As a former cradle Catholic, I have found many Protestant churches much more welcomin

[Little_Mary]

www.biblechristiansociety.com

Also, see my sig

 

[Freshman88]

I know the Eucharist, as i said i am a high anglican who is thinking of converting to RC… maybe if you KNEW what that meant you wouldnt make judgements!

THat is what i am agruing though that community is important. I do understand where you are coming from and i doubt you are liek what i have in my head… a hermit type mystic who believes nothign else is important but his relationship with God.

Look at the stats of parishs… they are dwindling!!! WHy because of the lack of outreach!

Whoever said above that just look at the numbers is horribly mistaken. Pentecoastalism is the fastets growin religion in both the USA and Brazil. Catholicism has got to learn and apply what these other denominations are doing

I am not making judgments from your faith. I am making judgments from your posts.

The dwindling numbers is from a lack of Orthodoxy. We need to hold steadfast to the Truth. We have done too much succumbing in the name of numbers, openness, modernism etc.

Isn’t strange how the most Conservative and Orthodox diocese have the highest attendance and the highest number of vocations? Doesn’t that say anything?

 

[Future_Prodigy]

I know enough to be offended as well, and on behalf of the poster, as well as all “stupid, ignorant, and arrogant” Catholics so sincerely apologize. I hope that your charism will bring the nourishment that is so badly lacking.

Now here is the kind of attitude the church needs!

 

[Future_Prodigy]

Doesnt the FACT that the fastest growing religions in the USA and Brazil (and growing fast in other South American coutnries) is Pentecoastalism… why because it is feedin a spirtual vacuum the traditional church is not. Why do you thik the new age movement still grows strong and why there are so many psedo religious ppl running amuck… because there needs are not being met by the Mass alone

 

[Freshman88]

Doesnt the FACT that the fastest growing religions in the USA and Brazil (and growing fast in other South American coutnries) is Pentecoastalism… why because it is feedin a spirtual vacuum the traditional church is not. Why do you thik the new age movement still grows strong and why there are so many psedo religious ppl running amuck… because there needs are not being met by the Mass alone

Again, again, again, again and yet again.
No one is saying mass alone.
You said it was wrong that parishes make the mass the central focus. I said no, mass is the central focus.
BUT IT ISNT THE ONLY FOCUS!
Never, ever have I said that mass is alone all you need. It is essential and of such high importance to a Parish. YES! But does that mean all that parish should offer is mass? NO!

 

[Future_Prodigy]

Again, again, again, again and yet again.
No one is saying mass alone.
You said it was wrong that parishes make the mass the central focus. I said no, mass is the central focus.
BUT IT ISNT THE ONLY FOCUS!
Never, ever have I said that mass is alone all you need. It is essential and of such high importance to a Parish. YES! But does that mean all that parish should offer is mass? NO!

Well that wasnt the image i was gettin from your posts

The dwindling numbers is from a lack of Orthodoxy. We need to hold steadfast to the Truth. We have done too much succumbing in the name of numbers, openness, modernism etc. !

i am curious as to what your thoughts are on this matter, becuas ei am on the other end of the spectrum and am interested in your opinions on this… but are not suitable for this thread so maybe PM me

 

[c659smith]

Good evening eveyone,

I am a cradle catholic but really at the age of 47 just transfered from the cradle to the playpen. I must thank the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother to getting me back fully to the church.

Yes I do feel born again and am now a sponge in learning my faith. Yes I knew the basics but was missing the history of the church, the Saints, understanding fully the sacred teachings, traditions, and Scriptures.

It is amazing how much the prophets of the old testament foresaw the coming of Christ.

How Jesus did make all things new tranferring the old convenant to the new.

beginning with Genesis the creation of man without sin,
Adam and Eve being born without sin but later falling to sin.

Now Jesus and Mary, the New Adam and Eve, mankind being born “without sin once again”, however lived without sin, and died without sin.

Funny enough I went to Catholic grammar school for 9 years. Received all my sacraments and was taught the basic cathechism but I did never really knew my faith.

I know now Catholism is the one true church of Christ and is the only true way to salvation.

Protestant comes from the word to protest. What was the protest? Who were they protesting, Who wrote the bible? yes I know the answers " divorce, Peter’s Sucessor the Pope being the devil, and the list goes on".

