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budgie2
Guest
What does ACTS mean?
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SwizzleStick
Guest
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GodIsGracious
Guest
I have no clue about ACTS so I had done a google search and this thread came up.
From having read many posts on this thread, it sounds like ACTS is a large group awareness training situation. I attended, about 5 years ago, Landmark Education. (No, it’s not Catholic.) A lot of what I read about what goes on after an ACTS “retreat” is nearly the same that has happened with couples in that one has attended a Landmark Forum and the other has not.
Granted, ACTS is under the guise as a “Catholic retreat,” it seems that it is separating people. I don’t know…I can only go by what I have read on this thread. It’s heartbreaking to see couples go through that.
I know in the Landmark Forum they tell you you must keep things a secret. That you cannot share what others have shared, and that if you tell people what goes on at the experience it’ll “ruin” their own experience. After having experienced a situation like that, I think it’s baloney. But that’s just my opinion. I don’t remember much now, but I’ll gladly tell people anything they want to know so they can be informed. There are, of course, always follow ups to “keep you in the conversation.” (Landmark “language.”) And of course, with Landmark since it is a for profit group, there are always follow up classes and seminars. (BTW, Scientology is like this.)
This is my personal opinion based on experience, so take this for what it’s worth. If an encounter separates people from others who have not “encountered” it, it can’t be a good thing. Sorry, but that’s just been my experience with one such LGAT situation.
Swizzlestick, I’m glad to see that things are getting better for you and your husband. I’m terribly sorry this has happened to you. I don’t think you should “have to” experience something to “get it.” I’ve been on the “inside” of such a retreat (seminar) and there is much to be said about the effects of LGAT on people. It’s interesting. My beau had a friend in high school who took something similar from some other group, Millenium something or other. My beau said his friend has not been the same ever since. I know that for me it’s taken years just to get it out of my system. And coming back to the Catholic church and PRAYING is what is helping me to actually get out of Self.
I’m not saying these groups, or even ACTS, are cults, but they can foster “cliquish” behaviour that can appear cult-like and start to sever relationships. Some people do believe them to be cults. So OF COURSE they want you to take the course/retreat/whatever so you can “get it.” Here is a wikipedia entry:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Group_Awareness_Training
Like I said, I don’t know anything about ACTs, today was the first day I heard of it. But some of the things that are written by spouses of those who attended, and even things said by those who have attended, sound so similar to what I encountered and read about with the Landmark Forum that ACTS just seem so eerily similar to an LGAT group.
So, I dunno. This is what I thought of as I read through this thread.
From having read many posts on this thread, it sounds like ACTS is a large group awareness training situation. I attended, about 5 years ago, Landmark Education. (No, it’s not Catholic.) A lot of what I read about what goes on after an ACTS “retreat” is nearly the same that has happened with couples in that one has attended a Landmark Forum and the other has not.
Granted, ACTS is under the guise as a “Catholic retreat,” it seems that it is separating people. I don’t know…I can only go by what I have read on this thread. It’s heartbreaking to see couples go through that.
I know in the Landmark Forum they tell you you must keep things a secret. That you cannot share what others have shared, and that if you tell people what goes on at the experience it’ll “ruin” their own experience. After having experienced a situation like that, I think it’s baloney. But that’s just my opinion. I don’t remember much now, but I’ll gladly tell people anything they want to know so they can be informed. There are, of course, always follow ups to “keep you in the conversation.” (Landmark “language.”) And of course, with Landmark since it is a for profit group, there are always follow up classes and seminars. (BTW, Scientology is like this.)
This is my personal opinion based on experience, so take this for what it’s worth. If an encounter separates people from others who have not “encountered” it, it can’t be a good thing. Sorry, but that’s just been my experience with one such LGAT situation.
