Is constant failure to measure up part and parcel of being a "good" Catholic?

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An observation and/or comment here!!

As I read here, I see many words and terms that are 2nd nature to a lot of folks. Words that folks like myself have heard for most of our Catholic journey, but which are not so much 2nd nature for us. For instance “grace” as it means when used as “God’s grace.” I just “Googled” the term and found I was, for the most part, correct, but read it in a way that “cleared” the meaning for me a lot. I say all this not to just discuss the word “grace”, but to suggest to those that may find themselves involved in conducting, or assisting with, the RCIA in their respective parishes that you spend more time on the “basics” of being Catholic. Work on vocabulary. Spend time on why a Catholic does what they do and how it’s done. Maybe you do in your parish, but maybe there are some where it doesn’t happen as much. Us “converts” are not only “beginners” so to speak, but beginners who are also working to modify what for a lot us are long held beliefs of another faith. Help us be the Catholics you “cradle Catholics” were instructed how to be even as you were learning how to walk and talk.
 
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You should be aware that not all cradle Catholics have been taught how to be Catholic, or not very well. I was baptized Catholic but never told I was Catholic, was raised in the Episcopal church, and converted years later. My husband is Catholic but never catechized. I suspect we are not alone.
I just mention this so you don’t think that all cradle Catholics are people to model yourself on. In fact, converts often are the ones who have studied the faith closely and know what they are doing.
 
Viki63…
Maybe my insinuation that cradle Cathoics are taught how to “be” Catholic was too sweeping of a generalization. For that I apologize!

I said that from the standpoint of having been in, or nearby, a conversation where some comment would be made that a “majority” of cradle Catholics would, in all likelihood, understand with little to no thought. Whereas, someone like me would “maybe” “sort of” understand, or not. But you don’t want to stop the conversation to pose a question about what it was they meant when they said what they said. One that comes to mind is when a very nice lady in my parish and another person were talking about the “new way” of doing something versus the “old way” of doing something. I don’t remember what the exact subject of the conversation was, but the comment was made about the old way with a comment of “bells and smells.” I’m assuming they were referring to incense and bells in a Mass. Don’t know that and am still wondering. That in, and of, itself is no biggy, but I throw it out just to illustrate how someone who has “been around” very likely understood that.
 
No need for apologies. We are all here to learn.
Yes, “bells and smells” refer to the sensual elements of the Mass, the ringing bells and incense. You are right, there are a lot of things cradle Catholics will get that us converts never will, I suppose. My aunt, a Catholic, used to have a Monsignor over for dinner all the time; I had no clue even what that meant (I just looked it up so now I know).
There are a lot of things in Catholic culture that you have to grow up in it to learn. But as long as you get the basics, I figure it’s okay. Much of it is just cultural anyway, and will differ in other countries.
As far as your original concern, I’ve been confessing the same sins (irritability with my disabled husband’s requests) for years now, and will probably go on for more years. I am improving slightly, and remember to offer a brief prayer on each occasion. I figure there is nothing wrong with this situation as long as we intend to improve consistently. It’s not a losing battle. It’s just that human nature is stubborn.
 
Is there such a thing as a book/publication that explains what is going on in a Mass with an eye to explaining why what is being done is in fact being done? To use the “bells and smells” element, what is represented by the bells? The smells? etc. etc. ??

A plain English explanation of what is being represented by what is being done? Don’t know that I’m sufficiently making my point clear, but hopefully you will get the gist of what I’m asking.
 
I believe there are several. Here is one that looks good though I haven’t read it. Also you might want to look at the Catechism which has a section on the Liturgical Celebration of the Eucharist, starting in the part numbered 1345. The Catechism is very handy to have.
Also Dr Scott Hahn has a book about the mass, The Lamb’s Supper, which tells us “exactly why we do what we do at mass.” Dr Hahn is brilliant.
Hope this is helpful.
 
Even the saints have expressed the feeling that they have fallen short of attaining “perfection” in their journey towards God. The more you progress in your spiritual efforts, the higher your standard will become. No one can achieve the goal of perfection, yet your constant effort will draw you ever so close without you realizing it. Trust in Jesus’s love for you to bring you to Him. The Catholic Church shows us the path to Him, but the road is not always easy.
 
I suppose this thread is getting away from what I started it out to be, but unless I’m “corrected” I don’t want to jump to another thread because there has been so many good thoughts and suggestions, at least to me, that I find myself referring back to that I don’t want to lose. But will if told by someone who is more “rule conscious” than I.

So until…
 
Hello.

Remember that you aren’t fighting alone and what you’re fighting for, eternal life and bliss with our Creator, might be well worth it.

We’re all temporary here. And so are our things here.
 
Hello.

What I think it’s meant for perfection, is to finish your life. For example, I put writing my book off. I am not finished, my purposes for being here aren’t finished.

My understanding only of this topic.
 
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