Any advice for a tired, lapsed catholic?

[emarc]

I’m happier without a belief in God. I no longer carry around the burden of guilt, shame, anxiety or the dread of being watched and having my every thought known by a Super God living in an invisible paradise.

My life is much more enjoyable without Christ.

If I turn out to be wrong and the Christian God exists, ( opposed to say the Hindu God) and this God wants to punish me for my unbelief.

That’s her prerogative and if she wants to send me to hell, oh well, at least I’d be carrying out Gods will.

you will be in our prayers not because we are more righteous than you but from your post i can see you’re hurting. you put the blame on God for things you yourself made the choice. read the New Testament first and you’ll see we have a loving God, a God who because he loves the world gave his only begotten Son to die for our sin. your image of God is wounding you and that wound has to be healed. unless it’s healed, just like any physical wound it could get infected and kill you. God is love and he wants to send you and everyone else to heaven w/ him. he does not want anyone going to hell, but because he respects our free will, just as you’re proclaiming your unbelief, then God respects that. heal your image of a punishing God for he is not.
God bless.

 

[BikeCop]

Graubo, thank you for your words of encouragement.

I’ve started to listen to EWTN radio following your pointer.

Thing - I like the sound off ALL your suggestions. I like it hardcore.

I’ve looked at some of the online suggestions for an examination of conscience and I’ve prepared myself best as I can do.

I have a question.

I’ve heard talk about Divine Mercy Sunday. What is that?

 

[WarriorAngel]

Hi all

Just wondering if you guys had any advice for a tired lasped catholic, fed up to the back teeth with secularism but unable to get back into the swing of the religion I was born and baptised into.

I tried a while back to go to mass, at least every sunday. It lasted about a month. I just kinda faded away from the church again and now dont bother. I started to read the bible for a while, and got fed up with that too. I bought prayer books and stuff but got fed up reading and saying them.

I have no idea why though. I just seem to get a little bit fired up, then it just seems to fizzle out real quick.

I just dont seem to be able to be consistent and committed. There must be something seriously lacking in my faith but I dont know what it is. I;ve toyed with other religions but never seriously. I kinda just resigned myself to the fact that I was born a catholic, was brought up as a catholic and I’ll always be a catholic in name anyhow.

And I do KNOW a lot of you wont consoder me a catholic as I dont practice the faith, but I just dont know what to do about finding that fizz again.

Any ideas?

BikeCop.

I was gone for 7 years.
But I frequently prayed for ‘faith’ because it didnt make sense to me. I was always searching for the enigma - the meaning of life.

Eventually i became and remained ‘fired up’ - as you say. It was when God unvieled my eyes because i did seek what was holy. I did ask Him to show me His Will. [Pray the Our Father slowly]

Prayer is the starting point. Praying the Rosary frequently helps me.
Also - researching the lives of the Saints is a great inspiration.
Find some Saints who returned to the Church…or had the same problems.

I remember those days too well. By God’s grace and mercy - with cooperation of the Holy Spirit’s gifts did i finally feel free and happy in my faith.

Perhaps read St Faustina’s Diary. And the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Dear lost sheep - don’t fret - He actively is seeking you out and He wants to bestow all the beautiful gifts of the Spirit upon you. Invite Him in…

 

[WarriorAngel]

Graubo, thank you for your words of encouragement.

I’ve started to listen to EWTN radio following your pointer.

Thing - I like the sound off ALL your suggestions. I like it hardcore.

I’ve looked at some of the online suggestions for an examination of conscience and I’ve prepared myself best as I can do.

I have a question.

I’ve heard talk about Divine Mercy Sunday. What is that?

As I said - read St Faustina’s Diary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
[ironic i didnt see this post when i suggested that]

She gives a rendering account of what Jesus showed her and told her - that He wants His children.
He is waiting and seeking to bring us home.

Invite Him in…He will give you the fire of the Holy Spirit.

I can say without a doubt - He is longing for you.

 

[Tezza]

Graubo, thank you for your words of encouragement.

I’ve started to listen to EWTN radio following your pointer.

Thing - I like the sound off ALL your suggestions. I like it hardcore.

I’ve looked at some of the online suggestions for an examination of conscience and I’ve prepared myself best as I can do.

I have a question.

I’ve heard talk about Divine Mercy Sunday. What is that?

Hi Bikecop–

So glad for you and your journey.

Here’s some info on Divine Mercy Sunday:

Divine Mercy Sunday is the First Sunday after Easter. It was named by Pope John Paul II at the canonization of St. Maria Faustina on April 30, 2000, and then officially decreed by the Vatican.

