Corruption of the Church and Personal Faith

[emillersa1]

I am a relatively new Catholic and did not take my decision lightly. I know I am not supposed to allow the sins of the Vatican affect my faith but my faith has taken a major hit with the continued news of the “Gay Mafia” controlling the Vatican and its message of toleration towards the gay lifestyle. My wife and I have attended numerous Catholic churches over the last year and have witnessed priests yawning while officiating the Communion. Homilies are dull, lifeless and often read rather than preached, shared, or admonished.

How do other Catholics find ways to keep their faith alive with this happening in the Church?

 

[Ann_Stanton]

I concentrate on my own prayer life. Many people on CAF have been wonderful in sharing their own faith journeys. One bear on this forum told how she prays the 54 day rosary novena. I am on day 7 of my own 54 day rosary. Another poster mentioned a possible novena to St. Amos for the (underdogs) people of the world.
I have a wonderful priest who gives good homilies. I do not worry about the state of the Church because the Trinity will always be with us. I realize I am a sinner and should not cast the first stone at others in the Church.

 

[RandomAlias]

… continued news of the “Gay Mafia” controlling the Vatican…

Look for another news source, and disregard all sensational media of that sort.

Seriously, there are web sites and blogs with very Catholic-sounding and religious names that play fast and loose with the truth, most often in spiced-up half-truths, and occasionally with utter falsehoods.

Congratulations on your joining the Catholic Church. You made the right choice. Don’t give up hope for the Church. We face, that is, the Church faces many challenges, but that means also much potential for good, and we have much reason to hope.

If you have a choice of different parishes or just different Sunday Mass times at the same parish, check them all out. Perhaps you’ll find one with better homilies. Consider also that the homily might actually speak to you more effectively if you are more receptive to it. Look for its connection to the Gospel rather than the priest’s delivery.

 

[RandomAlias]

How do other Catholics find ways to keep their faith alive with this happening in the Church?

Sorry, I forgot to answer your question. I keep my faith alive by the Sacraments, studying the Sunday Mass readings with other Catholics, bringing up my children in the faith and teaching religious education classes at our parish, participating here at CAF, and reading good Catholic and other books that I learn of from my parish friends and these forums. Also by ongoing efforts to repent, rethink, and reform my everyday life.

 

[Reuben_J]

First of all, do not blame the Vatican. It is the Church. Do not be swayed by political opinions and those of the enemies, who criticise the Vatican.

Secondly, priests and Catholics who lack the faith in their belief and vocation, is a phenomenon that we see in today’s situation where religiousness has become stigmatised in a secular world.

Ultimately it falls on ourselves that we are not brought down by the prevailing faithless world, but to stand up as signs of contradictions, in our belief and faith in Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior and that He had left the Church on earth as pure grace for us all.

As signs of contradictions, we are to hold steadfast to our practice and belief in the Church. This does not need strong faith but willingness to do them as our responsibility being Catholics.

When that is done, then we can look into our own faith and ask God, by the power of the a Holy Spirit, to help us to grow.

We need the power on high for us to grow and to overcome. We cannot do it by our own strength. It is not by power or might but by the Spirit of the Lord.

God bless.

 

[joeybaggz]

This idea of a “gay mafia” is a bit overblown and a favorite whipping dog for those who oppose the RCC. Take most of what you read with a grain of salt. A recent “expose’” of a Vatican gay party turned out to be two non clergy living in a rented Vatican apartment, that, outside of the fact that they worked in the Vatican, was nothing that was “officially” sanctioned.
As to “boring”. Well, that is just everywhere. When you realize that much of our worship is focused around “solemn” activities, I think a bit of ennui creeping in is inevitable. I have heard a lot of boring sermons, but when I have listened closely, there has been a lot to be gained by what was being said.
The RCC is where Jesus is alive in his sacraments and in His Church.
One Scriptural reference I like when I think of the RCC is (I believe) 1Kings, 19: 11-13. It is where Elijah goes to meet God on the mountain. And there is thunder, lightning, a strong gale, and God is in none of these. Then there is a small whispering sound and Elijah hides himself for God is in the whisper in the air. God/Jesus is like that. He doesn’t come with trumpets or rock bands, but in the silence. I invite you to sit in a Catholic Church when there is no mass or other activity. Sit in front of the tabernacle with the always lit sanctuary lamp. Close your eyes, try to clear your mind, and listen. You just might be surprised what you “hear.”
Shalom