Encouragement... :(

[Metaron]

I was just at RCIA tonight… I’m so frustrated, because I want so badly to go to confession… to recieve the Eucharist… to be reconciled to the Church…

I learn nothing new at RCIA classes. I wish so badly that I could just, be truly Roman Catholic…

As soon as I come home from work every day, I jump onto my computer and read all I can about Catholicism. I read the Catechism, practice Catholic Apologetics, and…

I’m just really discouraged right now, because I can’t really identify with Anglican Catholic or Roman Catholic… and my family is surrounding me, at this vulnerable time, using everything to try and steer me back into Protestantism.

When will it end? I NEED confession. I want to confess my sins so badly… I want to consume my Lord in the Eucharist.

And, the other day at mass, a nice lady came up to me and asked me if I wanted to teach Catholic Youth Group. I said,“you must be mistaken. I’m still in RCIA class… converting from Anglicanism.” She said, “Oh, I’ve just heard you already know so much about our Faith, and that you fully accept all the teaching of the Church.”
“Yes, I do not question any of the Church’s infallibly-taught doctrines. Every Catholic shouldn’t question them.”
“Yes-- but your young, and, I though you could identify with the youth group better.”

I asked her to let me think about it. I would love to teach, but, I’m still technically in RCIA.

 

[Neophyte_Rose]

:console: :hug3: Metaron,

I know this isn’t much comfort, but I felt the same way last year when I was waiting for Baptism. Like, if God wants me so much why does He make me wait for so long when I want Him so badly??? I understand a little because you are right: it’s hard.

And I know that this can also be just awkward, but think of how much your desire to be one with the Church can be an instruction to those who are Catholic but fail to appreciate it? Meeting you at MASS must make them stop and think a little more about what it is they’ve been given.

God uses this time, as well, to deepen the desire of your heart for Him, and to test your desire like gold tested in fire.

It’s like waiting for your wedding day when you’re engaged, and you really want each other right now. Sometimes all this waiting business seems foolish and difficult; but if you do wait for the wedding night, your first embrace will be so much the sweeter for it.

When you recieve your first communion, you will have all the desire that has built up over this time still in your heart. You will know that you waited and persevered for the moment. And what a sweet, untouchable moment it will be.

When I was finally recieved into the Church this past Easter, I knew in my heart that I would never feel that happiness again until after death - my first communion, in particular, and my baptism as well, filled me with such a feeling - sensation and emotion - I was overwhelmed with the graces and … it was really ineffable. I was so nervous, I barely squeaked ‘Amen’ before Fr. placed Jesus in my hands and I recieved Him. And then… the peace, the contrast with what I had felt while waiting for so long.

The contrast is where you will find the greatest gift, because you will really know what you’ve recieved and really appreciate it - even though thousands don’t every day, you will always have that contrast to draw on.

My prayers are with you as you go through this time of preparation and waiting - even better, Christ is with you. Still, I will offer you up to our Lord at MASS tomorrow evening.

Pax Christi,
Esther Rose

ps - as for helping with the youth group, I too was encouraged to help with the youth while I went through RCIA. I wish I had’ve, in retrospect, but it just wasn’t possible. I did like singing with the choir, though there is always something you can do. Just ask your RCIA director, he or she will guide you. God Bless.

 

[Metaron]

:console: :hug3: Metaron

:hug3: back!

desire to be one with the Church can be an instruction to those who are Catholic but fail to appreciate it? Meeting you at MASS must make them stop and think a little more about what it is they’ve been given.

Hopefully… I think after RCIA I may be called to be a teacher of some sort… I want to get those nominals on fire, for Heaven’s sake!

It’s like waiting for your wedding day when you’re engaged, and you really

want each other right now. Sometimes all this waiting business seems foolish and difficult; but if you do wait for the wedding night, your first embrace will be so much the sweeter for it.

This is so true! A wonderful analogy. By the way, do you know about Mystical Marriages of the saints to Jesus or Mary? I’ve only heard alittle.

