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lkm
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| Joined: | Mon Mar 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Saint Paul, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | active in LC-MS, current RCIA candidate |
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Posted: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 03:55 pm |
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i've been attending RCIA classes since last fall as a means to further understand catholicism. when asked about my "conversion process," i tell people that i was a proud lutheran and that God seems to have been gently nudging me along for the last 3 years in the direction of Catholicism. now the time is nearing where a decision must be made..
i spent some time with a priest recently discussing issues with which i had been struggling, i.e.: purgatory, annulments, etc. he was very helpful in shedding some light on those subjects, but i am still unsure as to whether or not i should actually convert this Easter Vigil. i know others are struggling with this as several people in my class shared openly, their fear of knowing whether or not they should convert.
My struggle, is such that on one hand, i've come to sincerely appreciate and find great truth in the Catholic teachings, and the reality they bring to the Bible and Christian life, in general. On the other hand, my heart feels numb. I'm sure this is Satan trying, and obviously succeeding, in hardening my heart as a way of coping with such important uncertainty. i seem to feel apathetic in a way as well as constantly tempted.. and constantly failing to resist temptation.
So, though I'm able to say "yes, factually, i believe what the Catholic church teaches to be truth," my heart feels separated from all of this. i wonder if my first confession and being in full communion with the church will heal this but should i go through with the converting with such a stoney heart? if not, then what do i do, belonging in a church (LCMS) i enjoy, but whose teachings with which i now struggle?
:?
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5101 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 04:27 pm |
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First of all, Laura, welcome to CHN and to the Catholic Church.
I am not a convert, so I'm not sure my opinions would express what you need to hear, but I think you need to be committed to Truth. Where do you see Truth? Will it ever be enough for you to "enjoy" a worship service you now believe to be inadequate?
As the quote in my signature states, understanding begins with faith. You will never fully understand all that there is to know. So much of it is beyond our human comprehension.
You should not make this faith commitment unless you are certain, but how certain must you be? Assume that you decide not to join the Catholic Church. Next year, will you regret your decision? Will you regret your decision if you do?
____________________
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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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 260 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 05:17 pm |
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lkm wrote: '...My struggle, is such that on one hand, i've come to sincerely appreciate and find great truth in the Catholic teachings, and the reality they bring to the Bible and Christian life, in general. On the other hand, my heart feels numb. I'm sure this is Satan trying, and obviously succeeding, in hardening my heart as a way of coping with such important uncertainty. i seem to feel apathetic in a way as well as constantly tempted.. and constantly failing to resist temptation.
So, though I'm able to say "yes, factually, i believe what the Catholic church teaches to be truth," my heart feels separated from all of this. i wonder if my first confession and being in full communion with the church will heal this but should i go through with the converting with such a stoney heart? if not, then what do i do, belonging in a church (LCMS) i enjoy, but whose teachings with which i now struggle?
:?
Laura,
Hi. Like Rick, I am a cradle Catholic, so I can't fully empathize with your struggle on this particular issue.
But let's try to boil it down, shall we? From what I'm reading it looks like you have a this vs. that struggle. This is the Truth, accompanied by a certain dullness because of your "stony heart", while That is belonging to a church with which [teachings] you struggle, yet it is accompanied by enjoyment.
Hm. So on the one hand you have Truth with a stony heart and on the other you have incomplete Truth (for lack of a better word at the moment) and enjoyment. OK, now let's weigh those out. Maybe you need to ask yourself which is more important: your emotional state or the "matter of fact"? Then you have to ask yourself what you're seeking. Are you seeking a "home" Church that you plan on staying in for the long haul which will lead you on your journey to Eternal Life? - or would you rather concentrate on a very potentially temporary situation where your "enjoyment" may not last?
See, the emotional state is never trustworthy for any length of time. Emotions are fleeting. They come and go. You may "enjoy" your church right now. But what happens when the enjoyment goes away, as it inevitably will (even becoming Catholic will not always be an "enjoyable" experience, believe me!). Life is never all about enjoyment. It can't be. There are too many things that happen in life. Struggles and victories, joys and sorrows, pain and pleasure. What you need is a constant, especially where your Faith is concerned.
