Are Catholics being reawakened?

[whizkid43]

So is it me or does it appear Catholics are being reawakened?

I’m post VII and satrayed from the faith. Was reawakened to Christianity (Evangelical) about 6 years ago. After digging in I’ve now returned home to the Catholic Church.

I keep seeing this story line both on the CAF and elsewhere, i.e. reverts or reawakening to the faith. Is it me and is this a normal ebb and flow of people in the Catholic faith? Or is something bigger going on here?

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[Jabronie]

I think that the Internet and the rise of Catholic apologetics is helping bring people back home.

Our Church leaders have done a TERRIBLE job teaching the truth about our faith in the last couple of generations. We have 2000 years of the greatest minds in history, as well as historical evidence that our Church IS the Church founded by Christ himself. Our Church history provides solid evidence that scripture is true as well.

Thanks to the laymen apologists out there and the Internet sites like this, people are finally starting to learn what they should have learned a long time ago.

 

[VWcrazy]

I am in total agreement with Jabronie.

I also think there are a few other factors involved. I think a lot of us cradle Catholics have had trouble “seeing the forest because of the trees”. Something usually clicks (with the help of this site!) which suddenly, one is able to see the forest!

I also think EWTN is a wonderful gift which we can all use to learn relearn our Faith.

 

[Tonks40]

I’m noticing this as well. I’m meeting more and more people who have either converted or reverted back to the Faith, many due to studying what the Church actually teaches. I’m finding they’re more orthodox in their beliefs, and are giving some of those in the Church that have a more liberal stance something to really think about!

 

[NDfan]

So is it me or does it appear Catholics are being reawakened?

I’m post VII and satrayed from the faith. Was reawakened to Christianity (Evangelical) about 6 years ago. After digging in I’ve now returned home to the Catholic Church.

I keep seeing this story line both on the CAF and elsewhere, i.e. reverts or reawakening to the faith. Is it me and is this a normal ebb and flow of people in the Catholic faith? Or is something bigger going on here?

Thoughts? Opinions?

I disagree with you. On the East Coast all through the Mid-Atlantic region which was once a very strong area for Roman Catholicism has seen the worst deterioration ever. The issue is that the numbers published from Rome contain Roman Catholics who left the church but didn’t officially tell anyone. I still receive mailings from the Diocese thanking me for supporting their initiatives. Non-denominational churches have seen the greatest influx of Roman Catholics ever. Our church is partnered with 10 other Non-denoms in the area which total about 65-70 thousand people. 85% are Roman Catholic. For every 10 new members that come in 8-9 of them are Roman Catholic. We have literally doubled in size every 7 years for like the past 35 years.

If you go to the New England area there have been complete Dioceses that have shut down because of a lack of funding to maintain the buildings. This is because of the dropoff in attendance and some of the pedophile case settlements. The same is happening in some California areas which have been affected by some of the pedophile cases. As a Christian I hate to see any church have to close it’s doors.

 

[Graing]

I think there is something to this - and I believe it is more than just the wonder of the internet and Catholic radio.

I had my own experience about a year and a half ago. I am a cradle Catholic but drifted into complacency or ambivalence for a while. I had a strong tug and some things happen which I can only describe as spiritual or even divine providence. Now I am probably more active than I ever was as a younger man (and see how far I still have to go).

A few other anecdotal stories… I was heading to one of our local parishes (not my home parish) to see how it was and ran into a man in the parking lot. I had just gotten out of my car and was heading towards the church when he stopped me. He asked me, “Excuse me, is Mass about to start here?” I thought it was kind of an odd question and told him it was. He must have seen the confused look on my face and said, “I was driving past and I felt compelled to stop and to go to Mass”. He later explained to me that he had been away from the Church for many years and had felt a strange urge to start coming back - and driving past, he just felt he needed to pull in and go to Mass.

I also have an old friend, very scientific and skeptical (although raised Catholic). He had been away from the Church for most of his adult life. I got a call from him telling me of some powerful spiritual experiences he had recently had. The next day he told me that he had gone out and bought a new rosary and bible. He’s still trying to work it out so I’ll ask for some prayers for him.

