CONVERTS, do you have a moment?

[Della]

Dal61 I can so relate to your story. We were brought up Episcopalian but left for the Assemblies of God when my father died when I was around 13. So, I spent the next 20 years of my life in the AoG learning some very negative things about the Catholic Church, things I just accepted because I had had such a wonderful experience of God in AoG and learned many positive things and met some truly great Christian people, I just believed whatever I was told.

But, I had seen the Song of Bernadette as a girl and had been charmed by it. As I grew more and more disillusioned with the same old, same old in the AoG, I tried looking elsewhere, even returning to the Episcopal Church. But, it had changed a great deal and just wasn’t the church of my childhood. I had been doing some reading and praying and decided to look into the Catholic Church. I literally trembled the first night I attended RCIA, a battle going on in my heart and mind over the terrible things I’d heard about the Church. None of it proved to be true. No one coerced me or love bombed me or did anything except teach the lessons and answer questions. I was received and have been, along with my dh, very happy. We know we are in Christ’s own Church and home.

 

[dal61]

Dal61 I can so relate to your story. We were brought up Episcopalian but left for the Assemblies of God when my father died when I was around 13. So, I spent the next 20 years of my life in the AoG learning some very negative things about the Catholic Church, things I just accepted because I had had such a wonderful experience of God in AoG and learned many positive things and met some truly great Christian people, I just believed whatever I was told.

But, I had seen the Song of Bernadette as a girl and had been charmed by it. As I grew more and more disillusioned with the same old, same old in the AoG, I tried looking elsewhere, even returning to the Episcopal Church. But, it had changed a great deal and just wasn’t the church of my childhood. I had been doing some reading and praying and decided to look into the Catholic Church. I literally trembled the first night I attended RCIA, a battle going on in my heart and mind over the terrible things I’d heard about the Church. None of it proved to be true. No one coerced me or love bombed me or did anything except teach the lessons and answer questions. I was received and have been, along with my dh, very happy. We know we are in Christ’s own Church and home.

I am so amazed at how much sense Catholicism makes…but when I was first discovering this, it seemed like a battle for me too…What I was learning was so much different than what I was taught…or at least what I thought…but it made so much sense to me it had to be true.

 

[Rhuarc]

My grandmother died and I was a Muslim at the time. Long story short Jesus comforted me so I had to believe. I cut the “****” (so to speak) with Protestantism because I knew that if you really wanted Jesus it would be to go to the Church that has been around the longest so Rome got my vote. Of course not to leave out the Divine Providence that led me to the Roman Catholic Church because all the honor, glory, and power are to him for saving my soul from eternal torment. I don’t know what would have happened if my grandmother had not passed, if I would have remained a Muslim is a mystery. Part of me likes to think God would have found another way, but my other part says to leave it alone and stick with the guidance He has given me.

 

[Della]

I am so amazed at how much sense Catholicism makes…but when I was first discovering this, it seemed like a battle for me too…What I was learning was so much different than what I was taught…or at least what I thought…but it made so much sense to me it had to be true.

G. K. Chesterton, also a convert, wrote that when a man stops resisting the Church he begins to be attracted to it. And the reason is because the Church tells us the truth and the truth is always attractive to those who seek it. That’s what drew me to the Church, as well. I told God, when I had reached my spiritual nadir that I wanted to know the truth even if, gulp, it led me to the Catholic Church–the absolute last place I wanted to go or thought I would go. Isn’t God’s sense of humor rich? Of course, I was led in stages to seeing the truth in the Church, but once you get to a certain point, it’s like having climbed a high hill, and looking back down you can see everything that got you where you are. So, for most of us there isn’t any one “aha” moment as much as there are many such moments that all add up. Yes?

 

[Happy_Convert]

As Bl. John Henry Newman said, “to be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant.” While earning my B.A. in history, I couldn’t escape the fact that the early church was Catholic and that all of the Protestant Christian denominations broke away from the Catholic Church at some point in history. I also believe that I aways knew in my “heart of hearts” that there had to be more to Holy Communion than a mere symbol. A careful reading of John chapter six confimed this for me, with a little assistance from Catholic appologists like Scott Hahn and Tim Staples. :tiphat:

 

[Gwendolen]

I wish I had a more positive story. I have been a conservative Episcopalian, and have felt more and more “pushed aside” in my faith. The biggest sticking issue is my belief that abortion is the taking of a human life, and ministry to those facing “crisis pregnancies” and helping them find ways to continue their pregnancies, and support their child has been a large part of our family life.

