A Protestant No more

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Congratulations! :extrahappy::hug3: I have been reading your posts as we joined CAF about the same time. Because I am also going through the conversion process I have had little advice to give except that there are others out there going through the same thing. Be strengthened in our Lord, Myrridias!

I am reading Stephen K. Ray’s book Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historical Church. It is wonderful! Stephen was a Baptist convert to RCC, just like you and me.

God bless,
JacquelineGrace:signofcross:
 
JacquelineGrace said:
Congratulations! :extrahappy::hug3: I have been reading your posts as we joined CAF about the same time. Because I am also going through the conversion process I have had little advice to give except that there are others out there going through the same thing. Be strengthened in our Lord, Myrridias!

I am reading Stephen K. Ray’s book Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historical Church. It is wonderful! Stephen was a Baptist convert to RCC, just like you and me.

God bless,
JacquelineGrace:signofcross:
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It seems to be happening more and more that evangelicals are finding the Fullness of Truth in the Holy Catholic Church.
 
Without a mother what could man do!

Only Jesus being GOD could,and does have fun with such childish pasts no disrespect and less than more ostensible denominations,leave the Angels out of this,there flipping with all due respect very funny!

been there brother,many a thwarted way, there is such a difference its insurmountable,the true FATHERS of our lady, are just narrow but also broad somehow,and so uplifting it beggers to believe there really amazing.

reverence:1st commandment:

therese of lisieux plus the message of bernadette,CTS booklets are available,ask your father

And i beg you with such heart will, E mail me,but with respect through this forum!
 
Myrridias said:
So… I found this site yesterday, and I am. Now ready to make the plunge.
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Myrridias, your enthusiasm is extremely encouraging to me.

I too found this site and EWTN less than a week ago.

I grew up in fundamentalist Baptist and Pentecostal churches. That means I was brought up to see Catholics as unsaved and following a religion full of idolatry. Basically, Catholics were going to hell.

As I got older, I moved away from Christian religion and explored Wicca and some eastern religions. I didn’t get the fellowship I had in the Christian Church so I stopped going to church period. Recently. within the past 7 years, I and my children joined a reformed Christian church with great folks and where I get a chance to sing in an amazing choir as well as sit through harmless, generic. but positive sermons.

I really love my church.

And even though I attend church every week, I am borderline agnostic and pretty much believe that it’s okay to believe in what you believe in.

Until less than 7 days ago.

I started reading the forums and one lie was immediately dispelled. I was under the impression that all Catholics were not really religious. They go to mass and confess but then do what they want at other times.

I was amazed at the people who were seeking the truth.

I started researching the history and I have to tell you, I am very much attracted to the fact that the message is constant and uniform and that there are specific rules.

Maybe I am tired of attending Laisser Faire churches.

The idea of a present Christ in the Eucharist would have horrified me in ages past, but it excites me now.

I am still on the fence on topics such as praying to Mary and the banning of female priests (as a woman I find that offensive), birth control and other things, but I am eager to learn and I am starting to see myself as someone who is close to taking that step and “coming home”.

I will start by going to ash Wednesday mass and try to attend a mass once a week even if it is before going to my present church.

My family would be horrified but that is okay.

I’m going to read, learn and ask as many questions as I can.

Thank you all. and sorry for hijacking the thread.
 
TrueLight said:
Myrridias, your enthusiasm is extremely encouraging to me.

I too found this site and EWTN less than a week ago.

I grew up in fundamentalist Baptist and Pentecostal churches. That means I was brought up to see Catholics as unsaved and following a religion full of idolatry. Basically, Catholics were going to hell.

As I got older, I moved away from Christian religion and explored Wicca and some eastern religions. I didn’t get the fellowship I had in the Christian Church so I stopped going to church period. Recently. within the past 7 years, I and my children joined a reformed Christian church with great folks and where I get a chance to sing in an amazing choir as well as sit through harmless, generic. but positive sermons.

