Converts, what was it about the way that Catholics lived their life that attracted you to the faith?

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Really to begin with it was not a Catholic who caused me to begin investiagating the faith. But it was months and months of hateful and negative talk in my old church against the Catholic faith that got me curious and seeking answers to questions.

Interesting.

Glad you found a good man to share your life and faith with. God is good!

 

[Deltadeliquent]

Thanks, Contra. I’m home for good.
Peace

 

[SecretGarden]

In my case, I was accepted as part of the family even though I wasn’t Catholic. People weren’t anti- Pentecostal either. They accepted me and they provided me a safe welcoming place where I could ask questions about the Catholic faith. Over time, it became quite apparent that Catholicism was where God wanted me to be and so here I am.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

In my case, I was accepted as part of the family even though I wasn’t Catholic. People weren’t anti- Pentecostal either. They accepted me and they provided me a safe welcoming place where I could ask questions about the Catholic faith. Over time, it became quite apparent that Catholicism was where God wanted me to be and so here I am.

That is so amazing. So many people expect to be treated with contempt when they convert, being ‘new Catholics’, not the real deal and all that. This thread (as many others on CAF that cover the same topic) show that there are so many people who have had a positive experience, encountering genuine encouragement, love and support.

 

[MarshallJackson]

I hope my story can serve as some inspiration. Keep in mind that I am not putting down other churches, and if they become closer to God and believe in our savior Jesus, then that is good for them. My experience with other churches did not go over well, and that is where my story starts.
I grew up in a family who frequently changed the church we went to, because it seemed that every time we would go to a different branch of church, something would be said that would offend someone, and then we wouldn’t feel comfortable going there. Growing up, I knew that there was something more than jumping from church to church and trying to find that perfect “community” of people. I wasn’t going to church for the people there, I was going to strengthen my relationship with God! Unfortunately, every time I went to a new church I automatically felt like I was being judged by everyone around me because I was not too involved with their “extra curricular” activities. (AKA going out to eat after church and getting together in youth activities and cutting yourself off from everyone else)
It actually got to the point that the preachers were preaching a message of “You can not befriend anyone outside the church, because they will draw you away”, and “Don’t accept these people, because they are sinners and they are not to be trusted”… It made me very sad that these churches were so strictly against meeting or talking to anyone outside of their community. I wanted to spread my word, not preach it against others. I could not accept the fact that each of these small churches had the attitude of “We’re better, and we’re right, so we’re going to heaven”, and to be honest, it damaged my faith extensively.
Now I’m 19 and I’m making decisions for myself, and I decided to start seeking out the truth for myself. I visited my local Catholic Church and began RCIA. It amazes me because this is what I have been looking for all along. We are living as an example every single day. We must acknowledge what is wrong and not partake in it, yes, but no one will listen to words that they don’t believe, and we can not hate them for that. We have to love them, and hate the sin, not the sinner. I am so happy because I have learned to love everyone around me, and people have asked me several times what happened to my anger issues and anxiety problems All I have to tell them is that God is making my paths straight. What better way to spread the word than to be the example that people wish to follow, right? I’m sorry my post is so long, but I hope this gives some inspiration to people God bless.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I hope my story can serve as some inspiration. Keep in mind that I am not putting down other churches, and if they become closer to God and believe in our savior Jesus, then that is good for them. My experience with other churches did not go over well, and that is where my story starts.
I grew up in a family who frequently changed the church we went to, because it seemed that every time we would go to a different branch of church, something would be said that would offend someone, and then we wouldn’t feel comfortable going there. Growing up, I knew that there was something more than jumping from church to church and trying to find that perfect “community” of people. I wasn’t going to church for the people there, I was going to strengthen my relationship with God! Unfortunately, every time I went to a new church I automatically felt like I was being judged by everyone around me because I was not too involved with their “extra curricular” activities. (AKA going out to eat after church and getting together in youth activities and cutting yourself off from everyone else)
It actually got to the point that the preachers were preaching a message of “You can not befriend anyone outside the church, because they will draw you away”, and “Don’t accept these people, because they are sinners and they are not to be trusted”… It made me very sad that these churches were so strictly against meeting or talking to anyone outside of their community. I wanted to spread my word, not preach it against others. I could not accept the fact that each of these small churches had the attitude of “We’re better, and we’re right, so we’re going to heaven”, and to be honest, it damaged my faith extensively.
Now I’m 19 and I’m making decisions for myself, and I decided to start seeking out the truth for myself. I visited my local Catholic Church and began RCIA. It amazes me because this is what I have been looking for all along. We are living as an example every single day. We must acknowledge what is wrong and not partake in it, yes, but no one will listen to words that they don’t believe, and we can not hate them for that. We have to love them, and hate the sin, not the sinner. I am so happy because I have learned to love everyone around me, and people have asked me several times what happened to my anger issues and anxiety problems All I have to tell them is that God is making my paths straight. What better way to spread the word than to be the example that people wish to follow, right? I’m sorry my post is so long, but I hope this gives some inspiration to people God bless.

