Church weakness

[Lisa_Lavadores]

Its better than nothing, but how about expanding on this and saying part of the Liturgy of the Hours every day? Next best thing if you can’t go to Mass.

Excellent suggestion. I recently attended Vespers at our cathedral. It was the eve of a bishop ordination. It was filled with English chant and was one of the most beautiful services I’ve ever heard.

The best part about feeling better is that I am enjoying so many different devotions now. This convert has finally gone Marian! (Most especially Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mary Undoer of Knots). Many old, good habits have returned and many new, good habits are forming.

As to the test or trial question, I’d like to second the point that, whatever the reason, the goal is to get to Mass and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord.

Unfortunately, that may not be a goal that can be attained overnight for people with anxiety/depression. I, personally, have found that in my struggle to return to the only feast that matters, I had to treat myself as Our Mommy treats us (and I mean no disrespect at all). I praised every victory, no matter how small; I recognized but quickly forgave every failure; and I gave myself lots of gentle and tender rest and refreshment.

I also watched a lot of comedies and sang a lot of show tunes. I did any stupid little thing that made me feel joyful.

I still rest and refresh as much as possible, and because of that, I am somehow getting more good things accomplished than I ever did before.

 

[peter26]

As far as tests and trials go, I was advised to read Teresa of Avila or John of the Cross. That can get pretty deep. I wonder does anyone know the basics? I was told faith was a ‘relationship’.

I’ve read a short biography of St John of the Cross. Essentially, he was imprisoned by monks who resented his attempts to impose a more rigorous rule of life on them. But he found that he became closer to God because of his trials and wrote the famous Dark Night of the Soul during this time before eventually escaping. Of course, the Book of Job is also a very good place to start on the subject of God permitting trials and temptations.

 

[billcu1]

I’ve read a short biography of St John of the Cross. Essentially, he was imprisoned by monks who resented his attempts to impose a more rigorous rule of life on them. But he found that he became closer to God because of his trials and wrote the famous Dark Night of the Soul during this time before eventually escaping. Of course, the Book of Job is also a very good place to start on the subject of God permitting trials and temptations.

Yes. Wasn’t John of the Cross founder of the Jesuits?

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

As far as tests and trials go, I was advised to read Teresa of Avila or John of the Cross. That can get pretty deep. I wonder does anyone know the basics? I was told faith was a ‘relationship’.

I used to read Imitation of Christ daily, and it was of great help.

However, when I reached the depths of my illness, there was no chance of me ever picking up such a book. I couldn’t even order Dennis Prager’s *Happiness is a Serious Problem *(Issue?), and I knew it would help me. Doing anything like that was far beyond my energy levels. I needed to be spoonfed. Laughing and singing did that for me.

 

[peter26]

Excellent suggestion. I recently attended Vespers at our cathedral. It was the eve of a bishop ordination. It was filled with English chant and was one of the most beautiful services I’ve ever heard.

Sounds lovely!

The best part about feeling better is that I am enjoying so many different devotions now. This convert has finally gone Marian! (Most especially Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mary Undoer of Knots). Many old, good habits have returned and many new, good habits are forming.

I’m also a convert and am also trying different devotions. Mainly though I’m trying to get into a routine of saying the Rosary regularly (hardest thing is remembering the different mysteries!). But some form of Liturgy of the Hours is a good routine to get into because it combines different prayers and readings. Personally, I use evening prayer from the BCP, which is available online with each day’s readings.

As to the test or trial question, I’d like to second the point that, whatever the reason, the goal is to get to Mass and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord.

Unfortunately, that may not be a goal that can be attained overnight for people with anxiety/depression. I, personally, have found that in my struggle to return to the only feast that matters, I had to treat myself as Our Mommy treats us (and I mean no disrespect at all). I praised every victory, no matter how small; I recognized but quickly forgave every failure; and I gave myself lots of gentle and tender rest and refreshment.

I also watched a lot of comedies and sang a lot of show tunes. I did any stupid little thing that made me feel joyful.

I still rest and refresh as much as possible, and because of that, I am somehow getting more good things accomplished than I ever did before.

I have anxiety problems myself. Sometimes the best thing can be to get into a routine of things. If you always for instance went to daily Mass on a Wednesday, you would be familiar with who attends, how everything is done (probably not the same as Sunday) and so forth. And it would become part of the routine.

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

Yes, routine is everything.

I had begun a daily Mass routine but had to quit early this year when I (thank God!) found work.

I made a choir routine but felt called to quit when the choir director moved us downstairs. Later, he disbanded the choir by email. Now he’s advertising in the bulletin for choir members. There’s so much dysfunction in that ministry that I (as a dysfunctional person) am glad I got out when I did.

I have, however, been making as many events as is reasonable for me and I’m making a lot of new friends.

What did you convert from? When? I was brought up atheist. I was baptized in 1993 at the age of 32.

 

[billcu1]

Yes, routine is everything.

I had begun a daily Mass routine but had to quit early this year when I (thank God!) found work.

I made a choir routine but felt called to quit when the choir director moved us downstairs. Later, he disbanded the choir by email. Now he’s advertising in the bulletin for choir members. There’s so much dysfunction in that ministry that I (as a dysfunctional person) am glad I got out when I did.

I have, however, been making as many events as is reasonable for me and I’m making a lot of new friends.

What did you convert from? When? I was brought up atheist. I was baptized in 1993 at the age of 32.

