Advice for a seeker

[StarSpear]

I’m new to the forum, so I’m not sure if this is the right place for this, but here goes.

Even though I’m not Catholic or even a Christian, I feel oddly drawn towards Catholicism and I’m not sure why. Up until the last year or so, I would have said I was perfectly happy in my own faith, but the more time passes, the more it doesn’t feel right. And the more I think about giving Catholicism a try.

I’ve found a lot in Catholicism that is beautiful and good, but also a lot that I feel like I might never be able to fully accept or do. I’m a pretty decent pagan, but I feel like I would be the most dreadful Christian. Also, I’ve been a pseudo-high profile member of my own religious tradition so I would lose friends, plus my husband is pagan as well and it would be sort of awkward. Still, I’m trying to have an open mind/heart about it.

So, I thought I’d ask for general advice about how you guys connect with God and how to proceed as some who is interested and conflicted at the same time? I’m reading a lot of good books, but I feel like I should be doing something (or maybe that’s just what I’m used to, I don’t know). I’ve been trying to say the Rosary most days before I go to bed, and I actually like that. I’ve been to Mass a few times and, while I liked it, it’s was also sort of scary. Part of it is that I’m quite shy when I’m around people I don’t know very well, and part of it is something I can’t really rationally explain. But, I’m considering just telling my husband I’m going to go and going for Saturday vigil for a bit.

What else would you guys recommend?

 

[Casilda]

I would highly recommend you make an appointment to talk to the priest. He would be the one I would take advice from. He may suggest additional reading or maybe a class.

 

[StarSpear]

I would highly recommend you make an appointment to talk to the priest. He would be the one I would take advice from. He may suggest additional reading or maybe a class.

Is that usual? I’ve considered it, but I’ve been holding off until I had a better idea of what I’m about and more specific questions because I would hate to waste his time. I’m certain there are a lot of other people in the parish that need his help.

 

[WJeffrey]

Perhaps you might try some Catholic reading. The Saints worked well for me. I would recommend doing some of the Marian Saints like Ligouri. I really enjoyed Teresa of Avila for prayer or St. Augustine for everything. (Augustine was huge for me. I ended up choosing his name for my confirmation. He may have been the most brilliant person in history who wasn’t named Jesus.) You can get their writings for free on the internet or for a few dollars on Amazon.

Ligouri and Teresa of Avilla were among the first two writers that I read. I would recommend these two as a good starting point. The Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament, and Mary were big early reading for me.

You could also do something current. I began my return to the Church with Catholicism for Dummies. (I also was reading the Bible and the Catechism too, but Catholicism for Dummies sounds better. The Dummies book was my third purchase.)

 

[Tablefor9]

…

Even though I’m not Catholic or even a Christian, I feel oddly drawn towards Catholicism and I’m not sure why. Up until the last year or so, I would have said I was perfectly happy in my own faith, but the more time passes, the more it doesn’t feel right. And the more I think about giving Catholicism a try…

So glad you are here! I think if you look at your frame of reference, this isn’t confusing. In paganism/heathenry, there are traditions of the god or goddess choosing you. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit of God draws you, woos you. Dear, God chose you.

…
I’ve found a lot in Catholicism that is beautiful and good, but also a lot that I feel like I might never be able to fully accept or do. I’m a pretty decent pagan, but I feel like I would be the most dreadful Christian.

Prayer, study, work. These are all familiar to you, I bet. And they will make you more sure as time passes. We all, if honest, start as dreadful Christians for one reason or another. Many of us just aren’t self-aware about it.

…
Also, I’ve been a pseudo-high profile member of my own religious tradition so I would lose friends, plus my husband is pagan as well and it would be sort of awkward. Still, I’m trying to have an open mind/heart about it.

This can be awkward and difficult. No joke. But, I think I’m being fair when I say that some pagans are more accepting of other religion than some Protestant fundamentalists would be. Your mileage may vary, but it’s not a single weekend trip, but a lifetime journey. There will still be commonality, because God graciously left footprints, types and shadows of yet-to-be revealed truth throughout many pagan religions. Think of it as a breadcrumb trail that would lead to recognition of the fullness of truth when it came.

