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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 04:05 pm |
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Greetings to everyone. I am a 63 year old woman, who has found herself on this "journey" ..... wondering, questioning, reading, praying. I've been in membership with non-denominational charismatic churches for about 30+ years, and through a well-trusted friend who embarked on this journey a year or so ago, have become intrigued by the Catholic church. Coming out of a very anti-Catholic, strict evangelical setting, in which I was well indoctrinated - and actually worked on staff - I have now found myself a part of an Evangelical Lutheran Church, being a member for 5 years. I first attended the early service in the big Family Life Center which is what would be called a contemporary service. The passed year, due to a horrible divorce after a 40 year marriage, I realized I needed more centeredness and peace and began attending our smaller, traditional service in the Chapel, which is quite liturgical. I have found there the quietness of heart, peace, reverence, and a totally new appreciation for the sacrament of Communion - i.e. Eucharist. These things combined have led me to a lot of reading - starting with Richard Foster of Renovare', Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, and now to Scott Hann. As you can imagine .... my brain is full of questions, wondering even what is going on with me (I know God is doing this), and where it will lead me. As I continue on this journey ... I would appreciate any advice you all could share with me .... books to read, things to do .... anything you think may be helpful. I have searched for a Spiritual Formation Group in my area, to no avail, as I knew there I would find like-minded folks. I have purchased many books, and have a small copy of the Catholic Prayer book given to me by a good friend. Anything you can share with me would really be appreciated.
God bless you all,
abby
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bwhite06517
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 29th, 2007 |
| Location: | Hamden, Connecticut USA |
| Posts: | 27 |
| First Name: | Bruce | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, CATHOLIC!!!! |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 04:19 pm |
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Welcome Abby!!!
Yes, this is the place to get insights and good suggestions from people like you that have been on the journey or are currently on the journey!!!
I remember an old sign by a road "For Peace of Mind Investigate the Catholic Faith". I feel at peace. I can come intimately into Communion with Jesus in the Eucharist. It is the "peace that passed understanding" described in scripture.
I'm sure you will receive many books, readings, websites, blogs, etc. to help you on your journey!!!
Bruce
Hamden, CT
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You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength.
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1423 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 06:40 pm |
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Abby, welcome to the CHNI Forum! I'm so glad you found it.
I'm listing some past threads that may be helpful.
Click #1
Click #2
Click #3
Click #4
Click #5
I really look forward to getting to know you, Abby.
In Christ,
Becky
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Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials. . .the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. . . NAB James 1:2-4,12
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 07:07 pm |
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Thanks to you both, so very much.
abby
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Kayla
Member
| Joined: | Mon Jul 30th, 2007 |
| Location: | Emmitsburg, Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 369 |
| First Name: | Kayla | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Atheist, kind-of Mormon, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 09:22 pm |
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| Hi Abby and welcome! I do hope you find this wonderful place to be... well, just as wonderful as I find it to be!
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I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.
Jesus, I trust in You!
There's not a lot of job security for us after death. I suppose that's one advantage of being a philosopher. - Peter Kreeft
http://kayla23mount.blogspot.com/
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 2171 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 09:29 pm |
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Hi Abby,
Here's my list of recommended books specifically for new Catholics or those seriously considering it:
   
[all books are hyper-linked]
The following three are all great introductions:
Catholic and Christian, Alan Schreck
The Spirit of Catholicism, Karl Adam [online edition]
Evangelical is Not Enough, Thomas Howard
As to why we believe our doctrines are more biblical, there is my own book:
A Biblical Defense of Catholicism (also available for $5.00 in Word or PDF formats)
For the crucial Bible and Tradition issue, I recommend Mark Shea's book, By What Authority
And for the same topic and also salvation / faith alone issues, see:
Bible Conversations: Catholic-Protestant Dialogues on the Bible, Tradition, and Salvations, Dave Armstrong
The Salvation Controversy, Jimmy Akin and Regis Martin
For a good book on baptism and the Eucharist, including a conversion story, see Steve Ray's Crossing the Tiber.
For questions about the Mass and Catholic liturgical matters, see:
The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You, Michael Dubruiel
The Bible and the Mass, Peter M.J. Stravinskas
Mass Appeal: The ABCs of Worship, Jimmy Akin
Also, conversion books are great. Surprised by Truth is a big bestseller, that has helped many people. There were two "sequels" too:
Surprised by Truth II
Surprised by Truth III
Anything by Scott Hahn or Pat Madrid or Peter Kreeft or Karl Keating would be good. Catholic radio host Al Kresta has written two very helpful "Q & A" or "FAQ"-type books:
Why Do Catholics Genuflect?: And Answers to Other Puzzling Questions About the Catholic Church
Why Are Catholics So Concerned About Sin?: More Answers to Puzzling Questions About the Catholic Church
G.K. Chesterton wrote a book called The Catholic Church and Conversion that is still relevant today [online version]
His book Orthodoxy also makes for great "introductory" material [online version]
I have written 15 books (almost all geared towards Protestants). 11 are available in Word or PDF formats for only $15.