Jesus revealed in various revelations to St. Faustina that it was His desire that we celebrate this special feast. “The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.” (Diary, 699)

Our Lord revealed to St. Faustina His desire to literally flood us with His graces on that day. Just consider each of the promises and desires that He expressed about Mercy Sunday, which are recorded in the main passage of the Diary — passage 699 — about Mercy Sunday:

On that day the very depths of My tender Mercy are open.
I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon these souls who approach the Fount of My mercy [the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist].
The soul that will go to Confession [beforehand] and receive Holy Communion [on that day] shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.
On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened.
Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.
The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness.
It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.

apostlesofdivinemercy.org/DivineMercySunday.html

Me thinks it’s no coincidence that God is tuggin’ at you during this most holy season:thumbsup:

Peace to you, brother. You will be in my prayers

 

[maryjk]

So, BikeCop, which Mass will you be attending on Sunday?

Will you go to the vigil Mass on Saturday evening, or catch the early Mass on Sunday? I bet there is also a Mass that ends near lunch time. That way you can grab lunch after Mass.

Plan your day now, so you know where you need to be and when.

 

[Protestant101]

Graubo, thank you for your words of encouragement.

I’ve started to listen to EWTN radio following your pointer.

Thing - I like the sound off ALL your suggestions. I like it hardcore.

I’ve looked at some of the online suggestions for an examination of conscience and I’ve prepared myself best as I can do.

I have a question.

I’ve heard talk about Divine Mercy Sunday. What is that?

For what it is worth - I have a suggestion too, if it’s OK. I know someone here who has been attending a Catholic Church, and trying to decide some similar issues as you. In the Catholic Churches here, when someone is studying to become a Catholic, they assign an individual to be their personal mentor or encourager. They have a name for it; I just don’t know what it is. You should ask the Church you are attending or going to attend to help you out with that. It will be too hard to do it alone, and it will be a real blessing for you to have someone to be accountable to, to pray and study with; and to ask questions as they arise… You sound like you are sincerely searching for Christ, and that is a good thing - no matter what Church one is in. I sincerely wish you His peace, and that your search will bear fruit to His Glory. Just remember, God’s promise is for you:

“Ye shall seek Me; and ye shall find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart…” (Jer.29:13)

 

[MelanieAnne]

For what it is worth - I have a suggestion too, if it’s OK. I know someone here who has been attending a Catholic Church, and trying to decide some similar issues as you. In the Catholic Churches here, when someone is studying to become a Catholic, they assign an individual to be their personal mentor or encourager. They have a name for it; I just don’t know what it is. You should ask the Church you are attending or going to attend to help you out with that. It will be too hard to do it alone, and it will be a real blessing for you to have someone to be accountable to, to pray and study with; and to ask questions as they arise… You sound like you are sincerely searching for Christ, and that is a good thing - no matter what Church one is in. I sincerely wish you His peace, and that your search will bear fruit to His Glory. Just remember, God’s promise is for you:

The word you’re looking for is Sponsor. It’s basically the same thing as a Godparent, but Godmother/Godfather is typically a figure we associate with a child, whereas Sponsor is more typically associated with an adult.

How kind and gracious you are!

 

[Protestant101]

The word you’re looking for is Sponsor. It’s basically the same thing as a Godparent, but Godmother/Godfather is typically a figure we associate with a child, whereas Sponsor is more typically associated with an adult.

How kind and gracious you are!

Yes, that word sounds familiar, now that you mention it. I will pray that “Bike Cop” finds/asks for a Sponsor.

 

[guanophore]

For what it is worth - I have a suggestion too, if it’s OK. I know someone here who has been attending a Catholic Church, and trying to decide some similar issues as you. In the Catholic Churches here, when someone is studying to become a Catholic, they assign an individual to be their personal mentor or encourager. They have a name for it; I just don’t know what it is. You should ask the Church you are attending or going to attend to help you out with that. It will be too hard to do it alone, and it will be a real blessing for you to have someone to be accountable to, to pray and study with; and to ask questions as they arise… You sound like you are sincerely searching for Christ, and that is a good thing - no matter what Church one is in. I sincerely wish you His peace, and that your search will bear fruit to His Glory. Just remember, God’s promise is for you:

101, This is the finest and most charitable post I have every read of yours. I commend you! The word you are looking for is a Sponsor. These persons play the same role that Barnabas did with Paul, helping them to “get in”. Awesome job.

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

101, This is the finest and most charitable post I have every read of yours. I commend you! The word you are looking for is a Sponsor. These persons play the same role that Barnabas did with Paul, helping them to “get in”. Awesome job.

I agree:thumbsup: And if it is not the finest and most charitable post, it is definitely one of them!!!

Hi guanophore and Protestant101!

God bless all!!!

 

[Protestant101]

When someone is searching for Jesus - we are duty-bound to support them. We can look past the differences to do so.

I had an exception of sorts once during my nursing career. I was doing a practicum on a pediatric unit, and a little 6 month old fellow was scheduled for cancer surgery/treatment. He was one of my first patients in pediatrics, and it was my job to help the charge nurse with some of the preparations. As I was in the middle of things, the family came in, and they had a little jar with something in it. I honestly don’t remember what religion they were - but they were from a middle east country. The Mom had what she called “holy dust” in this jar and she wanted to rub it on the child’s head. It was their religious belief that this would secure God’s (Allah’s) special blessings on the treatment.

