Being catholic sucks- Have faith, but no joy

[kage_ar]

Haven’t read then entire thread, but, have you tried other-than-Latin-Rite Parishes in Anchorage? A quick google and I found…

BYZANTINE RUTHENIAN RITE: EPARCHY OF VAN NUYS
St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 2200 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503-1909; Pastor: Very Rev. Stephen Greskowiak; Pastor Emeritus: Rt. Rev. Michael Artrim; Tel./Fax: (907) 277-6731; Every Sunday: 10.00 a.m.; Every Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00 p.m.

www.masstimes.org shows more than a dozen Parishes within 30 miles of Anchorage. Not one of them is right for you?

 

[catherineajt]

Haven’t read then entire thread, but, have you tried other-than-Latin-Rite Parishes in Anchorage? A quick google and I found…

BYZANTINE RUTHENIAN RITE: EPARCHY OF VAN NUYS
St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 2200 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503-1909; Pastor: Very Rev. Stephen Greskowiak; Pastor Emeritus: Rt. Rev. Michael Artrim; Tel./Fax: (907) 277-6731; Every Sunday: 10.00 a.m.; Every Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00 p.m.

www.masstimes.org shows more than a dozen Parishes within 30 miles of Anchorage. Not one of them is right for you?

I would second this, if you haven’t tried attending this parish. I have felt more welcome at our Ruthenian Church than I ever did at all the Roman Catholic churches in our area.

 

[Still_Trying]

Haven’t read then entire thread, but, have you tried other-than-Latin-Rite Parishes in Anchorage? A quick google and I found…

BYZANTINE RUTHENIAN RITE: EPARCHY OF VAN NUYS
St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 2200 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska 99503-1909; Pastor: Very Rev. Stephen Greskowiak; Pastor Emeritus: Rt. Rev. Michael Artrim; Tel./Fax: (907) 277-6731; Every Sunday: 10.00 a.m.; Every Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00 p.m.

www.masstimes.org shows more than a dozen Parishes within 30 miles of Anchorage. Not one of them is right for you?

We’ve been to the Byzantine Rite parish once. We would prefer to remain in the Latin Rite.

Pulled up the list that was generated for our area. No, we haven’t been to all that are listed within 30 miles of here. We honestly can’t afford the gas $$ to drive that far every week. Additionally, those mileages are “as the crow flies”…for example, the one that is in Eagle River, St. Andrews, is a 45 minute drive each way from our home.

We have been to:

Holy Family - was thinking this one was okay until the priest invited everyone up for communion. This was on Easter Sunday 2 years ago!!

St. Benedict’s - this is where we were members four years

Our Lady of Guadalupe - this is where we just transfered to

Holy Cross - not an option (long explanation)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - how about a tambourine-using folk festival for mass?

St. Patrick - contemporary rock, anyone?

(The first dozen you named has “Holy Spirit Center” in it…no Sunday mass and the priest that runs it has subbed at several masses we’ve been to at other places… Very heretical!!! As an example he says in prayers “God both our mother and Father”). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

So, there’s one we haven’t been to that’s within 10 miles, round trip, of our home. It’s in a dangerous area of town.

I guess that brings us to - if it’s not going to follow the rules, why drive farther? Especially if there’s no Christian fellowship?

 

[kage_ar]

We drive a little over 20 minutes each way, we live in an area with only 3 Parishes in the similar 30 mile radius - I drive over an hour to work every day, so, I guess I do not consider that other people may think of that as a loooonnnnnggg distance.

I have found that the best fellowship comes from volunteering in your Parish. Reading back, I saw where a youth volunteer suddenly stopped emailing you when you were on the “injured reserve” list. Some folks just do not have the best manners, the older I get, I see it more and more. Call them back and tell them you are happy and well and ready to get back involved. If they are just sooo well staffed, find another ministry, or join a Bible Studay/Prayer group (or even talk to the Pastor about starting one of your own).

Put the Eucharist first, and keep praying and keep smiling. It would be very lonely having no Catholic friends - BTDT. Remember, Jesus’ friends left Him during His agony. He knows how you feel, and will give you the grace to get through it.

 

[Still_Trying]

We drive a little over 20 minutes each way, we live in an area with only 3 Parishes in the similar 30 mile radius - I drive over an hour to work every day, so, I guess I do not consider that other people may think of that as a loooonnnnnggg distance.

