Differences Between Catholic Churches

[bmw890]

Hello Everyone,

I had a concern this morning, I thought I’d ask some advice about - it concerns the differences within Catholic Churches.

I grew up Catholic, but at 17 met a girl (now my wife) who was Baptist. I was initially drawn to that theology and religion, but now am looking to return to Catholicism. It’s sad that I never really took the time to investigate theology when I was younger, but now appreciate it so much more. Having been introduced to Christ through her church, now has enabled me to really see Him in the Catholic Church, Mass, etc. Growing up, I never payed enough attention or thought about Catholic theology enough to see what I was missing. I also consider a Catholic understanding seems to be a fuller interpretation of Scriptures than other Protestant interpretations.

Anyway, I’ve always attended Catholic churches that seem very modern. They have a narthex, more Protestant layout, friendly people, etc. Today I went to one that was more traditional, but left me cold and I am unsure why. Don’t misunderstand me, I love things that are conservative and traditional. I think big Cathedrals are beautiful and don’t have a problem with a conservative mass at all. I’ve never been to one, but don’t even think, I’d be bothered by a Latin mass. I do suspect I carry some Protestant baggage with me still (i.e. having problems with Perpetual Adoration, veneration of Mary, and a few other things.)

The mass today just left me feeling cold and it’s usually not that way. Was it the people? They seemed uninterested and just there to be there. Was it the statues? I don’t usually mind statues but they seemed cheap and gaudy. Was it the Priest? The sermon was about three minutes long and he didn’t seem that interested in the Mass.

I always tell people that the Mass and any religious service is whatever you put into it. You are there to worship God and not be entertained. If the singing is bad, sing to God yourself. Praise and worship God by yourself even if no one else is.

But this was different. I don’t know exactly what kind of answer I am looking for, other than wondering if I’m I wrong for feeling this way? Has anyone else experienced this? I’ve heard of the exciting worship in Stuebenville, Ohio amongst young Catholics there. I’d love to attend Mass with them and worship with them. I’m not saying that you have to be young and excited about Mass either. It should be treated with respect and reverence, and people can worship quietly and to themselves. So I’m not sure exactly why I felt the way I did. Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[SteveGC]

Sometimes it’s related to the acclimation of a recent convert to Catholic worship, sometimes it’s related to a person’s spiritual preparation for worship, influenced by fatigue, stress, or other worldly distractions. Sounds like yours might be the latter. Give it time, prepare well, pray within the hour before Mass for stillness and focus. God will grant.

Otherwise, there’s been a recent thread about this very thing, with many participants. It might be useful. Click here.

God Bless

 

[Wowbagger]

Has this happened to anyone else?

From what I’m told, this has happened at least once and usually very often to every single convert who has ever moved from a “jump-with-joy-for-Jesus” denomination (such as Baptistry) back home to the Catholic Church. It’s not surprising, given the unfortunate Catholic tendency to coldness in worship. Keep doing what you’re doing; we need more people like you to be examples for the rest of us.

 

[BootCampJr]

I felt somewhat disappointed when I attended my first Mass. It was more laid back than I thought the Catholic Church should be. However, understanding the differences between pre/post Vatican II, has helped me to better grasp why my expectations were too high. I thought it would be a lot more formal. It is in some ways, but in other ways I was in disbelief. As I grew in the Catholic Faith, I much better understood why things are the way they are. There are a few things I haven’t gotten used to, but have acclimated quite nicely to those that brought discomfort. Now that I have been received into Full Communion, I see things much differently. Perhaps it comes as a result of not feeling like an outsider looking in, but as a well received member of the Church founded by Jesus himself.

 

[Chris_Patterson]

Sounds like you just wandered into a mass where folks were not very engaged. Don’t make too much of it. The incredible thing is that even in the most dry, unpassionate mass, Jesus is present in the Eucharist, the Word, the Church and the Priest. We can connect with Him despite the apparent lack of passion of others.

Also, although your spiritual sensitivity may be absolutely correct, don’t be too quick to judge them in your heart. It might surprise you what God is doing in each individual heart!

You are right about the Stuebenville kids. I went to a wedding mass 4-5 years ago where many past and present students from Franciscan U attended. It was the most amazing wedding my wife I had ever attended! Everyone – young and old alike – were fully engaged and focused on Jesus. A lot of that had to do with the two getting married – both FU grads. That wedding was one of the influences God used to bring me into full communion with the Catholic Church after being a Protestant for 40 or so years!

I’d be happy to help you unpack some of your Protestant “baggage.” God has seemed to use me a bridge between Protestants and Catholics, and I still do various ministry in ecumenical settings. I’m an old Young Life leader, and fairly relational, but also a lawyer who likes to evaluate. My journey (and my wife’s journey) in becoming Catholc took about three years, during which I researched and worked through every Protestant question I could think of. I’d be glad to discuss any questions you might have, in an open-handed way.

In His love,
Chrispy

 

[Soutane]

From what I’m told, this has happened at least once and usually very often to every single convert who has ever moved from a “jump-with-joy-for-Jesus” denomination (such as Baptistry) back home to the Catholic Church. It’s not surprising, given the unfortunate Catholic tendency to coldness in worship. Keep doing what you’re doing; we need more people like you to be examples for the rest of us.

PLEASE.“Coldness in worship”?Talk about a mischaracterisation.I’m going to be charitable and put this down to hyperbole.

Catholic worship at the Mass is NOT cold.We are there to worship God,NOT each other NOR our feelings.Please do not confuse prayerful silence and intense personal worship(particularly at the consecration)to ANYTHING but awe at Christ’s literal presence in our midst.

Becoming a Christian of CONVICTION not one of mere outward emotion requires prayer maturity and God’s Grace to appreciate the Miracle that we PARTICIPATE in each Mass.

To say it is coldAnd I truly mean no offense by this,is akin to saying Catholics do not have a "personal"relationship with Jesus Christ.I can think of NOTHING more personal than following His command and consuming His Body,Blood,Soul and Divinity.When you truly think of it,it is so WONDERFULLY outrageous as to induce ecstacy!

If emotionalism is required I suggest people attend a Healing mass or other Charismatic Catholic service.