…
So, I thought I’d ask for general advice about how you guys connect with God and how to proceed as some who is interested and conflicted at the same time? I’m reading a lot of good books, but I feel like I should be doing something (or maybe that’s just what I’m used to, I don’t know). I’ve been trying to say the Rosary most days before I go to bed, and I actually like that. I’ve been to Mass a few times and, while I liked it, it’s was also sort of scary. Part of it is that I’m quite shy when I’m around people I don’t know very well, and part of it is something I can’t really rationally explain. But, I’m considering just telling my husband I’m going to go and going for Saturday vigil for a bit.

What else would you guys recommend?

Spend some time praying in an adoration chapel, and go ahead and call a priest. Tell him what you’ve said here. I think your welcome will be warm.

 

[petra22]

In addition to all the fine ideas already posted, I’d suggest praying to God aloud. What I mean is just talk to God like you could see him in the room with you. I mean a quiet room–and tell him about your day and your wishes and desires.

Start keeping a diary of things you are thankful for in each day. Try to work up to five things and then talk to God about them, thanking him for his gifts to you. You don’t have to be Catholic to do this, but it will bring you closer to God and that’s the whole point, right? He is calling to you anyway or you wouldn’t be searching… Good luck on your journey. I’ll be praying for you.

 

[StarSpear]

Perhaps you might try some Catholic reading. The Saints worked well for me. I would recommend doing some of the Marian Saints like Ligouri. I really enjoyed Teresa of Avila for prayer or St. Augustine for everything. (Augustine was huge for me. I ended up choosing his name for my confirmation. He may have been the most brilliant person in history who wasn’t named Jesus.) You can get their writings for free on the internet or for a few dollars on Amazon.

Ligouri and Teresa of Avilla were among the first two writers that I read. I would recommend these two as a good starting point. The Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament, and Mary were big early reading for me.

You could also do something current. I began my return to the Church with Catholicism for Dummies. (I also was reading the Bible and the Catechism too, but Catholicism for Dummies sounds better. The Dummies book was my third purchase.)

I’ve read through Catholicism for Dummies and found it to be pretty helpful in getting the basics. I’ve been reading some of the works of C.S. Lewis and Bishop Sheen, both of which I really like. Reading more about the Saints sounds like a great idea, I’ll try that. I picked up a book on the Examen and St. Ignatius and that’s been really interesting so far. I had to read bits of St. Augustine’s Confessions at university and I think I’ve still got the book around here somewhere, so I might try that one next. Thanks for the recommendation.

Spend some time praying in an adoration chapel, and go ahead and call a priest. Tell him what you’ve said here. I think your welcome will be warm.

I’ll give it a try with the priest. He seemed nice when I was at Mass, I was very impressed that he actually came in himself to help a guy that was clearly in a bad way in a wheel chair before the Mass started. Funnily enough, I recently found out that I live near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, which has a perpetual adoration chapel. I was thinking about visiting it in a few weeks, so I might take your suggestion and visit the chapel while I’m there.

Start keeping a diary of things you are thankful for in each day. Try to work up to five things and then talk to God about them, thanking him for his gifts to you. You don’t have to be Catholic to do this, but it will bring you closer to God and that’s the whole point, right? He is calling to you anyway or you wouldn’t be searching… Good luck on your journey. I’ll be praying for you.

That’s an excellent idea, I will definitely give that a try. And thanks.

 

[AKDee]

It sounds to me like you are being called to the Faith.

My faith journey took 20 years but was a little bit like that. I had Christian, Mormon, new-age and a mish-mash of other beliefs but eventually was brought Home. I am utterly convinced that the Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ on earth. I was convinced before I even joined RCIA, although the RCIA process was invaluable and helped me a lot.

Keep reading. I think you’ll find that at some point you’re just going to realize that Catholicism is right. Not necessarily easy. You may lose friends. You may even lose family. That happened to the first Christians, too. Some of them lost their lives- if you live in the Western world, then probably you aren’t at risk of that. But all of them gained much more than they lost, and you will too.

 

[littlestsouls2]

Keep seeking.

