Conversion confusion

[WanderingSpirit]

Hi all,
I’m hoping to get a little guidance/(name removed by moderator)ut on a couple of issues, and I apologize in advance for the length.

1. I attended Mass with a Catholic friend about 7-8 years ago when we lived in a major metropolitan area, but not on my own until about a year ago. I’ve been attending Mass regularly for quite awhile now. I recently discovered that the masses are primarily the “Mass of Creation” versions, I knew they were different from what I was used to, but didn’t realize the format had a name until just a few weeks ago. I was a little uncomfortable with the somewhat “Protestantised” local churches (i.e. no statues or crucifix, seating in the round versus the more traditional straight seating, etc. that I had been accustomed to seeing in a Catholic Church), so I went to one about 45 minutes away that has some Latin in the Mass which is what I was used to, complete with a crucifix and statues of Mary and Joseph prominently displayed (Note: Yes, I do realize this all external and the Mass itself is the only thing that matters, but I like the external stuff - it makes me feel as if I’m in a Catholic Church versus a Protestant one) I really love this new parish, the priest is wonderful, but I’m concerned about the distance. I pass 4 other Catholic churches in order to go to this one. I’ve tried RCIA before at a local parish, but I had some strong disagreements with one of the deacons (and RCIA director) and dropped out. I’d like to try again in this other parish, but again I’m worried about the distance. I know Catholics are no longer bound to attend within their parish boundaries, but how often is this done? I guess I feel guilty for passing up all these others on the way.
2. I’ve been a Christian for many many years (not of any particular denomination) and I’d love to now join the Catholic Church, but I’m wondering if I should wait until some issues I have with the church are resolved (through my own research and/or discussions) or am I making too big of a deal of it?
   Here’s what I strongly believe in:
   The Mass and the Eucharist - this is the primary reason I want to convert, I believe the Catholic Church is the only place where this is.
   The Blessed Mother, the Saints, and the Rosary - I’ve been praying the rosary for well over 2 years now (as often as I can).
   My hangup:
   I really don’t have any specific problems per se, but I’m the type of personality that wants to know everything they’re getting into before committing to something. I’m working my way through the CCC and I’ve read several church history books - Eusebius, St Augustine, etc.

I guess my concern as it relates to this is: What if I join and in the future I find I strongly disagree with the Church on something? I’d rather not be a “cafeteria Catholic”, but would disagreement on a Church teaching prevent me from receiving the Eucharist?

Thanks so much for your (name removed by moderator)ut

 

[chewchoo]

welcome to the CAF forums

for number 1 - each church is run by a group of humans. these people can make mistakes (don’t we all) or their focus isn’t 100% orthodox. i recommend going to the church that feeds your soul. don’t be too picky, mind you, because like you said, the mass is the mass in the universal church. but it is so nice to be able to participate in a reverant mass.

#2 - as i have read many times on these boards, there are things we may not agree with or understand in the church, but if we are a member then we must be obedient to her teachings. one of the beautiful things about the church is 2000 years of history and discussion and debate on various issues. whatever your issue with an issue, you can be sure that it has been hammered out quite extensively in the church thruout the years.

if you have access to EWTN, i recommend listening to Fr. Corapi’s catechism series “the teachings of Jesus Christ”. it is a 48 hour series that covers the catechism extremely well.

 

[CBS]

if you have access to EWTN, i recommend listening to Fr. Corapi’s catechism series “the teachings of Jesus Christ”. it is a 48 hour series that covers the catechism extremely well.

Fr. Corapi is amazing. I plan to convert this year. I have not heard his catechism series, but I have watched a three part video he did about the Catholic Church in general on EWTN.

BTW Any word on his health?

 

[JRKH]

First of all may I just say:

YEEEEE HAAWWWW :extrahappy: :bounce: :clapping:
Welcome Welcome Welcome

Hi all,
I’m hoping to get a little guidance/(name removed by moderator)ut on a couple of issues, and I apologize in advance for the length.

