Conflict with RCIA and the Protestant Church

[EnglishTeacher]

I’m a life long Protestant that has a calling to the Cathloic Church.

I’m going to sign up for the RCIA class this year, but here’s the problem.

I don’t want to quit my Protestant Church. I’ve been attending both the Catholic and Protestant Churches since last fall. As a Catholic or RCIA student, will I be expected to quit attending my Protestant Church?

I think that at some point, you should definitely quit attending on a regular basis. But you could still come back once in a while for a visit or for special events (as long as you go to Mass also, of course). The problem with attending on a regular basis and being involved as though you were still a member is that it is something of a “bad testimony.” It can confuse others because they will get the impression that you believe the Catholic Church and your old church are equal, and that the differences are not important.

Really, though, once you immerse yourself in the Catholic faith, I would be surprised if you have any desire to maintain close ties with your former faith community. When I first considered converting to the Catholic Church, I was sure that I was going to miss my old church and old way of worship, but I find that I have zero desire to go back. On the rare occasions when I do attend a service at my parents’ church or some other Protestant community, I am always struck by how empty it seems, as though something is missing. Sure, the music is sometimes good, and the people are nice, but neither of those is a replacement for the ancient liturgy and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Straddling the fence is not a comfortable position for long, anyway. You’ll feel better if you hop off and get on the Catholic side, so to speak.

 

[fbl9]

I am always struck by how empty it seems, as though something is missing. Sure, the music is sometimes good, and the people are nice, but neither of those is a replacement for the ancient liturgy and** the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.**

When i dumped the catholic church and attended a non-denom, that was my impresssion it seemed like there was something missing, a certain lack.

 

[LegoGE1947]

When i dumped the catholic church and attended a non-denom, that was my impresssion it seemed like there was something missing, a certain lack.

That’s what I have noticed when I have visited protestant assemblies after becoming Catholic.

 

[Lifesong]

Have you ever seen the painting of Jesus knocking on a door that has no door knob on it. It represents Revelation 3:20 about Jesus knocking at the door of hearts and begging to be let in.

I have not seen that painting but love those passages and I really felt them working in my life this year.

God Bless,

Val

 

[LegoGE1947]

%between%

I have not seen that painting but love those passages and I really felt them working in my life this year.

God Bless,

Val

jesus at the door

 

[sjh331]

When i dumped the catholic church and attended a non-denom, that was my impresssion it seemed like there was something missing, a certain lack.

This was my experience exactly when I converted in college. I stopped attending my old Protestant church while I was in RCIA, but I went back and slipped into the balcony on Easter morning after my confirmation. The difference was rather striking, and I could not stay the whole time. I guess I felt overwhelming pity; this church was literally down the street from the Catholic church where I had been confirmed, and I remembered so well that longing for something more. I wanted so much to tell them that the God they longed for was just down the street in a beautiful Adoration chapel, to explain that the “true church” we’d always sought was so near all along.

But I’m the only Catholic in my whole family, and it means a lot to my family if I will attend church with them when I visit (not at the expense of going to Mass beforehand, of course). Eventually, I got used to that inner monologue: “Remember not to genuflect, remember not to genuflect, remember not to genuflect.” “When do we kneel? We don’t kneel? Okay…” “No, don’t cross yourself after the prayer.” “Don’t say ‘amen’ after the speaker does; this isn’t that sort of church.” “Oh dear, he’s reading Matthew 16:18. Just keep a straight face…”

In all seriousness, I’ve tried to understand why the young people seem to be leaving their parents’ churches in droves; my current theory is that they’re leaving the mainstream Protestant denominations for either community-based non-denominationalism or a return to orthodoxy. But I don’t know if that’s correct, or if it’s just my impression.

 

[InNomineDomini]

…here’s the problem.

I don’t want to quit my Protestant Church.

Quit? Kind of like a bad habit?

Either your Protestant church is rooted in truth or it is not. If you are convinced it is untrue, what makes you want to stay there? Surely, it isn’t to listen to falsehood.

Maybe this is an emotional question? I admit, I am very confused by what the issue is here.

 

[awantz]

I’m a life long Protestant that has a calling to the Cathloic Church.

I’m going to sign up for the RCIA class this year, but here’s the problem.

I don’t want to quit my Protestant Church. I’ve been attending both the Catholic and Protestant Churches since last fall. As a Catholic or RCIA student, will I be expected to quit attending my Protestant Church?

You can continue attending your Protestant Church while going to RCIA, but once your confirmed you can no longer take communion there and will no longer be a member. Although, I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to attend. My husband is Catholic and attends my non-denominational church with me, every sunday.

 

[Apologista]

This is just an opinion, but based on observation. A person I know left the Catholic Church a long time ago, eventually joined a Protestant church and I believe that was the path back to Catholicism eventually. But the person got to missing some of the music and the small, intimate congregation, so finally went back to playing music at that Protestant church, but not taking communion and such.