Anyway… I think there is a reawakening of sorts going on and that it is probably more than just the internet, etc.

 

[whizkid43]

If you go to the New England area there have been complete Dioceses that have shut down because of a lack of funding to maintain the buildings. This is because of the dropoff in attendance and some of the pedophile case settlements. The same is happening in some California areas which have been affected by some of the pedophile cases. As a Christian I hate to see any church have to close it’s doors.

Is it because of lack of funding or because the archdiocise needed money to pay the court costs (or both)? I live in New England (just outside of Boston). I belonged to some of those parishes that closed and I know there were very large numbers of people trying to keep the parishes thoses open (at least the ones that closed in the Boston area).

I also know the parish I now belong was dead 7-8 years ago. Many of the folks that joined the Evangelical Church I joined were from that parish. This past Easter there were over 2000 people in attendance, that’s quite a swing

Also, the Evangelical churches in my area (many of them the seeker sensitive Willow Creek types) are noticing that they are missing something. They are cranking up the Bible studies etc but what I think they are missing is the meat of the faith like the sacrements and will be coming home in time.

Just some of thoughts, only time will tell. Thanks for you (name removed by moderator)ut!

 

[fbl9]

So is it me or does it appear Catholics are being reawakened?

I’m post VII and satrayed from the faith. Was reawakened to Christianity (Evangelical) about 6 years ago. After digging in I’ve now returned home to the Catholic Church.

I keep seeing this story line both on the CAF and elsewhere, i.e. reverts or reawakening to the faith. Is it me and is this a normal ebb and flow of people in the Catholic faith? Or is something bigger going on here?

Thoughts? Opinions?

i like the word reawakened,i considered myself one who has been awakened not reawakened,but reawakened is a much better term. i hope it is part of something bigger.but if one is to look at the history of the church there have been times of laxity and times of faithfullness.

 

[c659smith]

Just a story.

I am a cradle Catholic that had for the most part drifted away. I had a situation in my life where I was hurt and had extreme anger. I was driving on a errand and saw some smoke when I arrived to the point I thought I saw the smoke I was in the Church parking lot.

I decided to park, get out of the car, and go into the Church.
The church was empty and not a person was there, I do not know to this day why it was open.

There I stood before Mary of the wayward and Jesus on the cross and boy did I let them have it.

I then knelt I do not know why and the tears flowed, A feeling rushed through me and a voice clearly in my head said why do you think you can control things? You control nothing I do control everything. Let go and I will control things for you.

Well I did just that and a peace enveloped me that I never had before in my life. No one since can hurt me, no one since can dissapoint me.

The subject and reason for my anger was within days reversed.

that was over 6 years ago and the Holy Spirit I am convinced gave me a slap in the face and brought me out of my stubborness and stupidty.

I offer myself the best I can to help others and lead those that will follow.

My marriage has never been better

My job a stressful one has no stress

I am now not a cradle Catholic but a practicing one.

I am no longer luke warm in my faith but hot with desire to learn everything I can.

How stupid I was for now I am like a kid in a candy store.

 

[vocatio]

Just a story.

I am a cradle Catholic that had for the most part drifted away. I had a situation in my life where I was hurt and had extreme anger. I was driving on a errand and saw some smoke when I arrived to the point I thought I saw the smoke I was in the Church parking lot.

I decided to park, get out of the car, and go into the Church.
The church was empty and not a person was there, I do not know to this day why it was open.

There I stood before Mary of the wayward and Jesus on the cross and boy did I let them have it.

I then knelt I do not know why and the tears flowed, A feeling rushed through me and a voice clearly in my head said why do you think you can control things? You control nothing I do control everything. Let go and I will control things for you.

Well I did just that and a peace enveloped me that I never had before in my life. No one since can hurt me, no one since can dissapoint me.

The subject and reason for my anger was within days reversed.

that was over 6 years ago and the Holy Spirit I am convinced gave me a slap in the face and brought me out of my stubborness and stupidty.

I offer myself the best I can to help others and lead those that will follow.

My marriage has never been better

My job a stressful one has no stress

I am now not a cradle Catholic but a practicing one.

