Charismatic Catholics?

[Faithful2]

The energy and enthusiasm of Charismatics is certainly commendable.
However, it’s pretty clear that most people are more reserved and do not find that style of Catholicism intuitive.

I wouldn’t worry about NOT being a Charismatic, for sure – if it were essential, the Pope’s Masses would look very different than they now do.

One point, however-- when the apostles spoke in tongues, EVERYBODY understood them, not the reverse - nobody understanding them.
It is admirable that enthusiastic people seek the gift of tongues, but we should remember what the gift of tongues should sound like, if a person were to be blessed with that. I would expect the gift of tongues to be extremely rare.

God bless the variety of God’s creation, and the beauty of all of our differences!

 

[mo3]

(Edited)

The Catholic Church has many ways of expressing and experiencing the Holy Spirit. “gibberish talkers” is definitely scriptural and therefore Catholic. It does not mean you have to like it or use it for a way of worship. This is one of many ways Catholics can use to get closer to God.

Speaking in tongues is absolutely scriptural. Please read more scripture about charisms of the Holy Spirit.

1Thessalonians 5:19-22: “Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil.”

This strikes the balance between the willingness to believe anything and the willingness to believe nothing.

Concerning such gifts, Vatican II stated: Whether these charisms be very remarkable or more simple and widely diffused, they are to be received with thanksgiving and consolation since they are fitting and useful for the needs of the Church. Extraordinary gifts are not to be rashly desired, nor is it from them that the fruits of apostolic labors are to be presumptuously expected. (Lumen Gentium 12)

God bless.

 

[usemelord]

As a convert to Catholicism five years ago this upcoming Easter, I used to think that the term Catholic Christian was an oxymoron. The term charismatic, Catholic Christian was an oxy-oxymoron, and the term evangelical, charismatic, Catholic Christian was an oxy-oxy-oxymoron. Now, however, I have a better understanding and appreciation of the so-called charismatic movement. I raise my hands (but do not wave) in praise and worship, but have never spoken in tongues. Others are a little more overt in their actions, and still others such as my cradle Catholic wife prefer total silence and reverence. I suppose, then, it is in the heart of the individual worshipper as to how he or she wishes to express themselves. Unlike my wife I feel an urge to be somewhat more expressive. I’ve heard some people blaming all the change on Vatican II which I really don’t know that much about. To each his own, I guess. Bottom line is that we all love the Lord and thank Him in different ways for His mercy and grace. As an aside, here’s an acronym for all of you: Grace = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

 

[jladams]

Hello,

How many of you are charismatic catholics? I am only 20 years old, but i dont feel like im Charismatic, I have a hard time trying to wave my hands during a song for our Lord… Now is this what Charismatic means? I really enjoy gettin on my knees and praying instead, thankin God for all his blessings… Am I wrong for not being Charismatic?

Thanks guys

I am part of a Charismatic Catholic Ministry and can offer a little insight on this subject. I was raised Protestant and practice most of my adult years in various Non-denom churches. I always felt a little odd about raising my hands/arms as well and would not consider any of the churches I went to as Charismatic. I had visited other churches with friends that would be considered to be so however and was just not sure how to receive this action. When I began a journey about 1 1/2 years ago to seek the Catholic faith, I began attending the services held by the Ministry.

What I have learned is that nothing is either wrong or right but if you worship with an open heart and open mind and invite the Holy Spirit in, you will find your own comfort level. I find that when I pray with open hands, lifted up I feel a connection, I feel that I am offering up myself to His will. When praise is being given in music, I can’t help but go with the Spirit voice raised, hands raised and no one is really paying one bit of attention to what I am doing but God! (we have a great band and worship team!)

As one of the leaders now, I have been blessed to see peoples lives transformed through the opening up to the Spirit! I have been witness to someone reluctant to come forward on their first visit to our service to be prayed for to coming forward during an alter call a week or two later on their knees, arms raised in praise and thanksgiving! I am one of those people and this Sunday I will be getting confirmed and receiving my 1st communion!

If it is fear that holds you back, pray and give God that fear. In all things we give thanks and as long as your heart is there, God does not care if you raise your hands or not! But you might feel more free to worship openly if you give up your fear and you will feel a deeper connection to our Lord. You will be blessed and you never know who else in your midst is being blessed by your actions as well.