Last edited on Thu Jan 17th, 2008 09:34 pm by Dave Armstrong
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I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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Ali
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 667 |
| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 09:38 pm |
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Oh, I really like those Surprised by Truth books Dave recommended. So many light bulbs went off. And many Duh! moments as well 
It also helped to see that other people have had the same doubts and questions as I did, and how the choice became so obvious they couldn't ignore the Truth anymore.
Ali
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floatingcloud
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jan 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Midway City, California USA |
| Posts: | 11 |
| First Name: | therese | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | I was born and raised to respect our ancestors--Buddhism all ... |
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Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 10:26 pm |
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Dear Abby,
Welcome to our forum! Hope you enjoy your stay with us.
How's about reading life story of saint(s)/holy men & women of the Catholic Church? I found it has helped me lots on my journey of faith. You can find their stories in any Catholic book stores. Pauline Books & Media would be a good place, please follow the link: http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/pbm/index.html
Maybe start going to Mass as often as you can.
Blessings 
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"We walk by faith, not by sight" 2Cor 5:7
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 01:14 am |
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Thank you all so much for your wonderful responses. I've located the Catholic bookstore in my town, and I'm headed there as soon as I can with a list of books! Thank you so much.
P.S. to Kayla .... hi there "neighbor!" .... I always put D.C. as my location to be general, but I actually live in Frederick! Small world.
abby
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Mon Jan 28th, 2008 09:55 pm |
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Hi all ... I just ordered several of the books that Dave recommended to me in his list. I've also ordered a book suggested to me by the friend who is also on this "journey," but waaaay farther ahead ... "Liturgical Theology."
abby
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 2171 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Mon Jan 28th, 2008 10:17 pm |
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| Wonderful, Abby. Enjoy your reading.
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I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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Ave_Girl
Moderator
| Joined: | Wed Nov 7th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 198 |
| First Name: | Mary Clare | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 29th, 2008 01:59 pm |
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| Welcome to the forums Abby! I definitely look forward to getting to know you through your posts. Please let us know if we can help you in any way during your journey.
____________________
~Mary Clare Piecynski~
Coming Home Network Staff
740-450-1175 ext 105
maryp@chnetwork.org
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 12:23 am |
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Thank you, Mary ........ I appreciate your kindness. I have a lot of questions, and admittedly a lot of skepticism, but I cannot help but think God has brought me to this journey for a reason, and this forum for a reason. It's a safe place to really share questions and concerns and get some real answers.
abby
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tedjenczewski
Member
| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 345 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 02:38 am |
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| Welcome Abby. CHN has just released a CD lecture on the theology of Martin Luther by Paul Thigpen, including Luther's life and extracts from his writing that might interest you. Pauls lecture is is quite eye opening. It reveals much of the error in protestant theology as Luther deviated from Catholic teaching. Luther's apparent problems in dealing with sin, repentence, penance, and forgiveness are also revealed. The CD is probably listed at CHN resources or perhaps can be obtained thru one of the CHN moderators on this forum.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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setapart
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jan 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | Austin, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 266 |
| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Born Catholic, Non-Denominational Charismatic, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 03:05 am |
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Welcome Abby,
Here are 2 devotional publication websites that you can go to in order to suscribe:
http://www.magnificat.com
http://www.wau.org
I have found them helpful with my devotional life.
I would suggest to you that you work on developing a devotional time using Catholic publications such as those linked above. This will help you keep a balance between study, prayer and meditaion.
May God bless you on your journey.
Bll
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But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mal 4:2
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Wed Jan 30th, 2008 01:02 pm |
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Thank you both so much .... I will definitely check into these.
abby
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abbycat
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 189 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Thu Jan 31st, 2008 09:48 pm |
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Thank you all for the kindness and patience some of you have shown me, and for the gentle way you have handled my many questions and concerns.
But .. my journey is over.
Bless you all in your walk with Christ,
abby
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tedjenczewski
Member
| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 345 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Feb 1st, 2008 01:28 am |
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| God bless you Abby.
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1540 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Feb 1st, 2008 02:30 am |
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| Come back and just say hello sometime! God bless your journey.
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