When I was finally recieved into the Church this past Easter, I knew in my heart that I would never feel that happiness again until after death - my first communion, in particular, and my baptism as well, filled me with such a feeling - sensation and

emotion - I was overwhelmed with the graces and … it was really ineffable. I was so nervous, I barely squeaked ‘Amen’ before Fr. placed Jesus in my hands and I recieved Him. And then… the peace, the contrast with what I had felt while waiting for so long.

I long so much… so much…

The contrast is where you will find the greatest gift, because you will really know what you’ve recieved and really appreciate it - even though thousands don’t every day, you will always have that contrast to draw on.

That makes me sad. How can they not see the beauty and Truth of our most-favoured and God-honoured religion…?

My prayers are with you as you go through this time of preparation and waiting - even better, Christ is with you. Still, I will offer you up to our Lord at MASS tomorrow evening.

Pax Christi,
Esther Rose

Bless you, Rose.

ps - as for helping with the youth group, I too was encouraged to help with the youth while I went through RCIA. I wish I had’ve, in retrospect, but it just wasn’t possible. I did like singing with the choir, though there is always something you can do. Just ask your RCIA director, he or she will guide you. God Bless.

I would love to teach. I want to make sure these kids know how good they have it to be in the Catholic Church!

[/QUOTE]

 

[water]

I learn nothing new at RCIA classes. I wish so badly that I could just, be truly Roman Catholic…

I asked her to let me think about it. I would love to teach, but, I’m still technically in RCIA.

I’d like to add this comment.
I think a great teacher is the one who knows not only his teaching materials but also things which his students do not know or misunderstand.

Being patient at your RCIA classes may help you be a great teacher. As a matter of fact, teacher never stops learning either.

Another thing, being patient and believing that you will learn some new things may help you with virtue of humility. In other words, in denying our own knowledge, one may learn even more.]

God bless you!

 

[Joannm]

If you are a baptized Anglican and are as knowledgable about the faith as you say, and have the desire and belief that you are proclaiming, WHY oh WHY are they making you wait until Easter to become Catholic? If you were in my parish you would be Catholic by Christmas.

 

[Joysong]

You may want to read this inspirational biography of a little one who had very strong desires for Holy Communion, but was not able to receive due to her age.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Imelda

 

[seeker70]

Metaron -

I know how you feel, as well. I am currently going through RCIA and find that I learn more from the readings than I do from the instructors. I try to focus on the personal experience of the instructor and what they are bringing to the class. Often they tell stories about their experience of God in their lives and I find much of value in these stories. Each of them are called to participate in RCIA and we are blessed because of this. I would like to teach at some point as well.

I find myself aching with anticipation for the Eucharist. Easter Vigil cannot come soon enough! It is a useful exercise in patience.

Your brother on the path,

Aaron

 

[Ilroy]

As alluded to in an earlier post, technically you don’t have to go through RCIA. That was originally designed and meant for the unbaptised, non-Christians who needed to learn everything from the ground up, so to speak. You might want to talk to your pastor and see if he would do a private evaluation and instruction with you and you might be able to come into full communion sooner. Of course, many pastors these days require all converts to go through RCIA as they think it would be the best way to have them enter into the Church, so if that happens, you should humbly submit and offer up the pains to God.
I do know that my pastor does all convert teaching himself and he doesn’t necessarily require the extensive period of time that RCIA classes take. He takes it on a person by person basis.

 

[Metaron]

If you are a baptized Anglican and are as knowledgable about the faith as you say…

Didn’t mean to brag…

… WHY oh WHY are they making you wait until Easter to become Catholic? If you were in my parish you would be Catholic by Christmas.

They said to me, “It’ll be quicker for you, since you’re baptized and confirmed Anglican.” but I seem to be progressing just as slowly as the other RCIA students (Episcopalian, Baptist, United Methodist, etc).