I find breaking a routine to do something different is hard. Getting on the bus in the cold coming home late. Cause I can’t go on Sunday. So I have to at least go to the vigil for obligation. I sure enjoy weekday Masses and Adoration too.

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

I find breaking a routine to do something different is hard. Getting on the bus in the cold coming home late. Cause I can’t go on Sunday. So I have to at least go to the vigil for obligation. I sure enjoy weekday Masses and Adoration too.

Can you get a dispensation from your pastor to replace your Sunday obligation with a weekday obligation?

Perhaps it is difficult to think that you qualify for such special treatment. I never thought of it until I was well enough to attend any Mass and could look back and see how mentally crippled I had been.

It is easy enough to find out if you qualify: Honestly present your situation to your pastor and ask him what he thinks of such a dispensation. The worst he can say is “No,” - he cannot add a harder obligation, lol.

How bad is your depression/anxiety? Would you be able to ask a priest or would that be overwhelming?

 

[billcu1]

Can you get a dispensation from your pastor to replace your Sunday obligation with a weekday obligation?

Perhaps it is difficult to think that you qualify for such special treatment. I never thought of it until I was well enough to attend any Mass and could look back and see how mentally crippled I had been.

It is easy enough to find out if you qualify: Honestly present your situation to your pastor and ask him what he thinks of such a dispensation. The worst he can say is “No,” - he cannot add a harder obligation, lol.

How bad is your depression/anxiety? Would you be able to ask a priest or would that be overwhelming?

Oh yes I can ask him if I can get it together and go in. Maybe I can email him. Though that might not be the way to handle it. At my worst years ago. I was pretty much bed fast. If I got up I had to crawl because my lungs burned so bad breathing was painful. Thank God that’s all over now.

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

Was the burning in the lungs from acid reflux? (Mine goes into overdrive when I’m anxious).

 

[Brendan_64]

Don’t worry about desire - just do it. Our emotions don’t always match up with the things we do. But we have to do the good things - Mass, prayer, etc - anyway.

Good advice. Too often we feel that we have to have an emotional reason to do something. Are we governed by our emotions or by what God teaches us?

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

Good advice. Too often we feel that we have to have an emotional reason to do something. Are we governed by our emotions or by what God teaches us?

I agree with this.

However, while I cannot speak for the OP’s situation, in my case, I was governed by my emotions. That’s because depression/anxiety is a real* illness*, not just a lazy state of mind.

The emotion which governed me was not some lack of tingly feelings for the Mass. It was pure, paralyzing fear. The thought of pulling myself together and getting to Mass would bring on physical symptoms very similar to the flu. I did not ask to feel sick; I did not want to feel sick. But I felt horribly sick. Week after week, year after year. I do not think it is in human nature to overcome the flu every single week in order to get to Mass.

That’s why, in my opinion, Communion to the Sick or a dispensation for the day of the obligation are valid options. Of course, my opinion does not matter. Only the OP’s pastor’s opinion matters.

The goal is to get the sick sheep back to the feast. It may take time and patience because many of the sheep at the edge of the field are really nothing more than frightened alley cats in need of kindness.

And to the OP - back to the burning lungs problem. My brain read “throat” - that’s why I asked about acid reflux. If it’s not too personal, could you elaborate on your lung problem? It’s a problem I was fortunate enough not to have.

 

[Brendan_64]

I agree with this.

However, while I cannot speak for the OP’s situation, in my case, I was governed by my emotions. That’s because depression/anxiety is a real* illness*, not just a lazy state of mind.

I agree with you on that, depression/anxiety is a very real illness. I apologise if my reply seemed to belittle this, or belittle the OP’s current situation.

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

No apology needed. I did not at all get the impression you were belittling anyone. I just wanted to re-emphasize.

And again, I agree about pushing through the dry spells. That’s the desert in which we learn the most.

Luckily, even though I’ve been heavily medicated for almost two years, lol, I still am granted dry spots to struggle with. The difference is that I have the tools to navigate them.

 

[Brendan_64]

No apology needed. I did not at all get the impression you were belittling anyone. I just wanted to re-emphasize.

And again, I agree about pushing through the dry spells. That’s the desert in which we learn the most.

Luckily, even though I’ve been heavily medicated for almost two years, lol, I still am granted dry spots to struggle with. The difference is that I have the tools to navigate them.

I wish you the best of luck then.

 

[Lisa_Lavadores]

Btw, I love you siggy with St. Jude. I’m crazy for that guy!

 

[Brendan_64]

He has helped me many times in the past. Keep praying to him.

 

[billcu1]

He has helped me many times in the past. Keep praying to him.

A good saint they say for depression and maybe anxiety is St. Dymphna.

 

[billcu1]

Was the burning in the lungs from acid reflux? (Mine goes into overdrive when I’m anxious).

I do have acid reflex. I take 2 Zantac 200MG (I believe) a day for it. When I take that and the mental meds I do not burn. Cut down the mental meds. Buspar was cut in half for me. And my lungs burn. When I get established more on it since they increased it again. I will get over that burning.

 

[billcu1]

I do have acid reflex. I take 2 Zantac 200MG (I believe) a day for it. When I take that and the mental meds I do not burn. Cut down the mental meds. Buspar was cut in half for me. And my lungs burn. When I get established more on it since they increased it again. I will get over that burning.

Sorry that’s 150 mg. BID or twice a day. Sometimes I wonder if an acid reducer continues to work. I would think so. But then I eat a lot, not long before going to bed. And don’t do anything right there.

Bill