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Michelle1982
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 23 |
| First Name: | Michelle | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | protestant services at military chapels, Bible, Baptist, Berean, Calvary Chapel, ... |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 03:28 am |
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I am trying not to complain. But, I quit or I at least feel like quitting.
I can't make my RCIA classes very much due to my schedule. But, I have been trying to get involved with other people at the church that I have been going to. I live 45 min away from the church and do not have a whole lot of free time to do too much interacting. Not to mention, the church is nothing compared to my protestant church. I think that I will go back. I know that the Catholic church is the church that Christ founded, but I am frusterated. There is no one in my class that I can really relate to. Then, my sponsor is going to be gone most of the time. I am very frusterated. My family and my life is protestant. My sponsor is the only one in the class who understands that, yet I just found out that he is going to be gone most of the time.
He is not even going to be there at my introductory thing this sun. I would get another sponsor, but he is a good friend of mine. Plus. there is really no other Catholics that I would feel comfortable sponsoring me.
I am just irritated. I think that I make a much better protestant.
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"..............From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Luke 12:48
"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." J
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brian
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 720 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 05:36 am |
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"I know that the Catholic church is the church that Christ founded, but I am frusterated.
I am converting to Catholocism. The Lord has shown me truth. I have been trying to reject it and keep on going to my protestant church. I love my protestant church and especially my friends.
I am scared to convert."
I feel sad in hearing of your frustrations, and I do not want to belittle them in any way. But if the above quotes really reflect your heart I have a hard time belieiving that you can turn away now. For if one knows of the truth of Catholic teaching, yet for whatever reason rejects it, this is like refusing to follow Jesus. As Peter said 'where else can we go Lord. you have the words of eternal life'
If the Catholic Church was founded by the Lord and you know that, then it folllows that this is the place where salvation in its fullest sense will be given to you, and worse, if you walk away, you may be wilingly walking away from the established way that God has given you to be saved. I find it difficult to believe that Jesus would call someone to something less true but easier if that person knew it was less true in their heart.
It is not Jesus or the church for us, it is Jesus and the church. If you want as much of Jesus as you possibly can have, and you know that He founded the Catholic Church then in order to follow Him as much as possible, you really should become Catohlic. It is not a matter of what is easy or convenient, but a matter of truth and sacrifice. As one who believes that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist I would honestly recommend that any person become Catohlic even if they lose everything because of it, for they would be blessed as Jesus teaches us in the beatitudes.
Anyway, I do not want to make you feel worse. I am sorry you fel this way, but I think that someone saying what you are sayng needs to think through it completely to see that quitting does not seem like an option.
Anyway, it will be a while before you make a better Catholic than protestant, because this is a major adjustment. You need to let it happen gradually and try to be at peace in the process. You will get there.
Forgive me if I am answering too harshly, perhps you just wanted to vent as you did not say you were quitting, but that you feel like quitting nd that you were frustrated. I may be missig the point and you just wanted support and not a speech. Forgive me if this is the case. There is nothing wrong with that feeling. Sometimes I feel like quitting, or just sleeping through a week or month. But the key lies in what we actually decide to do. I believe that our perseverance in those times determines so much of our character.
It may be possible some people are just not ready to become Catholic, and that the tming needs to be right for a lot of people, but in some cases I hink it is douby trying to discourage us because we are getting closer to truth.
Anyway, you have our support and prayers no matter what you do.
brian
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Br_Carlo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tyler, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 153 |
| First Name: | Br_Carlo (Vince Brach) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Episcopalian, CATHOLIC |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 08:25 am |
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God's peace. Michelle, when I was converting I frequently found myself defending the Catholic Faith against groups of cradle Catholics! Please don't lose heart. I believe that part of God's plan for his Church is to revive it by the wholesale conversion of Jesus-loving, Scripture-quoting evangelicals like yourself. The Church needs you to help it return to its love of Scripture, and you need the Church to help you discover your need for God's sacraments and authority!
Let me suggest something that I did. Find out where the nearest Third Order Franciscan, Dominican, Benedictine, or Carmelite fraternity is in your area and get in touch (we have members who frequent this forum, and all four orders have Internet sites). You will find yourself surrounded by Catholic fanatics who love Jesus and will help pray and counsel you through your difficulties. I know--this worked for me!