Swizzlestick, I’m glad to see that things are getting better for you and your husband. I’m terribly sorry this has happened to you. I don’t think you should “have to” experience something to “get it.” I’ve been on the “inside” of such a retreat (seminar) and there is much to be said about the effects of LGAT on people. It’s interesting. My beau had a friend in high school who took something similar from some other group, Millenium something or other. My beau said his friend has not been the same ever since. I know that for me it’s taken years just to get it out of my system. And coming back to the Catholic church and PRAYING is what is helping me to actually get out of Self.
I’m not saying these groups, or even ACTS, are cults, but they can foster “cliquish” behaviour that can appear cult-like and start to sever relationships. Some people do believe them to be cults. So OF COURSE they want you to take the course/retreat/whatever so you can “get it.” Here is a wikipedia entry:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Group_Awareness_Training
Like I said, I don’t know anything about ACTs, today was the first day I heard of it. But some of the things that are written by spouses of those who attended, and even things said by those who have attended, sound so similar to what I encountered and read about with the Landmark Forum that ACTS just seem so eerily similar to an LGAT group.
So, I dunno. This is what I thought of as I read through this thread.
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SwizzleStick
Guest
Thanks for your kind words. Tension about ACTS for both of us has been reduced and things have greatly improved for hubby and me lately, but not until we had a bit of a confrontation regarding ACTS. It started out negatively, but it ultimately helped diffuse emotions and improve the situation for both of us. We had a conversation that we probably should have had quite awhile ago. The result is that communication is better now and my very negative feelings about ACTS have been diffused a bit because I don’t have to just hold everything in or distance myself to try to keep things positive for hubby.
I still think small changes to the ACTS program may make a big difference to future retreatants and spouses. I honestly hope ACTS can be tweaked so that only positive outcomes for all involved are the result of future ACTS retreats.
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Trick
Guest
I have attended a Landmark seminar before and I agree with your evaluation.
I did not care for it at all and definetly would not recommend it.
However having been on several ACTS retreats I see no resemblence at all to Landmark.
I highly recommend ACTS to any Catholic seeking to grow in their love of Christ and His Church.
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GodIsGracious
Guest
Since you’ve attended Landmark, I have a question.
Are the sessions at ACTS retreats group situations where people share as they do in a Landmark seminar?
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SwizzleStick
Guest
Well, hubby is off at his retreat now. He and the rest of the team began the day with Mass and a blessing of the men and the retreat items, and then headed out to the retreat center to get everything ready. They’ll be back at church this evening to welcome the retreatants, have the send-off and then transport the retreatants to begin the retreat.
I went to Mass with hubby this morning so I could spend that time with him before he left on retreat. I’m trying to be positive, but couldn’t help but notice a small instance of the type of exclusion that seems to occur with ACTS folks. During Mass this morning, one of the guys on team came from behind us to offer the sign of peace to my husband. I smiled at the man and began to extend my hand to offer him a sign of peace as well (he reached past me to get to hubby since I was at the end of the pew), but he completely ignored me and walked away. Perhaps it wasn’t an intentional slight, maybe he wanted to extend the sign of peace to some of his other “brothers in Christ” who were seated nearby and perhaps he had a list of guys on his mind that he wanted to greet and was distracted by that. Or, maybe he just didn’t see an ordinary Catholic like me.
I don’t know. I simply raised an eyebrow at my husband and he responded with “That was weird.” It was a small thing, but perhaps a telling thing. Sigh.
In any event, I ask that you please pray for my husband so that he has an inspirational retreat experience again. And, since he is on team, please also pray that he helps bring an inspirational retreat experience to the men attending this retreat. May the Holy Spirt work in these men to strengthen their faith and help them experience the Lord’s love in a truly profound way, and may God bless and keep them during their faith journeys this weekend.