1. I attended Mass with a Catholic friend about 7-8 years ago when we lived in a major metropolitan area, but not on my own until about a year ago. I’ve been attending Mass regularly for quite awhile now. I recently discovered that the masses are primarily the “Mass of Creation” versions, I knew they were different from what I was used to, but didn’t realize the format had a name until just a few weeks ago. I was a little uncomfortable with the somewhat “Protestantised” local churches (i.e. no statues or crucifix, seating in the round versus the more traditional straight seating, etc. that I had been accustomed to seeing in a Catholic Church), so I went to one about 45 minutes away that has some Latin in the Mass which is what I was used to, complete with a crucifix and statues of Mary and Joseph prominently displayed (Note: Yes, I do realize this all external and the Mass itself is the only thing that matters, but I like the external stuff - it makes me feel as if I’m in a Catholic Church versus a Protestant one) I really love this new parish, the priest is wonderful, but I’m concerned about the distance. I pass 4 other Catholic churches in order to go to this one. I’ve tried RCIA before at a local parish, but I had some strong disagreements with one of the deacons (and RCIA director) and dropped out. I’d like to try again in this other parish, but again I’m worried about the distance. I know Catholics are no longer bound to attend within their parish boundaries, but how often is this done? I guess I feel guilty for passing up all these others on the way.

In all honesty I have never heard of the “Mass of Creation” thing. So far as I know there are only two forms of Mass in the RCC. The OF or ordinary form (Also called the “New Mass”)and the EF or “Extraordinary Form” (Also known as the TLM or the Old mass)
As to your specific question. I would recommend going to the parish that you feel the most at home. If that means a drive it is still worth it. On those occasions when you cannot make the drive, you can always attend locally.

1. I’ve been a Christian for many many years (not of any particular denomination) and I’d love to now join the Catholic Church, but I’m wondering if I should wait until some issues I have with the church are resolved (through my own research and/or discussions) or am I making too big of a deal of it?
   Here’s what I strongly believe in:
   The Mass and the Eucharist - this is the primary reason I want to convert, I believe the Catholic Church is the only place where this is.
   The Blessed Mother, the Saints, and the Rosary - I’ve been praying the rosary for well over 2 years now (as often as I can).
   My hangup:
   I really don’t have any specific problems per se, but I’m the type of personality that wants to know everything they’re getting into before committing to something. I’m working my way through the CCC and I’ve read several church history books - Eusebius, St Augustine, etc.

I guess my concern as it relates to this is: What if I join and in the future I find I strongly disagree with the Church on something? I’d rather not be a “cafeteria Catholic”, but would disagreement on a Church teaching prevent me from receiving the Eucharist?

Thanks so much for your (name removed by moderator)ut

If you wait until you understand everything about the Church you’ll never join.
Please don’t wait to join the RCIA but please do so at a reverent parish. There is, unfortunately, some parishes out there who are teaching error. As recommended above, if you can connect up with the information on the EWTN site, it will help you to be sure your getting a good foundation. Also please bring questions here. Much good knowledge here. (along with nagging and headbutting and arguing and the occasional trip out behind the woodshed). There’s a lot of good folks here.

Peace
James

 

[po18guy]

1. Those who followed Christ did so in open fields, the Temple, private houses, a cemetary, beside the sea, etc. So, whatever shape the building is in, or if there even is a building, does not matter. Christ in the Eucharist is all that matters. The circular arrangements are meant to emulate the early believers gathering in a circle around Christ. If you believe he is present, isn’t that how you would gather?

As to the lack of a crucifix, take that up with the priest. All sanctuaries are required to have a permanent crucifix prominently displayed. Our church, built in the 1970s, is just now getting one! Ask.

1. Join now! No one guarantees that you will wake up tomorrow. If you place your faith and trust in the Lord, He will work steadily on your problems with the teachings of the church. Remember, it’s not the Lord who changes, it’s us. He has done amazing things with me, who doubted many of the teachings. I don’t anymore, since the church has all authority to teach revealed truth.

