Is Opus Dei safe? (Newbie to Catholicism)

[Memaw]

Oh wow, thanks for that perspective. Yes, it’s true, anything “secret” is a red flag to me!

So you can confirm that those blood oaths were part of the ceremony? I was horrified when I read the pre-1990ish temple transcripts, before they removed. (There are still oaths of secrecy though, just not sure if Mormons still swear on penalty of their lives.) It was beyond troubling imaging my parents mimicking their own throat slitting and disembowelment, etc. I was one of those people who left the church before ever going through the endowment, and I am eternally grateful for someone who posted the temple ceremony online so I could actually see what my loved ones are up to. Needless to say, I was shocked; and seeing that ceremony helped me identify Mormonism for the false religion that is. They never teach any of that stuff out-in-the-open in Sunday School, so as a child and teen I spent years in the Mormon Church wondering why other people thought Mormonism was so strange. Turns out you gotta go to the temple to see the false doctrines in full bloom. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. I never want to be part of anything secretive again!

Good point about pacing. Glad to meet another survivor who made it out of the Mormon Maze.

I just learned things about the Mormon Church I never knew and I have known and talked to many Mormons. But just because there are ‘secret organizations’ out there , don’t put that label on Opus Dei. Talk to your priest. I agree with going slow and not letting strong zeal get away with you. but I believe Opus Dei is a wonderful way to grow in your faith properly. God Bless, Memaw

 

[Richca]

Good point that I can still participate in meetings or activities of interest, without having to join. I might also enjoy reading the writings of St. Escriva, since I am interested in sanctification and dedicating what I do during the day to God…

Might I ask, do you know what membership actually entails? What would be the difference between an official member and someone who “picks and chooses” what activities they want to go to? Do Opus Dei members make vows of sorts?

hello onegirlinchrist,
Opus Dei members do not make vows like religious do; they make promises of a contractual nature but these promises do not have the force of a vow.
There are several types of membership in Opus Dei but whatever the membership they all share in the same spirit, the sanctification of ordinary lay life. There are numeraries; these are single lay men and women called to Opus Dei and who live apostolic celibacy. There are supernumeraries: these are single or married lay men and women called to Opus Dei without a commitment to celibacy. For example, a single supernumerary may get married in the future.
There are cooperators: these are lay men and women, without being members of Opus Dei, collaborate apostolically with Opus Dei through prayer, donations, gifts, and even work. Opus Dei also have their own priests: these are men taken from the ranks of Opus Dei and called to the priesthood for the benefit of the members of Opus Dei.

Membership in Opus Dei normally does not take you out of your place in life such as your work or where you live except those called to be numeraries who may then live in Opus Dei centers among the priests and other numeraries although they will probably retain their jobs.
Membership in Opus Dei also involves doing a number of daily spiritual exercises if possible such as praying the rosary, meditation on the gospel or scripture for 15 or more minutes, attending Mass if possible, examination of conscience, spiritual reading, attending the monthly evenings of recollections, doing a yearly retreat for about a week or less. All these exercises are to help the members grow in holiness and the sanctification of the lay vocation.

The main teaching of St Josemaria Escriva is that the lay vocation to which most people are called by God whether single or married is a path to holiness and sanctity, and this whether a person is a member of Opus Dei or not. However, some people feel called to be actual members of Opus Dei. The laity sanctify the world from within for the disciples of Christ are the light of the world.

 

[Memaw]

hello onegirlinchrist,
Opus Dei members do not make vows like religious do; they make promises of a contractual nature but these promises do not have the force of a vow.
There are several types of membership in Opus Dei but whatever the membership they all share in the same spirit, the sanctification of ordinary lay life. There are numeraries; these are single lay men and women called to Opus Dei and who live apostolic celibacy. There are supernumeraries: these are single or married lay men and women called to Opus Dei without a commitment to celibacy. For example, a single supernumerary may get married in the future.
There are cooperators: these are lay men and women, without being members of Opus Dei, collaborate apostolically with Opus Dei through prayer, donations, gifts, and even work. Opus Dei also have their own priests: these are men taken from the ranks of Opus Dei and called to the priesthood for the benefit of the members of Opus Dei.

Membership in Opus Dei normally does not take you out of your place in life such as your work or where you live except those called to be numeraries who may then live in Opus Dei centers among the priests and other numeraries although they will probably retain their jobs.
Membership in Opus Dei also involves doing a number of daily spiritual exercises if possible such as praying the rosary, meditation on the gospel or scripture for 15 or more minutes, attending Mass if possible, examination of conscience, spiritual reading, attending the monthly evenings of recollections, doing a yearly retreat for about a week or less. All these exercises are to help the members grow in holiness and the sanctification of the lay vocation.

