Give me one good reason why I shouldn't leave the Church!

[Superstar905]

No, I thought our Lady told us to pray it everyday! Everytime I pray, it feels like I’m just using mere words in my head.

I know I said I wouldn’t post more, but I feel you reaching out for help here, so I’m going to keep going. Remember something, that everyone is different. Maybe the Rosary isn’t a devotion that suits your prayer life? You just need to discover yourself, thats all. Also remember, the Marian Apparitions are “private revelation”, and are not required for Catholics to follow, although the Church has approved them as being worthy of belief.

I’ve read the NT three times now and I’ve stopped reading it 'cause I really don’t understand it. I can’t interpret what it says, otherwise I’d be accuse of being a Protestant! Besides, everytime I try to read it, I can’t find it spiritually helpful, unless I have the wrong attitutude which I do.

Paris, You have read the NT more than I have. I have read it once, and I struggle with it too. It is not that you can’t “interpret” what you read, Catholics interpret scripture all the time. The problem is when you try to interpret scripture to form your theology/religion based on your personal interpretations. Do you pray before reading scripture? I find that helps. Or better yet, why not trying to do a Catholic Bible study? That will help you immensely!

Look, I go to Confession whether they are venial sins or not! Am I overdoing? Of course I know what a mortal sin is after 1200 + posts, you don’t think I’m THAT dumb, do ya? Plus, going to Confession is a great way to go to Adoration after (that is, if I know what the heck I’m doing)

Yes Paris, you are overdoing it. Humans sin on average 7 times a day, while it is good to go to confession as often as possible, you are definitely overdoing it. The beauty about confession, is that if you are TRULY sorry about your sins, you’ll definitely think twice next time, and it will give you greater awareness that you are sinning, which means, yup, you guessed it, greater responsibility. I recommend going to confession max 1 time a month, or after committing a MORTAL sin. Otherwise, don’t go, and I say this because I am trying to help you find a balance.

You’re right, it is me. I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong with me that’s making me act and think like I do. I don’t want to or anything but since I’m weak, I “fail”. HOW do I adore Him is what I’m having trouble with. Since I was NOT brought up Catholic obviously, I don’t got a clue really. Maybe I should ask Father that too.

Paris, I may not sound weak, but I am probably weaker than you, believe me. We are all weak, and we all fall short of the Glory of God. Remember that. We will fail, fall, stumble, but Jesus wants to see our committment to stand back up and repent sincerely. I know, that as a new Catholic, a lot of stuff can be overwhelming, but the key, is balance, like I’ve mentioned a few times. Patience and dealing with things one step at a time. Really, you are doing great.

They dont’ have a young adult group and if they did, it’s only high school and middle school. NO college. Only K-12 and middle and high.

How about suggesting it to the Priest to start one? Advertise for 3 weeks in the Sunday Bulletin at mass, and you’ll see, people will come. Is there another Catholic Church near by? Look into that one to see if there is a Young Adults group there.

Because it’s just not. I’m reading a basic How to Pray Catholic Prayer book. I wish I did mean what I say. I guess I don’t but would like to.

Paris, given what you are telling me, go back to the basics. Learn what each part of the “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” prayers mean and where in scripture they come from, and pray it slowly and thoughtfully. Also, I highly recommend, praying your own personal prayers in your own words, to supplement these prayers. That can help you reconnect spiritually with Jesus, I know it helps me.

 

[Superstar905]

Continued,…

Yeah, I think you told me that more than once that it’s me and I’m now more aware of it. I think the problem was I THOUGHT the Church requires us to do what I’m having trouble with and that’s why I thought I was spiritual ill 'cause I was failing to do with what the CC requires, but then again, who knows if THAT’S true or not.

I’m sorry if I kept harping on that, I just wanted to give you the proper focus. The Church requires you to love others, to refrain from Sin, and to worship the Lord by keeping his commandments. That is all in a nutshell. From this basis, everything else will come naturally in time, so you need more patience and need to stop analyzing too much. God knows we are not perfect, and you need to realize this point.

Yeah, it did a little. What am I suppose to do, just wait and pray and keep trying no matter what? I should go to the Adoration again, eh?

hey, this is never a bad thing, as long as you keep the correct mindset. Like other have said, you have to keep the fight, the spiritual fight, and don’t let the devil bring you down.

 

[Magicsilence]

Hi Nicole.

Just thought id let you know im going through exactly the same thing.