I have found that the best fellowship comes from volunteering in your Parish. Reading back, I saw where a youth volunteer suddenly stopped emailing you when you were on the “injured reserve” list. Some folks just do not have the best manners, the older I get, I see it more and more. Call them back and tell them you are happy and well and ready to get back involved. If they are just sooo well staffed, find another ministry, or join a Bible Studay/Prayer group (or even talk to the Pastor about starting one of your own).

Put the Eucharist first, and keep praying and keep smiling. It would be very lonely having no Catholic friends - BTDT. Remember, Jesus’ friends left Him during His agony. He knows how you feel, and will give you the grace to get through it.

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words…

I’m definitely trying to keep this in prayer…and keep my focus on the Eucharist. And after this fracture heals I will step back in to helping with the youth group (assuming it’s still okay with the leader?). I just wish there could be some caring folks in our parish…

An no, it’s not that it’s the distance or time to drive, it’s just a very limited budget. If there was something worth driving to (a TLM, orthodox parish, good fellowship) I think we’d try to “get blood from a turnip” and scrape together the extra gas $$ to go, anyway.

We know someone in the Eagle River parish…it’s a pretty building, but no more orthodox or friendly…and no TLM.

Some of those that came up “within 30 miles” are actually REALLY far!! We giggled! The one that’s in Willow, for instance…that’s a good hour and a half drive each way! In summer driving conditions! mapquest.com/maps/Anchorage+AK/Willow+AK/

I like that Mass finder website…maybe we should contact them for up here? Those distances are a bit misleading…the schedules and such are handy!

Please keep us in your prayers… There IS talk of a TLM up here…we’ve been praying very hard that it goes through. Our archbishop is VERY liberal…VERY unorthodox.

 

[Goth_Catholic]

The youth group is dressed in all black with black nail polish, body peircings and other goth wear.

You know, there’s nothing more insulting then being criticized for trying to be a devout catholic while maintaining identity as a goth.

Anyway,

Still_Trying, I hope your able to find an orthodex parish. You mectioned that you disliked two parishes because of the music, is it just the music? If so, have you tried different mass times? I know we only have music on sunday, the priest and parishers (mostly the priest) sing on saturday.

 

[adrift]

Isidore

I was very surprised at the description of what you have found in your parish.

Surprised because we were in Anchorage for awhile attending Church everyday. The people were friendly and made me wish that I could be a member of their parish.
We wanted to see the Church and we were accommodated by a very nice gentleman who showed us the Church and allowed us to say as long as we desired. We were invited to have coffee after mass and didn’t seem to matter that we were just visiting. When I needed a dentist they were very helpful.

Now I realize that we were very short termed visitors only there a month but I am still surprised that you have found it so different.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I’ve read a couple of times in this thread about Protestants doing a better job of fellowshipping.

It’s occurred to me that switching your religion for such fellowship could be construed as choosing earthly rewards over heavenly ones.

 

[queen_anne78]

We’ve been to the Byzantine Rite parish once. We would prefer to remain in the Latin Rite.

Pulled up the list that was generated for our area. No, we haven’t been to all that are listed within 30 miles of here. We honestly can’t afford the gas $$ to drive that far every week. Additionally, those mileages are “as the crow flies”…for example, the one that is in Eagle River, St. Andrews, is a 45 minute drive each way from our home.

We have been to:

Holy Family - was thinking this one was okay until the priest invited everyone up for communion. This was on Easter Sunday 2 years ago!!

St. Benedict’s - this is where we were members four years

Our Lady of Guadalupe - this is where we just transfered to

Holy Cross - not an option (long explanation)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - how about a tambourine-using folk festival for mass?

St. Patrick - contemporary rock, anyone?

(The first dozen you named has “Holy Spirit Center” in it…no Sunday mass and the priest that runs it has subbed at several masses we’ve been to at other places… Very heretical!!! As an example he says in prayers “God both our mother and Father”). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

So, there’s one we haven’t been to that’s within 10 miles, round trip, of our home. It’s in a dangerous area of town.

I guess that brings us to - if it’s not going to follow the rules, why drive farther? Especially if there’s no Christian fellowship?

Oh bummer. I was going to suggest St Andrew’s in Eagle River. I grew up there, got my 1st Communion there…from what I hear it’s still quite solid. Love that place!

