L
luxchristi
Guest
This is for Mathematoons and any other converts feeling the same way:
You’re not a self-righteous jerk and what you’re experiencing is something that’s happened to others. As a convert myself, I’ve had a similar struggle and have known other converts who’ve experienced the same thing.
One way I’ve heard it expressed is that while loving one’s Catholic Faith utterly (meaning, the Catholic Faith as expressed by Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Teachings of the Magisterium – and, by the way, is why we converted!), one simultaneously struggles with what could be termed “an acceptable Catholic culture” demonstrated in many Catholic parishes that is, unfortunately, contrary to the aforementioned in many respects. And unfortunately, many of the Catholics who are just living their Catholicism the way they were taught in Catholic school or in the home (meaning, for some it may be a Catholicism by inheritance but not by choice), don’t realize there is such a Catholic culture in the church, and that it’s not what converts expect, and it smacks us in the face.
And this is a great example of why today’s Catholic culture (America in particular) needs the new evangelization spoken of by the Holy Father. We all need to have our Catholic Faith renewed – we need to pray, like David in the Psalms, “restore unto me the JOY of my salvation!”.
Mathematoons, you’re not alone. You’re meant to be the salt and light of Christ not only to those outside the Church, but to your fellow Catholics. Those people that you’re speaking about may be struggling with their faith, perhaps in the most dangerous way of all: by not recognizing their lukewarm state. Living your life as a joyful Catholic, embracing your Catholic Faith and growing in the Faith as much as you can, may be the best witness of all.
Also, some I know have found it helpful to connect with other converts (those who speak the same language), particularly those who desire to follow the path of holiness. And there are many lifelong Catholics who are embracing their faith in a dynamic way – a good place to find them is at Daily Mass, or in your local Catholic Scripture Study class or somewhere similar. And for me personally, I’ve found it helpful to take this kind of situation, including my own frustrations and failures in dealing with it - into the confessional, to leave it at the feet of Christ. Just some thoughts on things that might help.
Yes, you have all the options you mentioned, and I understood that you were stating them to cover all the bases and that you knew not all were beneficial for the soul. You, and I, and other converts understand we made an adult, rational decision to become Catholic and leave our former way of life (and in some cases, that meant leaving friends and family too – literally, becomming a stranger in a strange land), and we want to embrace our Catholic faith – and that includes our Catholic brothers and sisters. Our hand is on the plow, we’re not looking back. I hope you’ll take a moment and say a prayer for the people on this thread who didn’t understand what you meant.
I’m so glad to know you’re a brother or sister in Christ!!
God bless you, and I’m sorry this was so long – just wanted you to know I empathize, and am praying for you. Please say a prayer for me too.
You’re not a self-righteous jerk and what you’re experiencing is something that’s happened to others. As a convert myself, I’ve had a similar struggle and have known other converts who’ve experienced the same thing.
One way I’ve heard it expressed is that while loving one’s Catholic Faith utterly (meaning, the Catholic Faith as expressed by Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Teachings of the Magisterium – and, by the way, is why we converted!), one simultaneously struggles with what could be termed “an acceptable Catholic culture” demonstrated in many Catholic parishes that is, unfortunately, contrary to the aforementioned in many respects. And unfortunately, many of the Catholics who are just living their Catholicism the way they were taught in Catholic school or in the home (meaning, for some it may be a Catholicism by inheritance but not by choice), don’t realize there is such a Catholic culture in the church, and that it’s not what converts expect, and it smacks us in the face.
And this is a great example of why today’s Catholic culture (America in particular) needs the new evangelization spoken of by the Holy Father. We all need to have our Catholic Faith renewed – we need to pray, like David in the Psalms, “restore unto me the JOY of my salvation!”.
Mathematoons, you’re not alone. You’re meant to be the salt and light of Christ not only to those outside the Church, but to your fellow Catholics. Those people that you’re speaking about may be struggling with their faith, perhaps in the most dangerous way of all: by not recognizing their lukewarm state. Living your life as a joyful Catholic, embracing your Catholic Faith and growing in the Faith as much as you can, may be the best witness of all.
Also, some I know have found it helpful to connect with other converts (those who speak the same language), particularly those who desire to follow the path of holiness. And there are many lifelong Catholics who are embracing their faith in a dynamic way – a good place to find them is at Daily Mass, or in your local Catholic Scripture Study class or somewhere similar. And for me personally, I’ve found it helpful to take this kind of situation, including my own frustrations and failures in dealing with it - into the confessional, to leave it at the feet of Christ. Just some thoughts on things that might help.
Yes, you have all the options you mentioned, and I understood that you were stating them to cover all the bases and that you knew not all were beneficial for the soul. You, and I, and other converts understand we made an adult, rational decision to become Catholic and leave our former way of life (and in some cases, that meant leaving friends and family too – literally, becomming a stranger in a strange land), and we want to embrace our Catholic faith – and that includes our Catholic brothers and sisters. Our hand is on the plow, we’re not looking back. I hope you’ll take a moment and say a prayer for the people on this thread who didn’t understand what you meant.
I’m so glad to know you’re a brother or sister in Christ!!
God bless you, and I’m sorry this was so long – just wanted you to know I empathize, and am praying for you. Please say a prayer for me too.
