Going to mass AND protestant service

[tskal]

Hi Inquisannie:

Sounds like a tough deal and I sympathize. I’m a convert and I love the Church. Of course, if I did not know Jesus of Nazareth and the fact that He established the Catholic Church as the earthly repository of all the correct doctrine, the authority, the sacraments, it’s unity, it’s holiness, it’s catholicity, it’s apostolicity, the Church Fathers, the Saints, the writers(Chesterton, St louis de Montfort, Thomas a Kempis, Bl John Henry Newman, Ronald Knox, Romano Guardini to name only a handful), the theologians(how about Scott Hahn?), the Blessed Virgin Mary, and, not least, the Mass where we receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus. I left out SCORES of of other incredible, wonderful things but you get the idea.

I know a lot of people who’s experience of the Christian religion is filled with close knit, supportive congregations led by dedicated individuals and are prayer filled and are often marked by charisma filled preaching. All good things. These things sustain them. But one thing is certain. As comfortable as they may be, they are not the genuine article. I’d still be my old self if I didn’t become convinced of all the things–and many others–the Catholic Church TEACHES. As far as I’m concerned, in other words, people are people and THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT, if you get my drift.

Don’t forget. Many had to suffer for the faith. There’s no one here that is exempt in this regard.

God Bless.

 

[PJM]

=inquisitiveanni;7819619]This is where I’m at. I reverted in 2004, and I’m married with one child and one on the way. When I first joined the church I was on fire. There were lots of opportunities for growth as a Christian with young adult groups, bible studies and general gatherings. Now that I have a family, I am dissapointed with the lack of family involvement. I can barely pay attention during mass because I’m wrangling a 3 year old, none of the bible studies or groups provide childcare, so I’m unable to attend those, and the saddest thing is that if I stopped showing up at my parish (which I’ve been attending for 4 years) no one would notice. I know I could get more involvement at a protestant church. My son attends a preschool at a protestant church and they have so many opportunities for growth and drawing closer to Christ. There are women’s bible studies scheduled at the same time as a kids club mission, there are small group communities that enable people to grow closer in Christ. There’s Sunday school so parents can focus during the service and kids can learn about Jesus at their level. Not to mention men’s bible studies, community involvement and most importantly building relationships that are encouraged. I should also mention that my husband is not Catholic, and gets nothing from mass, and I want him desperately to be closer to God, and grow into the spriitual leader of our family.
Having said all of this, I still believe in most of the teachings of the catholic church, and therefore intend to continue attending mass, with the addition of attending the protestant church. Any comments,suggestions, helps?

My dear friend in Christ;

Your not in a cannoe; your in a Battleship! Many thousands face the same issues you discuss.

Permit me please to detail for you some of the completely unique things about OUR CC…

1. The Catholic Faith is the ONLY one actually founded by God Himself [Mt. 16:15-19; John 20: 19-23]
2. EVERY OTHER Faith is man-made
3. There are in the NT over 100 references to only Oe Church; One Faith based on One Covenant
4. ONLY in the CC are the Seven sacraments both Valid and Licit
5. So ONLY in the CC can one actually receive the Body; Blood’ Sould, Divinity and the COMPLETE JESUS in Holy Communion
6. Only in the CC is there KNOWN forgiveness of sins!
   John.20:19 to 23 "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, ***he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” ***
7. The Catholic Church is the ONLY TRUE Christian Church
8. The Catholic Church gave the bible to the world and used it exclusivey for about 1,500 years.
9. ONLY the CC can trace it’s origin back to Christ and the Apostles themselves

God will deal HARSHLY with all FOR ANY REASON that choose to leave His own One true church… READ Heb. 6:4-10.

I’ll pray for you; but understand friend that it is foolish to think that we maight participate in Christ GLORY without first having participating with Christ in His Suffering. 'Take up YOUR cross and folow ME" is listed FIVE seperate times in Scripture:

**Luke.14: 7 **Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

This can be the MOST important decission of your life for you and your family.

I’ll add you to my daily pray for list.