Basically, i came back to our Lord roughly in the period leading up to your confirmation.

I was all spiritual for a while, then would die off a little bit, then id read a saints story, get renewed and so on.

Recently I asked God to plunge me into the dark night of the soul so that i could be purged of my sin. It came in a way i was not expecting.

I hated it.

I practically gave up the faith.

But he didnt let me go, pulled me back when i persevered.

You are in only the first on many trials.

Persevere with blind faith.

And see the results.

In Christ.

Andre.

 

[mylo]

Paris Blues:

Well, for example, I’ve really never prayed the Rosary every single day like most good Catholics do! I’ll pray it once in awhile then later wont feel like it then will have to tell our Lady sorry for being slothy and then will forget about it.

Hi Paris,

I used to pray the rosary every single day, then I stopped. I truly think the rosary is absolutely gorgeous, but for where I am in my spiritual and physical life, it’s not what I ‘need’. I’ve switched from the rosary to Divine Mercy chaplet and Sacred Heart of Jesus. I know Mary isn’t angry that I don’t pray the rosary - I am sure that she understands. Heck, I used to fall asleep praying the rosary. I don’t think I’ve ever said a full rosary in my life.

Recently, I’ve been flip flopping between “WHOO HOO CATHOLICISM” to “I AM SO THROUGH WITH IT ALL”. Many a night in the last 3 weeks I’ve basically bawled my eyes out and prayed “what am I doing wrong, Lord? Help me!!”

I know that things are not so … funtastic anymore. But pray, pray, pray. When I’ve been feeling ‘fake’ in prayer, I simply tell Jesus that I am having problems, He knows what is in my heart, and to help me. He is (oh so s l o w l y), but I need to let Him. I’m still having issues with that (pride), but I know He’ll be patient with me.

Erm, the point I’m trying to make: don’t give up the good fight. Perservere, no matter what. Keep going. Pray pray pray pray pray. I’m out of college for Christmas break, so I can sympathize with the need to sleep in. PM me if you want to vent, rant, or whatever. I’ll gladly listen with open eyes.

Also, I’m a-praying for you.

 

[RobNY]

Paris Blues:

Well, for example, I’ve really never prayed the Rosary every single day like most good Catholics do! I’ll pray it once in awhile then later wont feel like it then will have to tell our Lady sorry for being slothy and then will forget about it.

Praying the rosary isn’t a requirement for being a good Catholic. If you aren’t up to it, ditch trying to say it daily. What you are doing is setting up a burden for yourself that you aren’t fulfilling, and you’re feeling guilty about it. Set a goal you can reach. Maybe, pray the rosary once a week. And set that in stone, do that once a week, but don’t skip that either.

Likewise with your other commitments. It is laudable to do all of those devotions, but don’t do them if they tear you apart. Start small. That is, start with what you’re required, your Sunday obligation. And from there branch out. Cut out all of the daily masses for now. Not that they aren’t good-- but in your state they aren’t helping you. You’re feeling overwhelmed instead of comforted. I recommend paring down your devotion to something small, and then taking that to the point where you love it truly and deeply. Once you look foward to nothing more than getting back to Mass on Sunday and receiving the Eucharist, maybe then start to branch out. Go to a daily Mass a week, maybe, if you feel compelled.

But what you’re doing now is actually insanity-- you are overburdening yourself. The daily Mass is a beautiful devotion, but it is meant to help, not to hinder.

anymore…I don’t pray the Rosary like I should

You have no requirment to pray the Rosary.

don’t read Scripture like I used to

How much did you read? I recommend taking what you used to do, reducing it drastically (because if I know you, you did a lot of it!), and being faithful to it. For instance, pray the Rosary one day a week, read Scripture for a half hour on another day. Be absolutely committed to those, but don’t make huge commitments which you are going to break because you are overwhelming yourself.

can’t get to Daily Mass

Nor are you required to. If you have to work or anything don’t let this get in your way. Your life obligations actually do come before totally unnecessary religious devotions (although it is laudable to make time and to observe something like Daily Mass).

keep going to Confession every single dang week

This is a good thing. Don’t worry about that. That is, it is good if you are going to confession because you are falling into mortal sin. Not good if it is an exercise in scrupulosity.

, can’t give true reverance to our Lord in the Adoration (just going through the motions),

Go to adoration less frequently. And when you do actually do it, do it more intensely.

taking the Mass for granted

Perhaps because you’re starting to make it a horrible burden for yourself. Refer to what I said about cutting down the daily masses.

