Evangelizing to Catholics

[po18guy]

The world’s largest church? Easy. Roman Catholic.
2nd largest: Non-practicing Roman Catholic.

We have a lot of work to do here. Praise God that He chooses to use us from time to time. A co-worker just said that he has heard me talking about my faith and has decided to return to full communion. This, partially so he can have credibility while defending the faith to Mormon family members.

Wait 'til he gets back! Talk it up-you never know who’s listening.

Christ’s peace to all.

 

[Theodore]

kimberlyg,
Yours is an inspiring post! Don’t let the lukewarm worshippers get to you. Believe it or not, you are the example that they now look to. I believe that is precisely why the Lord brought you to your parish. Since it is small, your piety can influence precisely those who may cause you anxiety. The beleaguered priest has little time to teach and correct. Since the Lord always provides, he has provided them with you. Just teach with love and it’s offspring: patience.

At mass, lose yourself in the sacrifice. I feel ashamed if I receive without tears, because we join Mary and John at the foot of the cross as the eternal sacrifice is made present. Be of good cheer and always remember: God is in charge.

The PEACE of Christ be with you.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit only happens at confirmation, done by a Bishop or a Priest. (who has been given permission by the Bishop because of his unavalibilty) Please correct me if i’m wrong…
cheers Theo…( New Member )

 

[po18guy]

Baptism in the Holy Spirit only happens at confirmation, done by a Bishop or a Priest. (who has been given permission by the Bishop because of his unavalibilty) Please correct me if i’m wrong…
cheers Theo…( New Member )

Actually, you are “sealed with the Holy Spirit” at confirmation. The Baptism in the Spirit is done by a priest and is normally in conjunction with a charismatic conference or seminar. In this, the priest lays hands on you and calls down the Holy Spirit. Simultaneously, you pray for and yield to the Spirit.

You’ve all seen Bennie Hinn give the “shove” when someone is supposedly slain, well, I’m here to tell you that NO SUCH thing is required or necessary! The Spirit will occupy you and you might just end up on the floor. They have helpers when that happens. You are usually imobilized for some time while the Spirit works in you.

It is simply amazing and the term “supernatural” absolutely applies. After I was baptized, my faith life went from lukewarm to boiling! I am evangelizing everwhere I go now. In fact, I can’t stop-I am compelled to spread the Gospel. This is as close as you can get to the Apostles in the early church. It is a shame that it is not a part of every parish’s programs. There would likely be no Pentecostal church if this were so!

Anyway, at least have a look-it helps every aspect of your Christianity.

The peace of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

[Theodore]

You are right when you say “You are sealed with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation” however, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Sacrament and is received during Baptism when water is poured over your head " and i shall Baptise You in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" and that can only be done on one occassion. I do not know of any other time when you can be Baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Cheers Theo…

 

[po18guy]

You are right when you say “You are sealed with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation” however, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Sacrament and is received during Baptism when water is poured over your head " and i shall Baptise You in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" and that can only be done on one occassion. I do not know of any other time when you can be Baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Cheers Theo…

Technically, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is one part of the three-part Christian Baptism. It’s a three in one Sacrament, in reflection of the Holy Trinity. I perhaps should have placed the term in quotes. But, rest assured that these are regularly performed by charismatic priests, with the knowledge and consent of the Bishop.

I had to be talked into it. No one could talk me out of it now. Your faith is like gasoline, inasmuch as it contains substantial energy. The “Baptism” in the Holy Spirit is the match that ignites your faith. If you have the opportunity, please consider it.

 

[Jeanette_L]

Technically, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is one part of the three-part Christian Baptism. It’s a three in one Sacrament, in reflection of the Holy Trinity. I perhaps should have placed the term in quotes. But, rest assured that these are regularly performed by charismatic priests, with the knowledge and consent of the Bishop.

I had to be talked into it. No one could talk me out of it now. Your faith is like gasoline, inasmuch as it contains substantial energy. The “Baptism” in the Holy Spirit is the match that ignites your faith. If you have the opportunity, please consider it.

It seems to me that the terms are not being used properly. This term “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” was coined in the early 20th century by Evangelical Pentecostals who didn’t believe in the Sacramental Baptism that is a Dogma of the Church. They did not believe that a Christian was sealed or baptised by the Holy Spirit until this special event that involved the receiving of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit.