Google Katherine Ragsdale (a lesbian Episcopal priest with zero concept of the connection between the marital act and creating new life – she is obviously not used to her sex life having this particular consequence, and is vocal women should feel free to enjoy their sexuality without being slaves to their reproductive systems. She also has a whole speech where she refers to abortion as a “blessing” ) She is the Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School, elected by unanimous vote, after our entire denomination joined the “religious coalition of reproductive choice” which supports abortion on demand. Our parish was acquired an new assistant priest from this school, a young woman who would have been TRAINED by Katherine Ragsdale to be a priest. I could not chance such a person having influence over my household, particularly our impressionable 15 year old daughter.

The more I read, the sadder I get… We have Bishop Spong – who has pretty much denied our entire catechism – denouncing the Virgin Birth, the resurrection, Christ dying for our sins, pretty much the whole creed. It’s not just having one renegade heretic Bishop, its that no one is acting like this is unusual, or like there is anything wrong.

Last Christmas, my mom went to Mass, and after giving a sermon about the angels appearing to the shepherds, the minister said “of course, this probably didn’t actually happen” denying the Gospel of our Lord from the pulpit on Christmas Eve, and no one batted an eye.

Last spring, instead of confirmation class, my daughter had “Rite 13” which is basically a service that has been completely made up, stealing from the most superficial parts of a Bar Mitzvah, so we could have a “coming of age”. I did not see one confirmation class in 2 years. I was told its now “optional”.

When I was tracking down my own confirmation certificate from several states away, I emailed the parish administrator, and explained why I was leaving the Episcopal Church, and that the Catholic Church needed this document. The PA told the rector, who very kindly tracked down my cell phone and called me to say “this is a wise choice”, confirm my fears, and give me a blessing.

So I seek the Catholic Church as refuge. I hope I can leave darkness, and come into light. I’m sorry it’s not a more uplifting story.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

So I seek the Catholic Church as refuge. I hope I can leave darkness, and come into light. I’m sorry it’s not a more uplifting story.

You know, there are so many ways into the CC. Once you start getting more familiar with the CC you will realise that you have left a community that democratically decides on what it believes (according to the secular trends of the day), and entered the church founded by Christ. So even if the beginning of your journey doesn’t have a ‘perfect’ motive, that is not important. I hope you find this forum helpful and a source of inspiration for your growing in faith. God bless and best of luck.

 

[ladylove]

Ladylove, you’ll find no church with higher regard for the Eucharist, that’s for sure. I love that you said it was too important to be a ‘afterthought’. I think it’s amazing that you inherently knew that.

Now, looking back on it, I know it was the Holy Spirit directing me the whole time because I have no idea how I came to that conclusion about the Eucharist.

 

[CleverUserName]

Mine is a kinda long story…looking back, it seems the Holy Spirit has been working on me for quite a while. I was a very active member of an evangelical congregation for quite a while…and all the while, having quite a negative attitude about Catholicism. About 4 yrs ago,after much, much growth in our church, I became restless…something just didn’t feel right. We still attended,but withdrew from so much involvement (no more committees/boards, Sunday school, social activities)…we visited a couple other, more traditional churches, but returned to our old one…resigned to the fact that God wanted us there, but still didn’t feel quite right.

Then in 2009 BOTH of our daughters became engaged to Catholic guys!! Wow!..so I had to deal with that. Looking at it now, God was getting my feet wet…the first wedding had very little Catholic influence. That son-in-law’s family has fallen away a little, so they did not care too much. but the wedding was held in an old Catholic Church in the country that had been closed a few yrs earlier…so I had to deal with the satues and such…kind of uncomfortable to me, as my attitude was still the same about Catholics…it was like voo-doo to me. So 6 months later (!!!) our second daughter married in to a very devout Catholic family…and not only was the wedding at a huge Catholic Church, a deacon was going to be part of the ceremony!..and boy was I uncomfortable with it all…it was an intense struggle for me …but it all went well.