Prayers for you. Look it seems to me that you’re going to have to make some concessions if you aren’t willing to go non-Latin Rite or drive to Eagle River. You might have to suck it up and listen to the tamborine if the rest of the place isn’t as bad, KWIM? (I don’t know what St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton is like now, I’m just saying if you can find a place that doesn’t teach garbage what’s a tamborine in the grand scheme of things?)

Everyone has given good advice. We’ve all been there done that with yucky parishes. And some people have it worse…you could live in LA ALthough, they have some nice parishes here and there, too. It’s grown up time now. God has placed you there for a reason. He may be asking YOU and your family to be quiet humble witnesses, and who will do it if you decline?

 

[Island_Oak]

To the OP/spouse: Have you tried a return visit to your former (Protestant) church? It might not be a bad idea…you went through a lot with your conversion to Catholicism, but from what you have written all there was not warmth and light either. Many friends and family treated you with hostility/abandoned you when you converted to the Catholic Church. Have you considered that you may be idealizing that experience? Perhaps a few visits back will give you some perspective…or help you decide in which direction you want to move.

 

[rstegeman]

I am truly sorry that you are going through this difficult time. I am also saddened by some of the less than charitible words offered to you in this forum. I understand the difficulties. I am a cradle Catholic that fell away out of apathy, then when trying to come back, found a large local parish that is very difficult to get involved in. They had their cliques and it was very difficult to break through. As for the church, it was one of the modern church buildings, very drab inside, the pews set up in an odd design, no statues or pictures, no stained glass, no kneelers and worst of all, the Tabernacle was hidden!!! Many of the parisoners were from the more upper class parts of town. When I went, I couldn’t help getting the feeling that I was unworthy to be a fellow parishoner. I chalked it all up to me being the problem and allowed those feelings to keep me from going…my faith WAS very weak at the time.

Fortunately, thanks to my girlfriend, I found a parish that felt like home from the minute I walked in. Most of the people were very friendly and welcoming. I have volunteered for numerous functions and found that they were all very encouraging. This parish seems like a family to me. I have also found that there are a number of other parishoners who had a very similar story to mine, especially in regards to the other parish. I can honestly say that in my parish, Christ is the center of most everything we do. I have found my faith growing so much since I’ve been a member.

One idea, look on the web for local home schooling groups. There are a number of Catholic home schooling coops in the country and many choose to do this so they can ensure that their children get a good and proper Catholic education where the faith is the primary focus. I understand that you don’t have children yourself, but it could put you in touch with likeminded people and potentially lead you to a parish that makes you feel at home.

Don’t let your experiences defeat you. Keep your eyes on Christ and keep attending and searching in spite of the troubles. In the end, it will all be worth it.

 

[Magicsilence]

Yes, I know that some of the sermons in the Baptist church (or other protestant) would be contrary to Catholic teaching. I don’t think I could ever leave the Church, but right now I am just hurting so bad, wanting to know that someone cares…

An example would be the unkind things that have been said, just in this thread…wouldn’t have happened to me as a Protestant. If you didn’t have something nice to say you sure didn’t yell it in the person’s face. I’m always aghast how curt/harsh/hurtful a lot of Catholics are…not all, but many of them. It’s like a bunch of hardened hearts. Such a sad situation…

Hey ST,

When I reverted to the faith (although I never officially ‘left’ ) my parents (although we’re all Catholic) gave me some stick about ‘showing off’ my faith - like making the sign of the cross slowly, or praying so everyone could see me. It was like a knife to my heart; all I wanted was to please God, and I had my parents telling me that I was just a show-off. So I had hoped that within the local Church there would be similar minded people, but all I found was liturgical deviations, and watered down sermons.

Even online, you will find some people telling you to suck it up, or deal with it, or ‘be the change’ yourself, which is all great in principle, but when you have only lived your faith for a few short years, especially as a convert, it is very difficult to know where to start.

All it has taught me, is that the Church will always be full of people who don’t understand the faith as well as you, and that you will always be silently wishing that the priest preached the Catholic faith without fear to the people, or that the people in your parish actually lived their faith, instead of privately mocking the “old-fashioned” teaching on contraception, or laughing at the thought of their son becoming a priest (God forbid ).

There will never be the perfect Church, although there may be very good, holy and orthodox priests and lay people. But, despite this, within this broken Church, Jesus still reaches out to you and me, asking that we only seek His Face and love, and share it with others.

