Converts: How have you become closer with Jesus since becoming Catholic?

  • Thread starter Thread starter christcnection1
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

christcnection1

Guest
How have you become closer to Jesus since your conversion to the Catholic faith?

How has your spirituality changed?

What would you say to those who are skeptical and/or reluctant to “swim the Tiber” as you have?

Peace and Blessings,
JB
 
I’m technically not a full convert yet, however…

Since I have began to investigate the church’s claims, study her doctrines and beliefs, familize myself with Catholic spirituality, attend mass weekly, I have become refreshed in my faith. My faith had become stagnant, and discerning whether to become part of the church has forced me to pray and study even more.
 
I am not exactly a convert, gone for 3 years, but raised catholic. I was lukewarm in my faith before returning,but I feel that it is stronger now.
I feel closer to Jesus because of my understanding. By understanding the Eucharist more fully I more fully realize Christ and the meaning of him being our Pascal lamb.
Everyone and I have been blessed with the multitude of Saints who have exemplified as role models, and I feel much closer to realize that their sacrifices, no matter how great, pale in comparison to the our Lord’s sacrifice.
Many Saints have moved me to understand how to better serve God, and remove distraction in my life. Among them Saint Rose for her humility, Saint Francis for his charity, St Francis of Sales for making me realize the importance of confession, ETC.
I can say that I am much more happier in the catholic church, knowing that I cannot be any closer on earth to Jesus then in the Eucharist.
 
I just came into the Church at this year’s Easter Vigil. Former Methodist.

The biggest way that I feel close to Christ is during Adoration. We have 1st Fridays and 1st Saturdays. I’ve not been able to go to adoration on any of the first Fridays yet b/c of my work schedule but on Saturdays I go to Mass and then we begin adoration immediately after. It ususally goes from about 9-12 or 9-2. MOst of the time I stay the entire time b/c its one of the only times I get to be in the quiet in prayer. I think that this has truly brought me closer to Jesus.
 
Not Home yet…but I can still answer.

So far, just believing that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, has brought me so much closer to him. And allowing myself to let Mary interceed for me…oh, what a gift. (Being a protestant, Mary is not even mentioned, honored or anything)

Just today, I went to Adoration. I prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and when I came to carrying the cross, I cried. Tears of sorrow as well as tears of peace. I have NEVER experienced this before. It was awesome! And I even stayed at the church for over an hour. I just talked to Jesus, listened to Jesus…I loved it!
 
If you don’t feel close to Jesus, guess who moved.
 
robert_ambrose said:
If you don’t feel close to Jesus, guess who moved.
Click to expand...
As an Evangelical I felt very closer to Jesus. As a Catholic Christian, I feel much closer, but also realize how much greater He is. In actuality I’m closer; however, it seems there is now much more to go. The goal now becomes perfect love of God and union with Him.

The key word in my title is “closer.”
 
When I came my first catholic Mass I just knew that this was home. It was solemn and respectful, and it communicated to my mind (through the words of the liturgy) and to my senses (through the use of incense, different postures etc).

In order to convert I had to learn more and I had to think. Why do I believe in this? Do I really believe that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist? Could I appreciate and learn from Virgin Mary and the Saints? etc. And then the Church wanted me to turn up for Mass every Sunday. Phew! I was used to going a few times a year and thought I was doing fine :o But going every Sunday has made Mass both familiar to me and addictive. Mostly I end up going once or twice during the week as well 👍

The more I learn, the more I see how closely the Bible, the teachings of the Church and the Tradition are connected. The catholic Church is not derived from any other church, and it has no other founder than Jesus. It makes sense.

It has also changed my view of the Church. I now see the importance of striving for one Church instead of having a lot of denominations to suit our likes and dislikes. After all when Jesus prayed for all believers, He said: I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. (…) May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Jn 17:21,23

But all in all I think the sacraments have changed me most of all. Receiving Communion often and consciously aware of the fact that it IS the Body and Blood of Christ, is an act of faith - that leads to more faith. The sacrament of Reconciliation also allows me to grow because it’s not an easy way out. It takes will and self-discipline. Instead of a quick “I’m sorry, God”, I have to think things through and understand why and how my actions have hurt God and others. I also have to be specific. Then God assures me of his forgiving grace through the words of a priest. That is truly encouraging and helpful.

