Disheartened

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FatBoy

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I’m a new convert as of Easter. My coming into full communion was a exhausting process that lasted five years. I come from a Southern Baptist background. My father and father in-law are both Southern Baptist preachers. Needless to say, I have a strong desire to evangelize.

All this being said, I am currently attending a parish where spiritual growth is greatly needed. For example, the parish has a new priest (to the parish). This new priest is a result of the previous priest of some 10 years being transferred to another parish and then being subsequently removed because of his involvement in the homosexual website Sebastian’s Angels. He was also openly gay. When the news of him being removed from his parish hit the local t.v. news stations the members of my parish made statements to the press that they would like to have him back.

All this is a problem for me because his influences on the parish are very obvious even to this day. For example, there are huge drapes behind the alter that remain to this day in the color of a rainbow that he created himself. The website for the parish was created and is maintained by a parishioner who is a professor of some “new age” class at the local community college. On the website there is a link to his personal website where things such as “A Course in Miracles” are being touted and taught. But that’s not all…

When going through RCIA, my wife and I heard things from the parishoners who were helping to lead the class such as, “you don’t have to believe in purgatory; the Catholic Church is not the kingdom of Christ; all that matters is your personal relationship with Jesus, you can go to any church; Christ’s divinity is not clear in scripture; you don’t have to confess your sins to your priest” and those are just some of the things we heard.

I want to help rebuild the parish; however, today I was very demoralized. After morning mass I spoke with the new priest and gave him some information on a biblical conference in Steubenville where I could be trained to lead a bible study. I said I would pay for it and would he be willing to allow me to lead with a bible study when I return. His response was that the deacon already leads a bible study; therefore, another is not needed. All I want to do is serve, so this is very disheartening.

I’m not sure if the priest is aware of the issues this parish has. I hope he does but I’m not sure. I have thought about writing a letter to him and letting him know. I really don’t know what to do at this point. Any suggestions?
 
I understand your desire to spread your faith to everyone and I applaud you. Perhaps since you’re a new Catholic you could find a place assisting rather than leading something. For example, if the deacon leads a Bible Study class, perhaps you could talk to him about helping with it rather than leading one on your own.

I encourage the people who come through RCIA to find their place in the parish and see where they can get connected. But they also need time to grow into their faith and learn what it means to become a practicing Catholic.
 
The problem here is that I could teach RCIA. I have been a christian for over 20 years and I know my faith. I didn’t come into full communion casually. It took 5 years of intense study and prayer. Again, my father is a Southern Baptist preacher. I was raised in a stanch anti-catholic family; therefore, in order to become a Catholic I’ve had to know and be able to defend the Catholic faith. In my experience, those who are orthodox in the faith tend to be converts.
 
Everyone I know is so on fire right after they convert and are received into the Church. However, being a practicing Catholic usually takes awhile to get used to and many orthodox priests will ask a new convert to wait a year or two before they begin leading a ministry or even having a large part in one (for example, preparing CCD lessons rather than teaching from a formal curriculum.

It does sound though as if there is quite a bit of toxic atmosphere in your current parish. I would encourage you to do a few things to help yourself survive that. First, please do your religious reading only from very orthodox sources–the Saints, popes, etc. Get to know your new pastor and the deacon. Ask them how you can help them, don’t be upset if they only give you humble tasks or none at all. Of course, pray always for your priests, fellow parishoners, and your bishop.

I commend you for not running out on your parish, but wanting to stay and help it turn around. One thing we like to do is just visit other parishes to see what is happening around our diocese. I am very grateful that our parish and pastor are extremely orthodox. I will be praying for you and your wife.
 
It’s a call for you to step up.

Have you been given a spirit of fear? Perfect Love casts out all fear.

Verbally correct error where ever you see it.

Attend the Bible study and make vocal corrections when you see error and heresy being taught.

If they kick you out of the Bible study, start your own Bible study ministry and meet at your house or the library, perhaps even the Church library. Advertise the Bible study by word of mouth in your parish.

Seek out like minded believers and build a staunch group that will witness for the Lord.

Start complaining verbally and with letters to your Bishop, perhaps become acquainted with your Bishop and get on friendly terms with him, it pays to have powerful friends.

Write to the proper authorities in the Vatican if your Bishop is sympathetic or turns a blind eye to the rising evil in your parish.

Make no mistake, the gate to hell is wide and the path to salvation is narrow, evil forces don’t have to turn the sheep in the opposite direction, they only have to veer the sheep slightly off course in order to damn them.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way.
“Look in the mirror, and see the work of our Lord’s hand.”
 
There is a story I heard a long time ago about a young man who wanted to join a religious order. No one at the order thougth he was too bright, but he was honest and faith filled, willing to do what they asked of him. So they made him the door keeper to the church they were in change of; open and close the door for people comming in and greet them.
In time everyone in the area wanted to come to that parish because of him. The Spirit moved him with wisdom and understanding that the well educated could not match.
The moral?
Look for were there is an opening for you to serve. No matter how humble, or how unimportiant it seems to be, if it is were God wants you, you will do good.
As far as the dishearted feelings, I find time in prayer and journaling before the Blessed Sacrement helps lift me up when I feel that way
 
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