A Question About Prayers & Devotions

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JudeAnthony

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I’m a Protestant, technically… although I’ve pretty much quit going to church, but I have been saved (according to Protestant beliefs) and feel that I am in my heart, but I desire more than anything to become Catholic. I just don’t have the opportunity as of yet to take the first steps into RCIA.

I’m big on the Rosary and the Hail Marys and such, especially towards the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary, but more than anything, the Child Jesus draws me nearer daily.

I am fearful of committing a mortal sin by allowing myself to partake of Catholic Virtues, Graces, Mercies, etc. because I am not sure if I, a non-Catholic, am allowed to receive such without Baptism into the Church. However, I still feel as if I am a Child of Mary and Servant of Christ… Protestant or Catholic.

It worries me, but I know our Loving Mother is always there in times of need, and that Jesus is my best-“est” friend… but however, I’m scared of committing heresy towards the Church by allowing myself to believe and partake of such without being Catholic.

I need all the prayers I can get… I pretty much use up the phone lines to Sts. Jude & Anthony every day, and I try my best to never fail to pray the Rosary at least once a day, and stay in constant communication with Jesus throughout the day.

What’s your opinion on this? Is it wrong? Is a non-Catholic allowed to participate in those things pertaining to the Catholic Faith (excluding the Eucharist, which I know cannot be received unless one unites through RCIA and Baptism into the Catholic Church)?

I don’t want to be a pest, but these questions are bothering me deeply and cutting me to the heart.

All help and words are appreciated.
  • JudeAnthony
 
JudeAnthony said:
I’m a Protestant, technically… although I’ve pretty much quit going to church, but I have been saved (according to Protestant beliefs) and feel that I am in my heart, but I desire more than anything to become Catholic. I just don’t have the opportunity as of yet to take the first steps into RCIA.
…
What’s your opinion on this? Is it wrong? Is a non-Catholic allowed to participate in those things pertaining to the Catholic Faith (excluding the Eucharist, which I know cannot be received unless one unites through RCIA and Baptism into the Catholic Church)?

I don’t want to be a pest, but these questions are bothering me deeply and cutting me to the heart.

All help and words are appreciated.
  • JudeAnthony
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Don’t worry! You are free to participate in which ever devotions that you feel called to! 😃 So keep praying! :signofcross: 👍
 
If you believe in Jesus Christ, you already have His grace. Do begin praying the various devotions as your heart leads you. It is the Holy Spirit putting this hunger in your soul. You can definitely practice the Christian virtues.
The only thing from which you are prevented is partaking of the Sacraments. There are a few other ministries reserved for those who are in full union with the Catholic Church. These are primarily those related to the Liturgy—reader, cantor, EMCH, etc.
By all means become an active participant in everything else.
 
My heart rejoices at any thought of me fully “becoming” Catholic.

I don’t know why but I think you’re right DebChris… I was raised in a Pentecostal-Holiness family, but if this is truly the Holy Spirit’s work, then, I’m amazed because it’s soft and gentle and not ecstatic like I’ve always learned.

Oh my Jesus, it just feels so amazing to have a glimmer of Hope at the True Body of Our Lord… and the thought of becoming one in union with Him sends my heart soaring to the “third heavens” as St. Paul said.
  • JudeAnthony
 
JudeAnthony, keep on praying, you are a beloved child of God and Mary and you can also pray for us too if you desire. God Bless you.
 
Thanks CatholicCajun, and will do on the prayers… who knows maybe we could start a Rosary rally for CAF?

Anyhoo, I also forgot to mention… I am a Volunteer Distributor for Our Lady of Fatima (wherein the “Fatima Crusader” is distributed).

So if anyone ever needs a Rosary or anything, if I can get my hands on it… just let me know.
 
If you were validly baptised in any other Christian Church, that baptism is valid in the Catholic Church, as long as the baptism was in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It should take you less then a year to be confirmed via RCIA
 
JudeAnthony said:
What’s your opinion on this? Is it wrong? Is a non-Catholic allowed to participate in those things pertaining to the Catholic Faith (excluding the Eucharist, which I know cannot be received unless one unites through RCIA and Baptism into the Catholic Church)?
  • JudeAnthony
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Google “Spiritual Communion”
 
JudeAnthony said:
My heart rejoices at any thought of me fully “becoming” Catholic.

I don’t know why but I think you’re right DebChris… I was raised in a Pentecostal-Holiness family, but if this is truly the Holy Spirit’s work, then, I’m amazed because it’s soft and gentle and not ecstatic like I’ve always learned.

Oh my Jesus, it just feels so amazing to have a glimmer of Hope at the True Body of Our Lord… and the thought of becoming one in union with Him sends my heart soaring to the “third heavens” as St. Paul said.
  • JudeAnthony
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I have shared on other threads how I felt the one time I observed Pentecostal-Holiness worship. Scripture tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” It was in the whisper, not the earthquake or the thunder, that Elijah recognized God. As Catholics we are baptized not only in the name of Jesus but receive a Trinitarian baptism. We are baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
You will also find within Catholicism Charismatics who express the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including but not limited to the gift of tongues. If there is a prayer group in your parish/city this is one place where you will find fellowship and support as you prepare to become a full member of the Catholic Church. These prayer meeting are not always “ectasic” to the extent which your background accustomed you.
You mention love of the rosary in your OP. You might enjoy reading St. Louis de Montfort’s Secret of the Rosary. In his book he writes “when a sinner begins to pray the rosary, he will give up one or the other, the rosary or his sin.”
 
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