OK, so we can see that "enjoyment" is temporary. Now, what about "Truth"? Is it fleeting? Will it go away? Does it even have anything to do with emotions at all? See, Truth is Truth, no matter what other conflicting emotions and changeable conditions are going on around it. Truth is the Center around which everything else moves. Like the Sun. It's a constant. It sheds its light upon all that moves around it. Depending on which way we turn, towards or away from it, we will either be facing Darkness or Light.
So I ask you: do you want to focus your life on a moveable planet whose light of enjoyment, so to speak, is dependent upon every little which way it turns, so that you never really have a clue about your direction [without the Sun as the focal point to guide you anyway]? - or do you want to focus on the Truth, the Son (pun intended) Himself, which is the Constant, the Center, That around which everything else lives and moves and has their being?
Only you can answer that question.
JMJ
- Cheri
____________________
“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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Ruthie
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houston, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 99 |
| First Name: | Ruthie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nominal Presbyterian, aetheist, evangelical Christian/Episcopalian, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 06:32 pm |
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Laura,
I am a convert. I felt much as you do at the end of RCIA classes, recognizing Truth, but wondering why I didn't "feel" how I thought I should feel. We can't base our faith on feelings. Feelings are whimsical, changing, fleeting, deceptive, emotional, up and down. How can there be any doubt that you should choose what your mind knows is Truth?
I went ahead and made my profession of faith in spite of still feeling awkward about embracing something so unfamiliar to my protestant background as Catholicism. I've learned so much since then and now "feel" Catholic through and through. As Rick said, you will never understand it all. That is what is so beautiful about the Catholic Church. It is a treasury of beauty, wisdom, truth, history. You can spend a lifetime learning and experiencing it.
I heard an English priest, a convert from the Church of England, on the Journey Home show. He said it took him 12 years to get his mind wrapped around the Catholic understanding of Mary after he had already become Catholic. His recommendation was to go ahead and embrace Catholicism, beause it is the Truth, and learn as you go along once you're there, like Rick's signature says.
I don't think you will have any regrets going ahead with your conversion. Then you will be on the inside and you will feel more and more comfortable with being there and learning even more wonderful truths. You will come to "enjoy" it too. Eventually, it will "feel" comfortable and right, just like you'd been a cradle Catholic all along.
I will pray for your peace of mind about it all.
Ruthie
Last edited on Tue Mar 6th, 2007 12:25 am by Ruthie
____________________
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (NRSV, Luke 18:17)
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 777 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 07:25 pm |
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Greetings lkm,
Your posting reminded me of my Journey to the RCC. I was raised in a religion that was VERY anti-Catholic. They have published many books and articles against the RCC. Part of my youth was spent living with my grandmother. When ever I did something I should not have done and tried to make the excuse that a cousin had done it also, she would ask me if the cousin jumped off a bridge would I do that too. Her point was that I should do what I think is right no matter what anyone else does. So, when I realized how wrong the religion of my childhood was and how correct the teachings of the RCC was, I knew what I had to do but at the same time I was terrified!!! I had to give up what I had believed all my life and at the age of 70, do an about face. That very action is why I selected St. Paul as my saint and had his name on my name tag during Easter Vigil. We had both been going down the wrong direction on life's road and had to turn about. Immediately after the Easter Vigil service, I realized that the feeling of terror was gone. It had been replaced by feelings of peace, happiness and maybe even feeling a little "high". To this day, I am very glad that I did not let the feelings of terror get the best of me.
I wish you the best as you make you way along your Journey. 
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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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: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 10:34 pm |
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Bodrod,
Do I understand you correctly when you say you became a Catholic at age 70? Remember Leonna Choy, on the Journey Home episode? She was in her 70's when converting. And Donut Man said that he was "Late for Supper." Hey, as my grandmother always said, "Better late than never." 
