C
CountrySinger
Guest
Lol. I don’t think God accepts ultimatums.Good! BTW, I’m glad you found a boyfriend. Maybe if I think about leaving the Church, I’ll get one too!jk.
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V
valient_Lucy
Guest
Probably not. Besides, He’s God. He’ll see through the ruse.
C
ComputerGeek25
Guest
Again, we have all been there.
S
Sailor_Kenshin
Guest
Oh, goody.
Another victim of moral relativism.
Luckily for the rest of the world, some people still believe in an ultimate and objective Good and Evil.
Applause for Country Singer, though!
A
angelic06
Guest
Pay the piper? And guilt (your own words) was the tune that was played?
Without ignoring the Church’s law mandating the assistance at Mass on Sundays and other holy days, I consider Mass as an opportunity, not a mere danger for non-attendance—for here, the Lord gives us his Body and Blood under the disguise of bread and wine in order for us to grow spiritually, so that someday we may attain to a life of everlasting bliss. We should come to Mass with a sense of awe and wonder and gratitude, not guilt, for the Lord by His own working makes Himself truly present to us. Granted, there are some days when my mind wanders (and consider that I am at a church which sings the Mass very reverently and beautifully regularly). For by giving this Eucharist, the Lord shows His love for us, that everytime we come together and share in it, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He shall come again at the end of time to render our rewards (or hopefully not, our punishments).
Yes, there were times when I felt the Lord did not answer me (and I’m only 26). But the more we feel this way, the more we must trust in Him, for when we don’t expect it, our answer will come. The more we feel abandoned, the more we must go and receive the free gift offered to us, the Holy Eucharist, in order to nourish us and strengthen us.
S
Suspicious_Mind
Guest
I pretty much left the Church, I was in and out in the last few years. I’m just sick of the penance-through-guilt that’s unintentionally advocated, it’s quite clear on online forums especially.
It’s less about following Christ, and more of “institution” - church leaders for the most part have shown an inability to lead, not that you could really expect it from them anyways. Though there have been a few exceptions, certain popes like Pius XII and JPII have been astounding, and they were great individuals.
The extreme hypocrisy with the scandals has also played a part. Church teaching talks about the importance of life, and promotion of NFP and the immorality of abortion, but it’s had trouble curbing the behaviour of MANY priests towards young children. And in many cases, bishops have gone out of their way to move priests around.
Bishops being caught with child pornography, and of course the general lovely history of the Catholic Church over the last 2000 years is pretty much enough to convince me, that I as a rational being (we all are) need to put on the thinking cap and evaluate what is the best course of action instead of letting Church leaders decide. This does not mean I go out of my way to avoid something that the Church advocates for the sake of denying it, if it makes sense then I will stick to it.
An example of this is contraception, I think this really does contribute to numerous social issues as a whole stemming from infidelity. However this is not some Catholic invention. Mahatma Gandhi and the Dalai Lama have also commented about the possible evils of contraception, and they certainly aren’t Catholic.
Then, it’s the issue of prayer. For some unknown reason, the focus of the Church seems to nowadays be everything except Christ
- It’s now all about Mary and the saints. I really don’t get much from praying “The Rosary” - I fall asleep, it’s boring and monotonous, what can you expect from mindlessly repeating The Hail Mary 50 times? Your mind will obviously tend to blank out, unless you really really focus on just concentrating, and I don’t know why prayer has to be like that. Prayer should be less about stopping yourself fall asleep and be something with meaning, your own words, rather than parroting something. I won’t call my dad an idolater, but many Catholics do actually think they “worship” Mary - simply because it’s become too confusing for many of them to realize anything else. He boldly and confidently told a friend, yes as Catholics we worship the saints and Mary. I don’t blame him, praying to Jesus, Mary, the Saints, whatever else, it all seems to be exactly the same. There seems to be no distinction in the devotion for them, in fact, Mary seems to have more devotion
The hierarchy, how we went from Jesus and his disciples being the “average” person in public to royalty-dressed bishops and cardinals, I’ll never know. A ridiculous amount of money is spent just on maintaing a dress-code. Why do you want to look so different to everyone else? Just looking at what they wear you know a lot of money is being spent on all those COMPLETELY unnecessary things. The Pope himself has a personal cobbler, clearly something Christ wishes
Dressing up in royal purple, wine red, fancy garments is all about Christianity. Despite all this, most Catholics have no idea about Scripture at all. This is not a bold statement, this is true - so much work and effort has gone into Cathechism that most Catholics have no idea where to find what in the Bible unless they personally have put in some effort into it. But then again, why would they put effort in when the Church has done their best to present everything else except Scripture to study?