The main teaching of St Josemaria Escriva is that the lay vocation to which most people are called by God whether single or married is a path to holiness and sanctity, and this whether a person is a member of Opus Dei or not. However, some people feel called to be actual members of Opus Dei. The laity sanctify the world from within for the disciples of Christ are the light of the world.

I have several small, (they fit easily in your pocket or purse) books by St. Josemaria Escriva and they are very good, easy to read, very practical. Maybe if you read some of his books you will get to know if you want to learn more about it. Some titles are, “The Way, Furrow, The Forge, and the Way of the Cross.” I imagine that Catholic.com or EWTN has them for sale. God Bless, Memaw

 

[firead]

I have several small, (they fit easily in your pocket or purse) books by St. Josemaria Escriva and they are very good, easy to read, very practical. Maybe if you read some of his books you will get to know if you want to learn more about it. Some titles are, “The Way, Furrow, The Forge, and the Way of the Cross.” I imagine that Catholic.com or EWTN has them for sale. God Bless, Memaw

There is also a single-volume edition that combines The Way, The Furrow, & the Forge and is still pretty compact. I carry it in my purse or bookbag most days. I got it from Amazon, but I assume Catholic stores may have it as well. It was cheaper, at the time, then ordering them seperately, but I like having the 3 together too.

 

[iepuras]

Hello onegirlinchrist,

I am also an ex-Mormon and was baptized into the Catholic Church just a few short weeks ago. I, too, have been intrigued by Opus Dei, but I am not jumping into anything any time soon. I have so much to learn as I am still “just a baby” in the Catholic faith. There is an Opus Dei chapel close to where I work and I plan on going there for confession and other formation activities (as well as Mass when I can manage to get away). Baby steps.

When I was a YSA, I was even an ordinance worker in the temple. I didn’t know about the blood oaths either until I saw an ex-Mormon discuss it on some special about Mormons a while ago. I asked my mother and she confirmed that it was true. An apostate told the truth! It freaked me out and bothered me that no one told me about it, especially my own parents. I did eventually find my way out of the LDS church and don’t talk to my parents anymore (they taught my young children about Joseph Smith and the BOM behind my back and then lied about it).

There are plenty of ex-Mormons on this forum. You are far from alone. In my parish RCIA class that just entered the Church, 2 out of 6 adults that were baptized are ex-Mormon.

 

[Ace86]

Nope, it’s not safe.

 

[Thomas_Casey]

WARNING

I’ve deleted some posts and suspended some posters. If you state that a society of apostolic life approved by the Holy See is not safe and you make statements that are contrary to what the Church has said about said society, you will be suspended. You have no authority to make such statements.

If there is a situation of which you are aware that may be of concern, you can describe it politely and refer your audience to an authoritative source for answers, such as the Opus Dei itself or the Holy See.

No one is allowed to offer authoritative responses in areas where one has no competency or authority. One must make it clear to his audience that these are personal opinions that can be and often are wrong.

 

[Rafaela]

Apart from excellent book by Scott Hahn already recommended, I personally think that Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words by M.T. Oates might be a good one.

I have been hanging around Opus Dei several years and nobody has ever brought up the fact that I could or should be a member.(I am not.) The events are open for all (even people of other faiths), and who is in or out is never discussed. Personally I have high admiration for the members that I know both priests and laity. But like John L. Allen said in his book Opus Dei its like Guinness stout, its not for everyone.

 

[steymard]

I’ve somewhat hung around an Opus Dei house ever since converting - I’m not very involved but I go there for spiritual direction, the occasional Mass, the occasional lecture or group discussion, and the occasional dinner as a guest. That’s what works for me and I’ve never felt any pressure to participate more. Yes, my spiritual director is a priest in Opus Dei but he meets me where I am and doesn’t try to impose his spirituality on me. So I think you should feel fine turning down an invitation to get more involved, but at the same time there’s no need to avoid them or turn away.

I think you would enjoy reading St. Josemaria Escriva’s “The Way”, a lovely little Catholic book. That would give you a lot of insight into Opus Dei’s wonderful spirituality and might help you evaluate it while feeling minimal pressure.

All the Opus Dei members I know are first-rate Catholics and not the pushy type.