You probably can guess what happens next in my story…Grandbabies!! Yup, and one of them was going to be baptized in the Catholic Church…Nora was born in January and the baptism was to be in May…I was DREADING it!..but was trying to just give it to God and trust that it was going to be ok…but I really never waivered on the negativity towards the Church…and I could not believe that my grandaughter was going to be Catholic!!! Ok then this Easter Sunday we had some time after church before a family dinner so I was flipping through the TV channels and stopped on ‘The song of Bernedette’…and watched…and I am not kidding you, it was like a switch went of in my head! I cannot explain it. In the 2 hrs or so while I watched, my heart changed…I had to know more about this Faith! And all of a sudden I did not dread the upcoming baptism!..I was looking forward to it!..when we returned home that evening, I found Catholic Answers…and was up until after 1 am reading. And have been studying and reading since then. Even though we know that it will be tough at times…my wife and I are seriously thinking of RCIA this fall. Looking back at it all, I really think that God was preparing me over the last 4 yrs or so…

Sorry for the length of this…Blessings to you.

The length? I enjoyed every line! My goodness what a great story! I need to watch “The song of Bernadette”. I think I’ll look for it on Netflix. I’m intensely curious about it now. And I’m excited about you both considering RCIA! I think you should do it! You can always stop if you decide you don’t like it or aren’t getting what you need out of if (but I think you’ll be fine). There’s no risk in getting in there and learning about the Church in an environment where you can ask any questions you have,etc.

 

[CleverUserName]

No one coerced me or love bombed me .

\

ROFL!!

I remember someone at my Mom’s Baptist church saying “I know… sometimes we love too hard**”. I’ve never heard it referred to as “love bombing” haha I’m going to use that!

 

[CleverUserName]

My grandmother died and I was a Muslim at the time. Long story short Jesus comforted me so I had to believe. I cut the “****” (so to speak) with Protestantism because I knew that if you really wanted Jesus it would be to go to the Church that has been around the longest so Rome got my vote. Of course not to leave out the Divine Providence that led me to the Roman Catholic Church because all the honor, glory, and power are to him for saving my soul from eternal torment. I don’t know what would have happened if my grandmother had not passed, if I would have remained a Muslim is a mystery. Part of me likes to think God would have found another way, but my other part says to leave it alone and stick with the guidance He has given me.

I’m sure He would have found another way. The Holy Spirit is unstoppable. But WOW what a huge result your Grandmother’s passing had.

 

[CleverUserName]

As Bl. John Henry Newman said, “to be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant.” While earning my B.A. in history, I couldn’t escape the fact that the early church was Catholic and that all of the Protestant Christian denominations broke away from the Catholic Church at some point in history. I also believe that I aways knew in my “heart of hearts” that there had to be more to Holy Communion than a mere symbol. A careful reading of John chapter six confimed this for me, with a little assistance from Catholic appologists like Scott Hahn and Tim Staples. :tiphat:

What an education you got, really!! Who knew a B.A in history would lead you Home

 

[CleverUserName]

I wish I had a more positive story. I have been a conservative Episcopalian, and have felt more and more “pushed aside” in my faith. The biggest sticking issue is my belief that abortion is the taking of a human life, and ministry to those facing “crisis pregnancies” and helping them find ways to continue their pregnancies, and support their child has been a large part of our family life.

Google Katherine Ragsdale (a lesbian Episcopal priest with zero concept of the connection between the marital act and creating new life – she is obviously not used to her sex life having this particular consequence, and is vocal women should feel free to enjoy their sexuality without being slaves to their reproductive systems. She also has a whole speech where she refers to abortion as a “blessing” ) She is the Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School, elected by unanimous vote, after our entire denomination joined the “religious coalition of reproductive choice” which supports abortion on demand. Our parish was acquired an new assistant priest from this school, a young woman who would have been TRAINED by Katherine Ragsdale to be a priest. I could not chance such a person having influence over my household, particularly our impressionable 15 year old daughter.

The more I read, the sadder I get… We have Bishop Spong – who has pretty much denied our entire catechism – denouncing the Virgin Birth, the resurrection, Christ dying for our sins, pretty much the whole creed. It’s not just having one renegade heretic Bishop, its that no one is acting like this is unusual, or like there is anything wrong.

Last Christmas, my mom went to Mass, and after giving a sermon about the angels appearing to the shepherds, the minister said “of course, this probably didn’t actually happen” denying the Gospel of our Lord from the pulpit on Christmas Eve, and no one batted an eye.