, can’t get involved in the Church

Sounds like you’re overinvolving yourself.

try to pray but it’s not authentic,

Why not start from scratch again. When you pray, it’s not how much, so start with a little. A few prayers. Reflect on those as your pray, and gradually expand if you want more. Better to pray a little, in a good way, than a lot if it becomes a horrible burden that you resent.

 

[scylla]

Here is my advice,

It is easy to burn yourself out and try and do so much. Take a little break and thank God for it.

Sleep in one day and when you wake up at 12 noon say Thank you Jesus for the rest, then just make yourself a sandwich and enjoy the rest of the day, remembering all the blessings you have.

Right now I am spending the day relaxing at home with my kids, we just spent the 2 weeks at hispanic Church gatherings doing the rosary almost every night and getting together. I am a little tired and am taking the day off, spending time on the internet, doing a little debate on Rapture Ready and now I am going to read some childrens books, my kids are getting bored.

Tomorrow I am going to Mass early and I will spend the rest of the day enjoying the Lords Day and relaxing. Sometimes we do need that or else we get burnt out.

Posadas start next week again and I will participate and enjoy it since I will have rested.
mexconnect.com/MEX/austin/posadas.html

God Bless
Scylla

 

[Church_Militant]

My dearest little sister!

Doubt is not sin. It makes us dig into our faith and find the Our Lord.

So you have run head on into a “dry spell”, get used to it Nicole, because every believer on the planet has 'em. Have you ever read The Little Flower’s “Story of A Soul”? I have no doubt that she is there with you even now. You two seem so much alike.

No…you’re not “still Protestant”…there’s no going back, and you know the truth between your ears…and in your heart.

It’s not the things we do that make us Catholic Nicole, it’s who we are that makes us do the things that we do. I pray the Rosary as often as I can (and remember you in EVERY one and at Mass!) and I go to Mass at least every Sunday and more often if I can swing it. But these are not the reasons why I am a Catholic…it’s the truth. That’s it. I go to confession about every 3 months or so just to insure that I’m checking myself out to insure that nothing has got a grip on me, but if I get creamed by a truck, I’m not worried because I know I’m in a state of grace and will be able to face Our Lord with tears of joy in my eyes because of his loving sacrifice for me. (Heck, most of the time I am crying those tears at the consecration at Mass! It’s just an incredible thing to know that He loves me that much and is working within me to be like Him).

Nicole, my friend, realize that all our day is a prayer. I love the Morning Offering because it sort of consecrates my whole day to Him no matter how busy or nuts things get.

“O Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer you all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day. In union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for all the intentions of His Holiness Benedict XVI, and for all those most in need of my intercession.”

That’s mostly traditional, but that is the way that I have made it for me. That way my whole day is His.

We don’t have to walk around with a big dumb smile on our face (mine would be! ), all we have to do is BE Jesus to those we meet. (Matthew 24:31-46)

Don’t Panic! You’re His and He will never let you go.
Ever pray the Anima Christi?

SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Never let me be parted from Thee.
From the malicious enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee,
That with all thy saints I may praise thee
Forever and ever
Amen.

That’s me; OFTEN!
Many times a day I find something that makes me say some small aspiration…like The Miraculous Medal prayer or just something like “Lord, keep me close to thee.”

Don’t you realize that Our Lord made you the way you are and loves you just that way? Just walk with Him Little Sister of mine.
Pax tecum,

 

[Eireann]

Good advice here from RobNY & CM

Paris an old lady told me many times, that “forced food is bad for your body and forced prayer is bad for your soul”.

You have to learn to crawl before you can walk, you just got here, surely after the first storm your not abandoning ship.
After recent scandals if I haven’t jumped ship by now, I’m not going to, even if many I know have, we have to see the bigger picture.
“When the Son of man returns, will He find any faith on earth ?”

Relax, stop cutting a rod for your own back, don’t impose impossible tasks on yourself.
Even veteran cradle Catholics if that’s the right term, go through bad times with their faith, it will be no different for you.
I doubth if there are many on this forum imposing so much on themselves.

Mat:11:28**
28 Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. 29 Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. 30 For my yoke is sweet and my burden light**

 

[Eireann]

scylla:

Sleep in one day and when you wake up at 12 noon say Thank you Jesus for the rest, then just make yourself a sandwich and enjoy the rest of the day, remembering all the blessings you have.

