Going through RCIA getting discouraged

[glamourdollxoxo]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

 

[Jerok]

I’m 22 and in RCIA and my mother tells me that Catholics are just greedy and it’s all about tradition and money. She says the Catholics claim that all protestants will go to hell! I told her this isn’t true, etc, and she said that ‘Catholics are just telling you that so you’ll join them.’

Jesus said that we would be divided against ourselves, father against son, mother against daughter. The Truth is so overwhelming for people because it brings out their own faults and they can’t accept that.

Another note, many Protestants claim that Catholics will go to Hell and even aren’t Christians. But the Catholics believe that we are all in Christ’s brotherhood and can all be saved based on God’s infinite Mercy. This isn’t solid ‘become-a-Catholic’ evidence, but which sounds more like Love to you?

We’ll both be becoming Catholic in April, no? I can’t wait!

 

[mfj]

“The Truth is so overwhelming for people because it brings out their own faults and they can’t accept that.”
This I find to be true, though I didn’t think that way before.

When I was getting serious about my faith, I didn’t want to be catholic because that is a sloppy religion. My thought was I wanted to be Pentecostal or Holiness. They live their faith. They are serious, they dress the part, they act the part, they don’t tolerate sloppyness, they focus on the Holy Spirit.

I won’t bore you with the details but Gd steppped in and here I am. When I started studying the faith, I quickly learned how strict the catholic faith is. And what I had seen was only sloppy people not the faith. I love to listen to many protestant teachers but I know irrefutably where Gd wants us.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

Yeah, I have family like that. They think I’m some holier than thou person, even though I don’t flaunt my beliefs or even talk religion with them. My family is mostly protestant, except for my mom and one of my sisters. xD

Don’t worry. They are taught lies about us from the beginning. They don’t know they were deceived about us. I’m not saying they aren’t at fault for persecuting you, but they dont’ know much about what we believe.

 

[horselvr]

It’s sad isn’t it.

I have a friend (over 30 yrs) and she is a born again christian. She is forever sending me phamplets about how Catholics are condemned to hell yatayata. Very hurtful but I excuse her because, well, she is ignorant. LOL!

I have a fondness for the RCIA program as I was a sponsor and stayed in the program for a few years. There is plenty to learn about Catholicism. Congratulations to all of you for staying the course.

 

[puzzleannie]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

these are exactly the kinds of issues you should be bringing up with your sponsor and RCIA director, because they are common problems, and we are there to help you learn to deal, and stay firm as the challenges become stronger the closer we get to
Easter. The entire idea of Lent–as a season of prayer and penance–is rooted in RCIA as the period of final strengthening of conversion and battling these roadblocks that come up.

Have you tried simply asking people that last question, “Why do you feel compelled to save me from the Church established by Jesus Christ?” The hardest part for people coming into the Church from other denominations is often making that final break from the tenets and practices of their old sect, without breaking the bonds of fellowship and family they have with members of that body. Let them see you being happy and joyful, rather than discouraged, so they understand why you feel you have found the fullness of truth.

the EWTN program on Monday night called The Journey Home features a different guest each week who tells their conversion story, and many relate similar experiences to yours. Rome Sweet Home by Kimberly and Scott Hahn tells their story, with emphasis on how they dealt with their families (both had fathers who were preachers, and Scott was a preacher) and many have found it extremely helpful.

Search and Rescue by Patrick Madrid is also very helpful on witnessing to family members, what to say and how to say it, and what not to say.

 

[crazzeto]

Perhaps it might be a good time to get the ball rolling with apologetics. Here is a website with some good free audio downloads for you:

www.biblechristiansociety.com
alabamacatholicresources.com/

 

[CalCatholic]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

After you are received into the Church, keep learning about your faith, RCIA is just the begining. Read your Bible with Catholic commentary, join a Bible Study group at your parish, stay informed. Beside ‘Rome Sweet Home’ (which is a very good book) I would also suggest, ‘Catholic and Christian’ by Alan Schreck. When you are done reading it yourself, you can give it to your family and friends to read. It is written for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. God bless you on your journey!!!

 

[Kayladay]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

Unfortunately we are always going to have people in this world that think their way is the only way and will try to convince others of the same. I feel this is their way of trying to feel superior above you. But you know better than that.

Do not let let their words bother you. You know what’s in your heart and that’s all that matters. A favorite quote comes to mind: “It’s mind over matter - If you don’t mind - it don’t matter!”

You’ll be in my prayers and I hope when Easter comes we can all bid you “Welcome” into the Catholic Faith.

 

[fdesales]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

It’s too bad so many non-Catholic Christians have this attitude. Be heartened that you are doing the will of God and have the same attitude, who desires ALL men be saved, not just the First Baptist Church of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which seems to be the attitude of such.

I see satan attack at least one person in this manner practically every year in my RCIA classes. They must undergo this barrage of nonsense from their friends or family who profess to be in union with LOVE itself…?? In most cases, you’ll find that your practice and growth in the Lord will be enough to convince them that, though you are still Catholic, at least they can accept you as fellow Christians because of your action.