Our Lord Jesus Christ must have been infuriated when he preached the Truth to His people, and they all went home, back to their habitual sins, or at the priest and rabbis who had closed their minds to His teaching, even when he raised a man from the dead. It is tempting (and I am sure Jesus was tempted) to get mad and want to just leave them wallowing in their ‘mud’ so to speak, but it is up to you and I to love God the best we can, and forget about others actions, and love them as ourself.

People will always be rude, selfish, ignorant, annoying, judgmental, hypocritical, and act like they don’t know God. Always, always, always. And many of them may be in the Church. But just as Christ died on the cross, even for those who would never accept him, so we too must try and suffer our crosses, that through Him, all men may be saved, even if their actions say otherwise.

In Jesus Christ,

 

[Still_Trying]

I’ve read a couple of times in this thread about Protestants doing a better job of fellowshipping.

It’s occurred to me that switching your religion for such fellowship could be construed as choosing earthly rewards over heavenly ones.

And I don’t think I would have come up with that viewpoint. Thank you for sharing that! You’re right…leaving His Church, knowing full well it’s THE Church just for Christian fellowship would be wrong. But I sure would love some Christian fellowship!!

I guess it boils down to…I know the Catholic Church IS His Church…and though I don’t like a lot of the rules, I do still follow them all. My heart just aches for the love, care, and fellowship I received before… Especially right now…at home, alone, with a broken foot.

Oh bummer. I was going to suggest St Andrew’s in Eagle River. I grew up there, got my 1st Communion there…from what I hear it’s still quite solid. Love that place!

You might have to suck it up and listen to the tamborine if the rest of the place isn’t as bad, KWIM? (I don’t know what St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton is like now, I’m just saying if you can find a place that doesn’t teach garbage what’s a tamborine in the grand scheme of things?)

We know an older man, VERY orthodox Catholic, who goes to St. Andrew’s. He is “tolerant” and goes only for the Eucharist. He said if it wasn’t for the Eucharist, he wouldn’t go. Yup, that bad.

St. Elizabeth’s is the most liberal parish in town. It’s mostly rich people. Very unorthodox…glass chalices, couples who live together, etc. The tambourine is just the icing on the cake. “Cafeteria Catholic” applies there…big time!!!

To the OP/spouse: Have you tried a return visit to your former (Protestant) church? It might not be a bad idea…you went through a lot with your conversion to Catholicism, but from what you have written all there was not warmth and light either. Many friends and family treated you with hostility/abandoned you when you converted to the Catholic Church. Have you considered that you may be idealizing that experience? Perhaps a few visits back will give you some perspective…or help you decide in which direction you want to move.

This is a good point. No, I haven’t been back to my old church. I have gone back to my mom’s church (I grew up there, so they all know me well). I’m still welcomed in with open arms…loads of hugs, smiles, and greetings. Though, I do admit…the first year after I converted the hugs were “stiff” and the smiles seemed concerned/worried instead of a happy greeting. I do know that their whole church is quite anti-Catholic, so I’m usually pretty uncomfortable there, anyway…just because I’m aware of that point, not because they treat me otherwise.

One idea, look on the web for local home schooling groups. There are a number of Catholic home schooling coops in the country and many choose to do this so they can ensure that their children get a good and proper Catholic education where the faith is the primary focus. I understand that you don’t have children yourself, but it could put you in touch with likeminded people and potentially lead you to a parish that makes you feel at home.

Don’t let your experiences defeat you. Keep your eyes on Christ and keep attending and searching in spite of the troubles. In the end, it will all be worth it.

Hadn’t thought of this idea… Good one! Maybe some of them would be willing to start an adult study group or something? I’d be happy to help coordinate things… I’m guessing someone already “in that circle” would need to get the ball rolling?

 

[Still_Trying]

Hey ST,
When I reverted to the faith (although I never officially ‘left’ ) my parents (although we’re all Catholic) gave me some stick about ‘showing off’ my faith - like making the sign of the cross slowly, or praying so everyone could see me. It was like a knife to my heart; all I wanted was to please God, and I had my parents telling me that I was just a show-off. So I had hoped that within the local Church there would be similar minded people, but all I found was liturgical deviations, and watered down sermons.

Even online, you will find some people telling you to suck it up, or deal with it, or ‘be the change’ yourself, which is all great in principle, but when you have only lived your faith for a few short years, especially as a convert, it is very difficult to know where to start.

All it has taught me, is that the Church will always be full of people who don’t understand the faith as well as you, and that you will always be silently wishing that the priest preached the Catholic faith without fear to the people, or that the people in your parish actually lived their faith, instead of privately mocking the “old-fashioned” teaching on contraception, or laughing at the thought of their son becoming a priest (God forbid ).

