Help! I'm becoming Catholic!

[Mystic_Warrior]

Okay, now that I got your attention

I’ll try to be brief.

In 2004 I began to investigate Catholicism, went to see a priest and the RCIA director. My wife was not open to bringing our kids up as Catholics. She really still isn’t, but is open to me following my own path.

So, after much contention I dropped it altogether because it was causing marital problems. I went through 3 years of doubt, disbelief and utter confusion in which I even left Christianity.

So, now I’m back, more than ever finding my experiences and belief match a lot of Catholicism. I even find myself responding with Catholic answers to questions

The matter of publicly professing that I agree and follow all the Pope’s decrees seems hypocritical of me based on my disagreement with some doctrines within the Church. I just don’t want to be a cafeteria Catholic. I hope that makes sense.

I want to be able to say fully and wholeheartedly that I follow all the teachings of the Church, the magisterium and Pope at Easter and mean it.

Besides a few theological differences, there is still a family issue. We go to a Lutheran church and my wife and kids are really happy there. I don’t want us to follow two different faiths and confuse our children.

I guess I’m asking for prayer and guidance from you all. I admit that I’ve scorned the Church, even vehemently in some cases. I’m back to the confused state that I was in 4 years ago.

I just had to get that off my chest and show some vulnerability.

Peace…

MW

 

[thecoach]

Okay, now that I got your attention

I’ll try to be brief.

In 2004 I began to investigate Catholicism, went to see a priest and the RCIA director. My wife was not open to bringing our kids up as Catholics. She really still isn’t, but is open to me following my own path.

So, after much contention I dropped it altogether because it was causing marital problems. I went through 3 years of doubt, disbelief and utter confusion in which I even left Christianity.

So, now I’m back, more than ever finding my experiences and belief match a lot of Catholicism. I even find myself responding with Catholic answers to questions

The matter of publicly professing that I agree and follow all the Pope’s decrees seems hypocritical of me based on my disagreement with some doctrines within the Church. I just don’t want to be a cafeteria Catholic. I hope that makes sense.

I want to be able to say fully and wholeheartedly that I follow all the teachings of the Church, the magisterium and Pope at Easter and mean it.

Besides a few theological differences, there is still a family issue. We go to a Lutheran church and my wife and kids are really happy there. I don’t want us to follow two different faiths and confuse our children.

I guess I’m asking for prayer and guidance from you all. I admit that I’ve scorned the Church, even vehemently in some cases. I’m back to the confused state that I was in 4 years ago.

I just had to get that off my chest and show some vulnerability.

Peace…

MW

I pray you find God in whatever path you choose. For me to truly find Him, I had to leave the RCC, but others do find Him there.

 

[kell0618]

Okay, now that I got your attention

I’ll try to be brief.

In 2004 I began to investigate Catholicism, went to see a priest and the RCIA director. My wife was not open to bringing our kids up as Catholics. She really still isn’t, but is open to me following my own path.

So, after much contention I dropped it altogether because it was causing marital problems. I went through 3 years of doubt, disbelief and utter confusion in which I even left Christianity.

So, now I’m back, more than ever finding my experiences and belief match a lot of Catholicism. I even find myself responding with Catholic answers to questions

The matter of publicly professing that I agree and follow all the Pope’s decrees seems hypocritical of me based on my disagreement with some doctrines within the Church. I just don’t want to be a cafeteria Catholic. I hope that makes sense.

I want to be able to say fully and wholeheartedly that I follow all the teachings of the Church, the magisterium and Pope at Easter and mean it.

Besides a few theological differences, there is still a family issue. We go to a Lutheran church and my wife and kids are really happy there. I don’t want us to follow two different faiths and confuse our children.

I guess I’m asking for prayer and guidance from you all. I admit that I’ve scorned the Church, even vehemently in some cases. I’m back to the confused state that I was in 4 years ago.

I just had to get that off my chest and show some vulnerability.

Peace…

MW

Hello and God bless you on this journey!

Please do pray fervently as this is a situation has been and will be repeated perhaps millions of times. You are not alone. I suggest you post a prayer request on Prayer Intention forum.

While you are praying for yourself, pray for your wife. I believe that your love and interest in Catholicism will speak for itself and your wife will naturally be curious and ask questions. One of you have to take that step first and I believe you are the one hearing the call.

When St. Monica (St. Augustine’s mother) consulted with her priest as she had prayed for his conversion for decades, his message to her was: “Speak more to God and less to Augustine.”

Pray, study, read. Repeat.

I also suggest you watch the EWTN program The Journey Home if you haven’t already. You will hear every week stories reflecting your own personal conversion experience.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

P.S. I’ve added a prayer intention for you on my blog so that others may pray for you as well.

 

[Charlie_Zeaiter]

Would it be wrong to continue - for the sake of your family - with the Lutheran Church, and in your own time find an hour or so to attend a Catholic Mass weekly?

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

I pray you find God in whatever path you choose. For me to truly find Him, I had to leave the RCC, but others do find Him there.

