Getting cold feet!

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Heather777

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Hello,

I am an Elder in my Presbyterian church and as we are without a Minster at present I also take the service every two or three weeks. A few months ago I met a new co worker, (a devout Catholic), anyway we got talking and eventually I started meeting with her Priest. Anyway fast forward several months and as a result of conversations with said Priest. I resigned from my church a few weeks ago.
Now I am afraid that I made the wrong decision. I was very active in preaching, outreach, leading Bible study etc… I am an action person; As well as preaching, I also started and ran two outreach groups, one for young children and one for teenagers. I led a Bible study for teens and adults. My leaving has put all the outreach on hold which I feel really bad about.
We live in a very small community, and our Church has less than 40 people, but the Catholic Church here is even smaller. I am feeling really guilty about leaving my church as it is unlikely given our location that we will get another Minister. I was one of the Church leaders, a decision maker. If I become a Catholic I have to submit to the authority of a Priest and I do find that idea a little difficult.
As a woman I know (and of course accept) I could never “preach in the Catholic Church, but I am left feeling” what can I actually do”? I am a very active person, I love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul, and I am afraid that attending Mass won’t be enough.
I am feeling very confused, I keep telling myself that God has called me to the Catholic Church, but if that is the case, why do I feel so sad and afraid?
This seems so difficult and I can’t help wondering whether I have I just made a mistake and God isn’t calling me to His Church, should I just go back to my church? (they have already told me they would welcome me back with open arms)
Any advice would be appreciated
Heather
 
Heather777 said:
As a woman I know (and of course accept) I could never “preach in the Catholic Church, but I am left feeling” what can I actually do”?
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You can preach, just not as if you were a priest (or deacon or bishop) in the context of a liturgy. Catholic women are not barred from all preaching and teaching, not by a long shot. We’ve always had great women doing these things. It’s not every woman’s vocation, just as it isn’t every man’s vocation, but it is the vocation of some men and women, religious and laypeople.
Heather777 said:
I am afraid that attending Mass won’t be enough.
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Why should it be? The Catholic faithful are called upon to do much more than this.
Heather777 said:
why do I feel so sad and afraid?
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Perhaps because you do not yet know much about Catholicism. 🙂
 
Friend, that is a difficult position to be in. Only you can decide your Walk…only you and you alone will stand at the Last Day before the One who loves you most and knows you best. Sometimes, “free will” is a bummer…it’s so much easier to just accept what someone tells you is Truth…I think your situation may have been what was in Paul’s mind when he wrote…“Work our you own salvation in fear and trembling…” Being in charge of one’s soul is indeed a awesome fearful thing and one each of us must make for ourselves.

Peace to you friend.
 
To be, or not to be - that is the question…

I have also been on a spiritual quest to find my place. There are many things I find appealing about the church, and some that are absolutely repellant.

I would urge you to educate yourself on church doctrine - and if you find yourself in agreement, then go for it.

It might be beneficial to also reflect on the reasons you left your previous church. Is this an issue of core beliefs, or personal conflict? Do you feel closer to God in the physical structure of the church when you are alone? Are you running away - or running toward?
 
Heather777 said:
Hello,

I am an Elder in my Presbyterian church and as we are without a Minster at present I also take the service every two or three weeks. A few months ago I met a new co worker, (a devout Catholic), anyway we got talking and eventually I started meeting with her Priest. Anyway fast forward several months and as a result of conversations with said Priest. I resigned from my church a few weeks ago.
Now I am afraid that I made the wrong decision. I was very active in preaching, outreach, leading Bible study etc… I am an action person; As well as preaching, I also started and ran two outreach groups, one for young children and one for teenagers. I led a Bible study for teens and adults. My leaving has put all the outreach on hold which I feel really bad about.
We live in a very small community, and our Church has less than 40 people, but the Catholic Church here is even smaller. I am feeling really guilty about leaving my church as it is unlikely given our location that we will get another Minister. I was one of the Church leaders, a decision maker. If I become a Catholic I have to submit to the authority of a Priest and I do find that idea a little difficult.
As a woman I know (and of course accept) I could never “preach in the Catholic Church, but I am left feeling” what can I actually do”? I am a very active person, I love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul, and I am afraid that attending Mass won’t be enough.
I am feeling very confused, I keep telling myself that God has called me to the Catholic Church, but if that is the case, why do I feel so sad and afraid?
This seems so difficult and I can’t help wondering whether I have I just made a mistake and God isn’t calling me to His Church, should I just go back to my church? (they have already told me they would welcome me back with open arms)
Any advice would be appreciated
Heather
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The Church needs women like you.

