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Helen
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| Joined: | Tue Dec 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | Rock Springs, Wyoming USA |
| Posts: | 14 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | I was brought up Independent Fundamental Baptist, at about 25 ... |
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Posted: Tue Dec 5th, 2006 11:15 am |
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Hello!
I am so excited about this site. I have been on this journey for a long time, but more seriously for the past year. Because of my Fundamentalist and Baptist background, there has been a great deal of fear to overcome. The fear has greatly diminished as I have read and earnestly prayed for the truth, but there are still times when things trigger panic for me.
Because my entire family is Baptist, it will be a bit of a crisis if I convert. My husband has been supportive . Because we have been married for 27 years, he has witnessed first hand my spiritual struggles, and I think he would like to see me have peace. I think though he may think this is just a phase due to extreem stress in my life. Never the less, I have attended Mass many times, and also I have had the privilage of going to the Adoration Chapel since May. This hour on Sundays has been really what has sustained me these many months.
I did try to join the RCIA classes in October, but the time for the classes was incompatable with my work schedule. I was very disspointed, but came to accept this as God's will. I am not the only consideration here and it may be that more time is needed for me to study, pray, and for my family to come to terms with the idea.
I have however, longed for a mentor to guide my reading and answer my questions. I have prayed for this and perhaps this site is the answer.
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HELEN
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2410 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Dec 5th, 2006 12:14 pm |
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Welcome, Helen. You will find many here whose journey of faith parallels your own. Lots of Baptists and Fundamentalists, lots of people who have been mulling things over for years. And a good number of knowledgeable Catholic Christians, many themselves converts, to help you along. We’re all brethren here.
You’ve probably read a bit before registering, so you can see that we have areas for different topics. Just let us know what’s on your mind. There is no such thing as a “stupid question.” If you are not sure what category your question or concern falls under, you can post it here in Fellowship Hall and one of the moderators will place it in an appropriate area with a temporary tag here so you can find it after it’s moved.
David
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 840 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Tue Dec 5th, 2006 01:03 pm |
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Hi Helen,
<<<I did try to join the RCIA classes in October, but the time for the classes was incompatable with my work schedule.>>>
If you live in an area where there is more than one Catholic church within reasonable driving distance, may I suggest you check out the possibility of taking RCIA in another church but doing your acceptance in your own church. We have seven churches in my area and people sometimes do their RCIA in a different church than they will be members because of the RCIA night of the week or the time conflicts with to their work schedule or their family requirements. 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Tue Dec 5th, 2006 02:15 pm |
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Helen wrote: I am so excited about this site. I have been on this journey for a long time, but more seriously for the past year. Because of my Fundamentalist and Baptist background, there has been a great deal of fear to overcome. The fear has greatly diminished as I have read and earnestly prayed for the truth, but there are still times when things trigger panic for me.
Hi, Helen, welcome to CHN. I promise we'll do our very best to answer your questions and concerns honestly and lovingly. There are no bad questions except the ones that aren't asked, and all sincerely asked questions are welcomed.
Are you the Helen from Scotland I've written to a few times?
I did try to join the RCIA classes in October, but the time for the classes was incompatable with my work schedule. I was very disspointed, but came to accept this as God's will. I am not the only consideration here and it may be that more time is needed for me to study, pray, and for my family to come to terms with the idea.
I'm sorry that didn't work out, but as you say, all will happen in God's time. Baptist teaching is often quite different from Catholic teaching, so it's best to give yourself lots of time before making a committment. We do have some ex-Baptist preachers and members around here who can help you to understand the differences.
I have however, longed for a mentor to guide my reading and answer my questions. I have prayed for this and perhaps this site is the answer.
We will do our very best.
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Helen
Member
| Joined: | Tue Dec 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | Rock Springs, Wyoming USA |
| Posts: | 14 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | I was brought up Independent Fundamental Baptist, at about 25 ... |
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 01:27 am |
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Nope
I'm the Helen from Wyoming
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HELEN
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 01:40 am |
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Helen wrote: Nope
I'm the Helen from Wyoming
I'm just as happy to have Wyoming represented!
Helen from Scotland had asked a couple of questions in the chat box but never actually registered, so I was just wondering. I had emailed her but she never responded. I hope she registers one day.
