I need help!

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t68ware

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Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Dear T68,

Congratulations on having the courage to pursue your true faith under such challenges. I encourage you to pray to our Blessed Mother and Jesus for strength and guidance in your life. I know what you are going through is most difficult and I believe you will receive the grace to get you through this. Spend time visiting our Blessed Sacrament and talk with Jesus as He knows what it is like to be alone and under duress. Our Mother will bring everyone closer to Jesus.

You might get more involved at your parish by volunteering for positions or helping at functions to surround yourself with more Catholic influence and potential friends. You are in this situation for a reason and I believe our Lord will make things clear and help you. Being actively involved in our faith is the best way to make the most of it. Stay involved and help with RCIA if that is a possibility, sign up to help with your church or neighboring church festival (that has started at our parish), visit your priest and let him know of your situation and ask for guidance – he may need some help with something. Spend time learning more about your faith by reading and time here on the forum.

The things I’m suggesting are all things that I have done and they have produced results for me. I try to surround myself with as many Catholics as possible. You also have an opportunity to bring your wife into the Catholic faith – do it gently and by example. I will also offer prayers for you.

I’m sure our more senior members will also have some great advice for you so keep reading. Take care and God Bless you.
 
Does your parish have a Knights of Columbus Council? It is an international organization for Catholic men, and you will find support and fellowship with other Catholic men. If your parish does not have one, you can join at a neighboring parish. You can call your parish office and check it out.
 
You are a courageous man and there will be many on the site that applaud your courage for standing up for the original Christianity. You are suffering for the faith and satan loves to isolate us, just like a lion will try to get the prey alone. I agree with the person that told you about the Knights of Columbus. You need strong male fellowship. Go get it! Let us know how you make out so we don’t worry about you.
 
Catholic1954 said:
Does your parish have a Knights of Columbus Council? It is an international organization for Catholic men, and you will find support and fellowship with other Catholic men. If your parish does not have one, you can join at a neighboring parish. You can call your parish office and check it out.
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Actually I am a member of the Knights, but they meet twice a month, so not much activity as of yet, but I am hoping as the weather gets warmer that will change.
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Don,t worry about others,and what they feel. The only one you must please is
Jesus,since Jesus is the one who came too save us, than suffer for us on the Cross.
There well be people you might not feel right being near, be cause there Protestant.,but if you are a true Catholic do what GOD wants you to do LOVE everone.And being alone going too church, your not alone, Jesus is present in the Talablice at he alter always.
GOD BLESS: johnthebaptist1 :)
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and **I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. **😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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If I might offer a word of comfort? You are not going to Mass alone, you are there with our Lord. He is right beside you.

I feel for you. As a convert myself, I know it is a tough road, but it is worth it. I offer prayers for your continued strength.
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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First, a Protestant; then, a Catholic; perhaps next, a prodigal Protestant - or not.

It’s not an uncommon vacillation - the back and forth - that both Protestants and Catholics journey.

What is saddening is the unsympathetic “cool shoulder” each Church shows the “other” Christians.

Neither the Catholic, nor the Protestant Church, is ignored by God. He is at work, in both.

May the day arrive that there is unity and harmony among each and every who calls upon Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Until that day, may the Holy Spirit stir and strenghten your vision, as you pray, with your heart as a seeking, but committed Christian.

🙂
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
When I converted, I became the first Catholic in my family since the Protestant Reformation. That was almost 43 years ago, and for most of those years, I walked alone. For awhile in university there was a good youth group, but when that ended we all went our separate ways. There were some periods of counseling/spiritual direction. When I married, my husband was not Catholic, and I continued to go alone. At present my children (young adults now) come with me, but as they move on in their lives, I expect to be going alone again. For the last 7 years, I have been an assistant catechist, and we have a small study group in our parish which meets during the fall and winter. However, recent changes in our parish make me realize that these may not continue forever.

But I cannot imagine leaving Catholicism. Remember the scene at the end of John:6, where many followers have left Jesus because of his teaching on the Eucharist? Jesus turns to his apostles and asks, “Will you leave me too?” And Peter replies, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life.”

We have the Eucharist, and the fullness of Truth. And I stay.
 
I agree with others here who have recommended prayer. You are obviously at your wit’s end, and the situation is more than you can cope with - so give it all up to Him - Our Lord Jesus - who loves you so much and will not forsake you. Then try to not worry about it too much. Have trust that it will work out.

If you can see fit to comfort your wife, it may help. She is probably not too happy with your conversion. By going out of your way to help her, you may also be comforted.
I’ll offer a decade of the Rosary for you for the next week. God Bless!
 
