Drawn to Catholicism

[Della]

ladylinguist:

This is a question for converts from Protestantism. What was it exactly that made you realize Catholicism was the better choice? And do you ever feel like you had to give something up when you became a Catholic? For example, I know that Protestant services (of all flavors) are usually very casual and engage a lot of contemporary music and even rock-type music, and there aren’t really any set prayers (at least not in any of the churches I’ve been to). Does the fact that a lot of Catholic prayers and rituals are set ever leave you feeling like you lack freedom of expression in your faith? I only ask because I’m the type of person that, when making a choice of any kind, always goes through an ‘oh, my goodness, what if I’m completely wrong and regret this’ phase. I was just wondering if anybody else had those worries when converting.

Unlike many Protestant services the Mass is not meant to make us feel good about God or ourselves. It is the corporate worship of God not an individual love fest. Besides, if you take careful note, even the most “free” Protestant services all follow a familiar pattern: An opening song, a prayer, maybe a Bible reading or two, the sermon, the offering, maybe another song, announcements, and closing song. Now, if that isn’t a kind of structure, I don’t know what is!

It is only natural to have second thoughts before entering the Church. It is a good thing, really, because you ought to be asking yourself if you really want to make the kind of commitment to Christ the Church asks of us. In many Protestant churches people come and go as they please because it is so open. In the Catholic Church, even if people don’t come they know they ought to be coming to Sunday Mass because the Church requires it of its members. We are held accountable for our actions and our sins before God in the Church, which is why we have confessionals.

 

[buzzcut]

Having come from an Anglican/Episcopal church, I was used to a traditional liturgy. The one thing that was difficult to leave behind was the Book of Common Prayer. Replacing Thomas Cranmer with ICEL … well, hmmm, 'nuff said.

 

[ladylinguist]

That’s a very good point. Often when I go to church I’m exciting and enjoy myself, not because I’m worshipping God, but because I get to see friends and sing upbeat songs. I love to worship thorugh music, but a lot of times I focus on the fact that I like to sing and play guitar, and not the fact that my music is supposed to be for God’s praise and not my pleasure.
Do you feel that the solemn Mass is more conducive to a concentrating on worship than the more relaxed Protestant service? Of course, I’m just assuming that Mass is very solemn, because I’ve never been, so it’s all guesswork. Does the ritual help or hinder one’s expression of worship?

 

[Della]

buzzcut:

Having come from an Anglican/Episcopal church, I was used to a traditional liturgy. The one thing that was difficult to leave behind was the Book of Common Prayer. Replacing Thomas Cranmer with ICEL … well, hmmm, 'nuff said.

Me too! Have you seen the Anglican Use Rite (fully Catholic) The Book of Divine Worship? It’s the Anglican service reworked into Catholic worship and prayer. Here is a sampling of it.

 

[Mickey]

jsenner:

And you can learn even more about liturgy by visiting an eastern church. I’m within driving distance from the Byzantive Catholic church in Spokane Valley, WA. Attending that church make me think I’d been transported back 1000 years!

Isn’t the Divine Liturgy wonderful!

 

[Orionthehunter]

ladylinguist:

That’s a very good point. Often when I go to church I’m exciting and enjoy myself, not because I’m worshipping God, but because I get to see friends and sing upbeat songs. I love to worship thorugh music, but a lot of times I focus on the fact that I like to sing and play guitar, and not the fact that my music is supposed to be for God’s praise and not my pleasure.
Do you feel that the solemn Mass is more conducive to a concentrating on worship than the more relaxed Protestant service? Of course, I’m just assuming that Mass is very solemn, because I’ve never been, so it’s all guesswork. Does the ritual help or hinder one’s expression of worship?

Mass is first and foremost one unified prayer of worship of the Body of Christ to God. Additionally, it is a place where we ask for forgiveness of our venial and minor sins, we hear the Word of God and hear a reflection on teh Gospel, we offer ourselves totally to God for His use in the Offertory part of the Mass, we observe and participate in Christ coming physically to us (Emmanuel) in the re-enactment of the Last Supper during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In each of these parts of the Mass we receive certain actual Graces that bring us closer to God and gives us the strenght to go forth and spread the Good News.

 

[Trick]

ladylinguist:

Again, thank you all for this information. I picked up a copy of Catholocism for Dummies and have already had several of my misconceptions corrected, and am discovering how much sense Catholicism actually makes sense. I am planning on attending my first Mass this weekend, and am just wondering if there are any faux pas I should avoid making. One question I have in particular is about communion. Do you have to be a part of the Catholic church to take communion, or merely be baptized?

If you have no Catholic that you know, may I suggest you call the Church office and let them know that you will be attending your first Mass, and that you are unsure what to do during Mass, I’m sure they would have someone greet you when you come and sit with you, at least this is done at my parish.

If you don’t do this, I would say get to the Church maybe about 15 minutes early and ask to speak to one of the ushers, I’m sure they will help you get acquainted with the Mass and perhaps have someone sit with you if you would like.

God bless you,

Trick