Have you ever attended a retreat? There are retreats everywhere and they are directed toward all age groups as well as some just for men and just for women. Maybe you can check with your parish to see if there are any coming up in your area? Attending a charismatic retreat could help you a great deal in finding your spirit. I would also encourage you to read the bible if you do not do a lot of that right now.

The Ministry that I am a part of is not in place of Mass or my studying the Word, it is a huge part of my whole journey and an essential part of my relationship with God.

I hope this information helped you, it may have been more than a simple “yes or no” you were looking for, but there is not "yes or no " answer, no right or wrong. Go with your heart, it is the Holy Spirit speaking to you!
In His Spirit and Mercy,
jla

 

[Eternally-Optim]

Thank you for the wonderful posts about the Charismatic Renewal. I have been a member since 1980.
First I would like to say that it has been and is a wonderful experience. The whole thing is based on a new relationship with the Lord. He is the center of what we call the Life in the Spirit. To begin with, I had to learn by listening to others when they told me about this relationship. Then I witnessed it by attending a Charismatic Prayer Meeting and seeing the Lord working. I had to decide to allow Him to be the center of my life. This was hard because I was so caught up in day to day living and self centeredness.
When He blessed me through the Holy Spirit, I found a new depth of the love of God within myself. The question always comes up about do I think I am better than other Catholics. This question entirely misses the point. No I don’t think I am better. But I do think I am better than I was before this experience.
I love the Catholic Church and the Mass and Sacraments. I love the devotions. Being around other peope who love the Lord so deeply only increases my Faith and Love. The Charismatic Renewal is a life in the Spirit.
As far as the patron saint I agree that John Paul II will be my choice when he becomes a saint. I have personally heard him praying in the Spirit!
Please continue your journey and don’t let any distractions hinder you.

 

[Athracht]

That’s fabulous, Tony, thanks.:clapping:

 

[BigRedpg51]

Hello Franky,

Charismatic Catholics are ‘charismatic’ not for what they do – but for the way they’ve allowed God to change their lives. The hand waving, external extemperaneous praising, etc. are just manifestations of an inner change that has happened to their hearts…one of abandonment to the will of God.

If you desire to check out the Charismatic Renewal, Franky, and possibly enter into it, you should keep your eyes peeled for the next LSS (Life in the Spirit Seminar) coming up in your area. Attending one of these is usually the entry door to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement.

Keep in mind, though…you don’t HAVE to be Charismatic. Charismatics are not any holier than other Catholics, as a rule, and there are many different ways to enter a holier lifestyle – Charismatic is just one of them.

I’ve been Charismatic since 1988, and I can share with you that it’s a wonderful life-changing experience that you live every day. When you enter the Charismatic Renewal you will find yourself spontaneously raising your hands in praising God, and seeking a deeper relationship with Him in many ways.

God bless you in your quest for true holiness!
John

 

[Joseph629]

Charismatics are not any holier than other Catholics, as a rule, and there are many different ways to enter a holier lifestyle – Charismatic is just one of them.

Back in the 70s I lived in a Charismatic community. It was made up of many people, single and married. We lived in several houses and apts, all within a few blocks. We got together 3-4 evenings a week for group prayer. I spent about 2 years in that community. I tried everything -speaking in tongues, hands raised in prayer, many prayer get-togethers for every need that cropped up. Well, it took me 2 years to realize that it wasn’t for me. Though I did everything correctly, loved my community brethren, opened and offered my heart up to God, -(and the Spirit)-, I eventually had to admit to myself that it wasn’t at all natural for me.

Ever since then, my most perfect prayer is when I am alone, whether at home or in Adoration, -and, all 2nd to that perfect prayer at Mass. And my preferred Mass all these years? Both Tridentine and Byzantine (Divine Liturgy). I have nothing against the Charismatic movement, but personally, listening to, and singing, an 18th century latin hymn, -well, I feel like I’m praying in Heaven itself. Whatever type of prayer brings you closer to God, then: DeoGratias.