I really love my church.

And even though I attend church every week, I am borderline agnostic and pretty much believe that it’s okay to believe in what you believe in.

Until less than 7 days ago.

I started reading the forums and one lie was immediately dispelled. I was under the impression that all Catholics were not really religious. They go to mass and confess but then do what they want at other times.

I was amazed at the people who were seeking the truth.

I started researching the history and I have to tell you, I am very much attracted to the fact that the message is constant and uniform and that there are specific rules.

Maybe I am tired of attending Laisser Faire churches.

The idea of a present Christ in the Eucharist would have horrified me in ages past, but it excites me now.

I am still on the fence on topics such as praying to Mary and the banning of female priests (as a woman I find that offensive), birth control and other things, but I am eager to learn and I am starting to see myself as someone who is close to taking that step and “coming home”.

I will start by going to ash Wednesday mass and try to attend a mass once a week even if it is before going to my present church.

My family would be horrified but that is okay.

I’m going to read, learn and ask as many questions as I can.

Thank you all. and sorry for hijacking the thread.
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TrueLight - I can only say one thing to your post…

YIIPPPEEEE…:extrahappy::dancing::clapping:

Keep asking - you’ll find a terrific bunch here.
Even though I was raised Catholic and have just come back about 3 years ago, I find many answers here.

Peace
James
 
TrueLight,

Praise be to God, keep reading, keep praying, keep searching things out, and I believe you’ll be ready sooner or later to make the swim too! For your children, a faith in the true, original church founded by Jesus is a wonderful gift!

Regarding some things like no birth control, these are new teachings to me as well, not ever having been told that anything was morally objectionable about non-abortive ones, and I am praying and thinking on that issue too in my own journey. With a wife who is essentially agnostic and not religious or, at this point, interested in religion really, suggesting NFP is a real problem! But, if I may say, I think that we all are at different starting points in various issues of moral theology, and a continuing effort to reform our lives to be holier and more Christ-like is the point of it all. We, after all, never truly “arrive” as a completed, perfect work in this life anyway. So I will pray for you and encourage you to keep on your journey, and try not to get too hung up at the start with such issues.

And I hope you will love Mass, but also, because you mention singing in the choir and I am a real lover of great hymns, of singing four part harmony, etc., try not to be off-put if the congregational singing is…less tanscendent an experience than you might initially had hoped for. That’s a topic for a whole separate discussion, but it is sadly the case that it can be a bit of a challenge to find a parish where the musical part of worship befits the beauty and transcendence of the rest of a Mass, the real presence of Christ, etc. That’s probably in part because meeting the level of beauty of those central, wonderful parts of the Mass is a very high bar though! The fullness of the truth inasmuch as it has been revealed to us in this life is worth it all. Try to make sure you attend Mass during the full choir ones to if the parish you’re thinking of attending has the various different services available, as I would guess that may be more to your liking too.
 
Welcome home. When you become a Catholic you become a family member, in a really big family. I too am a convert, a very recent convert, There are exciting things going on in the Church. Study, pray, ask questions, pray, and don’t become discouraged.

check out e-sword for an excellent free bible study program. Catholic modules are available for e-sword at e-clips. Links below.

e-sword.net/
esnips.com/web/CatholicApolegetics/?flush=1

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Pro 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

God bless you all. Did I remember to tell you to pray?
 
Myrridias said:
So… I found this site yesterday, and I am. Now ready to make the plunge. I’ve found the nearest church, and found out when the RCIA inquiries are being held. It really is profound, what I found taboo is, well clear I guess. Somethings I don’t get that I’ve read but, I really think the Church of Rome is where the Lord wants me. Your posts at least seem far more genuine and what you’ve said to me make me seem like you care. indeed I felt lost last night, even when I first prayed about it. Then I asked Mary and St. John (my namsake,kinda silly, but I was at a loss) to pray for, after this I felt so empowered, I can’t explain it. truly Mary is not just some woman, and Saints are not simply corpses in the ground. I thank the Lord for leading me here, and may He bless all of you!

that being said, anything else I should do?
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You thank the Lord for leading you to learn more about the Catholic Church; may you be enriched by the exploration and process.