“Lord, that I may see.” (Lk. 18:41) ‘You shall seek me, and shall find me: when you shall seek me with all your heart.’ (Jer. 29:13)

There was once a great intellectual who struggled immensely with certain aspects of the Faith. He was advised by Bl. Cardinal Newman to simply pray with an open heart and mind. He received the Faith shortly thereafter. For some, God might require them to seek for a little longer.

You can’t go wrong reading (good) Catholic apologetics books (e.g. Radio Replies, Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine), Philosophy (e.g. commentaries on Aquinas, Mortimer Adler), and other such things e.g. books that specifically deal with the Resurrection (N.T. Wright), Christian doctrine in its basic form (C.S. Lewis) etc. There are thousands of great, eye-opening books out there; it depends on what you are looking for.

“In the first place, the truth of our holy faith is loudly proclaimed by the prophecies of Holy Scripture. These prophecies were uttered hundreds of years ago, and in later years fulfilled to the letter. Thus, for example, the death of our Saviour was foretold by several prophets and the time and circumstances accompanying it minutely described. It was prophesied that the Jews, in punishment for the deicide, would be driven from the temple and the holy land, and hardened and obstinate in sin would be dispersed throughout the world; this prophecy, we know, was literally fulfilled. It was prophesied that after the death of Christ the veneration of heathen deities would give way to the worship of the true God. The event has verified the prediction, for the Apostles of Our Lord, in spite of the innumerable obstacles thrown in their way and armed with no weapons save the cross of Christ, have conquered the world and brought it a captive to faith in the living God…”

• St. Alphonsus

 

[TxGodfollower]

I’m new to the forum, so I’m not sure if this is the right place for this, but here goes.

Even though I’m not Catholic or even a Christian, I feel oddly drawn towards Catholicism and I’m not sure why. Up until the last year or so, I would have said I was perfectly happy in my own faith, but the more time passes, the more it doesn’t feel right. And the more I think about giving Catholicism a try.

I’ve found a lot in Catholicism that is beautiful and good, but also a lot that I feel like I might never be able to fully accept or do. I’m a pretty decent pagan, but I feel like I would be the most dreadful Christian. Also, I’ve been a pseudo-high profile member of my own religious tradition so I would lose friends, plus my husband is pagan as well and it would be sort of awkward. Still, I’m trying to have an open mind/heart about it.

So, I thought I’d ask for general advice about how you guys connect with God and how to proceed as some who is interested and conflicted at the same time? I’m reading a lot of good books, but I feel like I should be doing something (or maybe that’s just what I’m used to, I don’t know). I’ve been trying to say the Rosary most days before I go to bed, and I actually like that. I’ve been to Mass a few times and, while I liked it, it’s was also sort of scary. Part of it is that I’m quite shy when I’m around people I don’t know very well, and part of it is something I can’t really rationally explain. But, I’m considering just telling my husband I’m going to go and going for Saturday vigil for a bit.

What else would you guys recommend?

Glad to see you looking at Christianity. I can understand how it would appear very different from what your used to, so please ask questions. If your not comfortable asking someone in person there, this forum is a great place. There are some very insightful people here on Catholicism and other Christian groups so hopefully you can get some answers.

 

[peter26]

Seeking as you are not Christian of any variety, reading the Bible would be a good place to start. And it would be a very good idea to attend Mass regularly. A Saturday Vigil Mass actually might be a good option for you, as these tend to be a little more low key than Sunday morning and usually have less people attending.

 

[Casilda]

Glad to see you looking at Christianity. I can understand how it would appear very different from what your used to, so please ask questions. If your not comfortable asking someone in person there, this forum is a great place. There are some very insightful people here on Catholicism and other Christian groups so hopefully you can get some answers.

The poll is closed

 

[Magdalen2013]

As a pagan who converted, and was received into the Church in 2014, I know the confusion you’re feeling. I had asked the Powers for guidance – and after that request, Our Blessed Mother began appearing in my life in many ways. After this had been happening for a while I asked “Do you want me to join the Church?” and the answers I received set me on that path.