I went to Mass with hubby this morning so I could spend that time with him before he left on retreat. I’m trying to be positive, but couldn’t help but notice a small instance of the type of exclusion that seems to occur with ACTS folks. During Mass this morning, one of the guys on team came from behind us to offer the sign of peace to my husband. I smiled at the man and began to extend my hand to offer him a sign of peace as well (he reached past me to get to hubby since I was at the end of the pew), but he completely ignored me and walked away. Perhaps it wasn’t an intentional slight, maybe he wanted to extend the sign of peace to some of his other “brothers in Christ” who were seated nearby and perhaps he had a list of guys on his mind that he wanted to greet and was distracted by that. Or, maybe he just didn’t see an ordinary Catholic like me.
I don’t know. I simply raised an eyebrow at my husband and he responded with “That was weird.” It was a small thing, but perhaps a telling thing. Sigh.In any event, I ask that you please pray for my husband so that he has an inspirational retreat experience again. And, since he is on team, please also pray that he helps bring an inspirational retreat experience to the men attending this retreat. May the Holy Spirt work in these men to strengthen their faith and help them experience the Lord’s love in a truly profound way, and may God bless and keep them during their faith journeys this weekend.
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Eddie_Mac
Guest
Swizzlestick,
I read through this thread after my retreat weekend. I had heard of the cliquish behavior and my retreat team warned us of this.
I take it you have not been on a women’s retreat? Some say that the retreat is not for everyone. I can see this is true if the retreat is not held to the standards of ACTS Missions. There are certain things that must be done a certain way. Deviation and too much freelancing has led to inconsistencies.
The Holy Spirit led the ACTS founders in the design of the retreat weekend and works in the proper ACTS retreats to this day. The retreats are here for a purpose.
My DW went on hers last weekend. She wanted to go on one before I did. She understood that I could not talk about most of the weekend because it would ruin her experience. The surprise is part of the experience. I know she would recommend it.
She had a marvelous retreat weekend. We can now share our experiences.
I will pray for your husband, his team, their retreatants, and you. You two sound like a beautiful, loving, catholic couple. We need marriages like yours today in our church to allow the Spirit to reach other couples and strengthen our families.
God bless all of you!
To Jesus, through Mary!
Eddie Mac
I read through this thread after my retreat weekend. I had heard of the cliquish behavior and my retreat team warned us of this.
I take it you have not been on a women’s retreat? Some say that the retreat is not for everyone. I can see this is true if the retreat is not held to the standards of ACTS Missions. There are certain things that must be done a certain way. Deviation and too much freelancing has led to inconsistencies.
The Holy Spirit led the ACTS founders in the design of the retreat weekend and works in the proper ACTS retreats to this day. The retreats are here for a purpose.
My DW went on hers last weekend. She wanted to go on one before I did. She understood that I could not talk about most of the weekend because it would ruin her experience. The surprise is part of the experience. I know she would recommend it.
She had a marvelous retreat weekend. We can now share our experiences.
I will pray for your husband, his team, their retreatants, and you. You two sound like a beautiful, loving, catholic couple. We need marriages like yours today in our church to allow the Spirit to reach other couples and strengthen our families.
God bless all of you!
To Jesus, through Mary!
Eddie Mac
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SwizzleStick
Guest
Eddie Mac, thank you so much for your prayers and very kind and charitable post.
I have not been on an ACTS retreat and doubt I will go (reasons throughout this thread), but I know it has been very good for my husband and others. ACTS has been a blessing for many retreatants and their parish communities elsewhere too, so I do accept ACTS as a generally good thing for others. I know the Holy Spirit is perfect, but since He works with we imperfect beings, sometimes things don’t go as well as they could, unfortunately. :sad_yes:
Anyway, I thank you for your prayers for my hubby, the team, the other retreatants and me. God bless you and yours for your kindness and charity.
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sistravelersa
Guest
I’m extremely concerned after reading all these threads regarding the ACTS retreat.
I am a very open minded person. Baptized Catholic, however not practicing, I still have a great respect for the religion.