Feel free to PM me or anyone else on this listserve if you have personal concerns we can help you with. Blessings, ~Br_Carlo, a Third-Order Franciscan, Sacred Heart Fraternity~
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bjbouwer
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 50 |
| First Name: | Bonnie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Scientist, pinball Christian, RCC in 2006 |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 08:28 am |
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Hello Michelle -
You've found His True Church. It was this realization that kept me going when i faced similar difficulties. (If this was truly His Church, where else could I go?)
My family is Protestant or atheist and anti-Catholic. I found a diamond in a field, have sold all I have to keep that field, and now I protect it by not talking about it a lot with those who don't like my decision. Church has become a very private affair for me, and at the same time I've slowly found friends in the Church.
When I was where you are now, I thought I would lose all my protestant friends, and would miss the music of the Evangelical churches. While some of my acquaintances from the past churches have certainly dumped me, my true friends have stuck with me. We just don't talk about the Church. Yet.
While I miss the music, I certainly enjoy the "new" music I've learned at the Catholic church. I don't listen to it the same way, however - it is no longer a medium to get my insides all stirred up and make me feel good. Now I offer the music to God as prayer, whether I feel excited or not. I can play the old music at home and enjoy it all I want. Catholic music is simply prayer, which I have truly come to appreciate.
When you hear people talking about crossing the Tiber, they're not talking about a little crick running through the back yard. When you get out of the water, you're tired, you're in a new land with a new language, and nothing will be the same again. If you try to lay Protestant ways & thinking over the Catholic church, it won't work - they're different lands & cultures altogether.
I think you're just in one of those swirls in the river that makes you want to go back to the other bank. But you're seen the truth -- Keep swimming! Here's a hand reaching out to you from the Catholic bank. (Prayers). 8-)
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Bonnie in WI
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bjbouwer
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 50 |
| First Name: | Bonnie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Scientist, pinball Christian, RCC in 2006 |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 08:36 am |
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I should add, I've found there are two Catholic churches - the Holy place where the Body of Christ is available, a place for intense prayer, a place to confess and clean up . . . and then there's the social/political institution with all its workings and difficulties. I will avoid the 2nd part until i'm truly strongly rooted and understand what's going on around me. Until then, I will face the Altar of God and thank Him for leading me to His Church.
Btw - I had a miserable RCIA class. Several of us in the class mentioned this, and now we have an "on fire" RCIA. I'm a volunteer with RCIA now. Maybe you can help your church in the future by turning the RCIA class around.
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Bonnie in WI
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mg57
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tolland County, Connecticut USA |
| Posts: | 166 |
| First Name: | mg57 | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Infant Baptised Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 10:28 am |
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Michelle -
When things get real messy for me, I reach for little books like this one -
"Five Loaves and Two Fish", by Archbishop Thuan.
Archbishop Van Thuan spent 13 years in prison in Vietnam, and 9 of those years in solitary confinement. His great love for Christ and for his people illuminated the darkness of his suffering. From confinement, he wrote letters to his people, which were smuggled out, then later collected and made into books.
http://www.amazon.com/Five-Loaves-Two-Fish-Thuan/dp/0966059751
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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: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 11:26 am |
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| The beginning of your "swim" is the hardest and for everyone who has a wonderful RCIA experience there are a whole bunch of us that survives it to reach the goal-Joining the ONE TRUE CHURCH. My sponsors were a couple in their 80's who were not extremely so they did not attend any of the prep work or rites along the way. They stood up with me at the Easter Vigil service. I knew when I asked them that they would not be able to attend the classes with me or any of the Rites along the way. What helped me was this forum and a friend who is a good Catholic. She actually gave me the RCIA contact info, reminded me of Holy Days and was available to help me discuss anything along the way. We both knew that I had to choose the older couple( good friends of both of us) even though she was the more instrumental person in my journey. The RCIA director had also told me that if it looked like either one's health would fail that they would be prepared to let me join privately ahead of Easter.My RCIA class consisted of mainly Catholics who had been raised Catholic as far as Baptism and maybe first Communion the unchurched or nominal protestants and myself. I was the only person with a history of steady lifelong church attendance in another church. I faced a barrage of anti Cat holism from my protestant friends and family on the one hand and a barrage of anti Cat holism from my secular friends and family who for years had barely accepted my Anglicanism because they assumed it wa a "Sunday" thing and something done to "process my kids". I also think that there is a time frame after your initial announcement that everyone settles down and assumes that this is a "phase" but resistance intensifies again the closer you get to becoming Cahtolic as people realize that you are serious.
