I'm needing some answers from Catholics

[Bygraceandmercy]

I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the right section or not; I have a very important questions that I am needing some answers to. Respectfully I’m only looking for answers from Catholics. I’m just going to pour my heart out, so please be kind and don’t think I am here to attack the faith. Here’s my story: I guess I’m what you would consider a Protestant, I was very involved in a Calvary Chapel for about 5 years until I relocated about a year an a half ago to Washington to be near my sick mother, who is now doing much better. I’ve started a whole new life here in Washington, but I haven’t been able to find a home church yet. I’ve been very sad about it, I went from to going to church 3 times a week to 0. I’ve tried several different churches, but they just arn’t right for me and my son.I’ve also looked alot into Catholicism. When I’ve had my times of looking into it and studying it I’ve read several books, listened to Catholic Answers on KBVM, and some of the other programs on the station, and have had many of my Theology questions answered by reading this board. I’ve prayed to the Lord for answers and reassurance also, but what stops me from converting each time is I start to experience scary demonic attacks, so I will think that I must have turned the wrong way and pulled myself out of from under the Lord’s blessing, so I will turn back and be at peace with being Protestant for a while until I start to feel empty again, and then I start to feel the pull back towards Catholicism. But I do not know for sure the reason for these attacks.These attacks never happened to me when I was just Protestant and going to church. But I have gone back and forth in my mind and heart between considering converting to Catholicism, and staying Protestant. I love the Lord very much. I am sad though, because since I’ve moved and have been out of church, I’ve been experiencing a crises of my faith and feel backsliden and confused. My questions are this; how do I know for sure the reason for these attacks? How do I know if it’s God trying tell me I’m turning the wrong way, or Satan trying to prevent me from turning the right way? Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting? I welcome your answers, advice, and experiences. Thank you so much.

 

[Jaguar]

Only speaking from personal past experiences. Yes, I have had those scary demonic attacks. Sometimes they appear to be dreams, sometimes I swear that they are not. Other strange, seemingly unexplainable things have occurred to me as well. They end instantly, every time, with my saying the “Our Father”.

These evil occurrences always happen during a period of personal growth, in my Catholic faith. The closer I get to our Lord, the more they occur.

You can do the math.

 

[Jennifer_G]

I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the right section or not; I have a very important questions that I am needing some answers to. Respectfully I’m only looking for answers from Catholics. I’m just going to pour my heart out, so please be kind and don’t think I am here to attack the faith. Here’s my story: I guess I’m what you would consider a Protestant, I was very involved in a Calvary Chapel for about 5 years until I relocated about a year an a half ago to Washington to be near my sick mother, who is now doing much better. I’ve started a whole new life here in Washington, but I haven’t been able to find a home church yet. I’ve been very sad about it, I went from to going to church 3 times a week to 0. I’ve tried several different churches, but they just arn’t right for me and my son.I’ve also looked alot into Catholicism. When I’ve had my times of looking into it and studying it I’ve read several books, listened to Catholic Answers on KBVM, and some of the other programs on the station, and have had many of my Theology questions answered by reading this board. I’ve prayed to the Lord for answers and reassurance also, but what stops me from converting each time is I start to experience scary demonic attacks,

That’s because evil is trying to stop you from being Catholic. It’s happened to many people on their journey to the Catholic Church.

so I will think that I must have turned the wrong way and pulled myself out of from under the Lord’s blessing,

Being attacked doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong to lose the Lord’s blessing. The next time you’re attacked, ask Jesus to intervene, and pray any of the following prayers -

The Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)

The “Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel” -

*Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen. *

or a Haily Mary -

Hail Mary, full of grace. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

or even bless yourself saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”.

so I will turn back and be at peace with being Protestant for a while until I start to feel empty again,

This is what evil wants you to feel - despair.

and then I start to feel the pull back towards Catholicism.

And this is the Holy Spirit!

But I do not know for sure the reason for these attacks.These attacks never happened to me when I was just Protestant and going to church. But I have gone back and forth in my mind and heart between considering converting to Catholicism, and staying Protestant. I love the Lord very much. I am sad though, because since I’ve moved and have been out of church, I’ve been experiencing a crises of my faith and feel backsliden and confused. My questions are this; how do I know for sure the reason for these attacks? How do I know if it’s God trying tell me I’m turning the wrong way, or Satan trying to prevent me from turning the right way?