Thank you and God bless.

MW

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

Hello and God bless you on this journey!

Please do pray fervently as this is a situation has been and will be repeated perhaps millions of times. You are not alone. I suggest you post a prayer request on Prayer Intention forum.

While you are praying for yourself, pray for your wife. I believe that your love and interest in Catholicism will speak for itself and your wife will naturally be curious and ask questions. One of you have to take that step first and I believe you are the one hearing the call.

When St. Monica (St. Augustine’s mother) consulted with her priest as she had prayed for his conversion for decades, his message to her was: “Speak more to God and less to Augustine.”

Pray, study, read. Repeat.

I also suggest you watch the EWTN program The Journey Home if you haven’t already. You will hear every week stories reflecting your own personal conversion experience.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

P.S. I’ve added a prayer intention for you on my blog so that others may pray for you as well.

Thank you sister Kelly.

I found CA on the radio last week and so I listen to it every day, morning and evening. I’ve been coming here off and on for 4 years as well. I’m amazed at what I agree with on the radio and even find myself defending the Church (out loud in the car) with the callers who call in with their objections.

Thank you very much again for your sincere reply.

I will do as you have advised.

God bless you…

MW

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

Would it be wrong to continue - for the sake of your family - with the Lutheran Church, and in your own time find an hour or so to attend a Catholic Mass weekly?

That’s a good question Charlie.

When I spoke to the priest and the RCIA director, they encouraged me to come to mass even before attending RCIA to get a feel for how things are. I went to mass two times, both on Sunday mornings (early). I really loved it, but it felt so odd to be by myself during it and come home to my family. It was like there was a great divide between us that I didn’t like. That’s not a good enough reason in and of itself to not attend mass and I realize that.

Trust me, I’ve made plenty of excuses in the past and still do. It’s something I have to work through to come to grips with. It’s funny, but I pray the rosary most every day, I visit here, I pray the St. Michael chaplet, I cross myself and my kids every night and pray the Our Father with them also.

I actually began crossing myself after I read Luther’s Small Catechism!

God help me find my way

Peace…

MW

 

[tundramom]

It happened to me too.

You and your family are in my prayers. It took seeing my husband and his own faith to help me see the Catholic church as my own. As another poster said, pray for your wife!

in Christ
Steph

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

It happened to me too.

You and your family are in my prayers. It took seeing my husband and his own faith to help me see the Catholic church as my own. As another poster said, pray for your wife!

in Christ
Steph

Thanks TM. I will take all the help I can get

Peace be with you…

MW

 

[Catholic_Dude]

Okay, now that I got your attention

I’ll try to be brief.

In 2004 I began to investigate Catholicism, went to see a priest and the RCIA director. My wife was not open to bringing our kids up as Catholics. She really still isn’t, but is open to me following my own path.

So, after much contention I dropped it altogether because it was causing marital problems. I went through 3 years of doubt, disbelief and utter confusion in which I even left Christianity.

So, now I’m back, more than ever finding my experiences and belief match a lot of Catholicism. I even find myself responding with Catholic answers to questions

The matter of publicly professing that I agree and follow all the Pope’s decrees seems hypocritical of me based on my disagreement with some doctrines within the Church. I just don’t want to be a cafeteria Catholic. I hope that makes sense.

I want to be able to say fully and wholeheartedly that I follow all the teachings of the Church, the magisterium and Pope at Easter and mean it.

Besides a few theological differences, there is still a family issue. We go to a Lutheran church and my wife and kids are really happy there. I don’t want us to follow two different faiths and confuse our children.

I guess I’m asking for prayer and guidance from you all. I admit that I’ve scorned the Church, even vehemently in some cases. I’m back to the confused state that I was in 4 years ago.

I just had to get that off my chest and show some vulnerability.

Peace…

MW

Feel the Power of the Dark Side! (or so Protestants call it)
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[EDKidd]

It was like there was a great divide between us that I didn’t like. That’s not a good enough reason in and of itself to not attend mass and I realize that.

MW

I was welcomed into the Catholic Church at Easter despite numerous concerns of my wife regarding family unity amongst other things (she is an Anglican)

When I took my son aged 10 to Mass for the first time, my Wife was so disgusted I literally thought she was going to be sick. She even asked me never to take either of my children to Mass (I of course refused).

Nevertheless, after reading various books, discussing things with my Wife and of course constant praying, I took my son and daughter to Mass with me on Sunday with my Wife enquiring as to how they found it. My Wife is even coming to Mass on Friday night to celebrate our Priest having been ordained 40 years.

I was given some advice when I first started visiting CAF which was to let my own devotion to my faith show as an example. Rather than arguing with my Wife or trying to ‘convert’ her, I was advised to go about my faith quietly and responsibly and let God do his work.

There are lots of books out there that will help you strenthen your own convictions but for me, prayer and trusting in God’s will is a good starting point.

 

[Steadfast]

Your story mirrors mine considerably.