____________________
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: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 11:32 am |
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| Oh I forgot- you mentioned that you make a better protestant- You are discovering something that many of us learned along the way- Catholism or Protestantism isn't just where you go on Sunday but a whole cultural way of life- just as moving to a new town/state/country takes adjustment so does crossing the Tiber. One doesn't magically plant them selves in a new place comfortable- first you learn the streets and businesses etc. then one day you wake up and realize that you "new location" has become home. Last edited on Tue Nov 27th, 2007 11:34 pm by kimdyuma
____________________
Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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EMarshallBuckles
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 520 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 11:48 am |
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| Hi Michelle! I think that the folks above give some sound advice, in my humble opinion. One thing that I had to learn is that we are all sinners, saved by Jesus Christ, and not one of us is perfect - only JESUS is perfect (and, of course, His Mother Mary is said to be the Immaculate Conception, I hasten to add to avoid a posting avalanche in support of her - I recognize that she is the greatest of all women who have ever lived, Marshall said, waving his white flag!!!). As a popular Christian hymn says, "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace!!" While I think that we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as all others, even so, our ultimate love and devotion must go to Jesus. We humans, while following Jesus, are going to have our failings at times and that is certainly true of our fellow church members. Another thing I had to learn is that there are some churches, in all denominations, where we may feel more comfortable and some churches where we will NOT feel comfortable. I think that God reaches out to all human kind, seeking to shepherd us unto Himself in many ways. People also tend to congregate where they are most comfortable. So, there are some people who are going to feel comfortable in one church but not in another and so forth. Point being is that you may need to look around and, praying for God's guidance, find a church where you are most comfortable. For example, my twin brother and I both ended up leaving the Christian Church where we were raised - neither of us were very comfortable there. We both ended up becoming Episcopalians for a while, however, my brother liked a "low church", more informal local church called St. Columba's, in our native Bristol, Tennessee. I started looking into the Episcopal Church too, but I felt most comfortable accross town at Emmanuel Episcopal Church (where, ironically, our mother had been raised before joining the Christian Church denomination) which was more "high church" as they say. My brother entered the Roman Catholic Church at Pope John XXIII Catholic Student Center at the University of Tennessee while he attended there for a while ("GO VOLS!!!" ;>, ha, ha). If I should ever enter the Roman Catholic Church, I would probably look for a more "high church", so to speak, Roman Catholic Church. Martin and I are identical twins but we are, as my wife has observed, sort of "mirror images" of each other - I am his "evil twin", bwaaahahaha!!! ;> Sorry, just kidding!!! Seriously though, you will find various churches in all denominatons which have differing perspectives. My sister, who remains in the Christian Church denomination complains that some Christian Churches, trying to be upbeat and "with it" are getting "praise bands" and getting too "get down and boogie", so to speak, for her tastes so she attends a more conservative, traditional Christian Church. Some churches, of all denominations, are going to be very emotional, some very intellectual, some churches very warm and open, some churches very distant and formal. They will generally remain true to the doctrines of their denomination, more or less, however, they are going to vary from one another in some ways as well. And, again, I think that God uses that, in wonderful ways, to lead us to HIM whether we realize it or not. So, all this by way of saying, and pardon me for going on at length, maybe I should write novels, ha, ha, that you probably do need to sort of "shop around" to find a Roman Catholic Church which is a "good fit" for you just as you would in other denominations too. If I were you, I would just pray "Lord, please lead me to the Roman Catholic church which is going to be the very best for me at this time in my life!" I wouldn't give up on the Roman Catholic denominaton without trying that prayer and being open to God's guidance first. May God bless and guide you!
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catholicdan
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| Joined: | Wed Jul 11th, 2007 |
| Location: | Merced, California USA |
| Posts: | 61 |
| First Name: | Danny | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | From A 2 Z now on to RC. |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 12:39 pm |
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Welcome to the world of humankind.