As God works within the Catholic Church, He does with other branches of the Church of Christ, as well.

Outstanding Protestant evangelists, with the Holy Spirit as their paraclete, have done the work of the Lord, to which they were called by Him.

Whether within the doctrines of the Catholic Church or the doctrines of the Protestant Church, we are all one, as Christians, under Christ.

God bless you, along the way.

🙂
 
This thread is so heart-warming. I’m really happy for all those who have said that they’re on their way home 🙂 It’s even nicer when you read that people feel more encouraged after asking Saints to pray for them.

I remember when a Muslim on here said he converted after praying to St. Michael.
 
Well first I want to say thank you everyone for your encouragement. It means so much to me. And yes. I did discover “the Journey Home” after reading about it on this website. The Journey Home program really opened my eyes. I had heard of Catholics converting, but never protestants.

About my kids: they are teens and two of them are going through confirmation classes for our reformed protestant church.

I see this journey as my journey. If, as time goes on, they start asking me why I am suddenly into Catholicism, I will tell them, but I will let them continue attending the church they are attending.

Quite frankly, as I stated I am really involved in my current church and I don’t necessarily want to leave it. Can I do both?

**Progress Report: **

So I want to report that I attended a Sunday mass today - my first mass. I searched for a Tridentine Latin mass in my area, because quite frankly, I want the mysticism and I didn’t want to risk finding a mass that felt like a protestant service.

It was awesome although I was a bit lost. I didn’t know what to answer, I didn’t know when to kneel when to bow my head, but I enjoyed watching the devoted servants of Christ. I never knelt because I wasn’t sure why people were kneeling but I did bow my head or look at the big Crucifix.

I noticed some people were following along in a little book. Is that what is called a missal?

After mass, the man who was sitting next to me smiled at me - probably because I am an obvious Tourist, LOL.

Wednesday, I will be going to the Ash Wednesday service before work. Is there anything I need to know?
 
Congratulations to those posting who are starting out on their journey in the faith. I’m a convert too, just steadily ploughing along.

crazzeto said further up the thread to take your time and not get burned out. I’d like to echo that advice. It is a long road, but it’s long for a purpose. Holy Mother Church has been with mankind for around 2000 years, that’s a lot of wisdom, teaching and guidance on the words and instructions of our Lord, all condensed down into the life of Catholics today. Lots of prayer, lots of small steps, ponderings, wonderings, questions and answers given.

I cannot remember a more fulfilling time in my life, and cannot imagine now how I survived before I knocked on that door and asked to enter.

I’m excited for all of you.😃 As others have said “Welcome Home”.👍
 
Welcome Home John, one thing you should be aware of is that all of us Catholics are still learning and everything we learn is a joy in itself,there is no need to worry about anything because the same Lord who has called you by your name will never forget your welfare.
God bless and enjoy the journey home.🙂
 