Well, Marshall Jackson, your testimony brought tears to my eyes. Welcome Home!

:yup::extrahappy:

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I could not accept the fact that each of these small churches had the attitude of “We’re better, and we’re right, so we’re going to heaven”, and to be honest, it damaged my faith extensively.

Now I’m 19 and I’m making decisions for myself, and I decided to start seeking out the truth for myself. I visited my local Catholic Church and began RCIA. It amazes me because this is what I have been looking for all along. We are living as an example every single day. We must acknowledge what is wrong and not partake in it, yes, but no one will listen to words that they don’t believe, and we can not hate them for that. We have to love them, and hate the sin, not the sinner. I am so happy because I have learned to love everyone around me, and people have asked me several times what happened to my anger issues and anxiety problems All I have to tell them is that God is making my paths straight. What better way to spread the word than to be the example that people wish to follow, right? I’m sorry my post is so long, but I hope this gives some inspiration to people God bless.

What a wonderful witness. I’m sorry you had a difficult time before, but now you have found your way home and that is what matters. May God bless you abundantly.

 

[Deltadeliquent]

That’s wonderful. I think you will find also, that the Catholic Church has a tradition of intellectual rigour that is matched nowhere else. As you grow in the Church and in your life you will come to appreciate that.

 

[wednman]

Robwar, THANK YOU!

This is precisely why I post so little.

Sanctus Marie Mater Dei…

 

[KendraDZ1902]

It had nothing to do with how others acted. My husband and I wanted to join a church together, since we grew up in two different denominations. After investigating, The Catholic Church made the most sense. Every question I had they had an answer that made sense to me. Growing up Protestant, not everything made sense. lol.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

It had nothing to do with how others acted. My husband and I wanted to join a church together, since we grew up in two different denominations. After investigating, The Catholic Church made the most sense. Every question I had they had an answer that made sense to me. Growing up Protestant, not everything made sense. lol.

I’m glad that thirst for the Truth and reason brought you to the church. If only more people were to investigate what the church has to say the world would be a better place

Thank you for your witness. It is wonderful to learn about the different ways we have been attracted to the faith.

 

[SachieWhitby]

I was baptized catholic and received first communion. Shortly after that, my family converted to atheisms and when you’re a young child with a family that is very adamant that God does not exist, you’re not going to be going to church, reading bibles, praying or doing other religious stuff. Life gets pretty depressing after that because the atheist outlook of what we have here and now in this life is all there is really is rather bleak. I never got into drugs, alcoholism, gambling or anything else because if this is all there is, you really do have to make the most of it with what you have.

I would say that I was brought back by a combination of God [via the Holy Spirit] poking at me one day and my own cats.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Sachie,

I was also raised in an atheistic environment. But even as a child I just knew there was something more. I’m glad you found your way back

 

[Susansmum]

My story is probably a little weird. Anyway I was seeking, and went to a few different church’s, mostly the ones that are like going to a concert. Evangelical? I’m not sure what they were classed as. Anyway it always got to me that every church session, there would be a big spiel about giving money to the church, they would always have someone come up and talk about how God had blessed them and that is why they give, and we should give etc, but it was always for some church building fund…
My mother had also passed away during this time, and I was told that as she didn’t believe in Jesus Christ as her personal lord and saviour that she would be in hell. Just what a first time pregnant daughter wants to hear when she loses her mother suddenly and unexpectedly.

I loved the architecture of the Catholic Church and the rituals, but I was afraid to go, but I got the courage eventually and went to Mass. And to this day, the only sermon about giving something referred to giving to those less fortunate. I never felt uncomfortably about giving, never felt pressured, and was confident it was going where it should be.

I must have been wearing a sign or something that first time, because I had a lovely woman come and talk to me afterwards, and when I mentioned it was my first time, well she introduced me to the priest, and made me feel very welcome.

I was able to start RCIA pretty soon after that, and when it came to talking about my mother, I was told that as God is merciful and never stops wanting us to be with him, that I should have faith in that mercy. Then I learned about purgatory, and that I could still pray for my mother and there was still hope.