My Protestant brothers do take the bible literally when they want to refute many areas professed by the Catholic Church, but do not believe in the transubstansiation of the Mass, the changing of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
This was spoken numerous times by Christ and at one point lost many followers at the time Christ taught this in the Temples. This was meant literally.

Yes I do believe that many protestant churches are probably more welcoming however I am not looking for approval and to feel good from my fellow man when folllowing Christ. I am looking for a personal relationship with Jesus. When you find this there is a sense of peacefulness and I receive this by being in communion with Christ’s Church,receiving communion, and trying not to sin and being repentent when I do.

For those of you that do not believe in confession, well all I have to say is the face to face confessional is a way of admitting your sins (failings) to Christ through his Church. Embarrassment and not wanting to disappoint Jesus impedes me from committing them again. Admitting one faults to another however private it is will not be an easy thing to do, but what good is repentence if you keep it to yourself. ( yes I am sorry I hurt you but will not tell others I was wrong) However I am human and do sin again but a whole lot less.
For Jesus told his Apostles “whose sins you forgive will be forgiven and those you retain will be retained”. Well I am not retaining anything from Jesus’s Apostolotic successors and want to follow the bible as literally as possible with as much common sense as possible.

Holy Communiion (the Eucharist) is the most powerful truth we as Catholics have. I know now I not only believe in Christ but Christ is within me and I in Him. For I do eat his body and drink his blood and will have eternal life.

I am not saying that if you are a protestant or any other Religion you will not be with Christ for I will not judge as I do not want to be judged. What I need is Mercy.

 

[boppaid]

You failed to see my point. Catholics don’t need to “hang out” at the building we call our church to perform fellowship.

No, I think I do get your point…I just don’t agree with it. I think fellowship can never be bad, though. We come together in mass as a community of believers. A community. Further, if you study the old masses of the church (and I read this in a Catholic Book my pastor once lent me) they were filled with food (other than just the Eucharist) and fellowship. After that, they would partake in the Eucharist. Why can’t we have that now?

That isn’t why we turn up each Sunday.
We too have the Holy Spirit within us, through the Sacrament of Confirmation, but we receive Jesus at every Mass. Protestants do not.

So my son who is not yet old enough for confirmation doesn’t have the Holy Spirit residing in him? I thought that the Church taught that he did. Yes, protestants can receive the holy spirit at their service. Or in their homes. Or anywhere. The holy spirit can come down and live in the hearts of His believers whenever and however He wants. And He does.

It was the OP that said his son is a “stand out in a worship group” not me. I am not sure what is meant by it but I fail too see how it makes him a better Christian.

I agree with you on this one. Not only do I have no idea what it means, but I don’t see how it would make him a “better Christian”. OP, could you explain?

I

f I was to go by what you are saying, and hang with many many many people who are Catholic, how would I be evangelizing? Jesus mixed with the non-believers, and changed them.
That is what I try and do too. I don’t need to hang in the foyer, hoping a fellow Catholic has brought a Protestant friend with them to Mass.

Well, in all fairness, the Protestants bring “nonbelievers” to the service quite often. Usually there is a new face every week. they evangelize in that way. The friendliness of the congregation and the (genuine) closeness they see makes them feel welcome. Further, again, I don’t think fellowship is ever bad. Again, Church is a community of believers, isn’t it?

 

[kangnamdragon]

I have to say that one of the many reasons why I left the Catholic church wasn’t so much the Catholic teachings but the way in which the Catholic church really fails to reach out in fellowship not only to its own parishioners, but to others as well. I have been received into the Anglican church for a few years now along with my wife and my son and I must say that our teachings and Liturgy is about 90% the same as Roman Catholics and the way we are close to Christ and really share that with our parishioners and others is something I really missed out on for many years. Why does the Roman Catholic church really lack that zeal for fellowship and out reach?

2 problems here. 1. You are concentrating on feeling and not reason. 2. Settling for 90% is ok if you are willing to get 90% of the way into heaven.

 

[boppaid]

Catholics believe this also, did you know that? I ask because I’m concerned that you are learning more Protestant slants and will soon be anti-Catholic.