It’s been said that the closer a person gets to God, the more likely it is that they will be attacked. There’s many stories of saints who have had demonic encounters, or even attacks. Be careful not to fall into the trap that you aren’t doing something right (remember, being Catholic isn’t an invincibility shield, nor are prayers to be seen as a “magic bullet” in that if you just say the words it’ll stop. Even the Israelites carried around the Ark of the Covenant and after many victories, started treating it as a “lucky object” that would make them win a battle. That is another trap to avoid.).

Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting? I welcome your answers, advice, and experiences. Thank you so much.

Come to think of it, yes, a few times when I was starting to think about trying to convert to Catholicism again. Each time, it was when I was sleeping - once or twice I had woken up at 3am when it happened, and after trying very hard (I felt paralyzed) to bless myself and/or say a Hail Mary, it would stop.

 

[1ke]

My questions are this; how do I know for sure the reason for these attacks? How do I know if it’s God trying tell me I’m turning the wrong way,

God, who is all good and all loving, does not send demons to attack people. He sends angels to minister to us, and our guardian angel watches over us.

A spiritual attack of any kind does not come from God.

or Satan trying to prevent me from turning the right way? Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting?

Satan hates God and hates the Catholic Church, Christ’s spotless bride. It is very common for people to experience attacks the stronger they grow in their faith. While I never experienced it when converting, I have experienced it when sidewalk counseling at an abortion clinic. Prayer and the Sacraments are so important in fighting these attacks. The closer one grows to God in holiness, the more the devil rages. There are many great saints who were repeately attacked spiritually-- it is because of their holiness.

Pray the Rosary, keep holy water in your house, and if such attacks continue-- see a good and holy priest for advice.

 

[Debra_C]

I am not sure what exactly you mean by scary demonic attacks. Of course, details may be too personal for you to feel you can share, so don’t feel you have to. First, I would question whether or not they really are demonic attacks (not saying they can’t be). And second, I’d ask why would demons wish to turn you away from becoming Catholic? If becoming Catholic is a BAD choice, it would seem to me they’d prefer to encourage this, not terrify you away from it. Just my thoughts…

My only experience with the demonic has been in instances where an opening was made for them, either deliberately or out of ignorance. Some things that come to mind are playing with ouija boards; tarot , palm or astrological readings; meditation techniques not carefully centered on Christ or the Word of God; and so on. However, I would not consider my personal experience some sort of end authority. Many Catholic saints have been profoundly tortured by such things. Padre Pio is one that comes to mind. Perhaps you might read a biography about him. St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul might assist you as well. He was tortured by grave doubts while enduring a prison sentence. Perhaps you should also discuss these questions and concerns with a priest.

On to other things… I think the best thing you could do in your situation is to take a closer look and try to discern through prayer if Catholicism is indeed what God is calling you to. Call upon the protection of the Holy Spirit and HIs guidance in discerning the truth. Then seek your answers a step at a time.

Step one is to join an RCIA group at a local parish. You do not have to commit to becoming Catholic to participate in such a group, and hopefully you will be able to ask your questions along with others who are seeking similar answers.

Along with this step, I would suggest setting aside as much quiet time as possible to just prayfully place yourself in the Lord’s presence and listen to Him. My own favorite place for this is the Eucharistic Adoration chapel at my parish, but since you are not sure about Catholic doctrines yet, you may not feel comfortable with that. Though I have listed this second, I would have to say this is the most crucial element of the entire process, for without the Lord’s guidance we are all truly lost in the wilderness.

And thirdly, I’d recommend that you pick up a copy of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults published by the USCCB (US Council of Catholic Bishops). This book is more concise and easier to read than the full Catechism of the Catholic Church and goes step by step through the basic theological teachings of the Church. There is also a book called Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church which is presented in question and answer format. These are all official Church publications and will contain the straight truth of what the Church teaches. You will find along your journey of exploration that many Catholics have erroneous understandings of some things, have honest disagreements about various details, or subscribe to beliefs that are traditional or otherwise acceptable but not required. All this can be confusing for a person simply seeking initial understanding of what the Church teaches and trying to discern its truth.

Hope this helps-- you will be in my prayers.

 

[Bygraceandmercy]

thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful, and helpful responses

 

[Debra_C]

Actually, as I think about it, I did have an experience where I felt attacked during my own conversion–I had nightmare after nightmare about how I was not good enough to be forgiven, that I was wasting my time. After a week or two, it came to a point where I experienced these thoughts continuously as I tried to pray. I went to my priest, who took my confession though we were not yet to that point in the RCIA process. Afterwards I experienced some relief, but the nightmares returned when I thought of forgotten sins. I went back to the same priest who heard the omitted sins, absolved me, and then prayed with me for peace. He also set my mind at ease, counseling me that sins that I forgot to mention are still forgiven, so long as they were not omitted intentionally.