My husband was coerced by a coworker to attend a ACTS retreat this weekend. He was informed only that it was a Catholic retreat for men to relax, pray and worship. He is a devout Roman Catholic, so I understand his acceptance of the invitation. Although he expressed concern over committing to an event and paying $190 for a weekend he knew nothing about.
Having said this, although married almost 10 years, we disagree tremendously on our faiths. After studying multiple theologies I do not adhere to any one faith, but appreciate the threads in all religions equally.
However, I refuse to respect any organization that targets individuals with personal devotion to God, vulnerabilities, and stable personal financial situation and as an doorway.
I want to know EXACTLY what goes on in these retreats, rules etc., because if they interfere with the sanctity of our marriage or our finances I want to be prepared for war.
I have been advised by many friends to get a lawyer.
Will someone with an objective viewpoint, without all the “praise be to lord, and peace be with you’s”, give me some specific information?
Thank you very very much.
I am a very open minded person. Baptized Catholic, however not practicing, I still have a great respect for the religion.
My husband was coerced by a coworker to attend a ACTS retreat this weekend. He was informed only that it was a Catholic retreat for men to relax, pray and worship. He is a devout Roman Catholic, so I understand his acceptance of the invitation. Although he expressed concern over committing to an event and paying $190 for a weekend he knew nothing about.
Having said this, although married almost 10 years, we disagree tremendously on our faiths. After studying multiple theologies I do not adhere to any one faith, but appreciate the threads in all religions equally.
However, I refuse to respect any organization that targets individuals with personal devotion to God, vulnerabilities, and stable personal financial situation and as an doorway.
I want to know EXACTLY what goes on in these retreats, rules etc., because if they interfere with the sanctity of our marriage or our finances I want to be prepared for war.
I have been advised by many friends to get a lawyer.
Will someone with an objective viewpoint, without all the “praise be to lord, and peace be with you’s”, give me some specific information?
Thank you very very much.
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Eddie_Mac
Guest
You should be extremely proud and supportive of your husband’s answering Christ’s call. If you cannot be proud and supportive of his taking a huge step in the direction of ensuring his salvation and satisfying his yearning to become one with his Lord Jesus Christ, then I must truthfully ask, in as a loving way possible, and with all due respect, what kind of marriage do you have?
Your Brother in Christ,
Eddie Mac
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JimMul
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Because I, too had your concerns, and because I did not care for the snide comments by Eddie Mac, I will try to give you the answers you so rightfully deserve. ACTS has a poor image among people who have not attended and, because of the secrecy thing, is often perceived as a cult. Some parishes may go for that, mine does not; they merely ask you to keep confidential “personal” stories from the members of the team giving testimony. The ACTs retreat is a combination of army boot camp and a 4th grade bible study. They take your watches and phones and keep you up long hours primarily doing either skits or Catholic ceremonies that are not often done anymore such as Confession, Stations of the Cross, and Adoration. Money does not seem to be any part of the ACTS retreat “system”, just covers costs and the food is great!
I attended, in spite of my misgivings, after my wife and I came to the realization that our marriage vows superceeded the request by the ACTS team for confidentiality. Other than that, her retreat was harmless and they did have discussion groups, so I thought it would be worth my time. Unfortunately, the discussion groups are all about the “testimonies” given by team members and do not address problems facing Catholics or the Church such as pornography, poverty, abortion, government, etc. That was a major disappointment. I asked on one occasion if this retreat was formatted by the team and was told it all came from “ACTS Central” in a three-ring-binder and could not be changed or they’d lose their affiliation. Too bad,as I think they could take the momentum they have, clean up the secrecy thing, increase discussion and increase the sleep time and more Catholics would not only attend, but benefit.
If a parish ACTS team uses the retreat as an initiation to their clique, it is wrong and the team should be monitored by the parish priest. They claim ACTS will increase participitation in the parish business, but at my ACTS, the only ministery mentioned was ACTS.