Michelle, I know your frustration. I know that the path of least resistance is to go back to your Protestant life, of course that would be the easy thing to do and you will enjoy it for a season... but then God will call on you again.
I am a preacher and minister that is converting to Catholicism. I know your struggles and what sacrifices you will have to make. I am also not going to sugar coat the truth. THere are good Catholics and then there of shell Catholics, just as there are good Protestants and those who think that going to church makes them "Christian" like somehow going into a garage makes one a car.
If your friends are really your "friends", then they will stand behind you even if they disagree with you. Those who are your "friends" based upon what they think you should believe, are not your friends but hinderances in your faithfulness to God and His calling on your life.
You seem very sure that the God has revealed to you that the Catholic Church is God's Church, yet you are willing to go back out of frustration with your RCIA class. Let me share with you my experience so far and why I am still going.
The first day my wife and I attended RCIA the Nun who runs RCIA made it very clear that she was a "staunch woman's libber" and was not afraid to admit it. She doesn't wear her habit and she voices that she thinks there should be women priest one day. I could have got up and walked out but that would be cowardly of me. I chose to stay because as I gave it more time, I started to voice my opinions in the class and now have a couple of new friends and one has become our sponsor.
You see Michelle, you are going to find all kinds of reasons not to stay because the enemy does not want you in God's True Church. I know that this is not popular in today's politically correct environment where men and women tend to be spiritual cowards or not even sure what they believe themselves, due to the lack of studying their own faith. But it all boils down to Michelle and no one else.
I am going to challenge you today Michelle and ask you to really search your heart and see who it is you are really serving. Are you serviing your selfish need for companionship or is your life truly after God's heart? Only you can answer this Michelle. But I think from what you have stated, you know where you need to be.
I am no different than you. I had to decide if my family, friends and even my livelyhood was more important than following the lead of God. Even as I write this to you I have struggles every day, but I keep pressing on no matter what my emotions or friends and family tell me. My wife and I are basically on our own when it comes to friends and family. We just gained two new friends in RCIA and I know that God will use that to strengthen us and encourage us.
If you quit Michelle the enemy has won. Time to understand you are in a spiritual battle and the cost is our souls. You are more than a conquerer. You can do all things through Christ who is your strength. When you are weak His stregnth will hold you up. Though a thousand fall on my left and ten thousand on my right, God is able to sustain me and give me the victory!
Our prayers are with you Michelle.
Dan and Nora.
Last edited on Tue Nov 27th, 2007 12:46 pm by catholicdan
____________________
"To be steeped in history is to cease to be Protestant." Cardinal Newman
"Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux,
Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux"
May the Holy Cross be my Light.
Let not the dragon be my guide.
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JillD
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 597 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 03:29 pm |
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I put my toes in the water of the Tiber off and on for several years, but there was always something that kept me from going. At some point, though, like you, I realized that the fullness of Truth was in the Catholic Church. No matter what, I had to be there. I knew no Catholics in my town so a woman I met here on this forum became my sponsor. I've never laid eyes on her face. ('Just had other Catholics fill in on the important dates.) My RCIA class was pretty bad and leads me to realize that, if that's the only teaching they're getting, it's no wonder people leave the Church. Plus, there I was, a 50-year-old gringa amidst a sea of young Hispanic and Mexican-American candidates. It took FOREVER for me to feel accepted by any of them. Slowly, but surely though, I made friends. I got involved in a Bible study and was also asked to help with the counting of the offering each week. Now I am actually sort of leading the next Bible study, or at least organizing it. I still feel a little like I'm treated as a minority - strange to feel that way in the US - but as my face becomes more familiar, I see more recognition and acceptance in people's eyes. I stay at this parish because the pastor is very orthodox - no funny business - and I find the sanctuary lowers my blood pressure and relieves my anxiety the moment I walk in the door. And there is NOTHING like the Eucharist. The Eucharist, if it were the ONLY reason I became Catholic, is reason enough.
This journey is almost NEVER easy. Has anyone reading this had an easy, untroubled journey? If so, tell us about it! My family is now spread all over the map - my husband is still Lutheran, the girls are trying out Anglo-Catholicism - so I feel as if I've broken the unity there. But it doesn't matter if they don't get it. I got it, and it sounds like you got it. TRUTH is in the Catholic Church. If you just want to feel good and have friends, join a quilting bee. But don't give up on what God has shown you!! Have courage. It's worth it.