True, God loves His children just as dearly when they’re sleeping as when they’re awake.

 

[Adonia]

God loves you!

 

[MamaSusie]

Corapi’s dad made that quote you mentioned earlier…he was a boxer. As an athlete, I DESPISE (!!!) the word “can’t.” Sgt Roat, Navy Seals, said something to the tune of, “Only one thing separates a winner from a loser…a winner GETS BACK UP.” He didn’t say, “The winner never falls.” Above the power racks in my OL gym are the Roman Numerals IX…the 9th station of the cross, where Jesus fell a third time…and GOT BACK UP.

So I wonder what you’re doing to GET BACK UP. I read your words, and I hear a lot of “can’t.” Yes, you can get up early and go to mass. Yes you can pray the rosary…and if you have time, in the middle of your prayers, to stop and realize that you’re saying them without heart, you also have time to INSTANTLY change that by starting that particular prayer over, and proceeding with your heart. And if three prayers later, you realize one again that you’re going through the motions…STOP. Start over again and again as often as you need to TEACH yourself discipline. Eventually, you won’t forget anymore. If you need to hold a Holy card and pretend you’re talking directly to Mary, do that. I need that sometimes too. Same as mass…if you’re there and you have 2 seconds to realize that you’re not paying attention, then you have 2 seconds you can use to CHANGE that too. I’m hearing a lot about where you fail, but nothing about what you do to get back up. Failing is normal…lost battles have won wars. Babe Ruth struck out more than he hit home runs, and Michael Jordan has missed WAY more shots than he’s made. Give yourself some credit. Realize that you DO have control over your actions, and that you DO have the power to change them, and that it IS a learning process. Take baby steps, but for goodness sake DO NOT LAY DOWN! You’re better than that, and Jesus is surely worth it. I would love to see a list of the things you CAN do. I would also like to see, when you fail at them, for you to say, “I failed at this task. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’m going to try it again.”

Sorry if I sound harsh…I’m very sensitive about people being negative about things that they have total control over.

Peace

 

[anonymoususer]

lets get one thing clearly straight; the Lord and the devil are battling for your soul. do not let the devil win. do not grow tired in your battle. you think the devil is dressed in a black cloak and has fangs and a dirty face? no way. he is as sleek as they come, and he can hurt your faith in ways you never thought of. don’t give him the time. be strong in your faith.

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Paris Blues:

Yeah, this would help. I would like to go to Daily Mass now that I’m out of college. But I need to sleep in. Now what?

This:​

ccel.org/ccel/hilton/ladder.htm

Other souls that cannot love thus, but travail themselves by their own afflictions, and stir themselves through their own thinking of God and bodily exercise, for to draw out of themselves, by mastery, the feeling of love, by fervours and other bodily signs, these love not spiritually. They do well and meritoriously, if so be they understand humbly that this their working is not the kindly gracious feeling of love, but is a human acting of the soul at the bidding of reason.

This is from the 14th-century mystic Walter Hilton - I hope it helps. It sounds as though you are trying to love God by your own efforts, or to earn God’s Love. Neither is possible.

Don’t give up being Catholic: of course it’s hard at times. That is to be expected; it’s unavoidable. And don’t rely on your feelings - they are a very poor guide to action. When you feel God is close - that is a blessing: so be grateful for it. When you do not feel that - He is still there. So that too is something to be grateful for. If you rely on yourself, you are sure to collapse.

If you need to sleep - then sleep. What use are you going to be to God if you’re tired out from trying too hard ? You’d snap, like a rubber band that’s been pulled too tight. ##

 

[Singinbeauty]

Even though I am not catholic I do believe that when you find the christian faith that you are so passionate about you need to stick with it whole heartedly!

Paris…

I have read many of your posts and am constantly encouraged by your enthusiasm for God and the catholic church. But babe, we all tire at certain points. We grow weak and Satan sure likes to whisper in our ears at that point. Hold tight to the love you have for God and the catholic church (shock a PROTESTANT just said that??? ) If that is where you find God and your peace with Him know that He is cradling you in His arms right now and knows you are tired. Remember, there is NOTHING that we can do that will suprise or even ‘impress’ God. Let me explain what I mean. God loves us no matter what we do. He loves someone who comes to church and just silently prays and He loves someone who comes in singing and praising His name. He does not favor one over the other because each of them are praising Him the only way they know how. Don’t stop doing what you think is how you should worship God but also pay attention to WHY you tire and become luke-warm to those things. It could be that you are coming down from the high of your confirmation. It happens but keep keepin’ on. Don’t give up when it gets tough. This is when you need to pick it up and REMIND yourself why you know it’s important. Sit down with God and ask Him to remind you why you began this path in the first place. You WILL find renewed peace and love for the catholic church in this. Spend time with just YOU and GOD… no distractions, no reading or studying, just sit and be quiet letting His love and warmth come over you. There is something to be said for you shutting out the world and your own thoughts and letting God speak to you.