I agree 100% with Ike, too-- God does not send demonic forces on people. He is all good and all loving.

 

[tlnd]

Hi,
I’m a catacumenate Catholic. I experienced something but not as intense as yours. I would say God really wants you to become Catholic. It is very important to receive the Eucharist. The liturgy is very edifying and some priests and deacons are good communicators.

It seems to me entering the Catholic Church while you are being harassed by some spirit is quite a gift. I don’t know what you mean by backsliding but you will have to rethink you’re way of life so that you become more attached to our Lord and Mary for your security and self image. Finding satisfaction will have to be based on caring about others and enjoying the little miracles and challenges of life like Saint Therese of Lisieux did.

When you feel like you are not ‘making it’, say “Jesus” silently a few times to return to a more faithful state. Embrace prayer. Avoid the pre Vatican II guilt trip at all costs. We are on the redemption road. We become a little more loving and a little farther into the Kingdom of God each day. We error because we are not perfect, but we are no longer living in a state of sin. The Holy Spirit is purging us of the effect of living in that fallen state. Our God given conscience and His grace will keep us from sin if we are faithful.
If we error we must convert that behavior or we will no longer grow in Christ. Confession is supposed to help us analyze and understand a better way to live. Mary told us at Fatima that we must embrace this life of conversion.

The redemption road is like learning a new language. We are barely understandable at first but with openess to our Lord and a little effort, we become a light source leading to the Kingdom of God. I hope you quickly find a Catholic community that is open and caring. I don’t think you need to tell any about your experiences with that spirit other than a priest and don’t preconcieve what you think his response should be.

Peace be with you,
Ted

 

[coleraine]

See, Catholic priests do exorcisms sometimes. They actually go on the offensive. You could say they take it “to a whole nother’ level.” And Satan does not like that very much, why would he? So, knowing this, he has his minions attack us spiritually. He wants us to leave the CC, as it is Christs church, and can defeat him in many ways. So, can you understand why he Would try and hold you back from joining in the first place? He doesn’t want another soldier in gods army. You have to look Satan in the face and say, “No more”

 

[grandfather]

Assume you are truly being spiritually attacked by the enemy of souls. Second, accept in faith that God made you and loves you and cares about you. Your soul is important to God. He wants to be with you for all eternity and in this life you are on a path toward eternity. The path is full of decisions and forks in the road, this way or that way. You are at one now. The decsion you make is important.

If that is all true and we do have a spiritual enemy who wants to destroy us then he tries to influence our important spiritual decisions. One way to do that is to cause confusion. Another way is through distraction. Another is fear. Yet another is temptation.

As we go along our way or spiritual journey we all have a disadvantage that makes progress more difficult. We carry the wounds of sin. Imagine an army of soldiers on a long march and engaging in battle along the way. When they embark they are all healthy and strong and well equipped. It is easy to march forward. As they go along they suffer casualties and some are wounded and lame and need to be carried. All of us are wounded in some way. The areas where we are wounded is where we are attacked. When I have an open sore that is where infection attacks my body. Our souls are like that. Our particular sins or the areas in which we have sinned become our vulnerabilities. That is where the enemy comes after us.

Imagine for a moment that you are being chased by a predator who wants to kill you and devour you. There is a place of safety for you. If you get to that place you will be out of reach of your enemy. Don’t you think that this smart enemy would want to get between you and the safe place to prevent you from getting there?

The good news is that you don’t have to run faster with your wounded soul than the enemy. All you have to do is make a decision, but it has to be the right one.

God will guide you. He will never use fear to guide you. Jesus commands us to not be afraid. So as you come to your decision you have to put aside fear. You have to find a way to do that. Trusting God overcomes fear. We trust in His mercy and love.
Trusting God is an act of our will. We place our trust in Him.

God draws souls to Himself by the power of love. Our souls crave it. We are starved without it.

As you are at the decsion fork here are your options. You can choose to become Catholic. You can stay Protestant. You can stay undecided. People do agonize with decisions long times remaining stuck. That seems to be a bad option, going nowhere.

So that leaves you with two options, Catholic or Protestant, but not exactly. If a person is a Protestant there are 28,000 plus denominations to chose from, all teaching some variation peculiar to themselves, or the minister’s version of doctrine he personally takes from the Bible. That seems to me all very confused, but some people have no problem with it. Again, confusion is from the enemy.