These aren’t the only things that brought me to the church, but some of the main differences (important to me) at the time.

While I had a difficult journey, it has always felt the right place to be, and intellectually, it makes complete sense.
Now I can’t ever imagine not being Catholic.

 

[SachieWhitby]

Sachie,

I was also raised in an atheistic environment. But even as a child I just knew there was something more. I’m glad you found your way back

Thank you for the encouragement!

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

My story is probably a little weird. …

While I had a difficult journey, it has always felt the right place to be, and intellectually, it makes complete sense.
Now I can’t ever imagine not being Catholic.

I don’t think it is weird at all. So many people struggle with what they encounter in protestant churches, it doesn’t make sense to them. Glad you got a warm reception at the catholic church.

It’s good to have you on board.

 

[LisaA]

I’m glad that thirst for the Truth and reason brought you to the church. If only more people were to investigate what the church has to say the world would be a better place

Thank you for your witness. It is wonderful to learn about the different ways we have been attracted to the faith.

Wow agree in all! My parents were atheists and were well educated scientists. My mom got a PhD in the 1950s so clearly ahead of her time. They claimed that only stupid people believed in myths like the Bible (they had never met a Jesuit apparently) and that religion was just for weak people who couldn’t stand on their own two feet.

But I always knew there was something more than just what I could see around me. It’s funny looking back I remember noticing Catholics although at the time, they were mysterious and somewhat scary…nuns in habits, a schoolmate who crossed herself and prayed before lunch at the school cafeteria. But I never thought about becoming a Catholic and thought you had to be born or marry one. But God kept putting Catholics in my path. One was a doctor who worked at one of our clinics. He was such a man of faith and of caring. Another was a convert herself, that I met at a healing retreat. And Mother Angelica too. I would joke with my then husband about “that crazy nun” and would watch, pretending to laugh at her comments when I was actually absorbing her wisdom.

The amazing intellectual tradition, the consistency and foundation of the Church’s teaching appealed to my brain. The Church, out in the world and caring for others appealed to my heart. I recall being unimpressed with some churches I visited while seeking that only cared if you “accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior” and nothing more. It made no sense to me.

Also the pro-life movement since it was invariably Catholics on the front lines, speaking out, praying at clinics. I became pro-life long before I became Catholic and that might have been the thing about the way Catholics lived that inspired me. Speaking up for the “least of these” instead of being like my parents, smug that preventing or aborting babies was saving the planet doomed by overpopulations scares (this was the previous scare tactic, now we have global warming). They thought only elites like themselve should bear children

Eventually I couldn’t quit ignoring the whacks on the head by the Holy Spirit and started RCIA in 2004, entering the Church in 2005.

I guess the short version is that if you are a Catholic, living your faith, you don’t know what little kid or adult is watching and learning from you! The seeds planted do bear fruit even if in my case it took awhile!
Lisa

 

[HisRose]

For me, it was realizing that the very best, and the very worst people I’ve known have been Catholic.

A child molester was a practicing Catholic and so was a severely neglectful family - and yet, 4 of the best women I’ve ever known were also Catholic. I volunteered at a Catholic hospice one summer, and those were great people too - incredibly loving and good people.

I realized that there was something special about a faith that would bring out the best - or the worst in so many people.

Also, the tv show, Saving Grace made a huge impact on my psyche too.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

But God kept putting Catholics in my path.
(…)
I guess the short version is that if you are a Catholic, living your faith, you don’t know what little kid or adult is watching and learning from you! The seeds planted do bear fruit even if in my case it took awhile!
Lisa

Don’t you just love it how He makes us pay attention?

As for your last paragraph, I only recently understood the importance of that and always found that quote by St.Francis to be rather annoying and incomprehensible. So true, you just never know how you will influence someone, whether you are aware of it or not. I sometimes pray that my actions don’t put people off my faith, and that I serve as a good example. It is so important to keep that in mind. We evangelise with our lives.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

For me, it was realizing that the very best, and the very worst people I’ve known have been Catholic.

I realized that there was something special about a faith that would bring out the best - or the worst in so many people.

I hope you don’t mind, but I would like to clarify something. Evil is never inspired by God and our faith as such does not bring forth evil. I understand what you mean - the drama and the grandness of it all - but I just thought it is worth remembering that free will and sin can unfortunately lead to very bad things.

I’m very glad that the good has inspired you and that the evil has not put you off becoming Catholic.