Feeling so lost right now... prayers needed

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AdvanceAlways

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Hey folks…

I feel like I’m coming to a cross roads with my faith… it breaks my heart to say it… My past involvement with (and I don’t mean this as an insult to traditionalists) traditional Catholicism has all but broken my spirit and rattled me more than one could imagine. The countless people who have called me a heretic or a liberal/neocon/modernist have finally taken their toll on me… I just don’t even know how to really express myself. I’ve poured so much time and energy into my church, all I’ve wanted for years now is to become a priest but my spirits have been so crushed I can’t help but see myself as at odds with Catholicism because of my American style conservatism. I know this seems selfish, I know this seems irrational but I just don’t know what to do. I love my Catholic faith but I feel like the Catholic faith that I have grown up loving was never really what I thought it was. I believe in the Real Presence, I believe in the Creeds, I believe in our Pope but I just feel so empty inside. This battle has made me lose sleep, lose interest in anything else and all around made me feel extremely depressed. I need some serious prayers to get back on the right track because I’m so close to falling away… I just can’t believe or accept the accuastions made against me, yet at the same time, after hearing something over and over again… I can’t help but wonder if they are true… and if they are true… what good am I as a Catholic anyway…?

Please pray for me… these feelings have been bottling up for months and I had to get this out… I really, really need some prayers right now… I’m hurting so badly…
 
Keep pushing through! Don’t give up and don’t give in!

I’m a cradle Catholic 43 years old. I have found myself leaning toward a more Protestant mindset because the people I hear on local Christian radio and TV (NOT the clowns like Benny Hinn or Jimmy Swaggart, but people like R.C. Sproul and Greg Laurie and some Calvary Church ministers) are more conservative and less inclined to be mushy on taking a stand on right and wrong. My local Catholic church, the one closest to me, has had two very liberal pastors and I find myself grinding my teeth with how they preach politics in their homilies and they take liberties with the Eucharistic prayers and add their own interpretations. And the USCCB stand on illegal immigration in Arizona has me vexed.

But like you, the Church is my home and I despair of ever leaving…but staying hurts too sometimes. But I AM staying and mostly due to people here at Catholic Answers. I LOVE THIS PLACE! I have concerns with some of the views in the Roman Catholic Church, but any Christian faith direction has issues - I know because I’ve looked into places like Calvary Church.

I do know from my own experience that most priestly orders will scrutinize you very closely before you join and even in the weeks and months after you commit to novitiate or whatever that order specifies for new recruits. You’ll have the chance to make your views fully explicit and have the opportunity to really know your vocation.

God Bless you and may He open your heart to the path He has chosen for you from the beginning of time. We who believe in God are destined for Eternity, so don’t be too quick to give up - nor too hasty in making a decision either way. There is a time for everything and every purpose. I’m glad you posted here with your dilemma and I hope my reply at least helps you to know someone else knows something of your issue.
 
I know how you feel. I was so disheartened at one time I just wanted to drop off the face of the earth. I thank God for sending good people my way, some were complete strangers. What I’ve learned is to be still and wait. Please read Psalm 37:3-4,7 and let God take care of things. What you are hearing are naysayers and this is how Satan discourages people. You might also want to read “the Art of Discerment” by Stefan Kiechle.

Most Holy Spirit please guide this young man in his need to discern his faith, career and future within the Catholic church. May you surround him with your love and peace. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Blessed Mother pray for us. Amen:gopray2:
 
AdvanceAlways,

I am so sorry that you are going through this right now. I must admit, I am a person who tends to throw around the words “heretic” and “liberal” but I never imagine them hurting someone. After reading your post, I’ll try and stop using them.

I don’t really know what to say to you, except to assure you that I will keep you in my prayers.

:signofcross:
 
What comes to my mind is that it could well be time to drop the labels like liberal, conservative, traditional, progressive etc. and instead simply look to and follow the Pope, and the wisdom offered in writings of the Saints. If a traditionalist says something upsetting, it might really help to see if one of the Popes (starting with Benedict XVI and John Paul II) have written anything or left behind quotes or videos on the subject.

Also, quotes from Saints can be super inspirational. I’m finding sayings from Padre Pio very helpful in my life at this time. You may want to try this calendar with a quote for the day from St. Padre Pio:

pppg.org/calendars/PPPG-C1008.pdf

:blessyou:

Like Padre Pio says, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

:highprayer:

Praying for you …

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
 
For those of you who replied, I just wanted to let you know that your kind words do truly make a difference. Your thoughts and (name removed by moderator)ut, along with a short but simple message from Fr. Jonathan Morris, LC on Facebook (I can’t believe he actually wrote back to me) have reminded me what’s really important. While I’m sure I’ll lapse back into feelings of doubt and unease, I know I’ll always have CAF and of course, God himself to lift my spirits.
 
