Conundrum

[Onegin]

I belong to the local OF Parish young adults group because I figured it would be good to have some Catholic acquaintances here. The TLM church doesn’t have such a group that I am aware of and is over 45 minutes away by train.

That said, I’ve been in a conundrum lately. Our group started out pretty casually with about 8-10 people and an informal format. We would meet Sunday evenings and talk about the Gospel reading, etc and any other general issues that it raised. Lately, the group has been embracing a more structured approach which has included bringing in people to speak about various topics.

Some of the topics have been very good. For example, one of the Priests talked about Icons and another talked about the Book of Revelation. However, lately, the activities have drifted charismatic with “praise and worship” evenings and, most recently, inviting a nun to come speak about “contemplative prayer.” I haven’t attended either of these meetings and, upon receiving the email update, they informed us that the presentation was on something called “centering prayer” which I am wholly unfamiliar with. There was also a talk on Ignatian Spirituality from a “modern perspective” whatever that means.

So my question is this: is it alright to feel somewhat uncomfortable with the direction the group is taking? The charismatic angle makes me uncomfortable because I’ve worked quite hard to distance myself from the charismatic movement and the centering prayer is something I’ve never heard of so I can’t comment. Once my schedule with exams clears up, I was hoping to give a talk on the TLM but meanwhile, this has been the situation.

Nevertheless, lately, I’ve had to sort of pick and choose what days I’ll attend. This week the talk is going to be on Islam…so…? Perhaps it is no longer worthwhile to be a member of this group? I’m a bit sad because I’ve met some lovely people but the topics are getting increasingly out there and are starting to conflict with my traditional sensibilities.

Has anyone else encountered this? What would you suggest?

 

[malphono]

This is really none of my business, but have you spoken to the people in the group whose company you enjoy? If not, it might be worth a shot. Perhaps one or more is a “kindred spirit” and has some ideas that might be beneficial.

 

[dbmus]

It sounds like the group is offering talks on a lot of different topics! If I were in your position I’d soak it up. Talks are generally for information purposes - to learn about something like the book of revelations, Ignatian spirituality, etc.
Especially if you don’t know about whatever the topic is it would be a good chance to find about it in a pretty non-threatening kind of way.
In terms of charismatic stuff, there is nothing wrong with it. It may not be the way you express yourself to God but it doesn’t mean people who do are “wrong”. You can still participate in praise and worship without waving your hands, singing in tongues, or whatever else they do.

I think God is always trying to expand our comfort zones to make us more loving, more open to His love and direction, and to help us become the people we’re called to be.

It’s probably fine to pick and choose which events you attend. In the catholic community at my university there are a core group of people who attend every event but there are also many more who come to some and not others due to schedules, and interest.

God be with you in your learning!

 

[cathguy]

I belong to the local OF Parish young adults group because I figured it would be good to have some Catholic acquaintances here. The TLM church doesn’t have such a group that I am aware of and is over 45 minutes away by train.

That said, I’ve been in a conundrum lately. Our group started out pretty casually with about 8-10 people and an informal format. We would meet Sunday evenings and talk about the Gospel reading, etc and any other general issues that it raised. Lately, the group has been embracing a more structured approach which has included bringing in people to speak about various topics.

Some of the topics have been very good. For example, one of the Priests talked about Icons and another talked about the Book of Revelation. However, lately, the activities have drifted charismatic with “praise and worship” evenings and, most recently, inviting a nun to come speak about “contemplative prayer.” I haven’t attended either of these meetings and, upon receiving the email update, they informed us that the presentation was on something called “centering prayer” which I am wholly unfamiliar with. There was also a talk on Ignatian Spirituality from a “modern perspective” whatever that means.

So my question is this: is it alright to feel somewhat uncomfortable with the direction the group is taking? The charismatic angle makes me uncomfortable because I’ve worked quite hard to distance myself from the charismatic movement and the centering prayer is something I’ve never heard of so I can’t comment. Once my schedule with exams clears up, I was hoping to give a talk on the TLM but meanwhile, this has been the situation.

Nevertheless, lately, I’ve had to sort of pick and choose what days I’ll attend. This week the talk is going to be on Islam…so…? Perhaps it is no longer worthwhile to be a member of this group? I’m a bit sad because I’ve met some lovely people but the topics are getting increasingly out there and are starting to conflict with my traditional sensibilities.

Has anyone else encountered this? What would you suggest?

Would be VERY cautious about “centering prayer.”

One of two things could happen.

1. You get a decent presentation on meditative prayer and the presenter is simply confused and refers to good meditative prayer as “centering prayer.” (This happened to my mom.)
2. You get a presentation on the heretical and non-Christian practice of “centering prayer.”

The danger is too great to my mind. Ask for clarification up front, and if the presentation is on centering prayer, respectfully write the pastor your concerns.

Peace!

 

[Julian0404]

Go, don’t stop attending.
First, you need to be able to learn and discern what is “stretching the envelope” and what is still rooted in the faith.
Second, you can be the source of truth for others. If some things bother, you, clearly you are not alone, and your voice can give courage to others.
Third, the best way to learn is to take the topics and continue to research them.
As to Islam, just this past week an Islamic cleric issued a 600 page Fatwah (religious ruling) that did not pull any punches and said quite literally, that terrorism and suicide bombers do not earn 27 virgins, they earn a suite in hell. This is going to deflate the ranks of anxious youth ready to enlist.

Also, bring up Mary as the way to Jesus. If everyone wants to study prayer, than go to www.queenship.org and get a copy of IN THE END MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL TRIUMPH and share that with the group. It is a 33 day prayer of consecration to Jesus through Mary.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I agree with the suggestion of talking to some in the group that you are closest to and seeing how the topics have shifted. It is probably just a few people who are a bit more enthusiastic who are scheduling things. Find out about speakers or events that are more appealing to you and bring them up as future topics. Take the trouble to arranging a few events to introduce the whole group to rather than just fading away. With any group like that, it is the people who make the effort to set up the events that end up leading the direction of the group.

 

[TheDoctor]

From your post, it seems that you have an awesome group that has had some of the “traditional” stuff (icons, bible) and is looking to see what other types of things are available to enhance their spirituality.

There is nothing wrong with “contemplative prayer” or a modern understanding of Ignatian Spirituality as long as they are done correctly and from a Catholic perspective.

You will have to gauge how the group is going but remember you are part of the group as well, so if it is making you uncomfortable you can voice your opinion in charity.

P.S. - instead of giving a talk on the EF, how about inviting the group to attend an EF as well?

 

[Bluegoat]

The only questionable topic to my mind would be centering prayer, and if they just mean contemplative prayer that would be no problem. Modern Ignatien Spirituality and Islam also both sound like good and interesting topics.

As far as the charismatic stuff, I also find such things make me very uncomfortable. I belonged to a study group which tened that way, as well I was certianly the most orthodox member. However, the point of the group was essentially making connections with other people, and fellowship. So in that context, the hand-holding was not really inappropriate, just not to my taste.

I think you should keep going. Perhaps suggest sometimes using a more traditional prayer service, like compline or whatever makes sense in that situation?