Now, I HAD been Christian as a child, and some disappointments with it had set me on the path of being a Seeker for many years. The funny thing, the very first Mass I attended the Gospel reading was one of my favorites: “Ask, and you shall receive, seek, and you shall find, knock, and the door will be opened unto you…”

Welcome Home!

 

[csrcia]

I’m new to the forum, so I’m not sure if this is the right place for this, but here goes.

Even though I’m not Catholic or even a Christian, I feel oddly drawn towards Catholicism and I’m not sure why. Up until the last year or so, I would have said I was perfectly happy in my own faith, but the more time passes, the more it doesn’t feel right. And the more I think about giving Catholicism a try.

I’ve found a lot in Catholicism that is beautiful and good, but also a lot that I feel like I might never be able to fully accept or do. I’m a pretty decent pagan, but I feel like I would be the most dreadful Christian. Also, I’ve been a pseudo-high profile member of my own religious tradition so I would lose friends, plus my husband is pagan as well and it would be sort of awkward. Still, I’m trying to have an open mind/heart about it.

So, I thought I’d ask for general advice about how you guys connect with God and how to proceed as some who is interested and conflicted at the same time? I’m reading a lot of good books, but I feel like I should be doing something (or maybe that’s just what I’m used to, I don’t know). I’ve been trying to say the Rosary most days before I go to bed, and I actually like that. I’ve been to Mass a few times and, while I liked it, it’s was also sort of scary. Part of it is that I’m quite shy when I’m around people I don’t know very well, and part of it is something I can’t really rationally explain. But, I’m considering just telling my husband I’m going to go and going for Saturday vigil for a bit.

What else would you guys recommend?

Hi there!

I’m curious about the Catholic faith myself. I just want to say that I prayed the Rosary for the first time last night, and that it was a powerful experience. I felt that, for the first time in my life, that I was connecting with God. Let it be known that you are not alone in your curiosity.

 

[WJeffrey]

Hi there!

I’m curious about the Catholic faith myself. I just want to say that I prayed the Rosary for the first time last night, and that it was a powerful experience. I felt that, for the first time in my life, that I was connecting with God. Let it be known that you are not alone in your curiosity.

Your experience with the rosary is wonderful to hear. Praying the rosary is a powerful experience.

I hope you will continue the practice. I have been praying the rosary since August, which was shortly after I returned to the Church. The benefits I have seen in my life have been more profound than I could have imagined.

If you continue with the practice, you might consider joining the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, which you can Google.

Many Churches have group rosary sessions. Praying the Rosary with a group can be quite powerful. You may also find a new group of friends walking down the same path on life’s journey.

I have done both and they have greatly aided my prayer life, growth In the Church and my overall religiosity. Our rosary group got me involved with the Knights of Columbus and the Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministry. My Confirmation Sponsor is part of the Rosary group. Knowing that other members of the Rosary Confraternity are praying for me is very comforting. It makes me happy knowing that I am praying for them as well.

 

[csrcia]

Thanks

Though I am not yet a Catholic, I would very much like to pray the Rosary again. I am due to go on a retreat at a local abbey in a few weeks time, something which I’ve wanted to do for several months. I hope that I can learn a lot there and participate in praying the Rosary with a group.

 

[fisherman_carl]

What might be helpful for you is to hear stories of people who have been on a similar journey as you. I was looking for a story about a convert from paganism to Catholicism. Perhaps some others have some good stories. Here are just a few I found on the Internet.

whyimcatholic.com/index.php/conversion-stories/pagan-converts/52-pagan-convert-libby-edwards

youtube.com/watch?v=VoFuWQW-mnI&list=PLKXqw2pP-iAEWvY9hwBHfzMe5W4qRzLP7&index=12

 

[holyrood]

Even though I’m not Catholic or even a Christian, I feel oddly drawn towards Catholicism and I’m not sure why. Up until the last year or so, I would have said I was perfectly happy in my own faith, but the more time passes, the more it doesn’t feel right. And the more I think about giving Catholicism a try.