I attended, in spite of my misgivings, after my wife and I came to the realization that our marriage vows superceeded the request by the ACTS team for confidentiality. Other than that, her retreat was harmless and they did have discussion groups, so I thought it would be worth my time. Unfortunately, the discussion groups are all about the “testimonies” given by team members and do not address problems facing Catholics or the Church such as pornography, poverty, abortion, government, etc. That was a major disappointment. I asked on one occasion if this retreat was formatted by the team and was told it all came from “ACTS Central” in a three-ring-binder and could not be changed or they’d lose their affiliation. Too bad,as I think they could take the momentum they have, clean up the secrecy thing, increase discussion and increase the sleep time and more Catholics would not only attend, but benefit.
If a parish ACTS team uses the retreat as an initiation to their clique, it is wrong and the team should be monitored by the parish priest. They claim ACTS will increase participitation in the parish business, but at my ACTS, the only ministery mentioned was ACTS.
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sistravelersa
Guest
“Eddie Mac” thank you for taking the time to only increase my concerns.
Absolutely I have every right to be critical! This is my husband. If I feel that he is in danger, I feel completely justified in investigating what may be harmful to him and our marriage. Especially when the general consensus of this forum and every family member I know, including my devout Roman Catholic grandmother, evokes caution and concern.
How dare you, as a Christian, criticize or encourage in a spiteful manner my question regarding a lawyer. Especially, for a Catholic, you should be ashamed, considering that divorce without grounds of adultery is frowned upon.
If there is anyone else that has a response to my questions I would be grateful.
If my husband would not have been recruited into this retreat in such a secretive and underhanded manner I would have less cause for alarm, however he was…and now I am going to have to deal with absurd fanaticism.
Eddie Mac save your prayers for yourself you spiteful vindictive Judas.
Absolutely I have every right to be critical! This is my husband. If I feel that he is in danger, I feel completely justified in investigating what may be harmful to him and our marriage. Especially when the general consensus of this forum and every family member I know, including my devout Roman Catholic grandmother, evokes caution and concern.
How dare you, as a Christian, criticize or encourage in a spiteful manner my question regarding a lawyer. Especially, for a Catholic, you should be ashamed, considering that divorce without grounds of adultery is frowned upon.
If there is anyone else that has a response to my questions I would be grateful.
If my husband would not have been recruited into this retreat in such a secretive and underhanded manner I would have less cause for alarm, however he was…and now I am going to have to deal with absurd fanaticism.
Eddie Mac save your prayers for yourself you spiteful vindictive Judas.
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sistravelersa
Guest
“JimMul” THANK YOU. I’m grateful, extremely grateful that someone reasonable and understanding was able to address my questions. And thank you for the acknowledgment and appreciation that marriage vows supersede any confidentiality between strangers.
We have a strong marriage, and never keep secrets between each other.
If the retreat is as you state, my concerns are much laid to rest.
Its people like you that warrant my respect. Thank you again.
We have a strong marriage, and never keep secrets between each other.
If the retreat is as you state, my concerns are much laid to rest.
Its people like you that warrant my respect. Thank you again.
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Eddie_Mac
Guest
Madam, you are the one airing your issues on a public forum.
You asked for feedback and I gave it to you based on MY experience, MY knowledge of ACTS, and MY marriage.
My wife and I have been supportive oof each other’s ACTS retreat experience, have lived by the spirit and intent of the rules given us by our retreat teams, and respected the privacy of those friends of ours who are on the retreat teams. We do not discuss events or issues outside of the retreats. Period.
Sometimes if you don’t want to hear the answer, don’t ask the question.
Nothing goes on at ACTS that can endanger the sanctity of any marriage.
There is almost always at least one priest at the retreat at all times.We had two deacons and a priest at my initial retreat. My wife’s retreat had two priests. Again, exactly what could go on at an ACTS retreat that will interfere with the sanctity of your marriage?