This seemed to “fill in the gap” for this particular person somehow, who at the time was almost on the edge of leaving the Catholic Church again, feeling depressed and discouraged because of the more liturgical style of worship that was less lively or whatever seemed to be missing. Now the person is becoming more happy at being Catholic all the time.

So sometimes as long as one isn’t still participating sacramentally in the former church after making the decision to become Catholic, maybe it works for some. I don’t know.

 

[hope_7]

I can understand what you are saying There are things within the catholic church that you find that you need and there are things in the church you are in that you need. It is a shame that the catholic church and the protestant churches do not feel this way.

I know that it is more then a lively service as some may say that causes you to want to continue with the church that you are in. I can understand what it is like when God’s Holy Spirit moves and His presence just sweeps through the congregation. To experiance the gift of salvation having your sins forgiven Knowing for sure that you are saved and that you have the peace that passes understanding that only God can give. To actually be filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Even haveing the Holy Spirit manifest through you in the form of the gifts of the Spirit and seeing Him minister through you to someone is awsome. Most on this forum do not even know what it is to experiance thease things.

Many are in the catholic church, sadly to say , even on this forum who are very dedicated to the catholic church who have never been born again and think that they are saved because they are catholic and are trying to live a good life being faithful to the church and its teachings. Jesus said you must be born again!

They have no idea what the baptism of the Holy Spirit really is and what it is like to live and walk in the Spirit

Yes tha Catholic church has alot to offer not just in the mass but in the deeper life as well I am amazed at what the mystics write and how God has touched me through their writings. It is a shame that catholics and protestants do not see their own poverty and learn to recieve from each other. Each has alot to give and the one that becomes poor is the one who prospers.

 

[Catholic_Kenpo]

Many are in the catholic church, sadly to say , even on this forum who are very dedicated to the catholic church who have never been born again and think that they are saved because they are catholic and are trying to live a good life being faithful to the church and its teachings. Jesus said you must be born again!

They have no idea what the baptism of the Holy Spirit really is and what it is like to live and walk in the Spirit

I pray that one day you will come to truly understand exactly what it is you typed here. God bless you on your journey.

 

[LegoGE1947]

I pray that one day you will come to truly understand exactly what it is you typed here. God bless you on your journey.

Whether one is Catholic or Protestant, salvation comes through baptism, “Accepting Jesus as one’s personal Savior” is all well and great but until one is baptised one is NOT a Christian in the truest sense of the word. Years ago while attending a protestant assembly they had as a guest preacher a missionary serving in some third world country where Christianity is not the dominant religion. The missionary mentioned that in this particular place a person can make all the “professions of faith” they want to but until the person is baptised he or she is not considered a Christian! Then the person has to “watch their back” because Christianity is not accepted as a valid religion in that country.

 

[gigi4747]

hmmm…I’m curious to know what tscott has decided!

I don’t see why a person couldn’t continue to attend his old services even after becoming Catholic (as long as the person fulfills his Sunday and Holy Day obligation to assist in the Mass, of course). I would suspect that as one comes to understand more about the Catholic Church and participate more in Catholic life, one wouldn’t have as much desire to be part of a non-Catholic Christian community, anyways. And certainly that person should know his apologetics, because probably he will hear some untruths about the Catholic Church in such a community. But if a person did have the desire to attend the former church because he or she likes the preaching, music, fellowship, etc - I don’t really see the problem.

That said, people like Stan raise a good point too. When I was in college, a priest at one of our Masses said, “Your presence here speaks volumes to the world.” He was right, of course, and I suppose by attending a service, unless it’s out of social convention, like a wedding or funeral, you are in a sense testifying that you believe what is being preached.

It’s a dilemma ~ will be in prayer for you, tscott!

 

[Apologista]

I can understand what you are saying There are things within the catholic church that you find that you need and there are things in the church you are in that you need. It is a shame that the catholic church and the protestant churches do not feel this way.

I know that it is more then a lively service as some may say that causes you to want to continue with the church that you are in. I can understand what it is like when God’s Holy Spirit moves and His presence just sweeps through the congregation. **To experiance the gift of salvation having your sins forgiven Knowing for sure that you are saved and that you have the peace that passes understanding that only God can give. To actually be filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Even haveing the Holy Spirit manifest through you in the form of the gifts of the Spirit and seeing Him minister through you to someone is awsome. Most on this forum do not even know what it is to experiance thease things.

Many are in the catholic church, sadly to say , even on this forum who are very dedicated to the catholic church who have never been born again and think that they are saved because they are catholic and are trying to live a good life being faithful to the church and its teachings. Jesus said you must be born again!

They have no idea what the baptism of the Holy Spirit really is and what it is like to live and walk in the Spirit **

Yes tha Catholic church has alot to offer not just in the mass but in the deeper life as well I am amazed at what the mystics write and how God has touched me through their writings. It is a shame that catholics and protestants do not see their own poverty and learn to recieve from each other. Each has alot to give and the one that becomes poor is the one who prospers.