I've been to Wyoming once, but all we really got to see was a herd of buffalo. Being from Louisiana, I'm more used to seeing a herd of alligator!
(No, alligators do not group in herds. It was a joke.)
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Helen
Member
| Joined: | Tue Dec 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | Rock Springs, Wyoming USA |
| Posts: | 14 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | I was brought up Independent Fundamental Baptist, at about 25 ... |
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 01:45 am |
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Thank you so much for that suggestion. There is a large Catholic community here but only one parish. I live in a fairly small area. The nearest large city is Salt Lake city, about three hours away, and Denver in the other direction about five hours. I think maybe I'm just supposed to continue to read and pray. I have a very weary heart and I want to be sure that I am not going this direction because I am disillusioned or angry. I don't think so but I want to be sure.
Helen
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HELEN
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CajunRick
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 01:54 am |
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Helen wrote: Thank you so much for that suggestion. There is a large Catholic community here but only one parish. I live in a fairly small area. The nearest large city is Salt Lake city, about three hours away, and Denver in the other direction about five hours. I think maybe I'm just supposed to continue to read and pray. I have a very weary heart and I want to be sure that I am not going this direction because I am disillusioned or angry. I don't think so but I want to be sure.
We will do our best to answer your questions honestly and in a friendly manner. We will not pressure you. As Catholics we firmly believe God has placed you here, as a seed that has been planted, and it is our role to nurture and fertilize. Someone else will reap the harvest, whatever that might be, at the appropriate (i.e., God's) time.
Once again, welcome to CHN.
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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 306 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 02:04 am |
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Hi, Helen. Just saw you were new on here and thought I'd add a hello and welcome! I think you'll be happy with this website. I find that most people on here are very charitable - and also forgiving of anyone who might make a faux pas  (as I'm sure I have often enough!). But I think it's that most people on here are able to see Jesus in others, and we've all had our share of struggles - yes, even those of us who are "cradle" Catholics. But this is a great place for fellowship with people who are going through a lot of the same things you might struggle with. I think you will find much support here.
Btw, I don't know how far out you are out there in Wyoming, or if you get cable or satellite, but if so, are you able to get EWTN on TV? If so, you might consider checking it out if you haven't already. It's a Catholic network... I should say the Catholic Network. They have several programs that are very informative. Journey Home is a good one for converts or those considering Catholicism. Marcus Grodi, the host, interviews a guest each week who has come from a different faith system, and they share their testimony as to what drew them to the Catholic Church and how they got here.
Anyway, I'm just rattling on, but again, welcome!
JMJ
- Cheri
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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brian
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 892 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 02:12 am |
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I attended a baptist church for almost 10 years, and i know about the fear you speak of. It is funny to me how sure i can be of the Catholic Church yet it is so new and different to me than my background that i sometimes feel like an imposter or worry about some crazy theories i have heard about catholic teachings that i know are ridiculous. The thing is, I needed to realize how Christ centered the Catholic faith truly is and how much it is about grace and holiness. There were times i wondered if i liked the notion of being catholic just to do something people would think is crazy or to challenge some close minded people, but the longer i waited and prayed the more i realized it was God drawing me through the Holy Spirit and it is what i really believe to be the truth and by far the most logical and helpful approach to Christianity.
but your on a good track if you are taking your time going to adoration and seeking out your issues one by one. my advice may be to not overwhelm yourself, so much as work through one issue at a time. though trhere is no uniform way to conversion, in my experience i had way too much going on in my mind at once on so many differet doctrines. it was overkill. however, it worked out ok, because a lot of the reasons i thought i never would join the church were often misunderstandings of true catholic teaching. so i faced a lot of them at once. so just let God and the Holy Spirit take care of one thing at a time, and keep seeking truth as best you can and be patient. it takes a while to get acclamated. your best letting it happen to you, than trying to force yourself to figure everything out at once, so long as you are searching. Anyway, i am still so new to this i am not sure why i would feel qualified to give you any advice. I just wanted to welcome you and say i have a similar background and share some of my experience. sounds like you are doing well. but i hope someday you get to a good RCIA class.