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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BodRod
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 777 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Mon Mar 5th, 2007 11:40 pm |
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Hi Darlene,
Yes, that is correct. I had always been interested in the RCC and why they do what they do. After retirement I saw an ad for the book "Why Do Catholics Do That?" by Kevin Orlin Johnson, Ph.D. I bought the book and started reading it. I argued with just about everything I read in the book. I would read something and say to myself, "That's crazy! That is not in the Bible." Then I would go to the Bible and what do you know; there it was. That happened to me over and over and over. I already knew something about Jewish teachings so I began to put it all together. I studied and argued with just about everything for close to 5 years. I finally gave up and started attending RCIA. I still kept questioning EVERTHING. The RCIA leader was a kind person and VERY patient. After a few sessions she got to where she would start and end every session with, "Are there any questions?" In addition to what I learned from my studies, I started having things happen to me that, in my opinion, were waaaaaaay beyond chance or probability. So far, I have had 11 things happen which I believe were beyond chance and for which I have no explanation. In addition, when I told my sponsor about some of the things that had been happening to me, he told me of some of the things that happened to him when he was doubting or moving slower along his Journey than "someone" thought he should be moving. I talked to a ham radio friend about my Journey and he related some things that happened to him to help him along his Journey freom the Jewish faith to the RCC. So, after about 5+ years of study as "they say", "Now I are one!" My Easter Vigil was one month and I turned 70 the next month.
Now, tell me, is that the longest "Yes" answer you have ever read? 
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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kimdyuma
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 776 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Tue Mar 6th, 2007 02:48 pm |
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| I am anxiously awaiting my acceptance into the church this Easter- but that being said I have been a lifelong Anglican and will miss the Anglican rite service, I also have been a member of my current church since 1984 and will miss the congregation- it is a sad feeling to go to a service and not see familiar faces but the feeling of peace overcomes all of these.. I hope that it is so for you too
____________________
Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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susiedear
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| Joined: | Thu Oct 12th, 2006 |
| Location: | Twin Cities, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 186 |
| First Name: | Elizabeth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Pentecostal / Evangelical / Catholic! |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 01:54 pm |
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Dear Laura, I'm so glad to see a fellow Minnesotan on this board -- welcome! As you can tell from my profile, I am in the process of conversion and will be received this Easter Vigil. My conversion started over 20 years ago when I was a student in Bible college and realized that the Bible can be used to justify all sorts of strange beliefs. That started my search for one authoritative truth, and while my journey has been long and circuitous, it led me to the Catholic Church.
My journey has not been without cost. My husband and children are not converting with me, and my relationship with my extended family, especially my mother, is greatly strained. Last week I thought how it would solve all sorts of problems if I stop walking on this path and forget that I even started. But I can't! I have found the truth and it is like a precious jewel, far too valuable to let go. Even my husband says there is no way I shouldn't become Catholic.
A few weeks ago I had to miss Mass because I had a terrible, constant, hacking cough. When I was able to go the following week, it felt as though I had been gone a million years. I "feel" Catholic, even though I am not yet officially received.
Dear Laura, I will pray for you, that God will give you his peace and strength as you continue the discernment process.
Elizabeth
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But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. St. Augustine
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K. Ewald
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| Joined: | Tue Feb 27th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | Kimberly | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic, Baptist, Evangelical Covenant, Lutheran |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 02:55 pm |
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Hello, Laura! Welcome to CHN! I'm relatively new here, too, and originally a Minnesotan. Boy-oh-boy, can I relate to your post.
Like you, I'm a Lutheran---not lifelong, but I converted to it in fall 2002, for my family. I, too, began RCIA this past fall; and like you, I have struggled with this hard-hearted feeling. For about two-and-a-half months (beginning around Thanksgiving), I just lost all my enthusiasm about converting to the Catholic church. I knew it was "right" and had the truth. I knew that the Lutheran church does not have the whole truth and that it in fact has a lot of problems. I couldn't figure out how a perfect Jesus would not have left his people with a way to learn how to be absolutely holy (especially since he commanded us to be holy as he is holy). I knew if I was going to stay a Christian, I would have to become a Catholic. But there was this part of me really rebelling---it was like I was being tested constantly, and I wasn't always choosing the right things. I mean, even if I DID the right things, my mind was thinking that there might come a time that I WOULDN'T want to do the right things, and if I was a Catholic, that would mean big trouble. Confession! Penance! Yikes!