If you fervently love Christ, you will have no misgivings about following him in His church. Go locally, because the brothers and sisters who need your help from time to time also need you to be close to them. Will there be things you don’t like in every parish? Yes! Change what you can, in obedience to the church, and pray for what you cannot change. You are on the cusp of a life-changing and unbelievably joyful experience that can be found nowhere else.

It is all about faith and trust.

Christ’s peace be always with you.

 

[cecilia97]

First of all may I just say:

YEEEEE HAAWWWW :extrahappy: :bounce: :clapping:
Welcome Welcome Welcome

In all honesty I have never heard of the “Mass of Creation” thing. So far as I know there are only two forms of Mass in the RCC. The OF or ordinary form (Also called the “New Mass”)and the EF or “Extraordinary Form” (Also known as the TLM or the Old mass)

“Mass of Creation” is just a musical setting of the Mass by Marty Haugen. It’s widely used in the NO, or at least was…it was very popular in the 90s. I used to play it and I can’t remember anything particularly unsound in its translation.

 

[JRKH]

“Mass of Creation” is just a musical setting of the Mass by Marty Haugen. It’s widely used in the NO, or at least was…it was very popular in the 90s. I used to play it and I can’t remember anything particularly unsound in its translation.

Thanks - See Wanderin – Still Learnin

 

[chewchoo]

Fr. Corapi is amazing. I plan to convert this year. I have not heard his catechism series, but I have watched a three part video he did about the Catholic Church in general on EWTN.

BTW Any word on his health?

i have found a couple blog entries on his condition.
this one is based on his comments in his weekly wisdom program
soilcatholics.blogspot.com/2008/04/fr-corapi-health-update.html
i found a few others too that seem to say the same thing.

 

[WanderingSpirit]

Thank you so much for the replies. Yes, I have been watching lots of EWTN and Father Corapi is just amazing!! I didn’t realize his health was poor though, I’ll be praying for him.

po18guy: I completely agree with you regarding the shape of the building, in that it doesn’t really matter. What concerned me was when I inquired about the configuration (these churches in my area were all built within the last 30-40 years and I didn’t know what had changed), I was told it was so the “community” could see each other and not be seated like a school bus. My personal opinion is that we should be focused on the Mass itself and not be looking at everyone else so that we’d feel part of a community. That’s what the narthex is for, isn’t it?

As a former art history major I knew the significance of the “traditional” transepts, nave, and apse layout and I was just a little taken aback by the newly built churches. Without even the crucifix or statues, I had to ask the first time whether or not I was in the right place (thought I’d gotten the directions wrong and ended up in a Protestant church ).

But again, thank you all for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[po18guy]

I completely agree with you regarding the shape of the building, in that it doesn’t really matter. What concerned me was when I inquired about the configuration (these churches in my area were all built within the last 30-40 years and I didn’t know what had changed), I was told it was so the “community” could see each other and not be seated like a school bus. My personal opinion is that we should be focused on the Mass itself and not be looking at everyone else so that we’d feel part of a community. That’s what the narthex is for, isn’t it?

Just as we are called to see Christ in every race, every nation, every age, each gender, so we are called to see the mystical body of Christ in each place of worship, no matter the shape, originality, coherence to design intent, or physical beauty. I am so thrilled to have Christ with us in every age, that the surroundings pretty much disappear as I close my eyes and know that I am at Calvary. Amen! Alleluia!

 

[MaryCatherine08]

Hi-
I just came into the church at the Easter Vigil. My only advice is to find somewhere that you are comfortable, and then stick with it. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from becoming a member of Christ’s church. As the months go on- if you feel your resolve waiver, pray for renewed strength from the Lord, and He will give you what you need to remain commited. The love affair that begins with that first Eucharist is nothing short of amazing. I am so overwhelmed with each communion that I can barely choke out an AMEN when I go up to recieve the body and the precious blood of my savior.