One thing I did want to address is this statement below:

First thing (and I think this is a very cradle Catholic thing of me to say, but thats the way I am) is that God would much prefer that you went to Mass and took it for granted, than that you didn’t go at all. Regardless of how emotionless you pray the rosary, a prayer is not a bad thing - it is still good to pray. Same for adoration. Same for reading Scripture - even if you think you’re getting nothing out of it, you never know in what small way it muight touch you. Same for every bloomin thing!

This bugs me… God said He would rather us be HOT or COLD than luke-warm. He said He will spit us out of His mouth if we are luke-warm so I don’t think He would rather you be in church going through the motions than if you took some time to figure out WHY you are where you are. Just my 2cents!

 

[gusano]

Paris Blues:

I don’t know….I think it’s because I’m not very spiritual anymore…I don’t pray the Rosary like I should, don’t read Scripture like I used to, can’t get to Daily Mass, keep going to Confession every single dang week, can’t give true reverance to our Lord in the Adoration (just going through the motions), taking the Mass for granted, can’t get involved in the Church,try to pray but it’s not authentic, etc. etc.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO!!!

Maybe you guys could give me so helpful tips because I sure ain’t help!

From what you say,
I believe God has" led you out into the desert" so you would see that you need for Him to FILL YOU WITH THE SPIRIT.
so you can “feel” as the first Christians “felt” after Pentecost.
and enjoy the same Power!
In order to feel the power of your prayer deep with in you, you need a “Prayer Language” from God .(one of the Gifts of The Holy Spirit)

Here is what you can do next time you go to the Eucharistic Liturgy; …
"Offer your body as a living sacrifice…" according to Romans 12: 1
Do it when the Priest invites you to “Lift up your hearts” and we respond; “We Lift them up to The Lord”.

Just WILL your whole life to God in the condition that it is, at the Altar.
and begin expecting for The Holy Spirit to LEAD you.
"All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Romans 8: 14

The Holy Spirit (who desires to Live in us 24/7) is who bears His Fruit in us.
"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patient endurance, Kindness, Generosity, Faith, Modesty, and Self Control." Gal. 5: 22

God Gives us His Spirit so we can “Rouse ourselves”…
and “For this reason , I remind you to stir into flames the Gift of God bestowed when my hands were laid on you.
The Spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit, but rather one that makes strong, Loving, and Wise.” 2 Tim. 1: 6

Go to the Altar and

• "JUST DO IT !" *

No one who places his HOPE IN CHRIST
has ever been dissappointed.

gusano

 

[spiritblows]

I’m going to be very honest here. I’ve been following this thread. I’ve also observed Paris Blues on other threads. She is a very labile poster, who appears to suffer extremes of emotions, and starts a lot of threads with dramatic titles. This is attention seeking behaviour, and I see that there are many here who have played into her hands.

This is an excellent site that describes the various tactics that people with these unhealthy needs employ. It’s very interesting and informative, and I encourage all of you to read it, as it might also apply to people you know in real life.

Attention seeking behaviour—Drama queens, saviours, rescuers, feigners and attention-seekers
Attention-seeking personality disorders,
victim syndrome, insecurity and centre of attention behaviour

 

[rayne89]

Paris Blues:

I don’t know if it’s just me or it’s the dang weather (snow) or if it’s the devil or what but I don’t think I can make it as a Catholic!

Don’t ask why because I don’t know why either.

It’s almost (name removed by moderator)OSSIBLE!!!

I’ve seen your posts a lot on the forum and most of them have “!!!” in them. I tend to agree with Sherlock here. You seem to have extreme highs and then extreme lows. It seems you either have a very “high-strung” personality type, you have psychological problems or you have a high need to seek attention, approval, and/or reassurance from others. Looking back at your threads you can see how you bounce around to extreme and absolute certainty of the truth of the Catholic Church or major doubts or feelings of unworthiness. And sometimes seemingly minor events send you plummeting into doubts. Just a few days ago you adamant about the Church being the true church and now you want to leave it?
Paris Blues:

True. That’s right. They do need the Eucharist. But it’s what they’ve been taught that has “blinded” them from the Truth darn it!

