Atheist drawn to the church

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Hi everyone

So I’m a baptised Anglican but pretty much life long atheist. I’m very live and let live, and respect other people’s beliefs but have non of my own.

Up until about 3 weeks ago I really didn’t give religion much thought. But I read an article about the Pope, which lead me to read some of his homilies which really spoke to me. This then turned into reading about the Catholic Church and realising that I actually don’t know as much about it as I thought I did.

Basically I now have an urge to go sit in front of (or with?) the Eucharist in the tabernacle at the nearby cathedral. It’s quite a strong pull. It’s the whole idea of being in the actual presence of Jesus that I think I’m drawn to. Thing is I’m pretty scared of just walking into a Catholic cathedral on my own. I have made it as far as the carpark on my first attempt and the door on my second attempt lol.

Any tips for helping me get through the door next time? As I said, this is very alien to me but I feel like I should act on this feeling instead of ignoring it.

Thanks 🙂
 
Welcome!!

Maybe check the website or call first, to find out when the Cathedral is open. Contrary to what we see in the movies, Catholic Church buildings are often locked up when there is nothing going on (outside of Mass times, etc.) I don’t want you to feel somehow put off if you gather the courage and find that door is locked 🙂

There are a couple of personal accounts I’d suggest.

Jennifer Fulwiler’s book is called “Something Other Than God”

Her blog is at


As a Sci Fi geek, I am also drawn to John C Wright’s conversion story.

 
SammiLeeds said:
Thing is I’m pretty scared of just walking into a Catholic cathedral on my own.
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Check the Cathedral website to see about the Adoration schedule. That is when the Eucharist is displayed and anyone can visit. No Mass or anything it is only about being in the presence of the Sacrament.
 
Thanks I’ll definitely have a look at those stories. And you’re right, I’ll check the cathedral is open!

Thanks for your tips 🙂
 
Thanks Dan_Defender. I’ve just seen the times for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the website. I thought it was a service but if it is not then I will try my best to go in.

Thanks again
 
Just go in, sit in the back if that is where you feel lest conspicuous (you are welcome to sit up front as well!).

Out of respect, you will notice that people bow or genuflect when they enter/exit during exposition, but no one is going to holler at you for not genuflecting. As one convert told me, even though they did not believe the first time they went to Adoration, they did a quick genuflection (kneel briefly on one knee) JUST IN CASE this really WAS God.
 
Yep sitting at the back seems like a good idea. I’m very conscious of not wanting to disturb anyone else seeings as I’m not really all that sure of the “etiquette”.

I think basically I just need to get over myself and go! I do have a tendency to over think things 🤔
 
Maybe you can also listen to some Youtube clips of venerable Fulton Sheen on the eucharist and adoration. his talks will make you desire to go even more. God bless
 
Because of their size, cathedrals can be intimidating. Maybe you would feel more comfortable going to a smaller parish church to start with.
 
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do you know any practicing cahtolics or catholic friends that might be able to go with you? maybe that could help?
 
There’s nothing scary about Jesus. Think of him as sitting up in the sanctuary waving at you. He’s calling your name, he wants you to come visit him.

I’ve seen homeless people and rundown hostel types wander into cathedrals and fall asleep in front of the Eucharist. While I do not recommend you doze off, my point is nothing happened to them. It’s not at all scary, being with Jesus.

Also, if you go to a cathedral, you won’t be disturbing anyone. Don’t sit too close to anybody because that might make someone worry you’re going to engage them in conversation, panhandle or steal from them. Other than that, cathedrals usually have tourists who aren’t even Catholic wandering around and as long as they don’t run or talk loud, it’s not a problem.
 
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I’m a Catholic convert.

I’ve never felt the least bit unwelcome at any Catholic church I’ve ever attended before or after I became Catholic.

I’ve never felt pressured or solicited when I’ve walked into a Catholic church. Aside from gracious handshakes from strangers and saying hello to the occasional person I know, people let me be.

Nothing has ever fallen on me when I’ve walked in…not once… 😎. Surely you’ll be fine.
 
SammiLeeds said:
I’m not really all that sure of the “etiquette”
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Eucharistic adoration is a quiet, meditative time during which those in attendance may feel free to do just about anything so long as it is not disruptive. That said, I occasionally take my 1 year old and he is generally disruptive. lol.

It’s a little like going to the library. Be respectful, be hushed, and don’t worry about the genuflections or any of that. Just go, be there with the Sacrament, take in the silence, and I believe you will have a very positive experience.
 
The likelihood is that no one will pay attention to you or what you are doing, which can be liberating to know the first time you go in 🙂
Welcome to CAF and how wonderful that God is calling you in this way!
 
Yeah, the most you might get is if you wander in and look lost, a sacristan, usher, security guard or other person visiting might ask if they can help you, or give you a bulletin, etc. You might also be totally ignored.
 
You are blessed! Very few receive such a strong, personal call from the Lord Himself! I would simply call the office during normal hours and ask to speak briefly with a Priest of Deacon. Explain your situation and the call you are hearing I am certain that they will be delighted to complete your invitation and walk you through.
 
First I just wanted to say thanks to you all for your replies and encouragement. It’s really good of you to take the time to help me out.

I think I’ll pick a day next week where I can leave work early and get to the cathedral during the couple of hours each day that the Eucharist is exposed. Like you said as its a city centre cathedral there will probably be tourists and visitors in there so hopefully I can blend in a bit and go unnoticed!

Thanks again everyone 🙂
 
Note, there will not be Exposition during the Triduum (Holy Thursday - some parishes end it early, Good Friday, Holy Saturday). Even if the website editor forgets to change the hours, there won’t be adoration on those days.

There will be an Altar of Repose somewhere on Thursday night.
 
Definitely check the time the Cathedral is open. I recommend sitting in the back so you won’t feel people watching you. The first time I went to adoration I absolutely loved it and wanted to go back. It is good that you are acting on this feeling,God is probably pleased.
 
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