Thanks for your concern. (And I meant that…I’m not being sarcastic It’s hard to tell in this type of “written” setting. I thought of leaving the Church for a while, (since before I started attending the Baptist services), because I don’t agree with many of the major tenants of the Church. I’m at a crossroads, because many of my beliefs have always been more protestant, but I still continue in the CC, trying to hold on, and trying to understand. I go to confession, communion, mass, my son is making his first communion. But I sometimes feel like I’m simply going through the motions…I always have. So I began attending a church in addition to my CC where they have programs that truly lift me up to the Lord! But please pray for me.

And, yes, I know that Catholics belive the Holy Spirit resides in us. However, what I meant was that they believe the Holy Spirit is always there (that He doesn’t leave whenever we sin) and that we already have a “real presense” in our hearts. I guess that was the difference I was trying to convey.

Are you sure that your Baptist friends are accepting of you or are they trying to convert you? Here’s a test. Do you talk about the Catholic postion? Do you mention that you go to daily mass? Do you talk about your absolute contentment with the Catholic Church. I bet not. I bet if they thought there was no converting you that you would not be welcome into their circles. I bet that you keep mainly quiet about what the Catholic Church teaches.

Actually, you lost the bet. I defend the CC often. Even when I don’t necessarily agree w/t he Catholic stance, I explain it. It does seem they have misconceptions of why Catholics believe what they do, and I point those out.

I hope I’m wrong, and I apologize if so. But I’ve experienced it and had friends experience it. And I’ve found that Baptists generally consider Catholics to not be Christians.

No problem.

Oh, and I wanted to edit to clarify…I don’t go to daily mass, but rather, weekly.

 

[Feanor]

It is always sad when someone leaves the Church-

I feel though that the issue isn’t so much about emotion or that “feeling” of welcoming but more of a question of faith. I, for instance am from VA and now live in Boston and I find, in general, that the churces are less “welcoming.” Yes, I do miss that feeling but I certainly wouldn’t think to give up the Eucharist and all of the beauty of the Church in order to feel more welcomed.

I also would’nt really say that Anglicans are 90% the same as Catholics in terms of teaching given that they lack the Real Presence which is the very center of what it is to be, not only Catholic, but is the way that Christ chose to unite himself with us on Earth. Without the Eucharist one is kind of missing the whole boat.

I would say that maybe, Orthodox are 90% the same in terms of teaching.

Bottom line for those who choose to leave the Church- either chetechises was poor or their faith in the Real Presence and their need for Christ’s presence and gifts in the other sacrements was not sufficient to make up for the subjective feeling of coldness. Yes, the Church can be cold- yest many catholics don’t know much about the Bible, yes some pretty awful songs are sometimes played at Mass- BUT it’s God’s Church having the fullness of God’s revelation.

By the way my mother who always made me go to Mass growing up and made me get Confirmed ended up leaving the Church for just this reason- a desire for more human connection. So I continue to be Catholic and nothing will change this.

Thanks

 

[Catherine_S]

There can be NOTHING more welcoming than Jesus being present in Eucharist. Nothing!

.

 

[Vanessa]

I thought of leaving the Church for a while, (since before I started attending the Baptist services), because I don’t agree with many of the major tenants of the Church. I’m at a crossroads, because many of my beliefs have always been more protestant, but I still continue in the CC, trying to hold on, and trying to understand. I go to confession, communion, mass, my son is making his first communion. But I sometimes feel like I’m simply going through the motions…I always have. So I began attending a church in addition to my CC where they have programs that truly lift me up to the Lord! But please pray for me.

I found myself praying for you last night and all day today. It wasn’t me, I don’t have that much perseverence even for my own family, it was the Holy Spirit.

I understand what you mean. I was a feminist in my younger years and although I stayed a Catholic, I was so frustrated. (There must be a special crown in Heaven for those who put up with me. ) What ended my search was finding Marian charismatics. My faith became alive. I still had/have a journey and plenty of frustrations, but the difference is incredible.

You need to find that part of the huge Church which will make the Faith come alive for you. Then you won’t have differences with the Church. You’ll have a relationship. Since I have an overwhelming devotion to the Blessed Mother, I suggest you find a group or shrine devoted to her. And although this is controversial among Catholics, find one of the newer ones that are linked to her present apparitions. She’s giving out special graces now. My favorite is the Mother of the Redeemer Farm in Bloomington, IN, but there are others.