Paris Blues:

If only people had an open heart to learn more about Catholicism, I think they would understand why we do this, why we do that, etc. I think it’s good too that we have apologetics out there trying to explain it.

I myself want to be an apologist!

That is what you said a few days ago. Look at the some of ypur recent thread titles.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! I’m so ticked off! 12/13/05

I Just Don’t Get It! 12/8/05

Why I LOVE being Catholic! 12/3/05

Losing zeal…what’s going on?? 11/29/05

Non-Catholics don’t get it! 11/28/05

Where’s my zeal?!?!?! 11/23/05

**So Disappointed! 11/16/05

Is it my enthusiaism or do I sound anti-Protestant?** 11/16/05

Awesome! 11/14/05

Was the devil part of the Deformation…I mean Reformation?? 10/10/05

These are just some of threads where I’ve noticed you bounced from one extreme to the next. You can not base your faith in the church (or Christ) in you feelings at the moment. People go through months and even sometimes years of spiritual dryness. Didn’t you just come into the church a month ago? Do you expect to feel on fire for God or his church every moment of the day from now on? It just doesn’t work that way. Believing in God (and his church) is not about feelings its about faith and trust.

Paris do you have a spiritual advisor? If not, you need a good spiritual advisor and possibly a good Catholic counselor. These extremes are not a sign of healthy spiritual development. To come here and say you don’t think you can be Catholic and you don’t even know why looks from the outside as if you want people to reply with. “Oh no Paris please don’t leave.” Other people’s actions, other people’s words - can not be the reason you stay or go. It must be something internal. Something within that just keeps you plugging along in good times and bad. Being a good Catholic is not about how many rosaries you pray. Or how pious you act. It’s about where your heart lies. Your faith must be in God, not in people and not in feelings.

You need to seek out a good spiritual advisor. I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[Contarini]

Paris,

I’m not a Catholic (or, as Fr. Groeschel told me I should put it, “not in full communion”). But I understand where you are coming from. In fact, the instability of my own spiritual life was one of the reasons I didn’t become Catholic some years ago. I simply wasn’t sure enough that it was God leading me. Of course it may be a Catch-22–perhaps I would have a stronger spiritual life if I were Catholic. But in the absence of clearer light, I’m plugging along as an Anglican and trying to focus on the basics.

One of the basic axioms of traditional Christian wisdom (Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox) is that you can’t go by your feelings. Another piece of advice I’ve received (from my Episcopalian parish priest in North Carolina) is not to overdo your spiritual disciplines at first. You need to have some kind of daily discipline of prayer, but perhaps you’re trying too much. It may be wise to cut back to something more minimal, and add in spiritual disciplines as you feel ready for them.

It sounds as if you need a spiritual director–but then I don’t have one myself. I understand that good spiritual directors are hard to come by in the Catholic Church (though I hope and presume that you guys are better off in that regard than we Episcopalians are!). At the very least, you need to find some kind of mentor who knows you personally. It sounds as if you’re trying to be a Christian on your own, and that doesn’t work. Ever.

God bless,

Edwin

 

[itsjustdave1988]

Paris Blues:

Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t leave the Church!

Here ya go…
St. John the apostle:

… many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. ****Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” ****Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (John 6:66-68)

 

[spiritblows]

rayne89:

That is what you said a few days ago. Look at the some of ypur recent thread titles.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! I’m so ticked off! 12/13/05

I Just Don’t Get It! 12/8/05

Why I LOVE being Catholic! 12/3/05

Losing zeal…what’s going on?? 11/29/05

Non-Catholics don’t get it! 11/28/05

Where’s my zeal?!?!?! 11/23/05

**So Disappointed! 11/16/05

Is it my enthusiaism or do I sound anti-Protestant?** 11/16/05

Awesome! 11/14/05

Was the devil part of the Deformation…I mean Reformation?? 10/10/05

Dear Rayne,
Thanks for providing these examples. I think they show a definate pattern of emotional lability that is disturbing, to say the least. I really strongly recommend to Paris Blues that the best avenue for her to better serve Christ would be to seek some professional evaluation to explore these obvious mood swings that she is experiencing.