Hang in there and keep praying for them.

Regards,

Fdesales

 

[John655]

I am a convert, too, and have several friends who came into the Church as converts from the protestant church. It is a very difficult trial, but once you are in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, receiving the Eucharist, you will look back on the time of great trial, and feel that it was all worth it, because of the immeasurable treasure you have received: 1) the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ 2) the Real Presence of Jesus in the Tabernacle and Sanctuary 3) participation in the Sacrifice that pleases God - the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass 4) the teaching of the Pope and Magesterium . . . . there is so much we receive.

Converting to Catholicism from the protestant church is like childbirth: a woman in labor (or RCIA!!) is focused on the painful time she is experiencing - but once the baby is born (and you are received into the Church), you will look back at the pain, and say without a moment’s hesitation, “It was all worth it!”

I am not in any way trying to marginalize what you are going through - it is a very hard road - but “keep your eyes on the prize”! All your suffering will be worth it. Remember the Gospel reading from Sunday - rejoice and be glad when people rebuke you because of following the Lord (and sadly, we are rebuked by those who follow the Lord by the teaching they know).

It may comfort you to spend time each week to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, and just spend time with the Lord in the Tabernacle. May the Lord richly bless you - you are almost there! Your time of “wandering in the wilderness” will be over in a few short weeks. We’ll be praying for you in the mean time.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

I’ve encountered that kind of thing, yes. It’s painful and it makes things difficult, but God uses it to purify our souls. Suffering for Him is good for us. I try to thank Him for all sorrows He gives me as soon as I receive them. Sure beats the heck out of complaining, for me .

This is the best decision you ever made . May God give you courage, strength and never-failing love as you pass through the time of trial.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

And for those who harass you in this way,

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

 

[convert_2000]

It’s sad isn’t it.

I have a friend (over 30 yrs) and she is a born again christian. She is forever sending me phamplets about how Catholics are condemned to hell yatayata. Very hurtful but I excuse her because, well, she is ignorant. LOL!

I have a fondness for the RCIA program as I was a sponsor and stayed in the program for a few years. There is plenty to learn about Catholicism. Congratulations to all of you for staying the course.

I get those from my family. Have the biggest collection of anti-catholic materials on a shelf out in the garage. You are correct, it is ignorance.

 

[Aldhelm]

Most have already covered it, but I feel I have to chime in. I came to the Church through RCIA in 2008. A good friend of mine, arguably my best friend, is a lapsed Catholic.

He grew up going to parochial school, etc., and by the time he got to college was in full-rebellion-agnostic mode. Since marrying a very Christian girl (my wife’s college roommate), he has found a home in a very liberal Methodist congregation.

The point is, as I went through RCIA we’d have discussions - as I was coming to the Church from a non-Christian perspective and he was still running away from it - and I realized more and more how little he really knew about the faith he grew up with.

So, if cradle Catholics aren’t always effectively taught the teachings of the Church, how can we expect others to understand?

 

[mfj]

“B]The point is, as I went through RCIA we’d have discussions - as I was coming to the Church from a non-Christian perspective and he was still running away from it - and I realized more and more how little he really knew about the faith he grew up with.”

That’s a very sad fact!
And worse is they usually spread a lot of erroneous beliefs about church teachings.

 

[Mistyjazz]

Hello to all, I am so glad I have found this thread…I am classed now as “the elect” and have been going through my RCIA program since August 4th last year…My first scrutiny is coming up next Sunday on the 3rd Sunday of Lent… Just briefly giving you a run down…My husband is Catholic, both my young boys are also baptised Catholic and are altar boys assisting at mass. Our boys also attend a local Catholic School.

I haven’t told many people about my faith journey because firstly I don’t want to loose my focus and get discouraging remarks for doing so…Only now as we near my final celebration have I only told my close family…I am an outgoing girl, who is friendly and social and recently my neighbours seem to be taking extra interest in my frequent comings and goings of attending church on Sundays.

They know I go when the boys are altar serving but peer through their windows and see me leaving the drive to go there. Their daughter is forever asking so many questions about did I go to church Sunday?, why did I go? how I normally go with my boys but why am I now going alone and almost every Sunday? It’s like their obsessed with why I am attending Church now…

We are good friends and I often go around for the occasion drink or two but I am fed up with the questions…what do I say? They don’t believe in God so I feel it is senseless waisting my energy telling them so?