No wonder, so many Catholics fall into the traps of Protestants.
Lastly, money-making - how many businesses are running from selling church related merchandise? Where it’s a spoon with “Our Lady of Medujorge” on it or figurines of Saints, it’s just mind boggling. How can this not be idolatry? Bowing at statues, standing in front of statues and praying, kissing statues…
Anyways, rant over.
It’s less about following Christ, and more of “institution” - church leaders for the most part have shown an inability to lead, not that you could really expect it from them anyways. Though there have been a few exceptions, certain popes like Pius XII and JPII have been astounding, and they were great individuals.
The extreme hypocrisy with the scandals has also played a part. Church teaching talks about the importance of life, and promotion of NFP and the immorality of abortion, but it’s had trouble curbing the behaviour of MANY priests towards young children. And in many cases, bishops have gone out of their way to move priests around.
Bishops being caught with child pornography, and of course the general lovely history of the Catholic Church over the last 2000 years is pretty much enough to convince me, that I as a rational being (we all are) need to put on the thinking cap and evaluate what is the best course of action instead of letting Church leaders decide. This does not mean I go out of my way to avoid something that the Church advocates for the sake of denying it, if it makes sense then I will stick to it.
An example of this is contraception, I think this really does contribute to numerous social issues as a whole stemming from infidelity. However this is not some Catholic invention. Mahatma Gandhi and the Dalai Lama have also commented about the possible evils of contraception, and they certainly aren’t Catholic.
Then, it’s the issue of prayer. For some unknown reason, the focus of the Church seems to nowadays be everything except Christ
- It’s now all about Mary and the saints. I really don’t get much from praying “The Rosary” - I fall asleep, it’s boring and monotonous, what can you expect from mindlessly repeating The Hail Mary 50 times? Your mind will obviously tend to blank out, unless you really really focus on just concentrating, and I don’t know why prayer has to be like that. Prayer should be less about stopping yourself fall asleep and be something with meaning, your own words, rather than parroting something. I won’t call my dad an idolater, but many Catholics do actually think they “worship” Mary - simply because it’s become too confusing for many of them to realize anything else. He boldly and confidently told a friend, yes as Catholics we worship the saints and Mary. I don’t blame him, praying to Jesus, Mary, the Saints, whatever else, it all seems to be exactly the same. There seems to be no distinction in the devotion for them, in fact, Mary seems to have more devotion The hierarchy, how we went from Jesus and his disciples being the “average” person in public to royalty-dressed bishops and cardinals, I’ll never know. A ridiculous amount of money is spent just on maintaing a dress-code. Why do you want to look so different to everyone else? Just looking at what they wear you know a lot of money is being spent on all those COMPLETELY unnecessary things. The Pope himself has a personal cobbler, clearly something Christ wishes
Dressing up in royal purple, wine red, fancy garments is all about Christianity. Despite all this, most Catholics have no idea about Scripture at all. This is not a bold statement, this is true - so much work and effort has gone into Cathechism that most Catholics have no idea where to find what in the Bible unless they personally have put in some effort into it. But then again, why would they put effort in when the Church has done their best to present everything else except Scripture to study?
No wonder, so many Catholics fall into the traps of Protestants.
Lastly, money-making - how many businesses are running from selling church related merchandise? Where it’s a spoon with “Our Lady of Medujorge” on it or figurines of Saints, it’s just mind boggling. How can this not be idolatry? Bowing at statues, standing in front of statues and praying, kissing statues…
Anyways, rant over.