But I ended up doing as one of the other posters suggested---really weighing the effects of truth vs. emotions. I knew I had to get over myself. I had a conversation with the deacon who leads my RCIA class, and he reassured me that I don't have to be a perfect Catholic, just an ordinary one. I think for some converts, this really is the scary part---we realize how beautiful and good and pure and true the teachings of the Catholic church are, and we feel completely inadequate. Someone somewhere on this forum put the following quote in one of her posts, and I liked it so much I copied it down and shared it with my RCIA class when we were discussing how our discernment was progressing:
"God does not call those who are qualified; He qualifies those whom He has called."
That really helped me. I hope it helps you, too.
Oh, Laura, I understand so much what you are going through. And I am STILL struggling---right now with the authority of the Church, because I am facing an issue with the validity of my marriage (long story). I feel, though, that God keeps reminding me that He will help me in all my shortcomings and unbelief; my job is to obey His call.
For your part, Laura, maybe this just isn't the right time. Do you know that it's okay to say "no" for now, if you really don't feel God calling you to become Catholic? I thought about saying "no" for now, for many reasons. But I know that trying to stay in the Lutheran church just isn't going to work for me. Eventually, I'm going to come back to this spot where I am right now, looking to enter the Catholic church and really longing for it (in spite of myself, sometimes!).
What helped me get out of my long "time in the desert" was to just take it all to the Lord in prayer. I sat there with my Bible and told Him EVERYTHING I was thinking and feeling. Then I asked him to please lead me to something in Scripture that would help. Immediately, he sent me to read 1st Peter. As I read it, I realized it was addressing every one of my difficulties! It was incredible, and it did reassure me that I was on the right path. That was the second time I felt I received a real "sign" from God that He wanted me to be in the Catholic church.
I and so many others here in this forum will be praying for you. You are truly not alone.
God bless you, Laura.
Kimberly
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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: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 03:38 pm |
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BodRod wrote: Hi Darlene,
Yes, that is correct. I had always been interested in the RCC and why they do what they do. After retirement I saw an ad for the book "Why Do Catholics Do That?" by Kevin Orlin Johnson, Ph.D. I bought the book and started reading it. I argued with just about everything I read in the book. I would read something and say to myself, "That's crazy! That is not in the Bible." Then I would go to the Bible and what do you know; there it was. That happened to me over and over and over. I already knew something about Jewish teachings so I began to put it all together. I studied and argued with just about everything for close to 5 years. I finally gave up and started attending RCIA. I still kept questioning EVERTHING. The RCIA leader was a kind person and VERY patient. After a few sessions she got to where she would start and end every session with, "Are there any questions?" In addition to what I learned from my studies, I started having things happen to me that, in my opinion, were waaaaaaay beyond chance or probability. So far, I have had 11 things happen which I believe were beyond chance and for which I have no explanation. Bod Rod, can you share any of these 11 things? I would love to hear about it, for I am going through some challenges right now on this path toward Catholicism. In addition, when I told my sponsor about some of the things that had been happening to me, he told me of some of the things that happened to him when he was doubting or moving slower along his Journey than "someone" thought he should be moving. I talked to a ham radio friend about my Journey and he related some things that happened to him to help him along his Journey freom the Jewish faith to the RCC. So, after about 5+ years of study as "they say", "Now I are one!" My Easter Vigil was one month and I turned 70 the next month.
Now, tell me, is that the longest "Yes" answer you have ever read?
BodRod, I love lengthy "yes" answers.
God Bless You!
Darlene
____________________
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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BodRod
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 777 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 06:51 pm |
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Bod Rod, can you share any of these 11 things? I would love to hear about it, for I am going through some challenges right now on this path toward Catholicism.
Several things have happened to me on my way to the RCC. Considered separately, each one could be just a coincidence. When considering them together however, they stand out as strange happenings and they make me feel very uneasy. I like to have an answer for everything so these make me VERY uneasy. Some of them are listed here for your consideration.
