering. Begin now to offer up (Col. 1:24) every bit of your suffering. Ask the Lord to accept it toward the salvation of your DH and children. Even when your hubby or that relationship is the cause of your pain, offer that pain up toward their coming into the Church.
Hope you can get a good rest tonight.
Blessings,
Becky
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Free
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| Joined: | Wed Nov 28th, 2007 |
| Location: | Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 109 |
| First Name: | Jane | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Gnostic, non-demoninational, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 11:11 am |
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Tears of JOY for you Kim!
To have reached the point of KNOWING that Jesus is calling you into his one, holy, Catholic and apostolic church is earthshaking for you, and sets the angels to rejoicing for you. Didi is right that resistance from the evil one can pretty much be counted on, and often it will come from unexpected sources and REALLY HURT. Yet knowing that you are truly taking up your cross and following our Lord Jesus Christ will give you dignity and a sense of honor even in distress.
I can't wait for you to receive the Holy Eucharist. After a year of receiving, I'm still crying with joy afterwards to think that Jesus chooses to be so close to me. And the effects of receiving are many, including an inner strength, sweeter humility, and greater clarity in matters of faith and morals.
I also can't wait for you to receive reconciliation with the Church through confession! Who knew, as a Protestant, that we needed such a thing? Who knew what a glorious blessing our Protestant ancestors chose to give up? Absolution is, for me, very physical. Afterwards, with effort, I can remember my sins, if I choose to, but I don't have to, and they sure don't come around poking at me and taunting me. God has chosen to dissolve them away from me into the timeless place where things always are or never were, and they lose their potency. It's hard to put into words. I can't wait for you to experience it! Tears of joy for you, Kim, and prayers of joy as well.
Jane
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 11:23 am |
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Kim M. wrote: Okay, Rick. Pray for me! Don't let me chicken out, okay?
You posted your decision on my birthday. You wouldn't chicken out on a birthday gift, would you? 
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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foundthelight
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| Location: | Central, New York USA |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 12:21 pm |
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Here are two links that helped me a lot to follow along during the mass. They are both from the same site.
http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/Mass.htm
http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/CatholicMass-BasicTexts.pdf
The second one I printed out on letter size paper, double sided. It folds neatly and has all the standard responses in a convenient format. It is all in the missalette in the pew. But, this is easer to follow.
Don't be afraid to ask your neighbor in the pew for help!
As a side note, my church doesn't have a mass on Fridays. We do have Adoration. As has been said, there is nothing so beautiful as going in and praying before the Real Presence of our Lord! I like to pray the Rosary at the same time which, as you will see, is quite common.
Good luck from a recent convert.
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 710 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 01:14 pm |
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Congratulations, Just making the decision brings a lot of peace I remember. RCIA may be great or it may be mediocre to terrible but remember that it is a process and and all things considered relatively short. I f it is not ideal what we all should realize is that when the process was implemented it was a step towards proper catechises and uniformity and the best of fairly limited resource. Now however our ability to get information in book s and DVD/videos and off the web has far surpassed the individual RCIA program. Lastly remember that you may feel strange or out of place when you start attending Mass, since it will be very different from "church " as you know it but keep going and you will soon feel at home.
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Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 710 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 01:23 pm |
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I can't remember- how old are your kids? I know that you are on this swim yourself ( as are many of us) but how is does your husband feel? Remember that once you have made the choice and during the early days after you have become Catholic his feelings against the Church may intensify now thta you are no longer just thinking but are committed. If you guys haven't been having knock down drag out arguments about it he will probably pipe down too as he sees your peace and gets used to things. If he has been vehemently anti then that too might intensify for a short time but don't argue just tell him that you had to do this for your sake. Don't even bother trying to defend the church against the pedophile priest scandal they won't listen to reason there etc. Just find a way to say "no church is prefect but this one has weathered 2000 years of storm"
Aren't I just a wealth of advice today?
____________________
Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 710 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 01:27 pm |
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So when do we here from EMarshall do you all think? Should we get out extra towels and go stand on the banks of the Tiber for whe he jumps or falls off his Baptist barge?
____________________
Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 06:12 pm |
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kimdyuma wrote: So when do we here from EMarshall do you all think? Should we get out extra towels and go stand on the banks of the Tiber for whe he jumps or falls off his Baptist barge?
Marshall is already Catholic. He just hasn't realized it yet. 
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Candlemass
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| Location: | Hudson, Ohio USA |
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Posted: Wed Apr 16th, 2008 06:18 pm |
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Kim M. wrote: Okay, Rick. Pray for me! Don't let me chicken out, okay?
Look, if I didn't chicken out, you shouldn't have a problem!
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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV
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