C
CountrySinger
Guest
Mass just bores me more than not, but I don’t partake in the Eucharist. I don’t deserve it until I have more faith. Mass just makes me uncomfortable, and I can’t wait to leave. I just feel so not welcome and not like where I belong.Pay the piper? And guilt (your own words) was the tune that was played?
Without ignoring the Church’s law mandating the assistance at Mass on Sundays and other holy days, I consider Mass as an opportunity, not a mere danger for non-attendance—for here, the Lord gives us his Body and Blood under the disguise of bread and wine in order for us to grow spiritually, so that someday we may attain to a life of everlasting bliss. We should come to Mass with a sense of awe and wonder and gratitude, not guilt, for the Lord by His own working makes Himself truly present to us. Granted, there are some days when my mind wanders (and consider that I am at a church which sings the Mass very reverently and beautifully regularly). For by giving this Eucharist, the Lord shows His love for us, that everytime we come together and share in it, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He shall come again at the end of time to render our rewards (or hopefully not, our punishments).
Yes, there were times when I felt the Lord did not answer me (and I’m only 26). But the more we feel this way, the more we must trust in Him, for when we don’t expect it, our answer will come. The more we feel abandoned, the more we must go and receive the free gift offered to us, the Holy Eucharist, in order to nourish us and strengthen us.
S
Suspicious_Mind
Guest
I feel ya, same thing for me.
P
PamS
Guest
what on earth do you mean??? wishy-washy???
P
PamS
Guest
You must remember the Scriptures mate. It is hard to get into Heaven. You can’t just pray and knowingly be ignorant of the teachings that he has asked us all to share with eachother. What you’re describing here sounds a lot like laziness. (one of the seven deadly sins). You can’t expect to get into Heaven based on your feelings for God. You must go through the Sacraments to fully show God that you are serious about worshipping Him.
Remember that Catholic church is not a pick-n-mix or a buffet, where you take a little bit of what you want, and leave the bits you don’t like, at the table. You take it all. It IS hard. Why else do you think so many people leave? They lose sight in the promise of God, they lose faith because they’re either bored, lazy or have turned away from Scriptures.
In regards to those that think the Catholic Mass is boring and repetitive. The Catholic church is not interested in the WOW factor or entertainment rating. It is not a concert where we come to feel good or be happy or whatever. The Mass is our way of worshipping God, the good feeling we get, is a result of our intense worship. The repetitiveness is beautiful in that the Catholic traditions are sacred and shouldn’t be altered just because other people are too. It is the True Church; we will stand strong =)
As for trials and tribulations, please, please, please read the story about Job in the Holy Bible. Surely, you can’t top that. Whenever I feel like my life is going nowhere, i think about Job and listen to “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole C Mullins
here’s the link: youtube.com/watch?v=9p4G2GbPYQA&feature=related
God Bless =)
PROUD TO BE CATHOLIC
P
Ponyguy
Guest
Hey, Country Girl!
Where the heck were you when I was young and single? (You were probably not even born yet…
)Have you ever thought about helping out with the music at Mass? Or doing something to let the church know that you’re interested in being welcomed? If those who “run the show” see you duck out of Mass as soon as communion is finished, they’re not likely to chase you down and drag you back in to “welcome” you to church…
At our 7:00 PM Sunday evening Mass, every third (or fourth) Sunday evening, we have a younger woman (mid-20’s?) provide us with some of the most beautiful music ever to waft from a Martin six-string. She has also performed both guitar and vocals at a few local country bars. Cool gal… I never thought I’d hear a country singer perform at Sunday Mass.
At our parish the first Sunday of the month is the “Youth Mass,” where the “young singles group” (you must be between 21 and 39 and marriage-eligible to join) provide the music, do the readings, greet parishioners, do the collection (subject to supervision by Usher-in-charge) and serve as Eucharistic Ministers. Afterward, they get together and… heck, I don’t know what they do; I’m not allowed into their group. But there have been quite a number of couples and families to emerge from the “Youth” group, and they seem quite active.
Perhaps your parish or one in your area has such a group?