AdvanceAlways said:
For those of you who replied, I just wanted to let you know that your kind words do truly make a difference. Your thoughts and (name removed by moderator)ut, along with a short but simple message from Fr. Jonathan Morris, LC on Facebook (I can’t believe he actually wrote back to me) have reminded me what’s really important. While I’m sure I’ll lapse back into feelings of doubt and unease, I know I’ll always have CAF and of course, God himself to lift my spirits.
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I am glad that you are feeling a little better, your original message made me very sad! You will still be in my prayers 🙂 :gopray:
 
kamaan said:
I am glad that you are feeling a little better, your original message made me very sad! You will still be in my prayers 🙂 :gopray:
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Thank you! I was pretty sad writing it, I could barely see the keyboard because of the tears in my eyes. At the end of the day, all of us are striving toward the same thing. A more just world, a more peaceful society, and the hope of one day returning to live forever with our father in Heaven. Praised be Christ the King, now and forever.
 
I am sorry you are going through this trial.

Maybe it would help you if you remember that Jesus was also persecuted, called names ,spit upon,and was left alone and friendless.
Maybe it would help you if you were to remember the first Christians were laughed at, called names and thrown to the lions.
Maybe it would help if you remembered all the martyrs who were spit on, called names, and killed in horrible ways.
Maybe it would help if you remember today all the people who are persecuted in other countries for being Catholic/Christian. Some would be given a job so they could feed their families if they renounced their religion.

All I’m trying to do is show you that you are not as alone right now as you think. Maybe this is God’s way of toughening you up for the job ahead. I’m sure as a priest you will have a big target on your back and satan taking aim whenever he can. As a priest you would be a huge trophy over satan’s fireplace! (fyi: I never capitalize satan’s name).

Be tough, and don’t just give up before you even really get started.
I’ll keep you in my prayers, you have many people here who are on your side, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
 
I’ll offer this to all Christians in danger of losing their faith.

St. Peter Nolasco, founder of the Mercedarian Friars who recognized that there is no greater sacrafice than ransoming oneself for a soul endanger of losing faith, pray for us.

St. John de Matha, founder of the Trinitarians, and ransomer of Holy Souls, pray for Us.

Our Lady of Good Remedy, pray for us.
 
tuscany said:
I am sorry you are going through this trial.

Maybe it would help you if you remember that Jesus was also persecuted, called names ,spit upon,and was left alone and friendless.
Maybe it would help you if you were to remember the first Christians were laughed at, called names and thrown to the lions.
Maybe it would help if you remembered all the martyrs who were spit on, called names, and killed in horrible ways.
Maybe it would help if you remember today all the people who are persecuted in other countries for being Catholic/Christian. Some would be given a job so they could feed their families if they renounced their religion.

All I’m trying to do is show you that you are not as alone right now as you think. Maybe this is God’s way of toughening you up for the job ahead. I’m sure as a priest you will have a big target on your back and satan taking aim whenever he can. As a priest you would be a huge trophy over satan’s fireplace! (fyi: I never capitalize satan’s name).

Be tough, and don’t just give up before you even really get started.
I’ll keep you in my prayers, you have many people here who are on your side, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
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I can’t believe in all of this I didn’t once think of those things… I feel pretty selfish right now after reflecting on that. Thank you so much for the kind and uplifting words. You can’t understand how much it helps. I think I finally hit rock bottom tonight spiritually. But they say there’s no where to go but up after that. It’s time for me to pick up my cross.

This is a prayer I wanted to share with everyone. I say it every day. It’s a Salesian prayer called the Direction of Intention. I find it useful for any day to day situation or even extreme crisis.

“My God, Give me your Grace. I offer you all the Good I will do in the action, and all the Difficulty found in it, trusting YOU and your abundant Love. Amen.”
 
Good show tuscany! God truly has spoken through you, and that is because you are open to His Word in your life. I felt the conviction and hope in what you said and it was obvious that Advance did too.

God Bless this forum and the people who care and pray here every day!
 
I will keep you in my prayers. I wanted to also share with you a prayer that is attributed to Pope St. Leo the Great (Pope from 440 to 461).

O God, you have established the foundations of your Church upon holy mountains: Grant that she may not be moved by any wiles of error which would fain compass her overthrow, nor may she be shaken by any earthly disquietude, but ever stand firmly upon the ordinances of the Apostles, and by their help, be kept in safety.

Sincerely,

Maria1212
 
I will pray for you but please understand that no one said it would be easy. We all struggle with problems. Also maybe this struggle is something that you were meant to go through so that you can come out of it stronger. The Catholic church needs people like you more than ever. You are not alone in feeling the things you are feeling. I came to a decision about my church not that long ago. I could have walked away but I didn’t. I didn’t want to give up that easily. I started to get involved with the members of my church and I have found some unlikely compatriots…So please don’t give up. I will pray for you and you can pray for me and together along with the others on this site we can start a movement. God bless.
 
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