 

[Metaron]

You may want to read this inspirational biography of a little one who had very strong desires for Holy Communion, but was not able to receive due to her age.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Imelda

What a beautiful saint story…

 

[Neophyte_Rose]

Metaron,

I was thinking about you last night during my rosary, and today during my chaplet and rosary. and during MASS these past two days.

I want to thank you, because I’ve been struggling with something myself and you have given me something else to think and pray about. You’ve helped me to tear my eyes away from what I’m not doing, and focus on what you are doing. I want to lift you up to God, to thank Him for your example to me.

You remind me of how I felt last year as I waited to be recieved into the Church. You reminded me of how I felt when I was looking for the Truth and of how I felt when I was waiting to recieve Him, and that memory has chased all thoughts of departing from my faith to do what I miss all the more reprehensible to me and I no longer entertain the slightest notion.

You’ve given me something new to focus on.

I think I may have a MASS offered for you at my local parish, for all those who will be recieved into the Church this liturgical year whether through Confession and Confirmation(and this includes you; I’ll offer up that MASS myself with you in mind, and my good friend’s little sister as well), or through Baptism and Confirmation. (and of course, First Eucharist).

It might make the parishoners think about those who are entering the Church, as I live in a town where newcomers to the faith do not exist (it is an entirely Catholic town, I like to call it “Catholicland” ), give them something to feel hope about and renewal in their faith (converts normally provide that), and it will also offer those graces up for all of our new converts as well. I think that’ll be my Christmas gift to myself this year, actually.

Thank you, Metaron. Persevere, take heart, be encouraged.

I love you, my dear friend in Christ. I will be praying for you, and I will be rejoicing with you at Easter.

Pax Christi,
Esther Rose

 

[Metaron]

Metaron,

I was thinking about you last night during my rosary, and today during my chaplet and rosary. and during MASS these past two days.

That was wonderfully considerate of you, my dear Rose; you have the spirit of Our Lady, you inspire me also very much! I will say a rosary for you too! :hug3:
I knew there was a source of grace, this last day-- from were I did not know, but, I was struggling with temptation, and then-- out of nowhere, the temptation seemed detestable to me; I wanted no part of it. Suddenly I experienced a deeper sense of sorrow for my sins, as I prayed before an image of Ecce Homo, the suffering Christ, realizing just how much our sins hurt His divine Heart.

I want to thank you, because I’ve been struggling with something myself and you have given me something else to think and pray about. You’ve helped me to tear my eyes away from what I’m not doing, and focus on what you are doing. I want to lift you up to God, to thank Him for your example to me.

I’ll say a rosary for you, and put you on my prayer list, my dear Rose.

You remind me of how I felt last year as I waited to be recieved into the Church. You reminded me of how I felt when I was looking for the Truth and of how I felt when I was waiting to recieve Him, and that memory has chased all thoughts of departing from my faith to do what I miss all the more reprehensible to me and I no longer entertain the slightest notion.

I’m so glad for you, Rose. My mind has occasioned the question of, what if I am wrong? What if none of this is true? But-- there are no doubts about it; nothing can be said against our Holy Church. Every insult, blasphemy and disparagement committed against our Holy Church and it’s Lord are empty and vile; Our’s is the Church of Jesus Christ, Our’s is God’s One Church. With full confidence we can cling to her divine Teachings and her most-pleasing devotion.

Yes, our Church is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I think I may have a MASS offered for you at my local parish, for all those who will be recieved into the Church this liturgical year whether through Confession and Confirmation(and this includes you; I’ll offer up that MASS myself with you in mind, and my good friend’s little sister as well), or through Baptism and Confirmation. (and of course, First Eucharist).

How does one go about offering a Mass for someone? I will certainly offer one for you too, dear Rose.

It might make the parishoners think about those who are entering the Church, as I live in a town where newcomers to the faith do not exist (it is an entirely Catholic town, I like to call it “Catholicland” )…

Oh, I want to move to Catholicland! I live in United-Methodistland!

Thank you, Metaron. Persevere, take heart, be encouraged.

You are my encouragement, my dear Rose.