It seems that the Catholic Charismatics have picked up the terminology from the Evangelicals erroneously, for we are indeed, Baptised in the Holy Spirit at our Baptism, and we are given our spiritual gifts at our Confirmation by the laying on of hands of the Bishop. What happens in the Charismatic experience is an extension, a further gifting and infilling of the supernatural spiritual gifts. I don’t think people should really confuse these terms, they didn’t start in the Church, and they mean something completely different outside of Catholicism where they were coined.

 

[Theodore]

Technically, Baptism in the Holy Spirit is one part of the three-part Christian Baptism. It’s a three in one Sacrament, in reflection of the Holy Trinity. I perhaps should have placed the term in quotes. But, rest assured that these are regularly performed by charismatic priests, with the knowledge and consent of the Bishop.

I had to be talked into it. No one could talk me out of it now. Your faith is like gasoline, inasmuch as it contains substantial energy. The “Baptism” in the Holy Spirit is the match that ignites your faith. If you have the opportunity, please consider it.

This is where perhaps you and i disagree, you can only be “Baptised on one occasion, and on one occasion only” as far as an instant boost of enery is concerned it might be when the water that is poured over your head is freezing cold, and you rush out to look for a towel. When you say “give it a go” i can truely say " i’ve been there and done that" when it was all the rage some 10 years ago… I saw lots of people falling over, acting like animals and screaming like lunatics … not to mention people rushing every where with Bible in hand yelling out “Alleluia Praise the Lord for i’ve been born again” Ummmm !! i don’t think that is what really took place and the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation… at least not in the Church that i go to.
Cheers and God bless…
Theo.

 

[Mimi]

Jeanette L. wrote:

(snip)
It seems that the Catholic Charismatics have picked up the terminology from the Evangelicals erroneously, for we are indeed, Baptised in the Holy Spirit at our Baptism, and we are given our spiritual gifts at our Confirmation by the laying on of hands of the Bishop. What happens in the Charismatic experience is an extension, a further gifting and infilling of the supernatural spiritual gifts. I don’t think people should really confuse these terms, they didn’t start in the Church, and they mean something completely different outside of Catholicism where they were coined.

I was in the Charismatic movement for about three or four yrs; that was almost 20 yrs ago. It was usually very enthusiastic, but not a lot of hollering or holy jumpin’ up and down. I recall we called it being “slain in the Spirit”. I believe I rec’d it once. We were praying the Lord’s Prayer in a circle, and I no sooner had the thought, “I’d really like to experience being slai…” and the next moment, I found myself on the floor. I don’t recall having any great spiritual moment with God, or any revelation, but I was asked if I was okay because, on the way down, I’d hit my head on a metal folding chair that was behind me! I didn’t feel a thing, including hitting the floor (which was not carpeted).

On reflection, I decided that God just gave me a tiny glimpse of His power, and that I didn’t need to be “jump started” as some are. That wasn’t meant for me, or perhaps just not at that point in time. My faith did grow a lot during that time. It was great to go to a Mass where you were reasonably sure that all there were sincerely worshipping and believing as One. I was in a guitar group that provided music for some of the Praise and Worship before Mass, and then music during the Mass. I learned a lot of good tunes during that time, many that are common in other denominations.

It seems the Charismatic Renewal has kind of petered out in my area.

I have also attended other non-Catholic groups where speaking in tongues was big, but eventually, I found it strange that there was not usually anyone there who could interpret. In one instance, a lady laid hands on me, and there was a “catcher” behind me, but she was nudging the back of my knee to make me go down! I refused to be a part of that. They were nice ladies, though, and really knew how to pray intensely.

Mimi

 

[Jeanette_L]

It seems the Charismatic Renewal has kind of petered out in my area.

I have also attended other non-Catholic groups where speaking in tongues was big, but eventually, I found it strange that there was not usually anyone there who could interpret. In one instance, a lady laid hands on me, and there was a “catcher” behind me, but she was nudging the back of my knee to make me go down! I refused to be a part of that. They were nice ladies, though, and really knew how to pray intensely.