Listen to your heart. Be not afraid. You have a spiritual home and God is calling you there.

Love and fear can not be in the same place. They are like light and darkness. Love conquers and destroys fear.

God loves you and so do all the saints.

 

[eucharist04]

I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the right section or not; I have a very important questions that I am needing some answers to. Respectfully I’m only looking for answers from Catholics. I’m just going to pour my heart out, so please be kind and don’t think I am here to attack the faith. Here’s my story: I guess I’m what you would consider a Protestant, I was very involved in a Calvary Chapel for about 5 years until I relocated about a year an a half ago to Washington to be near my sick mother, who is now doing much better. I’ve started a whole new life here in Washington, but I haven’t been able to find a home church yet. I’ve been very sad about it, I went from to going to church 3 times a week to 0. I’ve tried several different churches, but they just arn’t right for me and my son.I’ve also looked alot into Catholicism. When I’ve had my times of looking into it and studying it I’ve read several books, listened to Catholic Answers on KBVM, and some of the other programs on the station, and have had many of my Theology questions answered by reading this board. I’ve prayed to the Lord for answers and reassurance also, but what stops me from converting each time is I start to experience scary demonic attacks, so I will think that I must have turned the wrong way and pulled myself out of from under the Lord’s blessing, so I will turn back and be at peace with being Protestant for a while until I start to feel empty again, and then I start to feel the pull back towards Catholicism. But I do not know for sure the reason for these attacks.These attacks never happened to me when I was just Protestant and going to church. But I have gone back and forth in my mind and heart between considering converting to Catholicism, and staying Protestant. I love the Lord very much. I am sad though, because since I’ve moved and have been out of church, I’ve been experiencing a crises of my faith and feel backsliden and confused. My questions are this; how do I know for sure the reason for these attacks? How do I know if it’s God trying tell me I’m turning the wrong way, or Satan trying to prevent me from turning the right way? Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting? I welcome your answers, advice, and experiences. Thank you so much.

Please read Matthew 7:7-11 and Psalms 37:4-5,23 and James 1:17. These will help you on your journey to the Catholic faith.

 

[SimonArizona]

I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the right section or not; I have a very important questions that I am needing some answers to. Respectfully I’m only looking for answers from Catholics. I’m just going to pour my heart out, so please be kind and don’t think I am here to attack the faith. Here’s my story: I guess I’m what you would consider a Protestant, I was very involved in a Calvary Chapel for about 5 years until I relocated about a year an a half ago to Washington to be near my sick mother, who is now doing much better. I’ve started a whole new life here in Washington, but I haven’t been able to find a home church yet. I’ve been very sad about it, I went from to going to church 3 times a week to 0. I’ve tried several different churches, but they just arn’t right for me and my son.I’ve also looked alot into Catholicism. When I’ve had my times of looking into it and studying it I’ve read several books, listened to Catholic Answers on KBVM, and some of the other programs on the station, and have had many of my Theology questions answered by reading this board. I’ve prayed to the Lord for answers and reassurance also, but what stops me from converting each time is I start to experience scary demonic attacks, so I will think that I must have turned the wrong way and pulled myself out of from under the Lord’s blessing, so I will turn back and be at peace with being Protestant for a while until I start to feel empty again, and then I start to feel the pull back towards Catholicism. But I do not know for sure the reason for these attacks.These attacks never happened to me when I was just Protestant and going to church. But I have gone back and forth in my mind and heart between considering converting to Catholicism, and staying Protestant. I love the Lord very much. I am sad though, because since I’ve moved and have been out of church, I’ve been experiencing a crises of my faith and feel backsliden and confused. My questions are this; how do I know for sure the reason for these attacks? How do I know if it’s God trying tell me I’m turning the wrong way, or Satan trying to prevent me from turning the right way? Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting? I welcome your answers, advice, and experiences. Thank you so much.

Let go of your worry. If you believe in God Almighty, then you must believe He is able and willing to lead you on the path to take. You are where you are for a season, and when you are ready, you will come into the next season. So you wait on the Lord, be faithful with the light you have received and do the best you can with what is given to you. That is all you are expected to do. You put the reigns back in God’s hands and trust God to direct your paths. He will never leave you nor forsake you. If you believe in Him, you must believe He is good and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. If you are anxious about making the right decision, remember the words of a great pope. “there are many hurdles on the way to the truth.”
and also “seek me and you will find me when you seek with all of your heart.” Keep a clear conscience with God, and that is how He will lead you.