You can only receive as much from some organization, as you are willing to put into it…
C
CountrySinger
Guest
I’m in Seattle, and there isn’t much for adults (unless you are either married with kids or a senior). There is one group, but it is pretty dull (I mean, they fulfill the stereotype of Catholics being boring). And the choir I feel more left out, I’m the only person there not in AARP). In my limited time off, I like to do things I enjoy, you know? The Northwest isn’t known for high levels of religion (in fact, my home state had the lowest levels of Mass attendence, I think). So I’m pretty much on my own, religion-wise. I’m used to it though, I’m still used to having a boyfriend who is Catholic.Hey, Country Girl!
Where the heck were you when I was young and single? (You were probably not even born yet…
Have you ever thought about helping out with the music at Mass? Or doing something to let the church know that you’re interested in being welcomed? If those who “run the show” see you duck out of Mass as soon as communion is finished, they’re not likely to chase you down and drag you back in to “welcome” you to church…
At our 7:00 PM Sunday evening Mass, every third (or fourth) Sunday evening, we have a younger woman (mid-20’s?) provide us with some of the most beautiful music ever to waft from a Martin six-string. She has also performed both guitar and vocals at a few local country bars. Cool gal… I never thought I’d hear a country singer perform at Sunday Mass.
At our parish the first Sunday of the month is the “Youth Mass,” where the “young singles group” (you must be between 21 and 39 and marriage-eligible to join) provide the music, do the readings, greet parishioners, do the collection (subject to supervision by Usher-in-charge) and serve as Eucharistic Ministers. Afterward, they get together and… heck, I don’t know what they do; I’m not allowed into their group. But there have been quite a number of couples and families to emerge from the “Youth” group, and they seem quite active.
Perhaps your parish or one in your area has such a group?
You can only receive as much from some organization, as you are willing to put into it…
I like the idea of a “Young Adult” Mass. I would cater to busy professionals. No long homilies, no over the top music (organs do not need to be used all the time), 30 minutes tops (like a daily Mass, I love those). Lol.
T
TexCatholic4JMJ
Guest
Humm, that’s hitting low (says someone who is eligible for AARP but won’t join it)
Let me tell you though, some of us have very eligible grandchildren, children your
age!!! We are always looking to introduce them to good Catholics.!!!
I do sympathize with you though, being in Seattle. Have you thought of unconventional
ways, like singing at a Church carnival (Some country music has decent lyrics.) or
taking ballroom lessons in country (two-step). At least you’d be having fun.
D
defenderoftruth
Guest
To the OP,
As someone on the outside trying to get in, I can’t imagine any other “church” or place I would want to be besides the Catholic Church.
Life may seem “easier” being in the world or in some denomination but without the Church we cut ourselves off from Christ (in the Eucharist) especially when you are already a Catholic and leave.
If you do marry and have children wouldn’t you want them to know Christ through his Church?
I just don’t get it sorry.
DoT
As someone on the outside trying to get in, I can’t imagine any other “church” or place I would want to be besides the Catholic Church.
Life may seem “easier” being in the world or in some denomination but without the Church we cut ourselves off from Christ (in the Eucharist) especially when you are already a Catholic and leave.
If you do marry and have children wouldn’t you want them to know Christ through his Church?
I just don’t get it sorry.
DoT
S
Sailor_Kenshin
Guest
Rant is right.
D
dashso40
Guest
I don’t understand, if some people don’t like the Catholic Church, why do come on this forum to insult those of us who love the Catholic religion. If you don’t like Catholicism, leave…there’s many other Christian religions that may fit you…The important person in Christianity is Jesus…If you are unhappy, go find a church that fits you, just don’t bash religions and don’t turn your back on Jesus. . I have said derogatory things about other religions but I have learned to stop that b/c I see how hurtful it can be… and Jesus would not want me to be like that. Go to other churches, find your way home to Jesus, if not through the Catholic Church than maybe through Episcopalian or Presbyterian…Good luck to you and may you find your niche in life
C
ContegoFides
Guest
It’s not about penance and guilt. It’s about love. Real love.