- When I visited the local Catholic Church, early in my religious travels, I noticed that I felt very peaceful in the church. One corner of the church was so peaceful and quiet that I remember sitting down in a pew. I just sat there enjoying the feeling. There was a strange looking box in the corner with a likeness of a lamb on the front. I could not figure out what it was for or why it was there. I had always thought that the Host was ALWAYS kept in a fancy box in the front of the church so it never crossed my mind that I was sitting near the presence of the Holy Eucharistic. However, even in my ignorance of my surroundings, I knew I liked it there and I went back several times to just sit and enjoy.
- I was having a LOT of trouble at home regarding my decisions to attend RCIA and later to join the RCC. I wrote to several sites relating to various EWTN programs and asked to be remembered in their prayers. I did not give them any details about myself or my situation. I just asked for their prayers. Most of the sites just sent a form beggar letter wanting money. However, when I asked to be remembered in the prayers of The Journey Home program staff I was assigned a support person by CHN. It turned out that the person assigned to me came from the same religion I had come from, had attended the same college I had attended, had experienced some of the same types of problems with a spouse over the same decisions I had made and was a university professor as I am.
- When the priest blessed the wooden crosses we were all given during RCIA and, at a later service, when our Bibles were blessed and given to us, I was aware of a strong aroma of roses. It was not the smell of a flower arrangement or a woman’s perfume but rather an oppressive aroma that was so strong I could hardly breathe. At the next RCIA meeting I asked about the meaning of aroma in the Holy Water. The RCIA leader told us that Father T. did not add an aroma to the Holy Water. I did NOT want to hear that so I went to Father T. and asked him about the aroma. He re-affirmed that he never added an aroma to the Holy Water. So, what could I do but head straight to the Internet. I was not alone in smelling roses in certain situations. Roses, the image of roses and the aroma of roses have been associated with St. Mary. I was left with the feeling that there is a plan to my life so I had better "get on the stick", figure it out and get started living it!
- During my RCIA experience, I had been looking for a source of prayers. I had not mentioned to anyone that I was doing so. One night when RCIA was over and I was getting ready to go home, a lady in the group walked up to me and handed a book of prayers. In addition to the gift of the prayer book, the book had been personalized with my name in gold letters on the front cover.
So, what do you think Darlene?
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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thiscatholicjourney
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 7th, 2006 |
| Location: | Reno, Nevada USA |
| Posts: | 34 |
| First Name: | Amber | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | From non-denominational to Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 08:12 pm |
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lkm,
You are not alone! My conversion is almost entirely intellectual... I feel that, if I continue to follow God into His Church, my heart is bound to catch up with my head...
Whenever I begin to doubt, I think back to a few main things...
One: The Catholic Church IS the church of history (the evidence for this is undeniable)
Two: Christ promised to protect His church and he keeps his promises.
Three: I cannot deny Tradition, since without it, we would not even HAVE the Bible we love so dearly.
Four: I cannot deny the real presence in the Eucharist. Christ was too clear on the subject!
Five: I cannot accept the "faith alone" tradition I was brought up in.
Six: The gospel message central to my Protestant faith is also found in Catholicism. Christ is the Son of God who died for my sins on the cross and by his grace, I am saved...
When I think of these things, there is nowhere else I'd rather be... I will be received at Easter (in just ONE month) and I cannot wait to be "home". I feel I will then be a "completed Christian"... and I cannot settle for less than the full truth!
May God give both of us the heart we desire!
God Bless YOU!!!!
____________________
Proudly entered the Catholic Church in 2007!
Learn about my journey!
http://thiscatholicjourney.com/blog.htm
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salvernaz
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| Joined: | Wed Mar 7th, 2007 |
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| First Name: | Sheryl | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Free Will Baptist, Southern Baptist, considering conversion to Catholicism |
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Posted: Wed Mar 7th, 2007 10:15 pm |
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I just described this scenario to my sister in law in the same way. I'm feeling like a person "without a country" right now.
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CajunRick
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| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
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Posted: Thu Mar 8th, 2007 01:53 am |
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salvernaz wrote: I just described this scenario to my sister in law in the same way. I'm feeling like a person "without a country" right now.
Sheryl welcome to the Coming Home Network. I hope we'll be able to help you find your way, wherever your faith destination might happen to be. Please feel free to ask questions or comment on any subject. I hope you'll find us helpful and friendly, and you'll be happy you visited.