There will never be the perfect Church, although there may be very good, holy and orthodox priests and lay people. But, despite this, within this broken Church, Jesus still reaches out to you and me, asking that we only seek His Face and love, and share it with others.

Our Lord Jesus Christ must have been infuriated when he preached the Truth to His people, and they all went home, back to their habitual sins, or at the priest and rabbis who had closed their minds to His teaching, even when he raised a man from the dead. It is tempting (and I am sure Jesus was tempted) to get mad and want to just leave them wallowing in their ‘mud’ so to speak, but it is up to you and I to love God the best we can, and forget about others actions, and love them as ourself.

I’m so sorry your family did that to you! And when you were just trying to live your faith!! As you should!! Not fair!!

Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, having been Catholic only a few years I’m really not sure how to proceed for change. I’ve talked to priests (as as my hubby), even put things in writing. Our Archbishop will completely ignore any and all comments on orthodoxy (he’s the guy who allows abortions at the local Catholic hospital. He encourages/supports things that I, as I Catholic, cannot FATHOM condoning). It just makes me ache to see the Blood of Christ in a set of 4 GLASSES each mass.

I just don’t understand choosing to be a part of something so important and then blatantly disregarding the rules?

P.S. Congrats on your upcoming graduation!!! I know how much work goes into it and am so happy for you!!!

 

[Still_Trying]

Isidore

I was very surprised at the description of what you have found in your parish.

Surprised because we were in Anchorage for awhile attending Church everyday. The people were friendly and made me wish that I could be a member of their parish.
We wanted to see the Church and we were accommodated by a very nice gentleman who showed us the Church and allowed us to say as long as we desired. We were invited to have coffee after mass and didn’t seem to matter that we were just visiting. When I needed a dentist they were very helpful.

Now I realize that we were very short termed visitors only there a month but I am still surprised that you have found it so different.

I would love to know what parish you were going to!!

And yes, people are nicer to visitors here… I think it’s “ingrained” in us as Alaskans to be a “good host” to tourists. We love our tourists!!

 

[Galilea]

Isidore, God give you peace. I’m a cradle catholic and boy have I seen it all…but listen not only have many of us seen the miseries of human sin in our church, but also within our own families. I’m the youngest of four siblings and in the last few years my family went bananas and as hard as I tried I could not get them back on the Lords’ path. My older sister lost the custody of her beautiful little girl, my brother is an addict with a marriage in pieces etc. etc. All this caused me incredible pain, because these people took me to church weekly, they all taught me how to love my Lord and the church. Now they don’t like me for not joining the family in their new ways. I have suffered and I really do not like their new way of living, but it is the family that the Lord gave me an with his strength I will hold the pillars of my home until they all return.
I really understand the pain of your loneliness, it cuts really deep. When my father died I felt like the world came down on me, without the support of my mother and my siblings it felt like I had a hole in my soul that could not be filled and to make it worse I can’t have children. So I held on to the moment when Christ sufferred in fear and loneliness before the crucifiction, this made me realize what the saints talked about when they mention periods of spiritual dryness. They were saints so they never verbalised “This pain sucks”! but they felt it and probabbly said it to themselves. When one is called for bigger things, you will be awakened! At the beggining is very lonely and painful, like the Christ was lonely and sweting blood. Do not allow desperation to take hold of both of you any more. This happened to Saint Francis of Asissi within the community “HE FORMED,…” and who is he now? This happened to Teresa of Calcuta, Padre Pio and we could go on and on. When one is awakened and shown the road to sainthood, it is humanly lonely on that road, most people are busy with too much social or worldly stuff to be with you on that journey. You two stand still, Forget People, you take that heavy cross and carry it up the hill together focusing only on the Lord. There is no bigger fellowship than the one of the saints waiting for you on the other side. Feel joyful to have each other, most saints have to do this on their own. Mary and Joseph most of been miserable sometimes in Egypt, it most of been horrific there for them, but they made it. They were obedient to the Lord and obedience grows patience and humility, the perfect recepie for sainthood. This church needs that anger of yours,but from this fire and pressure turn you two into diamonds for this church.
Being obedient to the Lords’ request of "Be patient with one another ", “stay together”, “do not divide the body” it stinks sometimes, but it pays off big time… forever!!!