God Bless you,
Pat

 

[GaryTaylor]

This is where I’m at. I reverted in 2004, and I’m married with one child and one on the way. When I first joined the church I was on fire. There were lots of opportunities for growth as a Christian with young adult groups, bible studies and general gatherings. Now that I have a family, I am dissapointed with the lack of family involvement. I can barely pay attention during mass because I’m wrangling a 3 year old, none of the bible studies or groups provide childcare, so I’m unable to attend those, and the saddest thing is that if I stopped showing up at my parish (which I’ve been attending for 4 years) no one would notice. I know I could get more involvement at a protestant church. My son attends a preschool at a protestant church and they have so many opportunities for growth and drawing closer to Christ. There are women’s bible studies scheduled at the same time as a kids club mission, there are small group communities that enable people to grow closer in Christ. There’s Sunday school so parents can focus during the service and kids can learn about Jesus at their level. Not to mention men’s bible studies, community involvement and most importantly building relationships that are encouraged. I should also mention that my husband is not Catholic, and gets nothing from mass, and I want him desperately to be closer to God, and grow into the spriitual leader of our family.
Having said all of this, I still believe in most of the teachings of the catholic church, and therefore intend to continue attending mass, with the addition of attending the protestant church. Any comments,suggestions, helps?

In all the studys of how protestant churchs seperate the men, women and children its known this leads to a lack of emphasis of family. The most imortant aspect a chuch provides is FAMILY unity and Prayer thus salvation. And the more this is non-apparent the more likely for the influence of satan to enter and destroy the church. Let alone the fact the Sacrements are absent, most notable confession and communion. The destruction of the Family is the owrk of evil. Its tahst simple.

This is a path of social comfortabiliy that leads to the destruction of the Church and Soul.

Those who get “nothing” from the Catholic Mass arrive with a closed mind and would rather engage is social activity.

Now I could recommend a "few books written by Protestants on this topic if you would like. So although this know and has been by catholics, its now clearly understood by protestants.

 

[Nicea325]

This is where I’m at. I reverted in 2004, and I’m married with one child and one on the way. When I first joined the church I was on fire. There were lots of opportunities for growth as a Christian with young adult groups, bible studies and general gatherings. Now that I have a family, I am dissapointed with the lack of family involvement. I can barely pay attention during mass because I’m wrangling a 3 year old, none of the bible studies or groups provide childcare, so I’m unable to attend those, and the saddest thing is that if I stopped showing up at my parish (which I’ve been attending for 4 years) no one would notice. I know I could get more involvement at a protestant church. My son attends a preschool at a protestant church and they have so many opportunities for growth and drawing closer to Christ. There are women’s bible studies scheduled at the same time as a kids club mission, there are small group communities that enable people to grow closer in Christ. There’s Sunday school so parents can focus during the service and kids can learn about Jesus at their level. Not to mention men’s bible studies, community involvement and most importantly building relationships that are encouraged. I should also mention that my husband is not Catholic, and gets nothing from mass, and I want him desperately to be closer to God, and grow into the spriitual leader of our family.
Having said all of this, I still believe in most of the teachings of the catholic church, and therefore intend to continue attending mass, with the addition of attending the protestant church. Any comments,suggestions, helps?

I understand what you are saying because as the Director of Catechetical Ministry at my parish,I hear these type of circumstances all the time. My advice? Go and speak to your pastor and see,if he will allow someone at the parish to watch young children while you serve your community. Need to ask or else it might never change. God Bless

 

[TrueLight]

This sort of thing is exactly what my wife and I are dealing with right now. Minus the troubles with a 3 year old. Our son tends to behave rather well knocks on wood.

The trouble we’re finding is there are no means to grow as a Christian in this parish, save for sponsoring someone in RCIA. There was a Catholic Apologetics program, but the leader was asked to shut it down due to her poor understanding of the Catholic faith. There are no bible studies, there are no CCE classes, or anything else. And that goes for most of the parishes in our area (within 1 hr driving distance).

The Methodist church I came from was full of it. Sunday school classes for everyone, bible studies throughout the week, a booming youth group, and the ministries we had. It really seems that what I’m running in to is “I don’t need to do all that. I’m Catholic and go to mass.”

I completely understand how you feel although I have no advice for you. It is something I struggle with as well.

 

[thomasf]

Well, I went to a non-denomination service this morning, and almost cried by the lack of substance. My husband really liked it, and until we get a bible study at my parish, I’ll be going to their bible study. Although I am convicted in the truths of the Catholic church, if this other church helps my husband be closer to God, I’ll go with him.

Just be careful. Just because it is a bible study doesn’t mean it is in line with catholic teachings, and you can be led into error with protestant studies. I urge you to do what many of us here have recommended and start your own study there at your parish.

God Bless you!