I love you, my dear friend in Christ. I will be praying for you, and I will be rejoicing with you at Easter.

Bless you, my dear friend in Christ, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Lord will always be with you.

 

[DJgang]

Metaron…I with ya my friend.

It’s so hard isn’t it? I mean, it just ain’t fair…:banghead:

 

[revelations]

Metaron, be strong!

I too am coming from England, baptized and confirmed. If you were truly baptized in the Anglican faith (trinitarian baptism) and you can show to your priest that you are distinctly read into the faith and you know dogma then you should be able to confess your sins.

The more I read the bible and the more I read up on Catholic dogma the more and more of a weight i felt on my soul, for all the terrible things i have done. I was seriously destitute.

Make an appointment with your parish priest, get in there and talk with him for an hour so he can see you truly know what’s what. Then ask about confession, that it can’t wait until easter. In my case, a few of my sins were mortal ones, and you never know the time the Lord will come so you have to be square.

Don’t listen to the family, pray for them and be strong and resilient, eventually they will give up.

-revelations

 

[kage_ar]

You might hear from some of the wise DRE’s here - Puzzleannie in particular …

I am thinking that if you are Baptised and have been though the Rite of Welcome - you can go ahead and go to Confession. You would want to check with your Priest, to make sure he feels confident that you are ready.

And - welcome home!!

 

[revelations]

Absolutely check with the priest. It worked for me

 

[Metaron]

Metaron, be strong!

I too am coming from England, baptized and confirmed. If you were truly baptized in the Anglican faith (trinitarian baptism) and you can show to your priest that you are distinctly read into the faith and you know dogma then you should be able to confess your sins.

Not yet, my priest says…

The more I read the bible and the more I read up on Catholic dogma the more and more of a weight i felt on my soul, for all the terrible things i have done. I was seriously destitute.

Ditto, here too, Revelations. I particularly came to the knowlege of the whole thought, as well as deed and word, thing. And I finally came to the conclusion that contraception is wrong. Stick to NFP!

Make an appointment with your parish priest, get in there and talk with him for an hour so he can see you truly know what’s what. Then ask about confession, that it can’t wait until easter. In my case, a few of my sins were mortal ones, and you never know the time the Lord will come so you have to be square.

You’re right. I should talk to our priest…

Don’t listen to the family, pray for them and be strong and resilient, eventually they will give up.

-revelations

This is the hardest part… it’s EXTREMELY emotionally draining and stressful to deal with the anti-Catholic members of my family, and even the questioning evangelicals. Especially my Pope-detesting, Mary-demoting, bishop-defying, Sola-Scriptura-loving father…

 

[revelations]

Oh boy, I didn’t have it as hard as you (my dad was a luke-warm catholic when he was marrying my mom, a baptist…guess who won).

For the family, what worked for me is smiling and nodding during the diatribe, and then when they were all done i just said “i’m doing this because i love you”. Maybe you shouldn’t leave your rosary laying around like i do . Right now I am getting the feeling you might be spiritually weak to engage in serious emotional confrontation. With no confession, no Eucharist, no grace at all it would be almost spiritual suicide!

Don’t even bother to look up counter arguments to whatever he says. Wait until after Easter when you have washed yourself in the blood of our Lord, that’s what I’m waiting for. Until then, I do a daily rosary, and try as hard as I can to make a holy hour, or to at least put myself in His presence as often as I can, it makes me want to receive and be like him more and more.

Another good answer when they are done condemning your decision is to say “oh boy…well, please pray for me when i get to hell, i’ll def need it” and then just walk away.

If you want to chat further or anything please pm me, I’m always up for moral support team!

-revelations

 

[Metaron]

Yeah… thanks alot Revelations, especially the moral support, I need it! I think I’m just going to avoid them whenever they bring up my Religion. But, at work, too, sometimes co-workers smear Catholicism-- but I tell them the truth, since they don’t really know what their talking about, and they usually shut up. Most of them are atheists, agnostics, and nominal Protestants.