 

[Sarah_Angel]

I was born and raised in a Charismatic Catholic church for much of my life, so I was born and raised into what it means to be charismatic. I also grew up in an ecumenical community that’s part of the Sword of the Spirit. I know some people who were involved in the Charismatic Renewal at Duquense University.

Being charismatic has filled my life with the Holy Spirit profoundly. Being charismatic doesn’t mean waving your hands in the air and jump up and down and shout things, that’s just the way you express your thanks for the Holy Spirit filling inside you.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit - tongues, prophecy, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. - they’re all biblical. Being involved in a charismatic community has allowed me to experience these gifts and to grow closer to the Lord. Receiving the Holy Spirit in this way has impacted my life almost as much as the Eucharist. Well, let me put it this way: the charismatic gifts and the retreats that I have been on regarding these gifts have changed the way I live my daily life and the way I approach God in my personal prayer life. The Eucharist is my way of returning to God and to be restored in Him when I fall. When I feel bitter or cynical and cause myself to think sinful things, it is more practical for me in the moment to go to the Eucharist, whereas the charismatic gifts and worship remind me to live my daily life according to God’s will.

 

[ljubim]

I must admit, I don’t have much experience with Charismatics.

All I know is that they all sit at the front at one church during mass in orans position, one large lady bouncing side to side(In the front row, so that one cannot help but to see her.) They draw attention to themselves and away from the Mass. I know this doesn’t speak for all charismatics, but I would request that we keep the Mass solemn and allow others the courtesy of not distracting them. Otherwise such actions in private, or in charismatic gatherings, are perfectly ok of course.

 

[Coco82]

This has all been very helpful to me as well. About keeping Mass solemn, I think there’s a difference between solemn and allowing Charismatics to practice in their way. I always felt, when I went to Mass (years ago) that it was too solemn. Why not allow Charismatics to do whatever they feels them bring them closer to God?

 

[ljubim]

This has all been very helpful to me as well. About keeping Mass solemn, I think there’s a difference between solemn and allowing Charismatics to practice in their way. I always felt, when I went to Mass (years ago) that it was too solemn. Why not allow Charismatics to do whatever they feels them bring them closer to God?

Imagine sitting behind somebody bouncing around at Mass, especially when you don’t understand what kind of person they are. You’d find it a bit hard to concentrate! The solemnity is a courtesy to those around you, to let everybody become closer to God without petty distractions. And of course a matter of reverence to Our Lord as well.

Plus, using that logic we should allow anything, as long as people think it’s good for them.

It’s far better for Charismatics to meet with one another when they do their thing, not in large settings where people don’t understand/aren’t convinced (I’m a bit of both ).

 

[odinakachukwu]

I believe I can discuss this matter. I have been in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1983 and I thank God who gave me the grace to receive that anointing to be in the Renewal. Charismatic Renewal in a lay man’s lingo just means renewal of spiritual gifts. Your love for the Lord takes a new turn where you are willing to do anything for Him because of what He did for you. It does not matter whether you raise your hands or clap them or you just hold them round your body so that you do not hit the roof out of joy. The main point is that you love the Lord and you are willing to show it. I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will enrich your desire to Love the Lord in Jesus Name.

 

[BlaiseR]

Hi!
I have been part of the Charismatic Renewal for years now…
My first experience of the renewal was when as a kid my granmother used to take me along for the prayer meetings. I never understood the clapping and waving and hated it then. Even later in 1990 when I had my first Charismatic Retreat (even though I experienced the Lord) I was still unable to accept and bring myself to clap and wave etc… I never could grasp the concept…
I was only years later when experiencing a turmoil in my life and I again turned to the Lord and in another retreat I was really able to open myself up to letting the Lord into my life…
This was the time I received what we in the renewal call the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (in Catholic terms a renewal of the gift of the Holy Spirit)…
This renewal brought about a sea change in my life. In reality I can say that the Lord turned my life upside down… All my priorities in life wer changed… Now God came first!
Now I clapped and danced and waved because of the joy I felt in my soul and which I needed to express externally…
But at a deeper level the bigger change was in my life. The time of personal prayer and scripture reading became very important… The Bible came alive to me (from never wanting to read the Bible)…
But the most significantly the renewal has been the source which has led me to a deeper understanding of the sacraments, the Eucharist and the traditional forms of prayer (like the Roary)… It is the renewal which has prompted me over the past few years to search and understand more deeply my Catholic faith and it’s roots… This is something I owe to this movement…