 

[Kay_Cee]

Bygraceandmercy,

I know someone who has come under demonic attack several times, and here is her response to you:

When this first started happening to me, I was terrified. I had been trying to get closer to God, and so I was praying more and studying my Catholic faith to a much greater degree than ever before. But when the attacks started, I figured it was too high a price to pay, and I stopped.

Then something happened. I got mad. I mean I got really, really mad. How dare Satan try to keep me from getting closer to God! It also occurred to me that if I gave in, I would be obeying the devil instead of God.

So then I did something that was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I told God I was going to trust Him. I was going to trust Him that, no matter how bad it got, He was watching out for me and would not let my soul come to harm.

Well, the strangest thing happened. The attacks continued, but my fear was gone. Okay, sometimes I was afraid before an attack, and sometimes after one, but–and here’s the amazing part–never *during *one. Now, I have to tell you that kind of courage and confidence is not coming from me. I’m pretty much a fraidy cat. I’d get scared if a poodle bared its teeth at me. I can only conclude that the courage I experienced comes from God.

My advice to you is:

1. Do not give in to the devil by giving him what he wants.
2. Pray to God for the courage to withstand this.
3. See your local Catholic priest for help. Ask him if he can recommend someone as a Spiritual Director for you, especially someone who’s had experience dealing with this sort of thing.
4. Have your house blessed. This won’t necessarily stop the attacks, but it can’t hurt to have it done.

I will keep you in my prayers.

This is Kay Cee again. I hope all the above helps!

 

[Church_Militant]

Consider:

The enemy does not attack us when we are doing what he wants, but when we draw near to God in pursuit if the way, the truth, and the life, then opposition and tribulation comes.

St. James has some advice for you in chapter 1 of his epistle.

2 My brethren, count it all joy, when you shall fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 And patience hath a perfect work; that you may be perfect and entire, failing in nothing. 5 But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind. 7 Therefore let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is inconstant in all his ways.

Advance, knowing that if the enemy opposes you then he does so because he knows you are the greater threat to his purposes.

When you are attacked, pray this prayer. (I suggest that you memorize it.)

Know also that I will be remembering you in my own prayers as well.

My patron saint will not let you down.

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

 

[RosaryFan]

Hi, Bygraceandmercy.

The closer you get to God, the more satan attacks. If you’re on the wrong path, satan is satisfied and leaves you alone. It is only when we are on the right path that he throws down hurdles. I wouldn’t for one second believe God would “attack” you for turning the wrong way - He gave us free will, after all. The attacks are most certainly from satan.

Would you consider a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament? Jesus is truly present - body, blood, soul and divity, under the apprearance of bread. Visit Our Lord and ask for His help. Say, “Heart of Jesus, help me” and He will.

Good luck to you.

 

[Bygraceandmercy]

Come to think of it, yes, a few times when I was starting to think about trying to convert to Catholicism again. Each time, it was when I was sleeping - once or twice I had woken up at 3am when it happened, and after trying very hard (I felt paralyzed) to bless myself and/or say a Hail Mary, it would stop.

Yes, I will go through periods of being woken up at 3:00 am either for a few nights in a row, or once in a while, just couple of examples are: it’s after a very bad nightmare, or something wierd will happen like my smoke alarm goes off even when there’s no smoke!, and will not stop beeping until I disconnect it. I will pray and put on praise music to get back to sleep, that’s happened several times, I had the maintenance guy come and fix it, but it happened again.

 

[Bygraceandmercy]

First, I would question whether or not they really are demonic attacks (not saying they can’t be). And second, I’d ask why would demons wish to turn you away from becoming Catholic? If becoming Catholic is a BAD choice, it would seem to me they’d prefer to encourage this, not terrify you away from it. Just my thoughts…

This is a very good point.

Many Catholic saints have been profoundly tortured by such things. Padre Pio is one that comes to mind. Perhaps you might read a biography about him. St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul might assist you as well. He was tortured by grave doubts while enduring a prison sentence.