God bless you and may He light your path.
Jill
____________________
"The alternative to obedience is to turn the conversation into a cacophony of Christians making it up as they go along." - Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 520 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 04:29 pm |
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To Jill above I would say that you and my Mom could probably sympathize with each other. Mom has been a Christian Church member. She had, before he passed on, God rest his soul, a Presbyterian husband, and her children have been in other denominations as well as my younger brother proclaiming himself to be an agnostic. I have known of other families like ours, however. Some families do remain in the same denomination for generations, however, many others can be "all over the map", so to speak, in denominations. I think that God does meet us where we are and shepherd us along home in various ways which we cannot know in this life but will appreciate in heaven some day.
To CatholicDan, above, while I respect and admire you for giving the Nun some slack, even so, I think that she needs to either change her attitude or change her denomination. Seems like she would be a great candidate for Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, ha,ha! Seriously, I am sorry to have to say this, however, if I was in a class like that and if a Nun or Priest or layperson started saying something that I, fairly well informed person about such things as I am, knew or suspected was at variance with the official position of the church, I would first respectfully yet firmly confront the Nun or Priest or Layperson about it (Scripture provides this procedure). Then, if they insisted that their position was firm about it, I would be in touch with their immediate superior and thence on to the Bishop and all the way up to the Pope if need be. I greatly respected and admired Pope John Paul II, one of my heroes and I think of him as Pope John Paul the Great. One of many things which he did that I greatly admired was when he arrived in South (or was it Central?) America and when a well known Priest whose teaching had been at variance with church doctrine approached him, Pope John Paul II started to immediately reprimand the Priest! I wanted to stand on my chair and cheer when I saw that! On one hand, I would not want the Nun to lose her job, however, on the other hand, what she told you IS apparently at variance with church doctrine and she needs to be corrected and, if need be disciplined, in my humble opinion. I heard tell that when Bishop DiLorenzo, Bishop of Richmond, arrived in this Diocese, he confronted some Nuns and Priests who had been going outside of Catholic Doctrine and got them straightened out right quick. I say "hooray for the Bishop!"
With the above in mind, I would also add to what I suggested to Michelle that if she is not getting what she needs in her instruction and support, go to the Parish Priest, go to the Bishop and, if need be, go to the Pope. I am truly sorry if I offend anyone by saying that and I realize that sometimes you do have to sort of "shop around" for a church where you will feel comfortable and be getting a steady diet of true Christian doctrine and worship. However, I think that sometimes God does expect us to, for the good of all, be like Jesus cleansing the Temple. Not a happy thought but necessary at times.
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CalvinistinCrisis
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 28th, 2007 |
| Location: | Indiana USA |
| Posts: | 34 |
| First Name: | Keith | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | non-denominational, reformed Presbyterian, Catholic (RCIA currently, class of 08) |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 05:07 pm |
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Michelle, I undertand what you are going through. We have RCIA again tonight and everytime I go I want to quit. Then when it comes time to go again I find myself going back. I wish I could say something that would make it all better but knowing people like you are out there having the same struggles as me give me a little strength.
It's hard going from where Jesus said "I am THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life" to Jesus is a way, a truth, and a life. Or the all roads lead to Rome mentality. Or knowing the Bible is the innerant inspired word of God to it being reduced to a collection of myths and fables by Priests and Nuns. Those two ideas were the first thing that hit me at RCIA and it's been down hill since. They don't even believe there own cathechism and encourage others to think in the same way. It's awful. Most of the leaders don't speak to me because I carry my cathecism to RCIA for reference in case something sounds "hokey" and my sponser is known for his orthodoxy and that maybe is hurting us making any friends and caused some negative treatment we get from the leaders.