You may not be able to preach at mass, but there are sure a lot of women teaching and leading various (most?) ministries in our Church.

Besides - you know that your heart is telling you where the Truth lies.
 
Offdoodykcrn said:
To be, or not to be - that is the question…

I have also been on a spiritual quest to find my place. There are many things I find appealing about the church, and some that are absolutely repellant.

I would urge you to educate yourself on church doctrine - and if you find yourself in agreement, then go for it.

It might be beneficial to also reflect on the reasons you left your previous church. Is this an issue of core beliefs, or personal conflict? Do you feel closer to God in the physical structure of the church when you are alone? Are you running away - or running toward?
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Christ on the cross repelled many too.
 
**I can feel how this can be a difficult situation for you

especially since you could not take the same role as Elder in the Catholic Church, this may have affected you financially and that your local Catholic Parish has a small congregation

but there are so many ministries you can do and if you found the Truth in the Catholic church you will feel it when you return to your Presbyterian parish

one of my favorite books comes from an Ex-Presbyterian called the “Where we got the bible” - its 2 books in one - one part talks about the bible history and the other talks about his conversion to the Catholic Church and how he had a hard time as well

http://shop.catholic.com/media/cata...e5fb8d27136e95/w/h/where-we-got-the-bible.jpg

it also talks of his conversion story for he had to deal with a similar situation as you

shop.catholic.com/where-we-got-the-bible.html - you can buy it here at CA for 12.95**
 
Heather777 said:
Hello,

I am an Elder in my Presbyterian church and as we are without a Minster at present I also take the service every two or three weeks. A few months ago I met a new co worker, (a devout Catholic), anyway we got talking and eventually I started meeting with her Priest. Anyway fast forward several months and as a result of conversations with said Priest. I resigned from my church a few weeks ago.
Now I am afraid that I made the wrong decision. I was very active in preaching, outreach, leading Bible study etc… I am an action person; As well as preaching, I also started and ran two outreach groups, one for young children and one for teenagers. I led a Bible study for teens and adults. My leaving has put all the outreach on hold which I feel really bad about.
We live in a very small community, and our Church has less than 40 people, but the Catholic Church here is even smaller. I am feeling really guilty about leaving my church as it is unlikely given our location that we will get another Minister. I was one of the Church leaders, a decision maker. If I become a Catholic I have to submit to the authority of a Priest and I do find that idea a little difficult.
As a woman I know (and of course accept) I could never “preach in the Catholic Church, but I am left feeling” what can I actually do”? I am a very active person, I love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul, and I am afraid that attending Mass won’t be enough.
I am feeling very confused, I keep telling myself that God has called me to the Catholic Church, but if that is the case, why do I feel so sad and afraid?
This seems so difficult and I can’t help wondering whether I have I just made a mistake and God isn’t calling me to His Church, should I just go back to my church? (they have already told me they would welcome me back with open arms)
Any advice would be appreciated
Heather
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Pray about it and see where God wants you.

You may be able to lead Bible study groups in the Catholic church or help with youth groups. You definitely could be a lector or a Eucharistic minister. When I was a Catholic, I was active in a prayer group and the women took on as much responsibility as the men for it. Ask the priest and others in the parish about roles for women. There may be volunteer opportunities outside the parishes too, like pro life ministries and such.
 
