Doubts of an Elect

[LeahInancsi]

I just returned home from meeting the bishop of the diocese of the parish I plan to join. I was very disappointed.

First, the church this meeting was held in was one of the new contemporary churches that have a portable Tabernacle, no statues of Mary or Joesph and no crucifix. When I walked in, I wouldn’t have known it was a church if someone hadn’t told me. The Stations of the Cross were in a hall and mere pictures. My parish has carvings along the walls of the sanctuary. The atmosphere took away from the meaning of the ritual. I realize that is my problem. Have any of you had a similar experience with the new contemporary Catholic churches?

Second, the meeting will have very little lasting memory for me since, after shaking several hundred other catechumens’ and candidates’ hands, his eyes were glazed over and he never looked at my face. On the other hand, I was rushed through so fast that I couldn’t look at his face, either. The whole exercise was a waste of time and it’s meaning was lost.

Third, my sponsor and I rode back to our parish church with another woman and the associate pastor. After the priest found out that I was in RCIA and was from an Irish family, he wanted to know what religion I was converting from. I will be baptized at Easter Vigil. I’m not converting for another religion. I have followed the Catholic religion and it’s teachings since I was 10 years old (I’m 50, now). I don’t know any other religion. When I told the priest that I was not converting from another religion, I got a big “OH!” from him. I’m very self-conscious of my situation as it is without him, of all people, rubbing salt in the wound. It made me feel like a heathen. I realize priests are human, but this should be a situation that a 47 year old priest should know how to handle more graciously.

I’m close to tears. I almost feel that I could continue on as I have for the past 50 years and get my spiritual nourishment from prayer and the fine people at EWTN. If it weren’t for the best sponsor any one could ask for, I might back out of RCIA. She won’t allow it. I realize that brick, mortor and personalities are not what this is about, but at times those things obstruct the view of what is important.

I’ve heard horror stories worse than this, but I wasn’t prepared for the disappointment I encountered today from a faith I have always loved and was hoping to become apart of.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Jeanette_L]

My suggestion, as a Candidate to be accepted at Easter Vigil myself, is just tell the Lord about your hurt and then get to Easter Vigil !!! The most important thing is to get to the Eucharist.

I still have days where I get confused, or get cold feet, or get frustrated and wonder if I’m ok where I am without all this other stuff, but then I remember what brought me to this current journey, it is the conviction that Christ is waiting for me in the Eucharist. And if that one fact is Truth, all else can be dealt with, Christ doesn’t want you to be without Him any longer, He’s the one who has been drawing you to Himself, don’t make Him wait!

I will pray for you tonight.

God Bless,
Jeanette

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

In Baptism, remember you are not just joining the diocese, you are joining all of us, THE Church. Just keep going through until Easter.

 

[LeahInancsi]

Thank you, Jeanette.

You’re right. All I need to do is get through Easter Vigil, then it’s just me and the Son, the Father, the Holy Spirit and anyone else I wish to include.

Some days it’s the turkeys that get a person down.

 

[ora_pro_nobis]

Please don’t lose heart, it does sound like a very disappointing experience but you shouldn’t let it get in the way of the very exciting and wonderful journey you are on. Of course you know already that bricks and mortar are not what the Church is about, but I agree with you that some churches are less than appealing aesthetically. I’ve seen some that look like aircraft hangars and barns! But it really is the people inside the church that make it.

I was a latecomer to the Church, baptised as a baby but never had the opportunity to explore Catholicism - I too am from an Irish Catholic background, but my Dad is lapsed and doesn’t take an interest. So… half a lifetime down the road, I signed up and have never regretted it.

God bless you on your journey. Put this experience behind you and don’t let anyone upset you. I know it is easier said than done, but you have my prayers.

Best wishes,
Pat

 

[Jeanette_L]

I do feel for you. And I know how you feel about EWTN, it has been my source of inspiration throughout this whole process, not been extremely inspired by the process itself!

But the other OutinChgoburbs is correct, we are joining a much bigger entity than a diocese, we are going to be connected to the Communion of Saints, it’s not just about us anymore! We have a lot of believers to call on for help, encouragement, prayers…

And Christ will give us strength we haven’t experienced yet! I’m excited just typing about it! :whacky:

 

[LeahInancsi]

You guys are so great. Saying all the things I need to hear.

Also, I’m watching Father Corapi and Father Groceschel. Who could have any doubts after spending sometime with those to guys. Fr. Groceschel was in irreverent form tonight. LOL

 

[Joe_Kelley]

LeahInancsi:

. . .

I’ve heard horror stories worse than this, but I wasn’t prepared for the disappointment I encountered today from a faith I have always loved and was hoping to become apart of.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

"While I am a cradle Catholic so have not gone through the experience, I have run an RCIA program for several years so know that others experience the same doubts and qualms you describe. It trends to be the same when we try for any advance in our spiritual life. I think Satan makes a desperate try to turn us back at the last minute.