Once again, welcome to CHN, and to the Catholic faith.
____________________
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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lkm
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| Joined: | Mon Mar 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Saint Paul, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Laura | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | active in LC-MS, current RCIA candidate |
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Posted: Thu Mar 8th, 2007 01:59 am |
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its me again, just wanted to thank everyone for the prayers, bits of wisdom, advice, and for sharing their own stories.. helps to know i'm not the only one feeling the force of satan at such a trying time.
just a note, when i spoke of "enjoy"ing the Lutheran church I now attend, I meant it in a shoulder-shrug kind of way, like "meh?" its good... there doing some good things, but its not the meat I'm looking for, nor do i feel the same peace others have mentioned, that i feel i the presence of the Eucharist!! i kind of view the liturgical mass as the essential and the lutheran service i attend as a nice little supplement and i believe that God is still working in all of the other churches. i've been an active member of the LCMS church since I can remember.. and though I will fully embrace Catholicism, I see no problem with continuing to partake in some things Lutheran (such as volunteering with the youth group or going to a praise and worship service once in a while), obviously, i wouldn't partake in communion once I actually convert to catholicism. =)
either way... i do appreciate the support here and all of the different ways others were able to relate.. especially to the struggle of feeling unworthy, sinful, and unsure!!
prayer is an amazing armor of battle and i'm grateful that this site enable us to join together for the fight...
blessings,
lkmLast edited on Thu Mar 8th, 2007 10:44 am by lkm
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 776 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 8th, 2007 10:59 am |
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| Right now I am kind of trying to adjust to the fact that we no longer say as a family we belong to___________since my husband will continue taking the kids to their new church and I will be going to mine alone. If they had stayed at our own church I would probably have continued to attend ( though not take part) and go to our Saturday service by myself ( I am already considering my self part of the parish that I will be attending after RCIA) but the new church that split off from our current Episcopal church has one service at 9 am and for 20 years I have walked with an older relative in the mornings before church- it would be unfair to dump her at this stage so Brad will be taking the kids with out me. Continue to pray that my kids will decide to join me eventually. One of the problems is that my son has autism and is not comfortable with change- the new Anglican church is comprised of about 80 people that were the most familiar to him at our old church. Since we have a huge winter visitor population they swell the ranks in the winter so there were lots of strange faces. Another sad thing for the church is that the 80 people that left were the heaviest involved in children's choir, the acolyte program, Sunday school and catechism classes, youth group stuff etc, so our old church is floundering and many of the parishioners are angry because the split has left their children with out some Sunday school teachers, no one is scheduling acolytes etc. I think that obviously they need to step out and pick up the slack!
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Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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Darlene
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| 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: Fri Mar 9th, 2007 02:17 pm |
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In response to BodRod,
I can definately understand that the experiences you mentioned would be indications that the Lord was directing you to the Catholic Church.
To all my CHN Family,
I have had some wonderful experiences on this journey toward Catholicism as well. The first time I attended the parish (which I have been going to ever since) back in December, I met two beautiful (in spirit) Catholic women who exhibited kindness toward me. They are both involved in pro-life work. I approached them after the morning Mass, and was invited to go to breakfast with them. During breakfast, they both said grace openly and also "witnessed" to the waitress. They paid for my breakfast, which impressed me immensely. Through the actions of these two women, I saw some of my Protestant misconceptions about Catholics dispelled.
Also, when I attended Mass that morning, I was very aware of Jesus' presence there. I felt flooded with His peace and at one point, tears welled up in my eyes. I attended Mass that morning with much apprehension, not sure what I would find and if I would ever want to go back. But contrary to my concerns, I have a deep longing to attend Mass.
I met the priest of that parish, who has been very kind to me. He often asks me if I have any questions regarding the Catholic faith. And every time I stop to talk to him, he has the time and goes out of his way to encourage me in my faith journey. He showed me once, that in the pocket of his robe, he carries both my husband's and my name to remind him to pray for us.