Also being in such a small town it is difficult too at times, I don’t feel that I can tell most of my friends because they would ask all those questions over aswell and try to discourage me I think…Aparently it is looked at as a not so cool thing to do I think…But I know my calling and I am so excited to get there…Finally to celebrate our family as a whole being Catholic and too receive the holy gifts of the eucharist together once my youngest son has completed his 1st Holy Communion in June this year…

What an awesome feeling that will be…but just sometimes not being able to express my joy about it to everyone I feel is sometimes hard…Not all people believe in Christ and will just judge and humiliate me for doing so…So if anyone could shed some light on perhaps what I should say to people…without going into it would be great…

Thankyou…and goodluck and enjoy the lenten journey all of my catecumen and elect friends out there…I hope you are all reading the gospels every night bringing yourselves closer to a wonderful experience that we are waiting on…Love to all…God bless xx

 

[fdesales]

Hello to all, I am so glad I have found this thread…I am classed now as “the elect” and have been going through my RCIA program since August 4th last year…My first scrutiny is coming up next Sunday on the 3rd Sunday of Lent… Just briefly giving you a run down…My husband is Catholic, both my young boys are also baptised Catholic and are altar boys assisting at mass. Our boys also attend a local Catholic School.

I haven’t told many people about my faith journey because firstly I don’t want to loose my focus and get discouraging remarks for doing so…Only now as we near my final celebration have I only told my close family…I am an outgoing girl, who is friendly and social and recently my neighbours seem to be taking extra interest in my frequent comings and goings of attending church on Sundays.

They know I go when the boys are altar serving but peer through their windows and see me leaving the drive to go there. Their daughter is forever asking so many questions about did I go to church Sunday?, why did I go? how I normally go with my boys but why am I now going alone and almost every Sunday? It’s like their obsessed with why I am attending Church now…

We are good friends and I often go around for the occasion drink or two but I am fed up with the questions…what do I say? They don’t believe in God so I feel it is senseless waisting my energy telling them so?

Mistyjazz,

When your neighbor brings this up, just speak from your heart without being phony. Be simple - “it brings me peace to go to Mass and experience Christ”. If you can do this without putting her down, you’ve planted a seed for your neighbor’s conversion. We ALL want peace, love, happiness and purpose from this life. As we get older, we find we won’t get these in lasting quantities - until we turn to Christ. If you can witness in simple and honest ways, without needing to become theological or quoting the catechism, you’ve done well.

Regards,

Fdesales

 

[PJM]

=glamourdollxoxo;I dont know if this is the right place for this post, but I am a 21 year old female in the process of going through RCIA. While I am almost done with the program I can’t help but feel discouraged when I have people who are protestant telling me that by becoming Catholic I will go to hell and that we are a false religion,etc. To me this is one of the best decisions I have made and I just don’t understand why others seem to make it their mission to “save all of us Catholics”. Anyone else have friends of family like that?

Hi,

I can’t respond to your OPQ, but can share some insight that you might find helful?

Pope Benedict XVI, in his inital homily as our new Pope, took up where his predecessor the Great John Paul II left of on issue of truth, which is often ignored or denied in our present “Secular Humanist” society.

He shared this thought.*** There cannot be your truth and my truth or there would be NO TRUTH." How simply logical and profound this statement is.***From this understanding, this basic fact we can conclude that many are going to claim to have possesion of his “truth,” only one truth for every issue.

So where does one find “The Truth,” on all [every single one] issue on matters of Faith and or Moral issues?

It is found precisely where Christ Himself placed it; in His Catholic Church, and no where else. Can we prove this? SURE

A great many other churches claim to be “bible churches.” Usually this means they usurp the right to cherry-pick and pull out passages that seem to support thre positons, but when reviewed in the light of the ENTIRE book, or the entire bible, fail to do it.

Th CC is thee Bible Church; having “birthed the bible.” We colllected the OT writings, and men we know today to have been Catholics, actually wrote the entire New Testamant. We assembled the first “Canon of the Bible” [list of books found in the bible] more than 1000 years before the Protestant Revolutation, and the Printing of the edited King James Bible. We are also the ONE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD; biblically and historically proveable.

No one, out side of the CC can properly interpet the Bible,[which does not prevent them from trying] as it was assembled [OT] and written ONLY FOR the Catholic Church founded by Jesus Himself. [And the ONLY Church / religion founded by Jesus.] This has to be true because the bible was completely written by the end of the First Century, and even when the "Canon was set [selected and confirmed] the Catholic Church was the ONLY Christian church in existence in the entire world! So, the BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK.

Matt.16 Verses 15 to 19: "He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ***And Jesus answered him “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. ***[18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

**Eph. 2:19 **So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Now the claims made by others condemming Catholics steem from one or more of these causes.

Simple ignorance of who we are, what we actually do, what we actaully believe and practice. [We don’t worship idols, we don’t hold Mary as equal to God, we know and accept that ONLY God can forgive sins are examples of false understanding.]

Second: they MUST prove us wrong in order for there [failed] position to be true.

Third: They are often too lazy to actually seek the truth

Forth: They claim to be “bible churches” BUT refuse to accept MUCH of what is precisely and specifically in the bible; even the very words of Christ Himself. One Church, founded by Christ with Peter in charge; the Sacrmanents, expecaily Eucharist, Confession of sins, Sacred Tradition; all specifically supportd by the bible, and salvation through Faith and Works.

Love and prayers, learn our faith well enough to be able to explain it and defend it.

Pat