That is the reason there will be several rites of blessing for you and much parish prayer over the next few weeks to strengthen you for the battle. We pray not just for those of our own parish but for all of you during this time.

 

[LeahInancsi]

Joe Kelley:

I think Satan makes a desperate try to turn us back at the last minute.

That is the reason there will be several rites of blessing for you and much parish prayer over the next few weeks to strengthen you for the battle. We pray not just for those of our own parish but for all of you during this time.

You hit the nail on the head. I haven’t reached the point in this journey where I developed the habit of always looking over my shoulder for Satan. That’s exactly what has happened. He’s taunting me and I fell for it.

This is, also, a reminder that I have to get a strict prayer routine in place. I have a solid plan in my mind, but I’m slow at putting it into action.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

If anyone is interested in Satan’s approach in these matters, Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a fictional but accurate account.

Like everything by Lewis it is an easy read.

 

[Jeanette_L]

LeahInancsi:

You guys are so great. Saying all the things I need to hear.

Also, I’m watching Father Corapi and Father Groceschel. Who could have any doubts after spending sometime with those to guys. Fr. Groceschel was in irreverent form tonight. LOL

This darn CA, I get so involved on this forum, I lose track of time and forget my programs are on, so I missed Fr Groeschel and Fr Corapi tonight! I’ll catch Fr. Groeschel tomorrow morning at least. I do love them both, each with a completely different charism, but wouldn’t want to be without either of them. I also like Fr Leo Clifford, he has the “Reflections” series. I bought a few of them on DVD, I love them. Just a couple of minutes and I am completely lifted out of whatever funk I might find myself in.

Take care and let us know how things are going for you.

 

[puzzleannie]

LeahInancsi:

First, the church this meeting was held in was one of the new contemporary churches that have a portable Tabernacle, no statues of Mary or Joesph and no crucifix. When I walked in, I wouldn’t have known it was a church if someone hadn’t told me. The Stations of the Cross were in a hall and mere pictures.?

the building is not the Church. do not judge, these people have the same legacy as you do in your more traditional parish: the building erected by past generations. Do not judge on superficials. The Church is the same, the Mass is the same in essentials, do not focus on the periphery or your faith is in vain.

 

[puzzleannie]

LeahInancsi:

I Second, the meeting will have very little lasting memory for me since, after shaking several hundred other catechumens’ and candidates’ hands, his eyes were glazed over and he never looked at my face. On the other hand, I was rushed through so fast that I couldn’t look at his face, either. The whole exercise was a waste of time and it’s meaning was lost.
?

our bishop is elderly and ailing, he will meet at least 1000 catechumens tomorrow night during the Rite of Election, and another 1000 candidates on Wed. night at the Call to Continuing Conversion. That he makes the effort at all considering his state of health is astounding. He will preach a sermon that touches hearts and speaks directly to them. It belongs to the bishop to call these candidates and catechumens, and whether or not the event has an emotional impact is beside the point. It is a rite of the Church and as such Christ is present in the person of the bishop. I imagine Jesus’ eyes were glazed over and he may not have noticed the faces of those gathered at the foot of the cross, either.

 

[puzzleannie]

LeahInancsi:

I
Third, my sponsor and I rode back to our parish church with another woman and the associate pastor. After the priest found out that I was in RCIA and was from an Irish family, he wanted to know what religion I was converting from. I will be baptized at Easter Vigil. I’m not converting for another religion. I have followed the Catholic religion and it’s teachings since I was 10 years old (I’m 50, now). I don’t know any other religion. When I told the priest that I was not converting from another religion, I got a big “OH!” from him. I’m very self-conscious of my situation as it is without him, of all people, rubbing salt in the wound. It made me feel like a heathen. I realize priests are human, but this should be a situation that a 47 year old priest should know how to handle more graciously.

?

I am at a loss to understand this complaint. You say you are Catholic, yet you are being baptized at Easter. I am in the same confusion the priest experienced. Which is it? How was he to know your situation until you explained it to him? Ordination does not confer the ability to read minds.

What reaction were you expecting? You were returning home from an event that celebrates conversion. That you have nothing in your life that requires conversion is indeed a cause for rejoicing, and you are more fortunate than cradle Catholics who were baptized as infants, because we require continuing conversion.

that you are now in a position to receive baptism and the other sacraments of initiation is a cause for rejoicing, and the entire diocese and the bishop came together to celebrate with you, yet somehow you used every aspect of that event to find offense where none was intended. I hope that Lent will indeed be a time of prayer and preparation for you and that Easter will bring all the joy you envision. We are all praying for you and the rest of the Elect and candidates.