I am no longer luke warm in my faith but hot with desire to learn everything I can.

How stupid I was for now I am like a kid in a candy store.

That is a great story. I can relate as can probably many people. I remember hearing years ago while practicing a fundamental faith about apologetics growing in Catholicism. I thought …good…at least people might learn to stand up for what they beleive. I was sick of people just allowing others to berate the faith…not to mention all the unexplained differences in people’s belief of what the Church taught. I went throught lots of transformation in and out and now in the Church. I recently contacted my former seminary friend, a priest now. I feel blessed now. My entire family converted to Catholicism. We are growing daily. God’s grace has filled us with joy. The Divine Mercy as a deep meaning to me and new to me since I left in 89’. There’s a lot of change…change for the better…towards orthodox Catholicism. But grace is the driving force. It’s seems God has a plan and it’s building up the Church again.

 

[wisdomseeker]

This reminds me of the Parable of the prodigo son.

Some will return, some may not return.
Judas never returned. those who leave become blind. those who returned is because their eyes have been opened.
I mean no offense to no one.

 

[whizkid43]

Well, I’d say in part my educators did a poor job and in part I checked out and didn’t pay attention. Anyway, I’ve been getting caught up with a series of podcasts.

catholictelevision.org/main.php?nav=03&content=20

 

[J_C]

i think the signs of renewal in the U.S. Church are unmistakeable.

Reasons for this are many, including that the liberal cadre is dying out, and what is left is elderly and out of poop.

John Paul II. Nuff said!

Benedict XVI, solid like JPII.

the TV fundamentalist preachers are also running out of steam, people are getting tired of the stale entertainment theologies, the health and prosperity gibberish , etc.

as the U.S. Church solidifies, the seminaries fill up with solid men, the pace of repatriation will accelerate. there is a golden future ahead for the Catholic Church. we’re just beggining to see the first signs of spring.

 

[krissy343]

I also think there are a few other factors involved. I think a lot of us cradle Catholics have had trouble “seeing the forest because of the trees”. Something usually clicks (with the help of this site!) which suddenly, one is able to see the forest!

I also think EWTN is a wonderful gift which we can all use to learn relearn our Faith.

The above is exactly what brought me back to the Church. If it wasn’t for this site, EWTN and the Holy Spirit of course, I probably never would’ve returned.

 

[honeysuckle]

I believe Protestants are being called in the Church to help strengthen the Church, and that I was one of them.

About a year ago I began the process of becoming Catholic. Several months before that, I attended a large, non-denominational but S. Baptist- rooted Mega-Church. There were lots of things that bothered me, but I thought, this is the true church, with true teachings, so I have to accept the things that bother me.

The pastor has a television show and a radio show. There is an indoor playground, a bookstore and a Cappuccino bar inside the Church. The pastor is an outspoken Republican right-wing political activist. (THIS bothered me more than anything. I have never believed God is a Republican. Life and mercy issues are important, but why is it that these kinds of Fundamentalist preachers are always protesting teaching evolution instead of protesting the treatment of missionaries overseas?)

There was a metro-wide scandal over allegations of financial impropriety within this mega-church, and that is what turned me away for good, and caused me to follow my heart that was leading me away from what I believe are very flawed and poisonous Fundamentalist teachings.

What really touched me were the stories of the preacher and his wife’s hearts. A member of their congregation listened to a sermon pleading for financial sacrifices and money. The parishioner was moved to donate his daughter’s entire college trust fund, worth tens of thousands of dollars to the church. The parishioner’s wife did not agree with this decision, and approached the pastor, pleading for him to return their daughter’s trust fund. The paster refused, and rebuked her sinful challenging of her husband’s spiritual authority. The couple divorced. The family was broken.

I began to see that this kind of story was not the fruit of a healthy church, despite their claims of doctrinal purity and truth. And if this is the result of “truth”, I wondered, could it be that this Fundamentalist church never taught the truth? This question led me to study the Catholic faith.