Brian
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SBC2RCC
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | York, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 136 |
| First Name: | Monte | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | was Southern Baptist Minister, now Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Dec 6th, 2006 09:56 pm |
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Hello and welcome Helen, from a fellow now former Baptist.
Others have said so much that I only say "ditto." Please know that you are in our prayers, and we are ready and willing to answer questions. Most of all, trust God for this journey.
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In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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Darlene
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
| Posts: | 868 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Sun Dec 10th, 2006 11:25 pm |
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Greetings Helen,
I too, am on a journey of faith and have not yet become a Catholic. Though I am currently attending a non-denominational Christain church, (the Baptist churches in our area are legalistic and pro-Bob Jones University types for the most part), I used to belong to a Baptist Church that had Calvinist beliefs.
I think one of the biggest difficulties for us Protestants in deciding to become Catholic, is the possible fear of being deceived and losing our salvation. Well, at least that is something that I have gone through. Actually, it is something I struggle with often. It is though I am being tossed to and fro. One moment, I am being intensely drawn to the Catholic faith. Then just as quickly, it seems, I begin wondering if I must be crazy. It is at this point that I get thoughts such as, "You just want to be deceived into false religion," or "How can you reject all that you have believed as a born-again Christain all these years?," or "You'll never find the kind of fellowship you have with born-again Believers in the Catholic Church." The list is endless, but I think you get the idea.
Anyhow, you have come to the right place, Helen. Many have reached out in love to me here, and I know the same will happen to you. May our Heavenly Father grant you peace in your heart now and always.
In Christ,
Darlene
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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mg57
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Connecticut USA |
| Posts: | 234 |
| First Name: | mg57 | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Infant Baptised Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 12:06 am |
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Helen -
I noticed you mentioned looking for good reading material in your initial post, - a great place to begin, if you haven't already purchased a copy, is the new - United States Catholic Catechism for Adults -
http://www.amazon.com/United-States-Catholic-Catechism-Adults/dp/1574554506/sr=8-1/qid=1165805879/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9239220-5363247?ie=UTF8&s=books
- it's very "user-friendly" as they say, great layout and indexes, biographies, Q&A review sections with each chapter, etc., .
God bless.
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JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 949 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 01:20 am |
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Hi Darlene!
I know the Bible tells us not to be tossed to and fro, but I have gone through those same feelings of being jerked around. I'm so glad I'm not the only one! Thankfully, the waves have calmed down and I'm more sure more of the time that I'm on the right path. There are certain anchors that hold me on the path, like the Eucharist (which I can't wait to partake of!) and the fact that non-Catholic denominations have splintered again and again and that just doesn't seem of God to me. So, hang in there! I hope it will calm down for you.
Blessings to you! Jill
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"I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are our works! My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret." Ps 139
"Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men." Ps 140
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 840 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 01:28 pm |
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Greetings,
I too, had considerable fear when I recognized that I needed to join the RCC. I felt like I was dying inside as I relized most of what I had held all my life as the ultimate truth was wrong. One day I read something in a book, published by a non-Catholic religion, (I believe the book was called "Testimonies to the Church") which said that Christ had never left His people alone on the earth. His people had always had a guide to follow on their road to salvation. That made sense to me so I started looking at various religions that were available in my area. Immediately, I had to rule out all the protestant religions since they did not get started until 1500 or so years after Jesus had left the earth. In fact, I had to rule out the very religion that had published that book, since that religion did not get started until the mid-1800s. I was finally was left with only the RCC to consider. This was most distressing to me since I had been taught all my life that the RCC was the worst of the worst of religions. The more I looked into the RCC, the more I could see that the RCC fit the description I had read in the aforementioned book. The RCC is the only Christian religion that has served as a guide, to believers in Christ, that has been in existence since the time of the disciples, which, of course, can be directly related to Christ Himself. I found this "discovery" to be most reassuring.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Dec 11th, 2006 08:51 pm |
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Helen:
Just wanted to say Welcome! Everyone else has already shared with you, So I'll just say hello, I hope you enjoy the Forum.
I love it here, Everyone will welcome your questions and you can get great Catholic teaching.
God Bless you on this journey
Betty
PS: I came from a Baptist back ground and still have a large portion of family are Baptists too.
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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