My wife and children are also Lutheran while I find myself inescapably and sometimes reluctantly Catholic.

I realize you’re not reluctant, I am not saying that, but the nuts and bolts of your story are similar.

Another difference would be that I am a “revert”; i.e. someone who was Catholic, then wasn’t and now is again.

I have had to resign myself to the fact that my wife’s conversion to the faith is unlikely at this time, so it is a matter of prayer.

Another thing I have resolved, and for which I believe the Lord “has my back”, is to take it easy on them and on myself through out all of this which means NEVER arguing about it but being prepared to answer questions when and if they arise.

You can be a faithful Catholic without being a cookie-cutter, anti-Protestant, Luther-pillorying Catholic. The reason I know this is is because after a long, intense period of personal struggle with my own deep addiction to dogmatism and always being right, I have been able to manifest it.



I’ll certainly pray for you and ask that you would do the same for me.

 

[ralphinal]

You out-smarted yourself on this one, didn’t you?

You and your family have my prayers. Just be a good Catholic and a better father and husband and leave the rest to God.

 

[puzzleannie]

I guess I’m asking for prayer and guidance from you all. I admit that I’ve scorned the Church, even vehemently in some cases. I’m back to the confused state that I was in 4 years ago.

I just had to get that off my chest and show some vulnerability.

Peace…

MW

welcome home
if you came to me with this testimony I would advise that you simply participate in our RCIA sessions, beginning now, for a year, with the goal of answering those questions and exploring those issues that are still problematic, and strengthening your existing faith. That will address the root of your confusion and put you in a better position to make informed decisions about your future progress. It will also place you into a support network and supply the essential, actully knowing and praying with some Catholics.

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

Your story mirrors mine considerably.

My wife and children are also Lutheran while I find myself inescapably and sometimes reluctantly Catholic.

I realize you’re not reluctant, I am not saying that, but the nuts and bolts of your story are similar.

Another difference would be that I am a “revert”; i.e. someone who was Catholic, then wasn’t and now is again.

I have had to resign myself to the fact that my wife’s conversion to the faith is unlikely at this time, so it is a matter of prayer.

Another thing I have resolved, and for which I believe the Lord “has my back”, is to take it easy on them and on myself through out all of this which means NEVER arguing about it but being prepared to answer questions when and if they arise.

You can be a faithful Catholic without being a cookie-cutter, anti-Protestant, Luther-pillorying Catholic. The reason I know this is is because after a long, intense period of personal struggle with my own deep addiction to dogmatism and always being right, I have been able to manifest it.



I’ll certainly pray for you and ask that you would do the same for me.

Thank you Steadfast. I appreciate you sharing that with me. I will certainly pray for you. Looks like we are in a similar boat. We’ll row our way together

Peace…

MW

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

welcome home
if you came to me with this testimony I would advise that you simply participate in our RCIA sessions, beginning now, for a year, with the goal of answering those questions and exploring those issues that are still problematic, and strengthening your existing faith. That will address the root of your confusion and put you in a better position to make informed decisions about your future progress. It will also place you into a support network and supply the essential, actully knowing and praying with some Catholics.

thank you puzzleannie! If I convert you better believe I’m going to need a support network (and a sponsor).

Peace…

MW

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

Feel the Power of the Dark Side! (or so Protestants call it)
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn.../strwrs/pr/img/orig/Episode_5_Darth_Vader.jpg

LOL. I’ve been a closet Catholic for a while now, I just haven’t realized it

Peace…

MW

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

I was welcomed into the Catholic Church at Easter despite numerous concerns of my wife regarding family unity amongst other things (she is an Anglican)

When I took my son aged 10 to Mass for the first time, my Wife was so disgusted I literally thought she was going to be sick. She even asked me never to take either of my children to Mass (I of course refused).

Nevertheless, after reading various books, discussing things with my Wife and of course constant praying, I took my son and daughter to Mass with me on Sunday with my Wife enquiring as to how they found it. My Wife is even coming to Mass on Friday night to celebrate our Priest having been ordained 40 years.

I was given some advice when I first started visiting CAF which was to let my own devotion to my faith show as an example. Rather than arguing with my Wife or trying to ‘convert’ her, I was advised to go about my faith quietly and responsibly and let God do his work.

There are lots of books out there that will help you strenthen your own convictions but for me, prayer and trusting in God’s will is a good starting point.

Thanks EdKidd. Looks like we have some similarities in our stories. Good advice and I appreciate it.

Peace…

MW

 

[Mystic_Warrior]

You out-smarted yourself on this one, didn’t you?

LOL, I suppose so. The more I see others criticize Christianity the closer I come to Catholicism. It’s rather strange.

You and your family have my prayers. Just be a good Catholic and a better father and husband and leave the rest to God.

Thank you for the prayers. Great advice. Do what I can and leave everything in God’s capable hands.

Peace…

MW

 

[Imryl]

You’ll have to give up ‘exorcising’ demons you realize?

… but I’m sure you already knew that.