Last spring, instead of confirmation class, my daughter had “Rite 13” which is basically a service that has been completely made up, stealing from the most superficial parts of a Bar Mitzvah, so we could have a “coming of age”. I did not see one confirmation class in 2 years. I was told its now “optional”.

When I was tracking down my own confirmation certificate from several states away, I emailed the parish administrator, and explained why I was leaving the Episcopal Church, and that the Catholic Church needed this document. The PA told the rector, who very kindly tracked down my cell phone and called me to say “this is a wise choice”, confirm my fears, and give me a blessing.

So I seek the Catholic Church as refuge. I hope I can leave darkness, and come into light. I’m sorry it’s not a more uplifting story.

Gwendolen, please, no need to apologize. I wanted your “moments” and I got them. Thank you for sharing.

I really can relate to your experiences. I was a brand new Christian when I entered the Episcopal Church. I knew little to nothing about scripture. I was studying on my own, of course, and praying for understanding. In the meantime I completely immersed myself in the Episcopal Church I attended, becoming an LEM, involved in pretty much every event they had, filling in as administrator at times when ours was absent, etc. The main reason I was there was because I was in love with the liturgy.

But the more I studied scripture, the less comfortable I became in that denomination. The more I saw that didn’t adhere to it. Then I began to research the history of the church. Then I started looking into what I call the “politics” of the church and Wow was I shocked. I couldn’t believe where they stood on such serious issues. The Episcopal platform was something I could no longer stand on.

I came into that church saying “I’m a tadpole, I don’t know anything”. But when I found my legs, I used them to walk out of there.

I really understand where you’re coming from. You also mentioned not wanting that influence on your teen daughter. God bless you for that, too.

 

[LisaA]

I wish I had a more positive story. I have been a conservative Episcopalian, and have felt more and more “pushed aside” in my faith.
. I could not chance such a person having influence over my household, particularly our impressionable 15 year old daughter.

The more I read, the sadder I get… We have Bishop Spong – who has pretty much denied our entire catechism – denouncing the Virgin Birth, the resurrection, Christ dying for our sins, pretty much the whole creed. It’s not just having one renegade heretic Bishop, its that no one is acting like this is unusual, or like there is anything wrong.

Last Christmas, my mom went to Mass, and after giving a sermon about the angels appearing to the shepherds, the minister said “of course, this probably didn’t actually happen” denying the Gospel of our Lord from the pulpit on Christmas Eve, and no one batted an eye.

Last spring, instead of confirmation class, my daughter had “Rite 13” which is basically a service that has been completely made up, stealing from the most superficial parts of a Bar Mitzvah, so we could have a “coming of age”. I did not see one confirmation class in 2 years. I was told its now “optional”.

When I was tracking down my own confirmation certificate from several states away, I emailed the parish administrator, and explained why I was leaving the Episcopal Church, and that the Catholic Church needed this document. The PA told the rector, who very kindly tracked down my cell phone and called me to say “this is a wise choice”, confirm my fears, and give me a blessing.

So I seek the Catholic Church as refuge. I hope I can leave darkness, and come into light. I’m sorry it’s not a more uplifting story.

I think a lot of us came to the Church due to our dismay about the track of many of our previously traditional faith traditions. I was a Methodist and had to shake my head in wonder as our Book Group read SEVERAL of Bishop Spong’s books. I was horrified by his negativity and his skepticism about Christ. It was also life issues that totally chased me away from Methodism. When our former pastor thundered “Nothing should get between a woman and her God given right to do what she wants with her body!” as a promotion of abortion on demand, I walked out and never came back. I am so saddened by the fall of these great faith traditions. I can only imagine John Wesley spinning in his grave over what his beautiful church as become.

When I left I sent notes to the pastor and several of the people with whom I’d become close. They all frankly said the same thing as the Rector, that they feel the Methodist Church had left THEM. Most telling was that of the Pastor who had a disabled wife and three children to support. He said in all frankness if he did not have the family obligations he would have left years ago He was totally dismayed with what was happening at Congress where decisions were being made, unmade and then remade with little thought about the ramifications.

I truly encourage you to contact a local Parish about RCIA. Whether or not you join the Church it will give you a process of discernment and will show you how the Church comports with your own philosophy about life issues.

