I didn't know you were Catholic?

[Magdalena59]

I am a revert to the Catholic faith as of about 7 years now. I thought I would make this post because of two incidences that have happened to me since my reversion.

Prior to reverting to the Catholic faith I was involved in different homeschooling groups and Bible studies. While there I met many people who were of different denominations. Most were not shy at all when it came to speaking about where they attended church, as a matter of fact it was a very frequent topic, many discussing how unsatisfied they were with the church they attended. Myself too, I struggled sooo much during that time trying to find a place where I could truly find Jesus and the truth of the gospel. It was a very confusing time for me and I was listening to everyone and anyone.

Since my return to the Catholic church I have run into 2 different people who were involved in those same groups as I was and I have come to realize they were and are Catholic, which never in a million years would I have suspected because I never heard them say. Both people I was involved with closely, one in homeschooling, the other in a Bible study and homeschooling. Also, come to find out they were extremely involved in their parish the whole time. Running into them in the Catholic church has totally floored me.

So, here is my thought and my question: Are we many times timid or scared to share our Catholic faith and that we are Catholic when we go out into the world and also maybe we shouldn’t take for granted that others are content in their spirituality and be more willing to evangelize our faith or at least be willing to admit we are Catholic Christians and be willing to share the reason for our faith because we do not know the spiritual struggles others could be going through and how much other persons might be silently looking for the truth.

 

[JRKH]

Can only speak for myself…but I have no problem declaring that I am Catholic…should the matter come up. I don’t go around announcing it, but certainly in the cases you describe, if church and faith were topics of conversation, I would probably had mentioned that I was happily Catholic and involved in a Church that I loved.

Peace
James

 

[Emily2014]

I’m always a bit shy about saying that I’m Catholic, but increasingly it has become known as I live in a small community and am now more actively involved in the Church. People have so many preconceptions about Catholics, mostly negative - and I had been lapsed for many years.
Also, as my return to the Church followed the death of my Mother, non-Catholic friends and my own, equally lapsed brother, assumed that I’d “got religion” (rather like measles!) as part of the grieving process. Ironically it has been harder to be accepted by some Catholics who obviously disapproved when I became a Lector etc. Thank God for our wonderful Parish Priest who brought me back to the Church and has been a tower of strength ever since.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

I personally don’t go around screaming it from the rooftops that I am Catholic, but a lot of people get the idea when I pass a Catholic Church and I bless myself. If anyone brings up Religion I tell them how happy I am in the Catholic Church - a very happy person and it has changed my life, I normally carry a few holy pictures around with me in my handbag, and have given them out. The Holy Father has asked us to evangelize so I do my best.

I will give you an example what happened to me this morning I got this texted message on my mobile from Stephen it was signed, now I do not know any Stephen, so I texted back who is this, so he proceeded to ask me was I not in a certain Pub last night, as I do not drink I was not in a Pub last night, so I then told him sorry wrong person, not giving him my name as he had my phone number, so I said have to go am going to Mass, I will say a prayer for you while there and while your at Mass you can say a prayer for me, he answered back Don’t go, to Mass, so I replied well maybe that is why you got the wrong number maybe the Lord is telling you something, get a grip and be responsible for yourself, and acknowledge the Lord for at least an hour on a Sunday.

Most probably shocked by this response on a mobile with a total stranger.

 

[ynotzap]

I think traditionally many Catholics are rather silent about their faith and don’t broadcast it. Now there is such a need for evangelization that the scenerio is changing, and Catholics are being encouraged to profess their faith. There is the power of secularism and materialism that is affecting the lives of so many people, especially the young. I truly believe that God is calling us to manifest our Faith for the salvation of souls

 

[KendraDZ1902]

I don’t go around announcing it to the world, but I’m not shy if it should come up in conversation.

 

[RedFox0456]

I used to be pretty timid about people knowing my faith. That was while I was not really taking it too seriously. When I came back and started reading the bible and other writings, I realized that my faith should be central to who I am. As such, I concluded that if anyone knew me remotely well then they should know that I am Catholic. I don’t go around announcing it, but I make sure it’s one of the first things people know about me. After all, how can we draw people into our faith with love and joy if they don’t even know we have it?

 

[petra22]

I will give you an example what happened to me this morning I got this texted message on my mobile from Stephen it was signed, now I do not know any Stephen, so I texted back who is this, so he proceeded to ask me was I not in a certain Pub last night, as I do not drink I was not in a Pub last night, so I then told him sorry wrong person, not giving him my name as he had my phone number, so I said have to go am going to Mass, I will say a prayer for you while there and while your at Mass you can say a prayer for me, he answered back Don’t go, to Mass, so I replied well maybe that is why you got the wrong number maybe the Lord is telling you something, get a grip and be responsible for yourself, and acknowledge the Lord for at least an hour on a Sunday.

Most probably shocked by this response on a mobile with a total stranger.

Perfect response, Celtic Maiden, You’ll never know what an impact you might have made until you are called home to heaven!!!

 

[petra22]

I used to be pretty timid about people knowing my faith. That was while I was not really taking it too seriously. When I came back and started reading the bible and other writings, I realized that my faith should be central to who I am. As such, I concluded that if anyone knew me remotely well then they should know that I am Catholic. I don’t go around announcing it, but I make sure it’s one of the first things people know about me. After all, how can we draw people into our faith with love and joy if they don’t even know we have it?

I totally agree, Red Fox!

 

[rcwitness]

Many times there are situations that can be tempting to sin. In these, I find it very important to profess faith as a Christian. This draws on the help of His Holy Spirit, and puts fear into the evil one behind temptations.

Other situations, or the same one which has progressed, demand that we defend the Catholic faith in particular.

In more joyfull situations, we can find comfort and encouragement when sharing our Catholic faith in a fellowship manner.

 

[Erich]

Also, as my return to the Church followed the death of my Mother, non-Catholic friends and my own, equally lapsed brother, assumed that I’d “got religion” (rather like measles!) as part of the grieving process.

I always thought it was more like “cramming for the final”

 

[Emily2014]

Sorry Erich, just don’t understand your last post. Please explain.
God bless you.

 

[Erich]

It’s a reference to a quote attributed to George Carlin: “I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me - they’re cramming for their final exam.”