Receivieng Jesus in the Eucharist is a special union with God and an influx of Grace, it’s not that we didn’t have him before receiving. At Baptism, we receive the Father, Son and Holy Spirit within us.

Someone else will have to answer the finer question of whether the Holy Spirit (and the Father and the Son) leave us when we commit mortal sin. We lose sanctifying grace, but I’m not sure if They actually leave us. Is it more correct to say we’ve rejected Them and they’re waiting patiently and sorrowfully for us to turn back to Them. I know we’re forever changed after Baptism. This would be a good question for the Ask Father forum.

(And I’m glad I lost my bet. )

 

[angiegirl67]

I have to say that one of the many reasons why I left the Catholic church wasn’t so much the Catholic teachings but the way in which the Catholic church really fails to reach out in fellowship not only to its own parishioners, but to others as well. I have been received into the Anglican church for a few years now along with my wife and my son and I must say that our teachings and Liturgy is about 90% the same as Roman Catholics and the way we are close to Christ and really share that with our parishioners and others is something I really missed out on for many years. Why does the Roman Catholic church really lack that zeal for fellowship and out reach?

Actually going to the Mass really isn’t about you at all. It isn’t about how it makes you feel in a fellowship. It is about being in the Presence of God. To worship and gloriy Him. There are things to do outside of Mass. Join a mens Bible study, join the welcoming committee, join the rosary making group. So sorry if the parish did not throw out the red carpet when you arrived, that is reserved for the Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

I’m not sure but I can only imagine that the 10 percent of the things that your new church doesn’t preach are pretty important stuff, like openly gay ordination, ordination of women, and their stance on abortion. I can’t be sure but it sounds like to me that you had one foot out the door for reasons other than the parish folk didn’t welcome you warmly enough.

 

[angiegirl67]

.

AMEN!!!

 

[awantz]

What did Jesus give as the criteria on which people are judged? Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, look after the sick and imprisoned … Catholics do all of these par excellence - none better.

Nothing in there about ‘make people feel welcome’ ‘campouts’ ‘fellowship’ or ‘outreach’ or other similarly warm and fuzzy concepts.

I fear you’ve substituted the meat and potatoes of Catholicism for the attractive but ultimately unnourishing junk of Anglicanism. I have a friend who’s extremely active in her Baptist church, and have been around her enough to see the ultimately empty core that this activity masks.

It does say in the Bible that we are to have fellowship with other believers.

 

[goitalone]

go it alone, Yeah, we are so mean. Not like those nice sda’s who tell me that I am satanic.

LOL Yer silly!

 

[kellie]

It does say in the Bible that we are to have fellowship with other believers.

We do have fellowship with other believers, but these gatherings are seperate to the Parish’s times of Mass.

 

[Future_Prodigy]

I also would’nt really say that Anglicans are 90% the same as Catholics in terms of teaching **given that they lack the Real Presence which is the very center of what it is to be, not only Catholic, but is the way that Christ chose to unite himself with us on Earth. Without the Eucharist one is kind of missing the whole boat. **
I would say that maybe, Orthodox are 90% the same in terms of teaching. Thanks

Am i the only one here that knows ANYTHING about protestantism!? Anglicans, except maybe some low or broad church ones, and Lutherans BOTH BELIEVE in the real presence… if you don’t believe go ask your priest!

 

[Kristine1957]

One of the very reasons I left a Baptist church and started searching for a different type of faith is the same reason you joined!!! I left because it seemed to me that all the Protestant chuches I went to were there as a social event. In my humble opinion, I don’t think Jesus wanted us to come to church to talk about the football or basketball game thats on tonight or argue about doctrine (like ALL Protestant churches I have attended do).When I came to the Catholic church it was about me and my relationship with God, not my relationship with the other parishioners. Now I’m not saying that you don’t need other Christians to fellowship with, because you do. That to me is what Catechism studies and my RCIA meetings are about. You gain a bond with other Christians there. But when you come to Mass you are coming there to make your relationship with God closer with the Homily and the Eucharist. I’ll pray for you, please pray for me. God bless.

WOW, You are so right!! Its not a social event its coming to have a relationship with God !!