 

[JMBNH]

In the UK the Catholic Church seems to be growing due to people fed up of the state of the Anglican Church (though sadly even more of them go to all those dodgy evangelical and charismatic sects which are growing everywhere) and for the first time since the 16th century it is the Church with the most people attending on Sundays, though sadly this is as much due to the Anglican Church’s collapse as people becoming Catholic

 

[wisdomseeker]

I believe Protestants are being called in the Church to help strengthen the Church, and that I was one of them.

About a year ago I began the process of becoming Catholic. Several months before that, I attended a large, non-denominational but S. Baptist- rooted Mega-Church. There were lots of things that bothered me, but I thought, this is the true church, with true teachings, so I have to accept the things that bother me.

The pastor has a television show and a radio show. There is an indoor playground, a bookstore and a Cappuccino bar inside the Church. The pastor is an outspoken Republican right-wing political activist. (THIS bothered me more than anything. I have never believed God is a Republican. Life and mercy issues are important, but why is it that these kinds of Fundamentalist preachers are always protesting teaching evolution instead of protesting the treatment of missionaries overseas?)

There was a metro-wide scandal over allegations of financial impropriety within this mega-church, and that is what turned me away for good, and caused me to follow my heart that was leading me away from what I believe are very flawed and poisonous Fundamentalist teachings.

What really touched me were the stories of the preacher and his wife’s hearts. A member of their congregation listened to a sermon pleading for financial sacrifices and money. The parishioner was moved to donate his daughter’s entire college trust fund, worth tens of thousands of dollars to the church. The parishioner’s wife did not agree with this decision, and approached the pastor, pleading for him to return their daughter’s trust fund. The paster refused, and rebuked her sinful challenging of her husband’s spiritual authority. The couple divorced. The family was broken.

I began to see that this kind of story was not the fruit of a healthy church, despite their claims of doctrinal purity and truth. And if this is the result of “truth”, I wondered, could it be that this Fundamentalist church never taught the truth? This question led me to study the Catholic faith.

this is why the debates between catholics and baptists is tiredsome and worthless probably. we have total different views about pretty much everything. by what i see i can tell that baptists are to envolved with money, power and politics. it is a sad situation. i dont see them is interested in seeking God’s truth, that would mean fall from their pedestal. once i got a pamphlet from a girl, i could really pay attention to it until later for i was working. it was from a baptist member and it was all about the catholic teachings. boy how i wish she would come back.
BLESSINGS!

 

[Righteousone]

So is it me or does it appear Catholics are being reawakened?

I’m post VII and satrayed from the faith. Was reawakened to Christianity (Evangelical) about 6 years ago. After digging in I’ve now returned home to the Catholic Church.

I keep seeing this story line both on the CAF and elsewhere, i.e. reverts or reawakening to the faith. Is it me and is this a normal ebb and flow of people in the Catholic faith? Or is something bigger going on here?

Thoughts? Opinions?

Yes, the traffic toward Rome has increased rapidly. Today we are seeing more than a hundred and fifty thousand converts enter the Catholic church each year in the United States, and in some other places like Africa, there are more than a million converts to Catholicism each year.
People of no religion, lapsed or ‘inactive’ Catholics, and members of other Christian churches are “coming home to Rome”.
They are attracted to the church for a variety of reasons, but the chief reason is the solid truth of the Catholic faith.
Our seperated brethren hold much Christian truth, but not all of it.
Only the Catholic church was founded by Jesus, and only it has been able to preserve all Christian truth without any error—and great numbers of people are coming to see this.

 

[J_C]

Pray for vocations!

 

[whizkid43]

Pray for vocations!

I found this prayer on a link that has the Leonine Prayers

dailycatholic.org/leonine.htm#3

Prayer for Vocations

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst take to Thyself a body and soul like ours, to teach us the glory of self-sacrifice and service, mercifully deign to instill in other hearts the desire to dedicate their lives to Thee. Give us PRIESTS to stand before Thine Altar and to preach the words of Thy Gospel; BROTHERS to assist the priests and to reproduce in themselves Thy humility; SISTERS to teach the young and nurse the sick and to minister Thy charity to all; LAY PEOPLE to imitate Thee in their homes and families. Amen.