When we recognize how offensive our sins are to God, we feel sad and guilty. Sin is a betrayal of love.
But to get to that point you have to develop a relationship with Jesus. To develop a relationship with Him you must get to know Him. If you don’t spend time with a boyfriend/girlfriend, how would you love him enough to marry him? In the same way, you have to get to know Jesus. To do that you will have to read the Bible, especially the gospels, in view of the Catechism so that you know what the Bible means. You will have to receive his forgiveness in Confession, and then receive him in the Eucharist. If your faith is weak, then pray before Him in the Blessed Sacrament and ask Him to send you his Holy Spirit to increase your faith.
It will work, unless your heart is hard and you are demanding that He satisfy you or prove Himself to you. That’s because love doesn’t respond to hardness or skepticism, just as a boyfriend/girlfriend does not respond well to demands for proof of love.
If you don’t try, that is to really get to know Him, how will you expect to receive His love?
There are many, many ontological proofs that show that the Catholic Church is the Church of God himself, and that the Catholic Church has real power and authority, and that the only road to Heaven is through the Catholic Church.
However, these are all secondary to love. As St. Paul said, if I understand all mysteries and have not love, then I am nothing.
Get to know Love in the person of Jesus, and all doubts will vanish in the beauty of that love.
God Bless,
Ted
When we recognize how offensive our sins are to God, we feel sad and guilty. Sin is a betrayal of love.
But to get to that point you have to develop a relationship with Jesus. To develop a relationship with Him you must get to know Him. If you don’t spend time with a boyfriend/girlfriend, how would you love him enough to marry him? In the same way, you have to get to know Jesus. To do that you will have to read the Bible, especially the gospels, in view of the Catechism so that you know what the Bible means. You will have to receive his forgiveness in Confession, and then receive him in the Eucharist. If your faith is weak, then pray before Him in the Blessed Sacrament and ask Him to send you his Holy Spirit to increase your faith.
It will work, unless your heart is hard and you are demanding that He satisfy you or prove Himself to you. That’s because love doesn’t respond to hardness or skepticism, just as a boyfriend/girlfriend does not respond well to demands for proof of love.
If you don’t try, that is to really get to know Him, how will you expect to receive His love?
There are many, many ontological proofs that show that the Catholic Church is the Church of God himself, and that the Catholic Church has real power and authority, and that the only road to Heaven is through the Catholic Church.
However, these are all secondary to love. As St. Paul said, if I understand all mysteries and have not love, then I am nothing.
Get to know Love in the person of Jesus, and all doubts will vanish in the beauty of that love.
God Bless,
Ted
C
ContegoFides
Guest
To my fellow Catholics:
I challenge you to witness more fully about Christ’s love to those who are struggling in faith, hurting, or desirous of leaving the mystical body of Christ.
I challenge you to witness more fully about Christ’s love to those who are struggling in faith, hurting, or desirous of leaving the mystical body of Christ.
B
BlueSapphire
Guest
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
John 6:67
John 6:67
M
monicatholic
Guest
boring, stereotypical catholics; the AARP gang; you don’t go to confession; don’t receive Jesus in the Eucharist; don’t want to waste your Sunday riding the bus to a better Mass; and don’t believe a lot of what the church teaches. but you… stay because of mommy guilt? really? … you’re blaming your mother for being stuck with all this…?
in my parish, this is called the 12:10 weekday mass. everybody there (averages 60 people any day of the week) also go to the Sunday masses. about half of them are university students-- grad and undergrad. another quarter, young professional. the last portion moms with kids.
so… here’s wittnessing to Christ’s love. HE loves you CS. you belong to HIM. the proper response to that awesome astonishing eternal Truth? humility. surrender. obedience. love. our returned love will NEVER be what HE deserves. so we’re back at square one. humility. surrender. obedience. love.
repeat.
repeat.
repreat.
this is so NOT about you. this is about HIM and what you mean to HIM.
***There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. *** 1John 4:18, 19
***We love because he first loved us.
We love because he first loved us.
We love because he first loved us.***
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