 

[Mrs_Sally]

No, please do not start going to a protestant church for fellowship, Bible studies, or anything else like that. Certainly we have friends who are protestant, but we do not participate in activites at other churches. Instead, see if you can organize a babysitting coop for bible studies or mom’s group at your parish. There are probably other mothers in your same situation who would be happy to take tuns watching the little ones.

 

[TrueLight]

No, please do not start going to a protestant church for fellowship, Bible studies, or anything else like that. Certainly we have friends who are protestant, but we do not participate in activites at other churches. Instead, see if you can organize a babysitting coop for bible studies or mom’s group at your parish. There are probably other mothers in your same situation who would be happy to take tuns watching the little ones.

I said this before. I am not leaving my protestant choir. I was in two choirs and had been on break from one. I decided not to go back to one of them, but the other one not only has a great director, but the community is extremely caring and prayerful. I don’t see myself leaving that one.

 

[rev_kevin]

This is where I’m at. I reverted in 2004, and I’m married with one child and one on the way. When I first joined the church I was on fire. There were lots of opportunities for growth as a Christian with young adult groups, bible studies and general gatherings. Now that I have a family, I am dissapointed with the lack of family involvement. I can barely pay attention during mass because I’m wrangling a 3 year old, none of the bible studies or groups provide childcare, so I’m unable to attend those, and the saddest thing is that if I stopped showing up at my parish (which I’ve been attending for 4 years) no one would notice. I know I could get more involvement at a protestant church. My son attends a preschool at a protestant church and they have so many opportunities for growth and drawing closer to Christ. There are women’s bible studies scheduled at the same time as a kids club mission, there are small group communities that enable people to grow closer in Christ. There’s Sunday school so parents can focus during the service and kids can learn about Jesus at their level. Not to mention men’s bible studies, community involvement and most importantly building relationships that are encouraged. I should also mention that my husband is not Catholic, and gets nothing from mass, and I want him desperately to be closer to God, and grow into the spriitual leader of our family.
Having said all of this, I still believe in most of the teachings of the catholic church, and therefore intend to continue attending mass, with the addition of attending the protestant church. Any comments,suggestions, helps?

Follow your heart and pray for guidance.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I said this before. I am not leaving my protestant choir. I was in two choirs and had been on break from one. I decided not to go back to one of them, but the other one not only has a great director, but the community is extremely caring and prayerful. I don’t see myself leaving that one.

I have not heard your story before. Were you confirmed this Easter? It sounds like you are in a different situation from the OP, but I would still caution you. Commitments to the protestant choir may start to conflict with Mass times or other activites at your parish. Please stay open to the possibilities for fellowship and music in your parish rather than cultivating ties to a protestant church.

 

[TrueLight]

I have not heard your story before. Were you confirmed this Easter? It sounds like you are in a different situation from the OP, but I would still caution you. Commitments to the protestant choir may start to conflict with Mass times or other activites at your parish. Please stay open to the possibilities for fellowship and music in your parish rather than cultivating ties to a protestant church.

No, I wasn’t confirmed. I haven’t started RCIA yet.

 

[MarkBrown]

Raising a toddler, and a soon to be new infant is a busy job, in and of itself. This too shall pass, they do grow up; ) Don’t give up Mass just because things “are not” convenient for you, Mass isn’t about you, it is about hearing and being taught The Word of God, and it is about receiving our Lord’s body, blood, soul and divinity…He will nourish and strengthen you…

May I suggest attending a Ladies Society meeting, perhaps they could help…

Your husband may not be catholic now, it may take twenty-years, but I have seen it happen. With God nothing is impossible…my husband is living proof of that

Teresa

Teresa is correct. It took me 21 years of marriage and 25 years of knowing my wife before I converted. My wife at times took 5 kids to Mass. From a very early age we taught them the importance of worship and proper behavior in Church. Our youngest is 5 years old now. None of them have never been in “child care or kids church”. Even at a protestant church.

Mark

 

[tskal]

I’ve tried the Bible study at my co-worker’s(who’s not Catholic) house. If you aren’t 100% solid in the Faith–and the places in Scripture that highlight and illuminate IT–I don’t think you should do it…If you want to be a Catholic, learn the Catholic faith. (Then you can come on here and give what for to prospective converts too.)