Mimi

I actually grew up going back and forth between the Pentecostals/Charismatics and the Baptists. I heard all the arguments both for and against the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” (if you think the Baptists hate the Catholics, you should hear what they say about the Pentecostals ) and I witnessed and experienced some of what the movement had to offer. I honestly to this day cannot personally endorse or deny the movement, because I don’t necessarily trust experiences, even my own, especially emotional ones. :dancing: I will tell you that I do believe in gifts of healing because I was healed once by God, through someone who had this gift. I can’t and won’t ever deny that. But he wasn’t like what you see on tv or experience with some of the traveling evangelists either.

So, don’t anyone beat me up, uch: I’m not saying one way or the other that all or any of it is true, I just can’t tell, even after having been involved. I can say I no longer feel the need for it, although I do love to hear a moving hymn now and again, it brings back some of the warmer childhood memories in my faith journey. But I have seen some of the “tricks” myself and it made me question what may be some of the more authentic things.

I think maybe the reason some of it has petered out is because many have experienced the same confusion and moved on in their faith. Only time will tell.

 

[Theodore]

I actually grew up going back and forth between the Pentecostals/Charismatics and the Baptists. I heard all the arguments both for and against the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” (if you think the Baptists hate the Catholics, you should hear what they say about the Pentecostals ) and I witnessed and experienced some of what the movement had to offer. I honestly to this day cannot personally endorse or deny the movement, because I don’t necessarily trust experiences, even my own, especially emotional ones. :dancing: I will tell you that I do believe in gifts of healing because I was healed once by God, through someone who had this gift. I can’t and won’t ever deny that. But he wasn’t like what you see on tv or experience with some of the traveling evangelists either.

So, don’t anyone beat me up, uch: I’m not saying one way or the other that all or any of it is true, I just can’t tell, even after having been involved. I can say I no longer feel the need for it, although I do love to hear a moving hymn now and again, it brings back some of the warmer childhood memories in my faith journey. But I have seen some of the “tricks” myself and it made me question what may be some of the more authentic things.

I think maybe the reason some of it has petered out is because many have experienced the same confusion and moved on in their faith. Only time will tell.

I totally agree with you, God can heal us at any time and place he desires. I know, because i was once a physcological mess after having spent a term in Vietnam with the Australian Army. My healing came when i finally worked out that God will only heal those that wants to be healed, so after i went to Confession and asked for Gods healing i broke down and cried my eyes out, on and off for about 3 days … i can still remember those beautifull words, when Christ himself spoke to me through his Priest " AND I NOW ABSOLVE YOU FROM ALL YOUR SINS IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AMEN … after that, HE also said "GO IN PEACE FOR ALL YOUR SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN " that to me was the greatest healing i ever received. Praise GOD for our Priest and our Sacraments, because at least i can be sure that i am truely healed. Why ? Because Christ himself told me so…

" Praise be to GOD because His Mercy is never ending "… Ummm in this life anyway…

 

[po18guy]

It seems to me that the terms are not being used properly. This term “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” was coined in the early 20th century by Evangelical Pentecostals who didn’t believe in the Sacramental Baptism that is a Dogma of the Church. They did not believe that a Christian was sealed or baptised by the Holy Spirit until this special event that involved the receiving of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit.

It seems that the Catholic Charismatics have picked up the terminology from the Evangelicals erroneously, for we are indeed, Baptised in the Holy Spirit at our Baptism, and we are given our spiritual gifts at our Confirmation by the laying on of hands of the Bishop. What happens in the Charismatic experience is an extension, a further gifting and infilling of the supernatural spiritual gifts. I don’t think people should really confuse these terms, they didn’t start in the Church, and they mean something completely different outside of Catholicism where they were coined.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit only happens at confirmation, done by a Bishop or a Priest. (who has been given permission by the Bishop because of his unavalibilty) Please correct me if i’m wrong…
cheers Theo…( New Member )

I’m almost sorry I mentioned this! Almost. Here is a brief explanation of the experience, taken from the Catholic Charismatic Center’s website: ccc.garg.com/index.php

“Is the ‘Baptism in the Spirit’ a New Sacrament?
No – It is the RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already within US that we received by faith at our Confirmation, and now in our experience, to enable us to live the Christian life we want to live but had only been partially successful in doing. We will begin to experience a new ability to appreciate Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, and our faith through this living experience.”