I have known many people with stories similar to yours, people who weren’t seeking Christianity or Catholicism, and yet, they were drawn steadily to it. They have become the most devout and faithful Catholics, and the most wonderful people and beautiful souls I know. My personal feeling is that they are being called by God Himself.

I’ve found a lot in Catholicism that is beautiful and good, but also a lot that I feel like I might never be able to fully accept or do. I’m a pretty decent pagan, but I feel like I would be the most dreadful Christian…

I would be interested to know what makes someone a good pagan but a dreadful Christian. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad feeling…and bear me out. I’m reputed to have talent in a certain field. I admit I do. And yet…I see people truly gifted in that art. They keep me humble and also inspire me to use my gift better, to work more at it, and improve what I do. I think it can be a bit the same with faith. To know we’re not the best is to seek to do better, and that’s a good thing.

Also, I’ve been a pseudo-high profile member of my own religious tradition so I would lose friends, plus my husband is pagan as well and it would be sort of awkward. Still, I’m trying to have an open mind/heart about it

Life is full of changes. There are many Protestants, even pastors, who have felt the same calling to the Catholic faith you have, and have lost not only friends, but their jobs, as a result. They have been happy because they feel they’re in the true faith.

I’m currently seeing someone who was once a Catholic-bashing atheist and is now studying for the diaconate! He has lost at least two friends as a result. But his feeling is to realize that they weren’t true friends in the first place, if they’d behave as they have over it, instead of rejoicing with him in the happiness and peace he has felt since beginning to go to Mass.

So, I thought I’d ask for general advice about how you guys connect with God and how to proceed as some who is interested and conflicted at the same time? I’m reading a lot of good books, but I feel like I should be doing something (or maybe that’s just what I’m used to, I don’t know). I’ve been trying to say the Rosary most days before I go to bed, and I actually like that. I’ve been to Mass a few times and while I liked it, it’s was also sort of scary. Part of it is that I’m quite shy when I’m around people I don’t know very well, and part of it is something I can’t really rationally explain. But, I’m considering just telling my husband I’m going to go and going for Saturday vigil for a bit.

What else would you guys recommend?

I think you’re doing all the right things. Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep praying. Read the Lives of the Saints. Learn why people have died for the faith. Learn about the amazing miracles that occur. It’s one of the reasons I chose to remain Catholic. **

 

[holyrood]

I’ve found a lot in Catholicism that is beautiful and good, but also a lot that I feel like I might never be able to fully accept or do.

On re-reading your post, I wanted to single this out. I think most people–maybe everyone–finds things about faith they find difficult to fully accept or do. But I think maybe that’s part of what makes it faith, and not science.

In the world we live in, I still find it hard to logically accept the teaching on birth control. I mean…what difference does that really make? And yet, I see that what Pope John wrote about artificial birth control–all the things that would proceed from legalizing it–back in the 60s, has come to pass exactly as he said it would. Things that no one in the 60s could have imagined.

In my own life, I took a close look at the evidence–at what I knew of God, of miracles, of the evidence for the Bible, of the founding of various denominations of Christianity–and decided Catholicism is the true faith. From there, I made a conscious decision to step out in faith and *follow *Catholic teaching. Skipping over all the fascinating discussions of how NFP invariably works every time for every person…I now have a very large family. There have been moments when I felt that I can’t ‘do’ Catholicism anymore, that NFP was supposed to ‘work’ and keep this from happening, that who in their right mind has this many kids in this world, that I can’t afford so many kids and ‘the faith’ and God have made a joke of me…

AND YET…after the various moments of those feelings, in the end, I’m incredibly grateful for all these kids, for each and every one of them, for the blessings each of them brings to me and to their other siblings. They love having a large family. There are other incredible blessings that go with it, things I never could have anticipated.

The logical part of my brain still does not ‘get’ everything about Catholic teaching, and yet, my *experience *is that when I step out in faith and trust the teaching of the church that started with Jesus saying to Peter, "You are the Rock and on you I build my church, " things come aright, and in fact, miracles happen.

I freely admit, I’m still waiting for some of those miracles yet I’ve seen enough already that I trust. I have never regretted that stepping out in faith, even when I didn’t fully understand, and am grateful I did step out in faith when called.