Have you ever been to Mass? Did that interfere with the sanctity of your marriage? Have you ever prayed the rosary? Did the Blessed Virgin interfere with the sanctity of your marriage? Have you ever prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy? Did Jesus’ Mercy interfere with the sanctity of your marriage?
We sing at ACTS retreats. Did singing praise and worship songs ever interfere with the sanctity of your marriage?
We attend Mass at a retreat and receive the Body and Blood, Soul and DIvinity of Jesus. You state that you are Catholic. DId you receive your first communion? Has your husband’s receiving the Eucharist ever interfered with the sanctity of your marriage?
We receive reconciliation at a retreat. Will your Jesus absolving your husband of his sins interfere with the sanctity of your marriage?
You had an agenda in mind and a chip on your shoulder when you made your first post. It would not have mattered whayt I posted since I would not post any negatives about ACTS. You don’t like it and never will.
So much for your open minded claims. Please. Spare me. Try and convince yourself because I am not buying it. Your mind is clamped shut.
Eddie Mac
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Eddie_Mac
Guest
Most of your post is not true of ACTS in general. You are posting untrue claims about the ACTS ministry.
Eddie Mac
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ack
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So this thread has hit 12 pages with no resolution in sight…
Can anyone tell me if ACTS is approved by the Catholic Church? What is the institution that coordinates ACTS nationwide, and do they have a mandate from the bishops to do this?
Can anyone tell me if ACTS is approved by the Catholic Church? What is the institution that coordinates ACTS nationwide, and do they have a mandate from the bishops to do this?
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Eddie_Mac
Guest
Yes. ACTS is approved by the Catholic Church. The movement/ministry has much support from a number of cardinals and bishops.
It is my understanding that the Vatican is aware of this movement and approves. I was informed of this at the Houst Chapter Town Hall meeting last month.
The ACTS Missions main website.
actsmissions.org/index.htm
The Arch-Dioces of Galveston Houston ACTS Missions link.
diogh.org/ACTS/index.htm
Some people find fault with everything. Not everyone want to go on a retreat. Not everyone wants a deeper relationship with Christ and answer His call.
Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Eddie Mac
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sistravelersa
Guest
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Eddie_Mac
Guest
You are the one who feels threatened.
I need to mention one more thing.
One part of the retreat weekend that you would know about if you have been honest with the rest of us here on this forum, is the love letters.
Right about now your husband will receive a package with untold numbers of love letters.
These love letters are from the retreat team and from parisioners in the sponsoring parish. People your husband does not even know will be sending him love letters.
He is supposed to receive love letters from his wife and family.
I received letters from my wife’s friends too. I made certain I personally picked up letters from our sons and grandson to put in my wife’s packet.
Did you and your friends and family send your husband love letters of encouragent for his faith journey with the Holy Spirit?
Did your attorney send him a love letter?
Don’t feel sorry for me. You have other issues you need to deal with.
You are far away from being able to recognize or accept the truth.
Well? Tell us about the love letters you were supposed to write to your husband on his retreat weekend.
If you did not write any, I can’t imagine how he will feel when he reads all of the letters from strangers and does not have one from his wife. Many of the other retreatants will be on an emotional high after reading the letters from their wives, children, and friends.
You see, if you knew about the letters, you would understand what the retreat is all about.
You would be excited about going to candlelight tonight to sing encouragement as you see your husband on his memory walk.
Some of these posts are prime examples of the fallacious hateful rumors spread about ACTS. The spouses are not kept in the dark about everything. Spouses are an integral part of the ACTS weekend.
It is a surprise for everyone, retreatant and the retreatant’s spouse and family!. You have to be open to the Spirit too.
This is why the prior poster whom you thanked did nothing to improve your understanding of ACTS. He just validated your feelings and fed you misinformation. He blew all credibility of his claims of being catholic when he stated what he did about reconciliation, Adoration, and the Stations of the Cross. I gave you the truth. I give you some more in this post.
Now what are you going to do with it?
Eddie Mac
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