So it is not a must for you to clap and wave, etc… Many of us with the renewal are more confortable and prefer the quite form of prayer altough the external displays of joy are also needed (in it’s time and place)…

I like to explain this situation with that of a child who is meeting his father after a long time… The child gets so excited that from far off itself he starts waving and dancing to get his fathers attention and show his joy… But finally when he comes close and is embraced by his father he quitens down and just quitely enjoys his presence…

Hope I was able to shed some light

 

[CoachSTL]

Hello,

How many of you are charismatic catholics? I am only 20 years old, but i dont feel like im Charismatic, I have a hard time trying to wave my hands during a song for our Lord… Now is this what Charismatic means? I really enjoy gettin on my knees and praying instead, thankin God for all his blessings… Am I wrong for not being Charismatic?

Thanks guys

FRANKY,

I was “charismatic” the moment I was baptised. At that precise moment I entered into a relationship with Christ. Ask yourself this question. How can one person be more charismatic than another, if they both both know Him?

 

[jladams]

FRANKY,

I was “charismatic” the moment I was baptised. At that precise moment I entered into a relationship with Christ. Ask yourself this question. How can one person be more charismatic than another, if they both both know Him?

I think it is much like it is in our earthly families. I have two sisters. We share the same parents and were raised in the same household relatively close in age (3 years apart). We all love one another and we all love our parents, but as individuals, we express that love differently.I would run and jump and scream with joy when my dad came home as if he had been away for weeks when it had only been hours. My older sister, was more introverted and the “silent type” and my younger sister was just always by their side and cried if my mom left the room, let alone the house! Our parents still know that we each loved them and we know that they love us all equally.

It is the same with our Heavenly Father. He knows our hearts and our minds. He hears our prayers and feels our love no matter how we express it. But we do know that He feels joy when we praise him and singing is prayer X2!

 

[CoachSTL]

I believe I can discuss this matter. I have been in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1983 and I thank God who gave me the grace to receive that anointing to be in the Renewal. Charismatic Renewal in a lay man’s lingo just means renewal of spiritual gifts. Your love for the Lord takes a new turn where you are willing to do anything for Him because of what He did for you. It does not matter whether you raise your hands or clap them or you just hold them round your body so that you do not hit the roof out of joy. The main point is that you love the Lord and you are willing to show it. I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will enrich your desire to Love the Lord in Jesus Name.

Dear O,

I am happy to hear that you are happy. Obviously you have decided to live your life in and express it in a way that make you feel good about yourself. But, I must admit that I think your ending statement would be better served by finishing it after “the main point is that you love the Lord.” “Willing to show it” is not a requirement by Christ.

Our “showing it” is expressed by the works we do. And, I might add that these works must not be in vain either. I think that this is where the friction is caused between “quiet” Christians and “charismatic” Christians. Many times it appears to “quiet” Christians that “charismatic” Christians draw attention to themselves and it appears to be in vain.

 

[Harpazo]

I’ve come to view “Charismatic Catholics” as no more than Protestants that may or may not believe in the Real Presence. This is one man’s understanding, however.

In Christ,
Andrew

 

[mo3]

I’ve come to view “Charismatic Catholics” as no more than Protestants that may or may not believe in the Real Presence. This is one man’s understanding, however.

In Christ,
Andrew

Please investigate the Charismatic Movement of the Catholic Church. Concerning such gifts, Vatican II stated: Whether these charisms be very remarkable or more simple and widely diffused, they are to be received with thanksgiving and consolation since they are fitting and useful for the needs of the Church. Extraordinary gifts are not to be rashly desired, nor is it from them that the fruits of apostolic labors are to be presumptuously expected. (Lumen Gentium 12)

The Charismatic movement within the Church is real and approved by the Church. Of course it is totally scriptural also.

God bless.

 

[Coco82]

The thing I don’t get is why so many here feel the need to denigrate Catholic Charismatics in any number of ways. I think it seems intolerant and anything but Christ-like. Shoudn;t you be excepting of these people into your congregation or the Church as a whole?