My wife and I left a wonderful Presbyterian (PCA) church (as far as fellowship goes and orthodox) our jobs and a seminary scholarship, friends, family etc., behind to become Catholic and the RCIA has been the worst of it. I'm not bringing this up to say "pity me" but just to encourage you that many of us are counting the cost to enter the Church just as you are. It would be nice though if we could be taught the truth and treated with some dignity as we go through the RCIA program, but you know this too (RCIA) will pass. And you know what? Easter is early on the calendar this year, March 23 I think, and there are a few class breaks in there. That means we don't have to endure as long as some of the Tiber swimmers that have gone before us. Well I hope something I have said somthing in my rambling that will bring you encouragement Michelle. God Bless you on your journey.
PS. If you wanna meet great orthodox Catholics find conferences in your area from reputable speakers and get involved in pro-life activities. That's my two cents
Last edited on Tue Nov 27th, 2007 05:21 pm by CalvinistinCrisis
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"It is one thing to see the Land of Peace from a wooded ridge and another to tread the path that leads to it" St. Augustines Confessions 7:21
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 520 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 06:13 pm |
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| Folks, I have to say this again, respectfully submitted. If I was in a RCIA class and the Priests and Nuns were saying a lot of stuff I felt was not supported by the Bible, was not in accordance with Church doctrine, I would be raising a big stink with the Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal and even with the Pope! I would urge you to do so! Those people need to be disciplined! If they have fallen away from the faith, they need to leave the church if they are not willing to change their positions. They are undermining the Catholic Church!! I urge you to report them on up the line to their superiors and I am serious about going so far as to report them to the Pope!
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CalvinistinCrisis
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 28th, 2007 |
| Location: | Indiana USA |
| Posts: | 34 |
| First Name: | Keith | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | non-denominational, reformed Presbyterian, Catholic (RCIA currently, class of 08) |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 10:37 pm |
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EMarshallBuckles wrote: Folks, I have to say this again, respectfully submitted. If I was in a RCIA class and the Priests and Nuns were saying a lot of stuff I felt was not supported by the Bible, was not in accordance with Church doctrine, I would be raising a big stink with the Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal and even with the Pope! I would urge you to do so! Those people need to be disciplined! If they have fallen away from the faith, they need to leave the church if they are not willing to change their positions. They are undermining the Catholic Church!! I urge you to report them on up the line to their superiors and I am serious about going so far as to report them to the Pope!
Thank you for your concern but is it really the responisibility of people coming into the church to clean it up? I just got back from RCIA tonight and we sat in silence while we focused on our breathing and cleared our minds while we breathed in Gods's love and breathed out negativity. Yes, it was very weird. I didn't participate, I just quietly reflected on some scriptures. I just wish we could find a good RCIA program to go to.
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"It is one thing to see the Land of Peace from a wooded ridge and another to tread the path that leads to it" St. Augustines Confessions 7:21
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Br_Carlo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tyler, Texas USA |
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| First Name: | Br_Carlo (Vince Brach) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Episcopalian, CATHOLIC |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 11:02 pm |
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| God's peace. "Calvinist," I truly sympathize. Although my RCIA class was never weird--just boring and unnecessary, IMHO--I went directly to the bishop and asked him to look at my case individually. In doing this, I was able to get "moved to the head of the line" and did not have to wait for months. You might see if your bishop would offer to interview you! Blessings, ~Br_Carlo~
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Credo Catholic
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Nov 27th, 2007 11:23 pm |
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Lord I love this forum! I've had a really bad sinus infection and felt so bad I couldn't log on much lately, but it's so good to be back and read these posts about RCIA.
I sat through so many evenings of RCIA trying not to yawn, hearing one person say something this night and another person disputing it the next week. I have to say, I never heard anything outright anti-doctrinal, but it is a challenge to join an RCIA class and try to attend every week from September to March, or April. There were times I didn't feel like going, but it became a sort of quest for me. I became more and more determined that I was going to do whatever it took to join this church, the Catholic Church, come hell or high water. We all go through it to some degree. It's not like hopping into a bed of roses! Michelle, I pray you will find the perseverence you need to stick with it, with or without a participating sponsor. My sponsor didn't attend our parish and never attended any of our classes or rites, she only came to the Easter Vigil. But I had chosen her because I knew she is a seriously practicing Catholic who prayed for me and answered questions whenever I called her. I didn't know a soul at our parish either, but I do now. It takes time. I like the statement of Kim above, it is like moving to a new country, where you don't know people or their customs or the language, you only know you're where you're supposed to be. Please don't give up; by continuing even when you feel like giving up, you'll have a sweeter reward in the end. God bless your journey.