There are too many groups, fellowships and spectators in all churches and religions, but not enough saints, not enough true valiant soldiers to fight the real fight. You two have what it takes, that is why you suffer and hurt now, you are awake and you can see the road, do not be afraid all of heaven is on your side.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

And I don’t think I would have come up with that viewpoint. Thank you for sharing that! You’re right…leaving His Church, knowing full well it’s THE Church just for Christian fellowship would be wrong. But I sure would love some Christian fellowship!!

I guess it boils down to…I know the Catholic Church IS His Church…and though I don’t like a lot of the rules, I do still follow them all. My heart just aches for the love, care, and fellowship I received before… Especially right now…at home, alone, with a broken foot.

We know an older man, VERY orthodox Catholic, who goes to St. Andrew’s. He is “tolerant” and goes only for the Eucharist. He said if it wasn’t for the Eucharist, he wouldn’t go. Yup, that bad.

St. Elizabeth’s is the most liberal parish in town. It’s mostly rich people. Very unorthodox…glass chalices, couples who live together, etc. The tambourine is just the icing on the cake. “Cafeteria Catholic” applies there…big time!!!

This is a good point. No, I haven’t been back to my old church. I have gone back to my mom’s church (I grew up there, so they all know me well). I’m still welcomed in with open arms…loads of hugs, smiles, and greetings. Though, I do admit…the first year after I converted the hugs were “stiff” and the smiles seemed concerned/worried instead of a happy greeting. I do know that their whole church is quite anti-Catholic, so I’m usually pretty uncomfortable there, anyway…just because I’m aware of that point, not because they treat me otherwise.

Hadn’t thought of this idea… Good one! Maybe some of them would be willing to start an adult study group or something? I’d be happy to help coordinate things… I’m guessing someone already “in that circle” would need to get the ball rolling?

Wow, and I thought my parish was liberal—but they do give good homilies with historical context, especially the visiting priests from India and Africa.

Being home with a broken foot must make everything seem worse. Good thing CA is only a mouse-click away.

 

[Bataar]

Wow! There are other dioceses as bad as Seattle! Everything you described is just that way here. I’m probably going to join a local Byzantine Catholic parish. Most of the Latin Rite parishes in this area think man is more important than God and I’d be surprised of many of the priests even believe in the actual presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

 

[blessedtoo]

Wow! There are other dioceses as bad as Seattle! Everything you described is just that way here. I’m probably going to join a local Byzantine Catholic parish. Most of the Latin Rite parishes in this area think man is more important than God and I’d be surprised of many of the priests even believe in the actual presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

I must object! My dear friend urban-hermit and I, sticklers for liturgical orthodoxy, did a rough count of all the excellent parishes in Seattle and the outskirts of the city. We have quite a few to choose from. If you’re interested in names, feel free to PM me!

 

[Magicsilence]

I’m so sorry your family did that to you! And when you were just trying to live your faith!! As you should!! Not fair!!

Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, having been Catholic only a few years I’m really not sure how to proceed for change. I’ve talked to priests (as as my hubby), even put things in writing. Our Archbishop will completely ignore any and all comments on orthodoxy (he’s the guy who allows abortions at the local Catholic hospital. He encourages/supports things that I, as I Catholic, cannot FATHOM condoning). It just makes me ache to see the Blood of Christ in a set of 4 GLASSES each mass.

I just don’t understand choosing to be a part of something so important and then blatantly disregarding the rules?

P.S. Congrats on your upcoming graduation!!! I know how much work goes into it and am so happy for you!!!

Hi ST,

The more I learn about the society in which we live, the more I realise exactly what Christ came to save us from. So many things have (and continue) to happen that make me ache too, especially with regard to the Mass. And I cannot understand the bishops who support things against their faith.

My Catholic chaplain once spoke of the Anglican Church here in the U.K., comparing it to a secular institution, and I think to an extent, the Catholic Church in England and Wales, despite being the true Church of God, has seen many of its members act as if it had no bearing on their salvation (especially bishops and priests!).

In fact, I believe the Church is in a similar situation to those that St Paul wrote to with such earnest. Nothing has changed, people are people, and they can be mighty nasty or careless about their faith.

All I know is that despite this, we have Christ, who will nourish and support us, and help us to show others what it means to profess His Holy name.

I hope you can find peace through all of this, and you’ve done a great job on not getting so discouraged that you left the Church. It is exactly what the devil wants.

In Jesus Christ,