It’s understandable that you want to share what you find positive in your own religious tradition, and that you’ve found the mystics to be good spiritual reading.

However, the part in bold comes off as judgmental toward Catholics and the Catholic Church, and seems to make several generalized assumptions. It but it might be reworded in a kinder way by saying “These have been my religious experiences” and speaking for yourself, instead of making proclamations from your point of view that we Catholics haven’t been born again - how can you know that?

 

[awantz]

It but it might be reworded in a kinder way by saying “These have been my religious experiences” and speaking for yourself, instead of making proclamations from your point of view that we Catholics haven’t been born again - how can you know that?

I, personally, know some Catholics who’s lives don’t reflect them being born again, but then again there are people like that in every religion.

 

[fbl9]

I, personally, know some Catholics who’s lives don’t reflect them being born again, but then again there are people like that in every religion.

They still are born again. It is through the waters of baptism that one is born again.
When one loses the grace of God they are still born again, but not alive in God anymore.

 

[Miriam1947]

I can understand what you are saying There are things within the catholic church that you find that you need and there are things in the church you are in that you need. It is a shame that the catholic church and the protestant churches do not feel this way.

I know that it is more then a lively service as some may say that causes you to want to continue with the church that you are in. I can understand what it is like when God’s Holy Spirit moves and His presence just sweeps through the congregation. To experiance the gift of salvation having your sins forgiven Knowing for sure that you are saved and that you have the peace that passes understanding that only God can give. To actually be filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Even haveing the Holy Spirit manifest through you in the form of the gifts of the Spirit and seeing Him minister through you to someone is awsome. Most on this forum do not even know what it is to experiance thease things.

**Many are in the catholic church, sadly to say , even on this forum who are very dedicated to the catholic church who have never been born again and think that they are saved because they are catholic and are trying to live a good life being faithful to the church and its teachings. Jesus said you must be born again! **

They have no idea what the baptism of the Holy Spirit really is and what it is like to live and walk in the Spirit

Yes tha Catholic church has alot to offer not just in the mass but in the deeper life as well I am amazed at what the mystics write and how God has touched me through their writings. It is a shame that catholics and protestants do not see their own poverty and learn to recieve from each other. Each has alot to give and the one that becomes poor is the one who prospers.

Feeling a little judgmental today?

I have been born again. I was baptized into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil 2008.

I receive the Eucharist not only every Sunday but also at daily Mass. Do you receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity every Sunday or only occasionally at special communion services?

Is your church open every single day of the year so that you can pray and worship God?

Or is it only open for a few hours on Sunday when you listen to a sermon and right now sounding to me as ‘holier than thou’.

 

[awantz]

They still are born again. It is through the waters of baptism that one is born again.
When one loses the grace of God they are still born again, but not alive in God anymore.

So, your saying that people who commit murder are born again?! Baptism doesn’t save people, Jesus does.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

I most strongly suggest that you inquire at your parish regarding when they offer adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Then, go and spend time before Him in prayer and reflection. You might be amazed sooner, or you might be amazed later, but you will be amazed. Many have experienced miracles in prayer before our Lord.

Do you have a copy of Catholicism for Dummies? It is an excellent resource for all Catholics, and may be used a a catechism. I learn each time I open my copy.

You will receive everything in the Catholic Church that you now love in your current faith, and more. It is presented differently, using different terms, but as to its richness, none of us will live long enough to fully probe the depths of Catholic spirituality.

What you are feeling now is quite common among converts. It is a natural hesitancy, since you know the good that is in your current denomination. Yet, much more awaits.

:angel1: I second this, and also, please read/watch any books or videos by Dr. Scott Hahn, a brilliant author who converted after already being ordained as a Presbyterian minister. His wife also converted. You might enjoy checking out his website too.

Rome Sweet Home is one book, and The Lamb’s Supper, The Mass as Heaven on Earth is a superb description of what is going on during the Mass, here and in Heaven.

I was once a protestant too. You cannot be both protestant and Catholic simultaneously. In my own protestant experience, there was much emphasis on emotionalism, getting charged up with one’s own enthusiasm through songs, things that left me empty and doubting myself to the core. Then I found my way to the Church founded by Christ. I found Sacraments I did not know existed. Beauty, mystery, strength, (not mine, but His to lean on.)

The riches of the divine continuity of the Catholic Church (The Church Christ Himself Founded) make it the Ark, and the Bride of Christ. It was the only Church for over 1500 years! No other church can make that claim, as they were founded by humans, not by Our Lord Christ.

I’m so glad you are planning to attend RCIA, and hope you attend Mass, as there is such beauty there that you can absorb while praying humbly, learning, singing peacefully along with the hymns, all the while knowing you are most welcome to inquire further. Attend the Mass and RCIA, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading more about The Church.

Kathryn Ann:heaven:

 

[fbl9]

So, your saying that people who commit murder are born again?! Baptism doesn’t save people, Jesus does.

Jesus sure did have an odd sense of humor. One gets all wet for no real reason at all, i am not a duck.