The OP might want to speak to the Pastor or Vicar and ask where he can get more involved with parish life.

Altar serving, various ministries including music, media, teaching… There is tons to do.

Parish life is where the Body of Christ meets the real world. It’s a part of the Catholic faith that many Sunday Mass goers miss. The earliest Churches were not like that, Mass only on Sunday. They were communities in every sense of the word.

-Tim-
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi, T68…

I do not know what state or area you are, check this group:

couplesforchristglobal.org/

It is a catholic lay group and it may interest you.

PM me if you are interested, and I will try to get you in contact with someone near you.
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Well , whats the most important thing to you? You have done a good job of outlining the world and its trappings. Of course there are “friends” and “family” elsewhere. Of course the times conflict. Does it surprise you? When we are Catholic , we learn to expect contradictions and crosses. I’d be more surprised to hear it was a walk in the park and simple. But the truth is , its not. And when a Catholic begins to compromise his faith then not only has he taken a step towards being outside of the Church , but in addition, he shows all those who know him that his Catholic Faith isnt all that important to HIM and thus does he give bad example to them. My friend , our life is not always easy. But doing the will of GOD in this world means we have to give up lots of things in it. And with Lent approaching in two days , what better time than now to meditate on the austere and penitential flavor of the season by being ready willing and able to give up the pleasures of this world for the promise of the next.

Pax
 
I was Confirmed 8/2002 and have walked alone with Christ since. I had not one family member or friend at my Confirmation, except my sponsor, and have always attended Mass alone.
I felt very sad about the “aloneness” for a couple years, but it really no longer bothers me. I always invite friends and family when the opportunity arises but no one has ever taken me up on it.
The EF Chapel I now attend is so warm and welcoming that I always feel I am among my family in Christ.
 
catsrus said:
I was Confirmed 8/2002 and have walked alone with Christ since. I had not one family member or friend at my Confirmation, except my sponsor, and have always attended Mass alone.
I felt very sad about the “aloneness” for a couple years, but it really no longer bothers me. I always invite friends and family when the opportunity arises but no one has ever taken me up on it.
The EF Chapel I now attend is so warm and welcoming that I always feel I am among my family in Christ.
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As long as Jesus is your friend , you will never be alone.
 
t68ware said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

I am coming upon my 1st year anniversary of becoming Catholic on Pentecost after over 40 years of being Protestant. It is much harder than I anticipated. I am up and down in my Catholic devotion, and all my friends and family are Protestant, and it is very, very hard to be Catholic when I am surrounded by people i love and care about, but do not share my faith. I have no Catholic friends, and I hate going to Mass alone…it is a very lonely feeling. 😦 I am in such a funk right now…I dont feel like going anywhere, not to my parish nor to my wifes church, where I have many great friends. I honestly do not know what to do, esp. with Easter coming up. My wifes church has events that are in direct time conflict with my parishs services, and that is a fight just waiting to happen. I am almost at the end of my Catholic rope. Please, any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Dear t68ware,

Also make an effort to do special “events” with your wife so your personal relationship stays strong. Becoming Catholic doesn’t mean avoiding our other friends and family. This is where your living example says much more than words. Focus on the things we have in common. I also gives you an opportunity to share aspects of our faith when others express an interest. I still think adding some Catholic friends would do well to provide a balance.

I listen to Fr. Corapi a good bit and he never has said a bad word regarding other people’s faith. He knows tons of good protestant type, God loving people who know their faith well. Remember these other folks love God as much as we do. They simply lack the fullness of Catholic faith. You may catch him for free on ewtn.

Hang in there. Remember that practicing your faith is the best way to grow in our faith. Lent is an opportune time to get closer and develop some life long prayer routines. Talk with the Lord. Prayers are with you.
 
I’m a cradle Catholic that left the church when I graduated high school and then came back a dozen years ago after 30 + years absence. Why I left and why I returned are two other stories but I think I know how you feel… All of my old Catholic friends and family had either died, moved or otherwise left the faith. My wife is Methodist so I know about going to church alone and the lonely feelings I sometimes had. A couple of years ago (after several invitations) my wife started attending mass with me and its a great feeling to have her with me, I also started going to a church one night a week for the rosary and have met several people which has helped me. I’m now praying for my wife’s conversion. Would love to share in the sacraments with her. I think she feels uncomfortable sometimes.

Hang in there and be patient. I think in time God will bless you with company as he has me.🙂
He works in mysterious ways.
 
Thank you for all your posts and advice! I am coming up on my second year of being Catholic! Things are much better and I thank you for all your prayers!
 
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