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 520 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Wed Nov 28th, 2007 01:14 am |
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CalvinistinCrisis wrote: EMarshallBuckles wrote: Folks, I have to say this again, respectfully submitted. If I was in a RCIA class and the Priests and Nuns were saying a lot of stuff I felt was not supported by the Bible, was not in accordance with Church doctrine, I would be raising a big stink with the Bishop, Archbishop, Cardinal and even with the Pope! I would urge you to do so! Those people need to be disciplined! If they have fallen away from the faith, they need to leave the church if they are not willing to change their positions. They are undermining the Catholic Church!! I urge you to report them on up the line to their superiors and I am serious about going so far as to report them to the Pope!
Thank you for your concern but is it really the responisibility of people coming into the church to clean it up? I just got back from RCIA tonight and we sat in silence while we focused on our breathing and cleared our minds while we breathed in Gods's love and breathed out negativity. Yes, it was very weird. I didn't participate, I just quietly reflected on some scriptures. I just wish we could find a good RCIA program to go to.
Kindly, respectfully speaking, to summarize a private message I sent to you, yes, I think that sometimes God does use new people, coming into the church, to help it and that people have a responsibility to help get things back on track if someone is going off on some sort of weird angle. If I was in that class, I am afraid that by now I would have been finding another class which would better help me. I would also probably have been discussing the matter with the Bishop like Bro Carlo suggested. In My Humble Opinion, of course.
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Michelle1982
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
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| First Name: | Michelle | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | protestant services at military chapels, Bible, Baptist, Berean, Calvary Chapel, ... |
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Posted: Wed Nov 28th, 2007 05:06 am |
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Thank you Marshall for your advice. I have had bad RCIA experiences, like when a priest at another parish told me that all faiths led to heaven. I told the priest at my parish what he said. Also, one of the leaders in my RCIA class said it did not matter whether I was Mormon, Catholic, Buddist, I was only accountable to God for what I knew. So, if God called me to be Mormon, then I needed to be the best Mormon that I could be. Well, I told the priest at my parish. He took care of it. I also complained to the priest about the wrong stuff the RCIA has been teaching. They are now going to start having a priest come and check it out now and then, even teach some, to make sure that it is being taught correctly. So, when things are wrong, I go to the top myself, too. In fact, I will be pursuing what the priest told me about all faiths lead to heaven. So, thanks for your advice about not letting things go. If I do stick it out, I will be making sure at least my parish makes some major changes.
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"..............From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Luke 12:48
"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." J
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Ali
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| Joined: | Sat Jan 6th, 2007 |
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| First Name: | Ali | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | JW, finally fully Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Nov 28th, 2007 08:19 am |
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{{{Michelle}}} I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. You've already gotten lots of advice. I only wanted to add my support and prayers to the thread.
Ali
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 520 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Wed Nov 28th, 2007 11:44 am |
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Michelle1982 wrote: Thank you Marshall for your advice. I have had bad RCIA experiences, like when a priest at another parish told me that all faiths led to heaven. I told the priest at my parish what he said. Also, one of the leaders in my RCIA class said it did not matter whether I was Mormon, Catholic, Buddist, I was only accountable to God for what I knew. So, if God called me to be Mormon, then I needed to be the best Mormon that I could be. Well, I told the priest at my parish. He took care of it. I also complained to the priest about the wrong stuff the RCIA has been teaching. They are now going to start having a priest come and check it out now and then, even teach some, to make sure that it is being taught correctly. So, when things are wrong, I go to the top myself, too. In fact, I will be pursuing what the priest told me about all faiths lead to heaven. So, thanks for your advice about not letting things go. If I do stick it out, I will be making sure at least my parish makes some major changes.
Marshall stands on his chair and cheers for and applauds Michelle!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!! I am DELIGHTED!!! I have to imagine that God is pleased with you too!!! Oh Michelle, I hope that you WILL continue on in the Roman Catholic Church because I think that the church will be so greatly BLESSED to have you as a member!! Thank you for doing what you did!! The Pope ought to go ahead and make you Blessed Michelle!!! I pray for God's richest blessings upon you!!!
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