How do we, Practicing Catholics, convince Lukewarm Catholics to become more obedient to the teaching of the Church?

[brigid12]

I agree. But in my parish they stand apart and won’t participate in any parish activities. They bad mouth our priest who is a faithful priest. He is very tolerant of practises that other priests don’t tolerate, such as receiving while kneeling.

One man who is extremely traditional will even not shake hands during the sign of peace. He acts angry often.

It sounds like your fellow parishioners may, rather than being lukewarm, be shy (I personally understand that all too well) or dislike some of the “innovations” that were added on to the NO (or maybe they prefer to worship Our Lord via the old form - the EF). There are many older people esp. who are mad/resentful at making the Sign of Peace where they see it as a distraction to the real reason for the mass - worship of Our Lord. My grandmother is Episcopalian but really resents shaking surrounding parishioners hands when she’s intent on the Lord. When she’s not directly worshipping him she is ever so friendly and has taken part in numerous fellowship activities, and gladly, just not during her worship! With her, as with other elderly, it seems to have something to do with what was done or not done as they were being taught. With younger it’s seems to be with where in the mass the Sign of Peace is and that it distracts from Our Lord. Even tho’ I try to join in nicely (for charity and my own humility) it’s somewhat bothersome to me, too.

As far as Lukewarm Catholics go - oh boy, I was teaching CCD tonight and this is very apt - our example, love, charity, and prayer.

 

[rich123456]

Jrnami Wrote:

About half of the more strict Catholics I know are unfriendly, aloof, and don’t reach out in anyway to people outside of their closed circle

Unfortunately I have to agree. But there of course is the positive side as well. I was baptized Catholic 7 years ago in Utah. I have been helping with the RCIA now for all that time. To see others start to grasp the immensity of this faith is…well, how could I put hat into words.

2 years ago I was asked to start a radio campaign inviting souls to observe the miracle of the Catholic Mass with our Parish Priest’s blessings.

Just a simple invitation to encounter Christ.

Here are some of the quotes I and others received from a small number of old time Catholics. I have to say that these Catholics God forgive them can cause a lot of harm through Gossip. (The inner circle)

• Where are we going to sit if a whole bunch of non Catholics come?
• Stick to your own business, your better at that.
• Were not Protestants, Catholics don’t do this!
• So how many have converted since the radio spots started?
  Well, take a new Catholic like me, one who is so grateful to all of those through the years that played a small part in my conversion and then try and crush his soul. I still do not understand this kind of response, it literally blows me away. I really thought that being in Utah everyone would have gotten excited about this. I had a vision of so many in the Parish wanting, desiring to sponsor short 30 second radio invitations to the Mass all year long. (Non profit price is $10.00 each)

But it has mostly been silent. Like the post I placed on here about a week ago about our Radio spots here in Utah. (Silent) Except for 3 others who help in this ministry. All of which are on the RCIA team. Right now we are running 90 spots on two stations up until Christmas inviting to the Christmas Mass. 4 of us are spliting the cost. Here is the script, the song with it is O, come O, come Emmanuel was recorded by our Choir:

**1. 30 Seconds **

Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church* welcomes you to witness the miracle of the Christmas Mass, whatever** it is that you long for this Christmas seek comfort and joy in Christ.** Remember Emmanuel**, God with us. No matter how dark life may get at times, one bright light remains: God is also with you.*

*For the Christmas Mass schedule and directions visit utahmission.com - or - for more information call **753-7652. *

**Come to Christmas this season , come to Christ’s Mass **

I will keep moving foreword in forgiveness and love. I believe in this campaign and will never not mention the name of Christ to anyone I encounter. I can look past the darkness in our Parish only because I can see the Cross, it’s all lit up! Any thoughts?

God Bless
www.utahmission.com

 

[rich123456]

I will keep moving foreword in forgiveness and love. I believe in this campaign and will never not mention the name of Christ to anyone I encounter. I can look past the darkness in our Parish only because I can see the Cross, it’s all lit up! Any thoughts?

God Bless
www.utahmission.com