Offdoodykcrn said:
To be, or not to be - that is the question…

I have also been on a spiritual quest to find my place. There are many things I find appealing about the church, and some that are absolutely repellant.

I would urge you to educate yourself on church doctrine - and if you find yourself in agreement, then go for it.

It might be beneficial to also reflect on the reasons you left your previous church. Is this an issue of core beliefs, or personal conflict? Do you feel closer to God in the physical structure of the church when you are alone? Are you running away - or running toward?
Click to expand...
Hello,
I left my previous church because I felt drawn to Catholicism,No conflict of any kind,
I listened to the Priest as he explained how Eucharist is celebrated compared to protestant Communion and I felt convicted that it was indeed the true way.I realised then that I could no longer serve or accept communion in my Kirk.There have been many several occasions since then when what the Priest has been explaining Catholic doctrine or Traditions that I have some how known it to be the Truth.
 
You can do very similar things in the Catholic Church: outreach, Bible study, parish council. The fact that your local parish is small shows how much work needs to be done. The difference is that you will be living and teaching the fullness of the Christian faith. Don’t consider turning back to Schism.
 
Hey Heather -

Think about this as God telling you to see what happens. Maybe He wants you to take a moment to settle down, seek Him in silence, grow in faith. Stay still and know He is God.

In your heart of hearts you are feeling called to become Catholic. What a wonderful thing! You are faithful and devoted to Christ now and that has been your history. But keep in mind something that the Catholics are always accused of… doing work to gain Heaven.

As a Catholic I know what I do will not gain me Heaven, that Jesus gained it for me and I an unworthy servant will do works because I owe it to God because of the gift He has offered me.

Sometimes we get to thinking we need to do things for ourselves and for God to prove, or maintain. But to be perfectly honest God wants our love first our hearts, He doesn’t “need” us for anything, He is God. Allow yourself this special time to let God move you in your heart, let Him in and let Him convict you further of the Truth… which you have now realized “includes” the Catholic Church.

Come home so that your heart may find rest. Once you have done that then set your sights on serving.

and keep in mind Satan is as real as a Heart Attack and he is prowling the world seeking the ruin of as many souls as he can. Refuse, and rebuke him, his attacks will become more and more aggressive the closer to truth you get.
 
mab23 said:
**I can feel how this can be a difficult situation for you

especially since you could not take the same role as Elder in the Catholic Church, this may have affected you financially and that your local Catholic Parish has a small congregation

but there are so many ministries you can do and if you found the Truth in the Catholic church you will feel it when you return to your Presbyterian parish

one of my favorite books comes from an Ex-Presbyterian called the “Where we got the bible” - its 2 books in one - one part talks about the bible history and the other talks about his conversion to the Catholic Church and how he had a hard time as well

http://shop.catholic.com/media/cata...fb8d27136e95/w/h/where-we-got-the-bible.jpg**

it also talks of his conversion story for he had to deal with a similar situation as you

shop.catholic.com/where-we-got-the-bible.html - you can buy it here at CA for 12.95
Click to expand...
Thank you, I shall purchase that book,The position of Elder is entirely voluntary.It is an honour to be chosen and to serve,. I think you are right about finding the truth, I did not feel very comfortable in church services, and preaching was no longer so appealing.
 
SonSearcher said:
Hey Heather -

Think about this as God telling you to see what happens. Maybe He wants you to take a moment to settle down, seek Him in silence, grow in faith. Stay still and know He is God.

In your heart of hearts you are feeling called to become Catholic. What a wonderful thing! You are faithful and devoted to Christ now and that has been your history. But keep in mind something that the Catholics are always accused of… doing work to gain Heaven.

As a Catholic I know what I do will not gain me Heaven, that Jesus gained it for me and I an unworthy servant will do works because I owe it to God because of the gift He has offered me.