TrueLight said:
Well first I want to say thank you everyone for your encouragement. It means so much to me. And yes. I did discover “the Journey Home” after reading about it on this website. The Journey Home program really opened my eyes. I had heard of Catholics converting, but never protestants.
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The Journey Home has been a great help to me even though I am not technically a convert. I’m what we call a “revert” meaning I left the catholic church and now I’m back…
Great and (name removed by moderator)siring stories on that show.
About my kids: they are teens and two of them are going through confirmation classes for our reformed protestant church.
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I see this journey as my journey. If, as time goes on, they start asking me why I am suddenly into Catholicism, I will tell them, but I will let them continue attending the church they are attending.
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I think this is a good approach.
Quite frankly, as I stated I am really involved in my current church and I don’t necessarily want to leave it. Can I do both?
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Well - No - at least not totally.
If you want to continue working in charitable works or societies in your old church, or coach a team, I guess there really isn’t a problem, but participation in services gets dicey. For instance you would not be permitted to take their version of communion. As you learn more about the Eucharist you will begin to understand why. Likewise you might find the preaching less than gratifying as you come more to a Catholic position.
**Progress Report: **
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So I want to report that I attended a Sunday mass today - my first mass. I searched for a Tridentine Latin mass in my area, because quite frankly, I want the mysticism and I didn’t want to risk finding a mass that felt like a protestant service.
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It was awesome although I was a bit lost. I didn’t know what to answer, I didn’t know when to kneel when to bow my head, but I enjoyed watching the devoted servants of Christ. I never knelt because I wasn’t sure why people were kneeling but I did bow my head or look at the big Crucifix.
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Sounds like it was a good first experience. 👍
As time goes on it will become so familiar that it will feel second nature to you.
I noticed some people were following along in a little book. Is that what is called a missal?
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Was it “softbound”? Probably what we call a “missalette” that is printed specifically for the Latin mass since many folks don’t have teh old latin missals anymore. Next time yo ugo, look around at the back of church a bit. You’ll probably find some laying on a table or in a rack. Just pick one up and look it over…when I first started going back to the latin Mass, I actually took one home for a week to look over and refamiliarize myself. Perhaps you could do that too.
After mass, the man who was sitting next to me smiled at me - probably because I am an obvious Tourist, LOL.
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That’s great. Folks at the Latin mass will likely be quite friendly but perhaps not as “outgoing” as many protestant communities. The nature and atmosphere of the Latin mass is quite different…Quiet and Spiritual…If you see teh gentleman again, you might introduce yourself and share your interest in The Church. I’m sure he’d be willing to help you - or point you to others who can.
Wednesday, I will be going to the Ash Wednesday service before work. Is there anything I need to know?
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No - not particularly. If it is a mass, they will distribute ashes between the homily and the offetory. You may go up and receive ashes if you like. Just follow what the others do. It’s up to you whether you leave them on all day or not. I generally do.

Peace
James
 
JRKH said:
Well - No - at least not totally.
If you want to continue working in charitable works or societies in your old church, or coach a team, I guess there really isn’t a problem, but participation in services gets dicey. For instance you would not be permitted to take their version of communion. As you learn more about the Eucharist you will begin to understand why. Likewise you might find the preaching less than gratifying as you come more to a Catholic position.
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Wow, that would be a problem because I actually sing in two choirs at that church and the music is awesome. Then again, who knows how I might feel 6 months from now.
Was it “softbound”? Probably what we call a “missalette” that is printed specifically for the Latin mass since many folks don’t have teh old latin missals anymore. Next time yo ugo,
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Some had a softbound book and some appeared to be reading a bible?
No - not particularly. If it is a mass, they will distribute ashes between the homily and the offetory. You may go up and receive ashes if you like. Just follow what the others do. It’s up to you whether you leave them on all day or not. I generally do.
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Peace
James
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Thanks so much, James.
 
William_Pitts said:
check out e-sword for an excellent free bible study program. Catholic modules are available for e-sword at e-clips. Links below.

e-sword.net/
esnips.com/web/CatholicApolegetics/?flush=1

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Pro 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

God bless you all. Did I remember to tell you to pray?
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Pablope:
bringyou.to/apologetics/audio.htm#EWTN

catholicity.com/cds/
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Pablope and William: Thanks so much for those resources.
 
I wish you well on your journey. For me, RCIA convinced me I am, and see no time when I will not be, Lutheran. That said, I found the experience worthwhile and meaningful.
 
TrueLight said:
Well first I want to say thank you everyone for your encouragement. It means so much to me. And yes. I did discover “the Journey Home” after reading about it on this website. The Journey Home program really opened my eyes. I had heard of Catholics converting, but never protestants.
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