CAF has also been a lot of help to me. I’ve learned heaps from reading various posts here. Thank you all! 🙂
 
I have become so much closer to Jesus since my conversion. Before, I had a very vague idea about God, thought of Him as kind of a buddy, but still had no idea who He was, I just knew I believed in Him. When I started having spiritual experiences, I became more aware of His nature and wanted to learn more about Christ. I studied Christianity and knew I had to be Catholic. Going to my first Mass sealed the deal, because I knew the Eucharist wasn’t just a wafer but the Real and True Presence of Christ. It confirmed everything I found through the Scriptures. After entering the Church, I became so much closer to Christ through the grace of the Sacraments. I’ve also learned to develop my spirituality through Scripture readings, the Rosary, etc. I love exploring my spirituality, as I find new ways to encounter God and become closer to Him.
 
Before I converted I did not believe in Jesus or anything. I wasn’t raised Christian, or in any religion. So yeah, when I converted I became closer to Jesus heh.
 
I had no real religious live before my conversion (I was attracted to the Catholic faith since my 15th birthday or so, but didn’t join the church until I was 23!), so I always felt somehow “bad” for not belonging to the chruch I shoul dbelong to, and that hindered my spiritual life considerably.

And eben today, my approach to faith is often on the theoretical side instead of prayer! A habit I acquired that isn’t much changed by studying philosphy/theology.

But by visiting mass regularly, I noticed that my desire for prayer increased very much, and through prayer my desire to got to mass, be nearer to the Lord, read the scripture etc. There are times where I “slack of” (can you say that? I am no native speaker) and do nearly nothing for my relationship, but these times grow less and make me feel worse very time.
 
Though I think I can say I had a strong faith before I converted (confirmed Easter this year!), there’s a certain newness and regeration that I’ve experienced since my confirmation. There’s an amazing spiritual depth to Catholic teaching and theology that I was lacking as a non-denom Christian. The Catholic faith is so rich and beautiful, that it inspires me to really dive in and put the effort into making my spiritual life alive and growing. So, yes, I definitely feel like my faith has grown since becoming Catholic.
 
I see a bit of myself in all of these responses. I think I began my journey towards Catholicism about 10 years ago but only finally converted and joined this past Easter Vigil. For me, it’s an absolute sense of peace. It’s as if my soul feels it can relax now because I’m “home”. I can’t count the times that I’ve wept during Mass for the sheer joy of knowing that I finally found that part of me that was missing. And anyone who says that Catholics don’t have a “personal” relationship with Jesus is obviously not Catholic. When I was a Protestant, I knew about Him. But as a Catholic, I TRULY understand what He did for me. And the Real Presence is so powerful in strengthening that bond. As a Protestant, I went to church on Sundays. But I LIVE as a Catholic, it permeates everything I do. I am constantly thinking about God and how to make my family more Christ-centered, how to be a good Christian woman, etc. I can’t even put into words how truly different my life is now. It’s truly amazing - TRULY divine!
 
I too see a bit of myself in alot of these answers . I knew Jesus as a non denom and loved Him madly , my conversion to Christ was pretty much the demascus road type of conversion , I was doing witchcraft one day and praising our Lord and Savior the next … Now God did have to drag me kicking and protesting lol all the way home from there and it was several years before I could say yes , but this easter I also joined the church . . For me the thing that draws me in closest is the sacrements . Most especially the Real Presence , I am honored to be a extraordinary minister and holding Gods presence in your hands is an amazing thing indeed . THANKS for asking hugs Debbie
 
I have a completely different relationship with Christ now that I am Catholic. It is more settled. More secure. And that’s truly ironic, because all I ever heard as an Evangelical was that Catholics never were secure in their salvation or their relationship with God, like they had an inferior view of Christ and what he’s done for them! And being Catholic, I have a thousand times better understanding of what Christ did for me, and how much He loves me, and how I belong to Him and His Bride, His Church. And I find that this relationship seems much less emotional and much more centered. My emotions don’t change what I know to be true, before they ruled the way I understood my relationship and responded to it, whether I “felt” close or not. Now I don’t even consider that, my faith is more steady. I know He is still there, never leaving, never waivering.