Sometimes we get to thinking we need to do things for ourselves and for God to prove, or maintain. But to be perfectly honest God wants our love first our hearts, He doesn’t “need” us for anything, He is God. Allow yourself this special time to let God move you in your heart, let Him in and let Him convict you further of the Truth… which you have now realized “includes” the Catholic Church.

Come home so that your heart may find rest. Once you have done that then set your sights on serving.

and keep in mind Satan is as real as a Heart Attack and he is prowling the world seeking the ruin of as many souls as he can. Refuse, and rebuke him, his attacks will become more and more aggressive the closer to truth you get.
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Hello,

Thank you so much for your reply…I think you are right
Thank you Heather
 
triumphguy said:
The Church needs women like you.
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This.

Watch some of these videos too: youtube.com/watch?v=cbt-oic4hWY.

You definitely have a role in the Church. In my parish, the family Mass at 10:30 on Sundays allows children to hear the Word with a catechist in the side chapel. This catechist is a woman. It is true you can’t be a priest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play a leading role in your parish. You can serve on the parish council, help out with a charity the parish plays a leading role in, etc.

I know these feelings of cold feet is sort of a cross to bear for you, but will assure you that you have my prayers and probably everyone else on this board who sees your post.

God Bless and Peace.
 
We all are morally obligated to properly inform our consciences, and then to follow the dictates of our properly formed consciences. Often that obedience comes at a cost, including loss of friends, family, job, comfort, and so on. (Read “Rome Sweet Home” by the Hahns if you haven’t already.) But the Catholic faith is the pearl of great price, and so, having found it, what else can you do except sell all you have and purchase the field in which you found it? Also, there are plenty of opportunities for women to teach in the Church. You could organize and lead a women’s Bible study, or a chapter of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. You could get involved in youth ministry. You could teach RCIA, CCD, or at a parish school. The vast majority of Catholics just show up on Sunday and never volunteer to assist the clergy in the many and varied ministries, even when they are needed, so you will be a welcome addition to your new parish. Do not be afraid to enter the Church - the joy of total communion with Christ in all of His Sacraments awaits you. God bless you and keep you in your decision to enter the Church.
 
I’m a former Presbyterian, and I know exactly how you feel. Coming into the Catholic Church is not easy. I, and many others I know, had a difficult time. You go to mass, and Catholics are not as social as protestants, Mass is over and everyone heads for the car. Many are poorly catechised, and practice their faith with “a lick and a promise” devotion. At one point I looked around my local parish and silently railed “This is Your Church, God? This is what you left us?!” I know that sounds very critical, and I realize I’m speaking in sweeping generalities, but I’m just saying, it’s a bumpy ride.

The bottom line is this: Did Jesus establish His Church to infallibly declare doctrine and dogma? You can say, well, he left the Holy Spirit in us, and yes that is true, but that is really begging the question, because the Bible does not interpret itself. Its inerrancy stands or falls on the human interpretation one uses. Whose interpretation is correct? What are the criteria for determining who is correct? This is the question you must answer.
And there may be a long period of adjustment when you are Catholic in your head (you know this is God’s Church) but you’re protestant in your heart (you grieve what you’ve known church to be your whole life).

Even if you stay a Presbyterian you will do much to bring unity between Protestants and Catholics just by actually KNOWING what the Catholic Church teaches, instead of all the hooey that people THINK is what the Church teaches.

God bless you on your journey.

I will pray for you 🙂
 
Heather777 said:
This seems so difficult and I can’t help wondering whether I have I just made a mistake and God isn’t calling me to His Church, should I just go back to my church?
Click to expand...
His Church or your church? Not a difficult choice. Honestly, does it make sense that He would establish His Church, but want you to go to ‘your’ church instead? one where you can do things your own way rather than His own Way?
 
Dear H7:

Women can do anything in the Church, other than get ordained! In fact, females have exercised leadership in the Church since before there was one (the 2 Marys, just for starters).

Blessed Easter and ICXC NIKA.
 
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