I hope we will be saying “Welcome Home” to you next Easter!
Lisa

 

[dal61]

The length? I enjoyed every line! My goodness what a great story! I need to watch “The song of Bernadette”. I think I’ll look for it on Netflix. I’m intensely curious about it now. And I’m excited about you both considering RCIA! I think you should do it! You can always stop if you decide you don’t like it or aren’t getting what you need out of if (but I think you’ll be fine). There’s no risk in getting in there and learning about the Church in an environment where you can ask any questions you have,etc.

I can say that I am sure the Holy Spirit used that movie to move me…I could not wait to share the movie with my daughters…and when they watched it, while they enjoyed it, the movie did not have a particular effect on them…and I cannot explain what it was about the movie that got into my heart…but it did!

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[enanop]

OP:
what city are you in? We should connect you with an Anglican Use Priest to talk about RCIA and becoming Catholic.

 

[Gwendolen]

Contra, Sadie, and Lisa,

Thank you very much for your support, and the sharing of your experiences. It is so good not to feel so very alone.

I kind of wonder why people like Spong and Ragsdale stay in the church if they don’t believe the creeds – the Episcopal Church “embraces diversity” to the point where a Bishop can publicly deny the entire Outline of Faith, and instead of praying for him, and suggesting that perhaps he is no longer an appropriate person to hold a position of authority, he is invited to speak at lectures, seminaries, and church reading groups are assigned his books.

I just feel a huge sense of loss right now – I can say I am Christian, but not either Catholic or Episcopalian. I have renounced one church, and have yet to be embraced into the communion of the other. Before I can go to the formal classes, I first have to go to “inquirers class”. So I’m not even a convert yet. Yet, I have felt that same sense of loss sitting in the familiarity of the Episcopal Church pews for some time now.

 

[maltmom]

I just feel a huge sense of loss right now – I can say I am Christian, but not either Catholic or Episcopalian. I have renounced one church, and have yet to be embraced into the communion of the other. Before I can go to the formal classes, I first have to go to “inquirers class”. So I’m not even a convert yet. Yet, I have felt that same sense of loss sitting in the familiarity of the Episcopal Church pews for some time now.

If you believe all that the Catholic Church teaches and you are attending Mass then you can call yourself Catholic. You just aren’t in full communion yet. Someone else asked about this recently and she was told it was alright to say she’s Catholic. If someone asks and you wish to explain you can tell them you are in getting ready to start RCIA and that you are Catholic at heart already.

I will keep you in my prayers. Welcome Home!

 

[rymichael]

I have been a protestant my whole life and I was always searching for the truth. For years I bounced from church to church. Then I finally thought to myself, “I am baptized Lutheran, why not go to a Lutheran Church?” So I found myself at a Lutheran church and it came time for communion and the pastor was talking about the eucharist and that is what changed me.

I wondered what this eucharist thing was, so I went home and researched it, and a bunch of Catholic websites came up. The more I researched the eucharist and the Catholic church the more it made sense. Bread and wine changed into the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without a CATHOLIC Priest it is impossible for it to change into the body and blood of Christ.

So I didn’t think much of it, I just excepted and moved on. It had been a week and I didn’t go to church or anything. One of my friends invited me to a college group and after the group that night they were all going to go to Adoration… they said nothing about the Eucharist. So I said ok I will go, its just a chapel where people pray. I walked in and I saw the host in the monstrance and I was like WHOOOAA… there is something in here. What is that circle thing? Then my friend told me it was the Eucharist.

The first time I was in Adoration the only way I can describe it as a sleeping giant. It was incredible the feeling I got, that is when I knew the Catholic church is the one true church.

 

[Della]

If you believe all that the Catholic Church teaches and you are attending Mass then you can call yourself Catholic. You just aren’t in full communion yet. Someone else asked about this recently and she was told it was alright to say she’s Catholic. If someone asks and you wish to explain you can tell them you are in getting ready to start RCIA and that you are Catholic at heart already.

I will keep you in my prayers. Welcome Home!

Yes. The Church recognizes your baptism, so you are a Christian not yet fully reconciled to the Church, but since your heart is already in union with the Church, God sees that and knows your intentions. It’s just a matter of getting the rest of you united with us. As long as you are in the process, you can consider yourself Catholic, excepting the Eucharist (unless the bishop should give you permission to receive). If I’m wrong someone will correct me, but I believe confession is also open to you–at least you could go, explain your situation and let the priest decide if he can give you absolutoin at this point in your journey. You have our prayers. God bless you and yours.