The only problem is that applying “dust” of any kind to the head before the radiation treatment like this would have caused severe third degree burns to the child’s scalp so we could not allow the Mom to do it. She was distraught, but we came up with the idea for her to apply it to another area, and it brought great relief to all.

We need to make sure that people like “Bike Cop” do not get abandoned to the “dust” of secularism, and point him to Jesus, regardless of our differences. To me; that’s unity in Christ, in action! “Bike Cop” will get “burned” if he tries to make a “comeback” alone; the dust of secularism is hard to wash off without Jesus, and fellowship with His followers!

“do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.”

 

[PaulDupre]

Hi all

Just wondering if you guys had any advice for a tired lasped catholic, fed up to the back teeth with secularism but unable to get back into the swing of the religion I was born and baptised into.

I tried a while back to go to mass, at least every sunday. It lasted about a month. I just kinda faded away from the church again and now dont bother. I started to read the bible for a while, and got fed up with that too. I bought prayer books and stuff but got fed up reading and saying them.

I have no idea why though. I just seem to get a little bit fired up, then it just seems to fizzle out real quick.

I just dont seem to be able to be consistent and committed. There must be something seriously lacking in my faith but I dont know what it is. I;ve toyed with other religions but never seriously. I kinda just resigned myself to the fact that I was born a catholic, was brought up as a catholic and I’ll always be a catholic in name anyhow.

And I do KNOW a lot of you wont consoder me a catholic as I dont practice the faith, but I just dont know what to do about finding that fizz again.

Any ideas?

BikeCop.

Go to confession. Make a good, thorough, integral confession. It’ll fix you right up and change your entire perspective.

God love you,
Paul

 

[guanophore]

What a great testimony 101! May God bless your efforts to facilitate His grace!

When someone is searching for Jesus - we are duty-bound to support them. We can look past the differences to do so.

I had an exception of sorts once during my nursing career. I was doing a practicum on a pediatric unit, and a little 6 month old fellow was scheduled for cancer surgery/treatment. He was one of my first patients in pediatrics, and it was my job to help the charge nurse with some of the preparations. As I was in the middle of things, the family came in, and they had a little jar with something in it. I honestly don’t remember what religion they were - but they were from a middle east country. The Mom had what she called “holy dust” in this jar and she wanted to rub it on the child’s head. It was their religious belief that this would secure God’s (Allah’s) special blessings on the treatment.

The only problem is that applying “dust” of any kind to the head before the radiation treatment like this would have caused severe third degree burns to the child’s scalp so we could not allow the Mom to do it. She was distraught, but we came up with the idea for her to apply it to another area, and it brought great relief to all.

We need to make sure that people like “Bike Cop” do not get abandoned to the “dust” of secularism, and point him to Jesus, regardless of our differences. To me; that’s unity in Christ, in action! “Bike Cop” will get “burned” if he tries to make a “comeback” alone; the dust of secularism is hard to wash off without Jesus, and fellowship with His followers!

“do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.”

 

[rtibs]

I would like to add my two cents worth to the advices given you. Find yourself a good spiritual director. Dryness in the prayer life is like being led to the desert of your faith, as Jesus was led to His. The false ego will try to hinder you, disturb and distract you some more. With the director’s help, you would be able to understand why saints pass through the “dark nights” and come out victorious, by God’s mercy.

 

[humble_in_doubt]

Hi all

Just wondering if you guys had any advice for a tired lasped catholic, fed up to the back teeth with secularism but unable to get back into the swing of the religion I was born and baptised into.

I tried a while back to go to mass, at least every sunday. It lasted about a month. I just kinda faded away from the church again and now dont bother. I started to read the bible for a while, and got fed up with that too. I bought prayer books and stuff but got fed up reading and saying them.

I have no idea why though. I just seem to get a little bit fired up, then it just seems to fizzle out real quick.

I just dont seem to be able to be consistent and committed. There must be something seriously lacking in my faith but I dont know what it is. I;ve toyed with other religions but never seriously. I kinda just resigned myself to the fact that I was born a catholic, was brought up as a catholic and I’ll always be a catholic in name anyhow.

And I do KNOW a lot of you wont consoder me a catholic as I dont practice the faith, but I just dont know what to do about finding that fizz again.

Any ideas?

BikeCop.

I highly recommend the M.M.I. Church (me, myself, and I).

Just kidding you’all

 

[Protestant101]

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him? (Jam 2:5, MKJV)

 

[Always_For_Him]

Hey BikeCop,

I was hoping that you could check in with us to let us know how you are doing, how mass went on Sunday, and just generally let us know anything you want to let us know.