And my prayer life is much richer than I ever imagined. I never knew about the Catholic prayer life, except that it was all in vain. 😉 Of course, now I know that complete ignorance was behind that sentiment, and I am so blessed to have such a wealth of prayer - from the Old Testament Psalms through the 2000 years of prayer life that the Church has passed on for us to benefit from. When I just don’t know what to pray from my heart, I am never at a loss now. I will never, in the rest of my days on this earth, be able to reach to the end of what is there for us in that treasury of prayer and intercession.

What a blessing, to be home with Christ and all He has to give us in His Church!
 
I was a luke warm Catholic till a year ago when I turned completly to Christ to save my mariage. The only thought that comes to mind is “Master, to whom shall we go?” Jn6:68
 
JohnnyReb said:
I’m technically not a full convert yet, however…

Since I have began to investigate the church’s claims, study her doctrines and beliefs, familize myself with Catholic spirituality, attend mass weekly, I have become refreshed in my faith. My faith had become stagnant, and discerning whether to become part of the church has forced me to pray and study even more.
Click to expand...
Hi JohnnyReb, I’m in the same boat you’re in. I think the process and journey of discovery have been very interesting and exciting for me so far. It hasn’t always been smooth, but I can see the winding roads leading to a constant destination. There’s just so much to learn and take in, that it takes time. But I feel that my faith grows stronger the more I learn about the faith.

I think the way to guard your faith from becoming stagnant is to rejuvenate it constantly. Personally, I find that attending Mass at different parishes helps, getting different perspectives. It also helps if you spend time with like-minded people, as in fellow practicing Catholics. Also for me, I find that if I pray for faith and strength, God has always granted it. I pray that you will find the faith and strength you need to continue on your faith journey, my friend.
 
hm…

most times I feel so far from him (unworthiness…), then i get reminded that depite my flaws - He’s chosen me & still loves me - that’s when i’d swing to feeling warm & fuzzy… :blushing:

life seems harder after becoming Catholic.😦
The path is very narrow…
Am so thankful for our Sacrament of Reconciliation - its a very tangible way of sensing Jesus speaking through our priest

IMO, words alone won’t convert hearts.
Only unceasing sincere prayer works. :gopray2:

I spent 4 years in a convent school but never felt a touch of Christ. :doh2: On hindsight, there’ve been countless occasions of blessings which I failed to recognise as God’s work—
my teacher and friends must have been praying so hard for me to SEE -:hypno:
which explains why 2 years after I graduated that convent school - I felt a desire to befriend & invite Jesus into my life!!😛
 
Wow. Where to begin. I now tell the truth. I no longer evade and ignore God. I seek to serve Him and be useful to my neighbour.

The Divine Office has rocket devotions into a new . . . something. I cannot find the words.

The Eucharist . . . no words. Except those of St. Thomas Aquinas in “Panis Angelicus.”

The music of the Church is with me most of the time – Palestrina – Latin hymns – Gregorian chants –

I fall asleep each night praying the Rosary filled with the thoughts of those I know, have known, and those who have died. I also have a wonderful small icon of the Blessed Mother as well in the Byzantine style.

Beautiful art adorns the walls now.

Suffering has meaning now. Consolations abound. Church history makes sense. The history of salvation makes sense. I’m so thrilled that being alive isn’t about me anymore.

Great question. I’m sorry my answer is so sketchy.
 
I totally agree with Dilan…The only thing I’ll add is that as a very visual person, I love all the statues, prayer cards, paintings, etc. It puts a face to the prayers. I love my tiny statues of Mary and Jesus in my car. They make me feel so safe.
Also, the specific prayers. Before, I wouldn’t exactly know what to say. But now I have a specific prayer to say for almost anything.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top