Thanks, I will look for these at the Library. I still have more replys to do, and I will write more later. Thanks everybody, God bless

 

[promethius]

I’m sorry, I’m not sure if I’m posting this in the right section or not; I have a very important questions that I am needing some answers to. Respectfully I’m only looking for answers from Catholics. I’m just going to pour my heart out, so please be kind and don’t think I am here to attack the faith. Here’s my story: I guess I’m what you would consider a Protestant, I was very involved in a Calvary Chapel for about 5 years until I relocated about a year an a half ago to Washington to be near my sick mother, who is now doing much better. I’ve started a whole new life here in Washington, but I haven’t been able to find a home church yet. I’ve been very sad about it, I went from to going to church 3 times a week to 0. I’ve tried several different churches, but they just arn’t right for me and my son.I’ve also looked alot into Catholicism. When I’ve had my times of looking into it and studying it I’ve read several books, listened to Catholic Answers on KBVM, and some of the other programs on the station, and have had many of my Theology questions answered by reading this board. I’ve prayed to the Lord for answers and reassurance also, but what stops me from converting each time is I start to experience scary demonic attacks, so I will think that I must have turned the wrong way and pulled myself out of from under the Lord’s blessing, so I will turn back and be at peace with being Protestant for a while until I start to feel empty again, and then I start to feel the pull back towards Catholicism. But I do not know for sure the reason for these attacks.These attacks never happened to me when I was just Protestant and going to church. But I have gone back and forth in my mind and heart between considering converting to Catholicism, and staying Protestant. I love the Lord very much. I am sad though, because since I’ve moved and have been out of church, I’ve been experiencing a crises of my faith and feel backsliden and confused. My questions are this; how do I know for sure the reason for these attacks? How do I know if it’s God trying tell me I’m turning the wrong way, or Satan trying to prevent me from turning the right way? Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting? I welcome your answers, advice, and experiences. Thank you so much.

Can’t say I’ve shared the experience, but that doesn’t mean i can’t dispense a solitary bit of advice:

God does not attack us as we fall away. He loves us enough to give us free will, even if it hurts His heart for us to wander away from Him. Satan, however, HATES when people are doing what is right. What you describe would make perfect sense… Satan doesn’t want you to join the catholic church, and each time you back off to cease these attacks you’re appeasing rather than fighting. Let the devil be hanged and come home to the church. There’s nothing more satisfying than saying “Satan be gone, for I am God’s and He is infinite in His love and protection for His beloved Children.”

 

[tobias]

I’ve prayed to the Lord for answers and reassurance also, but what stops me from converting each time is I start to experience scary demonic attacks, so I will think that I must have turned the wrong way and pulled myself out of from under the Lord’s blessing, so I will turn back and be at peace with being Protestant for a while until I start to feel empty again, and then I start to feel the pull back towards Catholicism. Has anyone else ever experienced this before or when converting?

I think this is the important portion of you OP. You intimated, but did not say that the Lord is giving you the answers and reassuring you. The answer that your going the right way is not specifically in the demonic attack, the Devil does play games with us, but in the emptiness you feel apart from Catholicism. That, from what I gather, is what you should focus on. I may be wrong, but what I think you meant by ‘being at peace with Protestantism’ is being complaicent, which brings you no true peace.

What you said is ‘what stops me from converting’. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but in Catholicism conversion is an ongoing process. Because we are not yet in Heaven we lack perfection, and are continually in need of conversion, drawing closer and closer to our Lord. Since you are seeking to be closer to the Lord you are converting, the only one who can stop your conversion is you.
Keep praying, and do’nt let the enemy come between you and Christ.

 

[Bygraceandmercy]

My son and I went to the Library yesterday, and I checked out a book called “meet Padre Pio”, and some other books on Mary, and dvds on Pope John Paul II and the Vatician. As I was browsing all the different books on Saints and Catholic topics, a strong sense of fear gripped me, it made me a little shaky. I prayed and still checked out the books and dvds, my son (11) checked out a Left Behind Kids book, I had a thought that I wasn’t too sure about it now even though we were really into these at my old Church, because I had read something on Catholic Answers about the Rapture and a book called “Will Catholics be Left Behind”. We put all the books in a basket that rolls on the ground, and stopped by the grocery store. When we were walking home and almost there, it was dark and I hadn’t said anything to my son about the fear that gripped me, my son said "Mom, it feels like a dark presence is following me. I said, “say your prayers”, and I prayed too. Things were fine after that, but when I was lying in bed before I fell asleep, the feeling gripped me again, and I heard wierd noises in my apartment. I put on praise music,prayed and fell asleep. I suddenly woke up a little after 3 am, but I’m not sure why. I prayed and fell back asleep. I’m still feeling a little scared. I just need to share my experience with someone, and I was hoping someone could pray for us. Thank you