Is the catholic faith in SE PA weakened by the Philadelphia scandals?

[tenderlynew]

I just moved here from So. Fla., where Catholicism was strong, especially because of a terrific diocese-based radio ministry.

Here there is no Catholic radio and the only Christian radio I can get in my car (I used to love the surprise of finding Spirit FM always there in my car on any errand or mission…not to mention the sunshine…) is New Living Translation-based. Not to down these foiks but I had a bad experience with reading that Bible, I did not like the commentary; and I am not too comfortable with the rhetoric of the announcers, as it seems to be pointedly anti-Catholic. Although I am not a member of any church, I do lean toward Catholicism and hope to be in a position to join RCIA sooner or later.

However, here, I have had one experience with the Catholic Church so far, which did not go well. I was in counseling with a nun through Catholic Charities (long story), and she did speak of the cover-ups that were part of the scandals, not specifically in Philadelphia but I had the sense the Catholic Church here is still reeling from the blow. I looked it up online, I did not follow all the news on this subject, but it does appear, and I do remember, that Philadelphia was one of the epicenters. Am I wrong? My faith needs shoring up, I left my counseling on a questionable note and fear to approach a Catholic church here.

 

[JerryZ]

As one of the apologists on Catholic Answers always says.
“You do not abandon Peter because of Judas”

There will always be a “judas” that will betray Jesus. “catholics” small C that use the label but that are no better than Judas.
In the end we all are sinners in need of repentance and we need to pray that they will mend their ways.
As for yourself I will pray that you will reconsider, do try to find a parish that will welcome you and come home, join RCIA. Jesus is waiting for you.

GOD Bless

 

[ClearWater]

The Catholic Church has been around in one form or another around 2,000 years. Its opponents will typically try to look through all that history to cherry pick for anything mistakes any of us imperfect followers of Christ have made, and put a magnifying glass on it to use as a pretext to summarily reject the entire faith.

They will say something like, …in the 12th century, …so and so…did, or said…x, y and z.
They typically ignore all the good the Church has done over 2 millenia.

Even with all its faults, because we are human, I think after all is said in done if you research this that the good of the Church still outweighs the bad.

 

[Richard_White]

The faith was never lost despite the wrongdoings of some people (in the words of Youtube personality Petrus Josephus). Tenderlynew, do not be discouraged by anything, I am sure that by God’s grace you will find a way into the Church in Pennsylvania. May God bless you and yours always.

 

[Michael19682]

I have only been blessed by my friendships with…never had my faith challenged in that way.

Mt 24:4-5​

You might sum up by saying ‘only worry about how you can help your neighbor, because he really can’t harm you if you believe.’ I am not mistaken here, am I? in saying that much of counseling revolves around a crisis in faith?

Maybe, just maybe, that crisis is the wooden beam in our eye.

Peace

 

[Used2beSherryG]

As for your counseling with a catholic nun who is bashing the church, please go to a parish priest and discuss your questions and concerns. Attending an enquiry class/also known as RCIA will help you to discern your calling by God to join the only church started by His only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Catholic Church is a hospital for sinners as Jesus knew how weak and imperfect we all are. Even Peter, whom He appointed as head of His church betrayed Jesus at one time. Do not worry about those who have sinned and betrayed Jesus. Look at His church which he promised would not be destroyed and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Philadelphia is one of the most liberal cities in the US, so keep that in mind. Detractors have infiltrated the Church as witnessed by those who have abused their power in the past, but that is no reason to turn away from your quest to be in full communion with the church and be able to receive the sacraments and especially the Eucharist, the true Body and Blood of Christ at every Mass. As you continue on your faith journey, may God be with you. As for the radio, it seems odd that there is no Catholic radio broadcast within your hearing. Perhaps further investigation is needed there. As a last resort, there are plenty of good Catholic CD’s to listen to in your car, check Lighthouse media for inexpensive material. or download some radio broadcasts into your ipod or mp3 to take with you on your travels.

 

[lerapt78]

Hello, from a fellow native Floridian transplant!

It’s hard to say whether or not the problems have weakened the faith in any way, either here or elsewhere. I find it hard to believe that faithful Catholics who have always been involved in the Church would suddenly stop attending due to an internal crisis or scandal, instead of praying for resolutions. In my own opinion, I find that faith is weakened mostly among those who never really had strong faith to begin with (with exceptions, of course) - primarily among the youth, who are fed by the secularization of the modern culture.

I’ve too seen some areas of Philly in which it seems that Catholic Churches lack a certain vibrancy. Then again, there is also the consideration that in many of these places the population demographics have changed over time. Some areas of North Philadelphia which used to be predominantly Irish for example, now have large populations who typically are of a Protestant background. In South Philly, certain neighborhoods used to be very Italian, and that appears to have changed as well, as many of the younger generations have moved to the Philadelphia suburbs or New Jersey. When a once-Catholic majority leaves an area, the number of church attendance will naturally be reduced.

The church I attend has a young adult group (20s-30s) that conducts weekly events. Since you’re new to the city, you might want to consider a visit. You can PM me for more info if you’d like.

 

[tenderlynew]

Thanks for the replies, info and advice. I live pretty far from Philly. I will absolutely look into buying Lighthouse Media CD’s for my car, as I have finally turned off the station I had been listening to.

Lots of issues here which have all been attended, thanks again, I will also certainly consider the possibility of a beam in the eye!

Thanks for the encouragement to continue in my steps toward RCIA and the Eucharist, I was needing it… This particular area is heavily Lutheran, and I have been turning inwards in my pursuit of truth and concocting my own personal faith, which I know can lead to ill things.