I can’t say it any better than that. I can only tell you of the amazing improvement it made in my faith life. I received (realized?) the gifts of intercessory prayer and of prophecy (different from what I thought).

I challenge both of you faith-filled siblings, and all who read this to look into it. Seek out a charismatic priest and inquire. The frustrating part of all of this is that the twelve Apostles all began like this, using the charisms of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the miracles that are written in the Gospels.

So sad that many Catholics may never experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This lack is but one reason that many are falling away, lured by the emotional/mega/“God wants you to be successful” churches.

Just google “catholic charismatic renewal” and you will find links to various organizations. I guess “baptism” is the inflammatory word. If it was “Release” of the Holy Spirit, would that go down better?

 

[Mike_Brick]

I’m almost sorry I mentioned this! Almost. Here is a brief explanation of the experience, taken from the Catholic Charismatic Center’s website: ccc.garg.com/index.php

“Is the ‘Baptism in the Spirit’ a New Sacrament?
No – It is the RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already within US that we received by faith at our Confirmation, and now in our experience, to enable us to live the Christian life we want to live but had only been partially successful in doing. We will begin to experience a new ability to appreciate Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, and our faith through this living experience.”

Just google “catholic charismatic renewal” and you will find links to various organizations. I guess “baptism” is the inflammatory word. If it was “Release” of the Holy Spirit, would that go down better?

Po18Guy has said it best. We all receive the Holy Spirit at Baptism, and certainly at Confirmation, but too many of us fail to utilize the power of the Holy Spirit within us. I have always heard that the Holy Spirit is best described as the power of the love bond between the Father and Son, which is the ultimate and purest Love. The HS is God’s love given to us in the sacraments for our use, and is not intended for our mere possession. The HS is also described as the gifts of God, and therefore it is the ultimate in selfishness for us to hide God’s gifts away and hoard them for ourselves. It is only when we utilize the gifts, love and power of the HS and share them with those with whom we can that we are living out our faith. The gifts are to share not to keep to ourselves, therefore they must be “Released” from our “vault” like Po18guy said so well.

God Bless

 

[po18guy]

In scripture, it says more than once about the Apostles as they set out do do the Lord’s will: “Then, filled with the Holy Spirit, they…” Why don’t we heal, cast out demons and perform other miracles? If the power of the Holy Spirit was released in each Catholic, this world would be renewed.

I was an everyday Catholic-weekly Mass and days of obligation. Then, after “releasing” the Holy Spirit, and receiving the gifts intended for me, I have seen supernatural results. I lost all fear of proclaiming my faith. I now witness the love of Christ everywhere I go. I am compelled to spread the Gospel. I can’t stop!

It is a blessing to God that I am more frequently accused of being Chrisitan.

The blessings of God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Amen.

 

[Theodore]

Bible bashing is not my style… I testify my faith every day by the way i act , work and play. But if it works for you stick to it, as for me i’ll try and fix up the mess in my own back yard first ( like my own Parish where people truely beleive that they are so fully infused with the Holy Spirit that they have no need for the Pope) before i start blowing my own trumpet. Remember sound doctrine is the only way to go, "for as the Master is so will his Disciple be.
Cheers …
It is always good to have charitable discussions… keep up the good work…

 

[Pilgrim525]

To evangelize fellow Catholics I have this Bible Sharing Apostolate in the Internet. I send out daily reflections to those who may want them. You may also visit my blog by clicking the link below my signature.

To those who would want to receive these daily reflections, kindly send me your email addresses.

Thanks.

 

[Romans12]

… i can still remember those beautifull words, when Christ himself spoke to me through his Priest " AND I NOW ABSOLVE YOU FROM ALL YOUR SINS IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AMEN … after that, HE also said "GO IN PEACE FOR ALL YOUR SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN " that to me was the greatest healing i ever received. Praise GOD for our Priest and our Sacraments, because at least i can be sure that i am truely healed. Why ? Because Christ himself told me so…

" Praise be to GOD because His Mercy is never ending "… Ummm in this life anyway…

Amen… Amen!