One of the signs that has been reassuring to me recently, was in answer to prayer. After the Ash Wednesday service, Father spoke with me for almost two hours, answering questions and helping me to understand the Catholic faith. I showed him my rosary, and he went over to the baptismal font and blessed it. Two days later, I was praying the Most Holy Rosary around noon. Immediately after I was finished, the phone rang. It was in direct answer to prayer. I was hired for a position in a mental health organization that works with children. I couldn't help but wonder if Father blessing my rosary, then praying the prayer of the Rosary, then receiving a direct answer to prayer immediately afterward, wasn't an indication from our Lord that I am on the right path.
However, I continually go through struggles. I still "feel" Protestant in many ways. The culture of the Catholic Church still seems foreign to me at times. I worry that I may regret actually becoming Catholic, because I will forever burn the bridges between me and my Protestant brothers and sisters, whom I love dearly. There are no Catholics in my life whatsoever. All of my friends, many whom I have been close to for years, are Protestant. We have loved, laughed, cried, prayed together over many things. I ache to think of how much I will miss them. And the lonliness of being Catholic in my situation scares me. Will I ever find Catholic friends and find a family in the Catholic Church the way I have among my Protestant brethren?
These are just some of my concerns. I could go on and will on another thread, to express more deeply my sobering journey into Catholicism.
Love in Christ our Lord,
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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thiscatholicjourney
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 7th, 2006 |
| Location: | Reno, Nevada USA |
| Posts: | 34 |
| First Name: | Amber | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | From non-denominational to Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Mar 9th, 2007 02:29 pm |
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Darlene,
I can completely relate to what you're experiencing. What I always remember is that I am to follow God... not my family, not my friends... not anyone else.
If God is calling you, you must be obedient. I still feel Protestant many times as well but I also am discovering treasures in my new Catholic faith.
I am trying to maintain communication and relationships with my protestant friends and family. I don't want to burn the bridges and so I am doing my best to keep a Christian attitude. If they choose to shun me, I must realize it's not my issue and pray that God will soften their hearts.
It often does feel like a lonely journey, but remember that there are MANY others out there on a similar journey. You really ARE NOT ALONE!
I believe, in time, God will provide us with new friendships that will be just as meaningful as our previous ones... and we may be surprised to find just how many people we are able to remain friends with despite our conversion.
God bless you...
Luke 9:60-62
[size=But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."]
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Proudly entered the Catholic Church in 2007!
Learn about my journey!
http://thiscatholicjourney.com/blog.htm
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mrsbmoo
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 278 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Methodist. RCA, Presbyterian, Holiness, Wesleyan... Catholic as of June ... |
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Posted: Fri Mar 9th, 2007 02:43 pm |
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I understand what you mean by the cultural aspect. I visited the home of a couple church members and their homes were full of what looked like to me, tacky, showy pictures and statues. Now I admit to being decorating challenged but if pictures of saints are like pictures of family or inspirational pictures, this was not my style. I have a small simple line drawing of my patron saint on my desk along with the family pictures, no halos, no glitter or gory death scene. If he had been around when there were photos I would have a simple photo of him. This year I am going to have to change to wearing green instead of orange. All the time I was growing up, my family taught me to wear orange because only Catholics wore green. All this is cultural stuff having little to do with the substance of faith. I wonder if I will ever become as comfortably culturally Catholic as someone who is born into it. I have to ask people about when parties, gifts, etc, are expected or special foods eaten.
All that said I don't think feeling slightly culturally inept, in any way makes me less af a true Catholic. I suspect Catholics in other countries would feel just as out of it culturally with Cahtolics from our country. Yet they would find worship and faith very much the same.
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Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5101 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Mar 9th, 2007 05:59 pm |
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Darlene wrote: I worry that I may regret actually becoming Catholic, because I will forever burn the bridges between me and my Protestant brothers and sisters, whom I love dearly.
Unless I am misunderstanding everything you've ever said, you have burned no bridges. If any bridges are burned, they are being burned behind you by others. If you truly love our Savior, you have no choice but to follow the path he has laid out for you. You have left the bridges intact so others can follow. If bridges are burned by others, it is because they fear the journey and fear that you will come back changed. And their greatest fear is that they will find they have to change with you.
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Understanding is the rew | | |