 

[JRRTFAN]

Well, I went to a non-denomination service this morning, and almost cried by the lack of substance. My husband really liked it, and until we get a bible study at my parish, I’ll be going to their bible study. Although I am convicted in the truths of the Catholic church, if this other church helps my husband be closer to God, I’ll go with him.

I am a Catholic and my family is non-denominational. I went to Holy Saturday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil by myself. Each was profound. On Easter morning I went with the family to their non-denominational community.

Because they had not gotten tickets (yes, tickets) to an earlier service (they got 12:30 which stretches my ecumenism) they opted to go at 9:30 at a second “campus” of their community.

Campus 2 is an old movie theatre with stack chairs. I went there to see movies in the mid-60s and it hasn’t held up well; DINGY takes on a new meaning. The service consisted of about 60 of us sitting in this big theatre watching a band. Then up came a screen and we watched a video of the sermon that was being preached at campus 1. Actually, it was a video made specially for the off Main Campus locations as there was no congregation present during filming. (The pastor does better with a live audience, some of the jokes fall flat with no interaction). The family had doughnuts while they watched.

Before the service the worship leader, kind of an M.C., offered a theory that this community was centered on the same teaching, i.e., the senior pastor’s. He’s about 32, his academic bona fides are unknown. I was kind of shocked. Not the same Mass, as we have, but the same sermon, that’s the center, the “teaching”. Not the Scripture, the SERMON! is the center.

I came out, more or less, depressed that my family thinks this stuff is “awesome”.

 

[TobyLue]

JRRTFAN

Not the same Mass, as we have, but the same sermon, that’s the center, the “teaching”. Not the Scripture, the SERMON! is the center.

This is exactly what I discovered many years ago when I started going to other churches. I had a friend that went around looking for “dynamic” speakers so we would go listen to them. The louder they were, the stronger the “amens”, “hallelujahs” the better that church was. It seems like they are all centered on the person on the pulpit.

The CC centers it on Jesus in the Eucharist. We go to Mass not to “feel good”, not to listen to a great preacher, not to enjoy the music, the fellowship, etc. (and yes, they certainly do help), but we go to praise, worship, give thanks to God, regardless of how we feel, or what the person next to me is doing. We go NOT to feel good but to GIVE. I have know some non-Catholics who criticize Catholics that they don’t take a bible to Mass like they do to their services. The Mass is not a scripture study, but to be with Jesus in the Eucharist.

We do, however, listen to God’s word during the sermon, and of course the whole Mass is filled with scripture. We just have to devote ourselves and give ourselves completely to Our Lord while at Mass and we will be filled with joy not found elsewhere.

 

[JRRTFAN]

JRRTFANThis is exactly what I discovered many years ago when I started going to other churches. I had a friend that went around looking for “dynamic” speakers so we would go listen to them. We do, however, listen to God’s word during the sermon, and of course the whole Mass is filled with scripture. We just have to devote ourselves and give ourselves completely to Our Lord while at Mass and we will be filled with joy not found elsewhere.

Given my Evangelical family, I have been to countless “services”, which they aver are Biblecentric. Here are the hard facts. Faithful Sunday Mass goers hear the entire substance of the New and Old Testaments over a 3 year period. Having been a Catholic since birth, therefore since the 3 year rotation began in 1969, I have heard the substance of the entire Bible proclaimed 14 times. Since my folks de-poped 17 year ago, and I having attended services with them with relative frequency since then, I have not heard the substance of all the New Testament proclaimed, let alone the Old, which is almost never mentioned.

Read Ezechial 18 and see if you think that little gem is going to be preached in any Evangelical community. I would say, not before the Lord returns in glory.

 

[PJM]

=thomasf;7821824]I guess it depends on the parish. Some parishes have a lot of resources, a lot of people, and have more ability to offer lots of programs and activities. Some do not. It also depends on the congregation there and sometimes the priest and council. The church I attend does not have a lot of programs like that, but I know of a lot of other local parishes that do. I have stepped up and help to create a couple of different christian services programs that people seem to like and take part in. The thing is, unless folks step up and create these programs, there will be none. Our priests are so overworked these days that they can’t be expected to do everything.

In any case, don’t let a lack of programs or activities chase you out of the catholic church. Work to make things different or better for you. There’s more to consider than the programs, especially when you consider the sacraments. And the fact that the catholic church is the church Jesus founded. All the sunday school programs in the protestant church can’t change that.

A VERY VALID POINT; may I suggest you start a thread and give more details?

God Bless and Thanks,
Pat