It's hard to be a Catholic

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Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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Perhaps you can give some examples of the kind of things you are facing?

When you say the misinformation about the Faith, etc-- that can mean a number of things. You could live in a very liberal secular area, and hence your Faith is under attack in that way. You could live in a fundamentalist area, and your Faith could be under attack in that way.

Could you give some examples of what you mean?
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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that is how we know we are in the right Faith. the opposition, the persecution.
remember when Catholics came to this country, it was really hard.

hold on to the Truth. i have heard that the Church is going thru the worst time of her life. we are under heavy attacks. Paul VI said: the smoke of satan entered the Church. BXVI said: Lord your Church looks more like a boat sinking. waters are coming from all sides. in thy field there are more weeds than wheat.

we are being tested. i have no doubt. everywhere, we find people trying to destroy the Catholic Faith. using words and actions to undermine the True Church.

take heed my friend, we are in the boat. stay in. although it seems that it has been racked, nevertheless it would be safe to say, that we will make to other side in good hands.

"Let us note that the very tradition, teaching, and faith of the
Catholic Church from the beginning, which the Lord gave, was preached
by the Apostles, and was preserved by the Fathers. On this was the Church founded;
and if anyone departs from this, he neither is nor any longer ought to be called a Christian.
St. Athanasius, Letter to Serapion of Thmuis, 359 A.D…
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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The things you describe are faith builders. Teach your kids the faith while they are young, because it ain’t gonna be easier for them!!

Best wishes to you.
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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I know exactly how you feel. I am currently in RCIA and my entire family is Southern Baptist. 85% of the town I live in is Southern Baptist, the other is made up of pentecostal, methodist, etc. I know of 0 catholics that live in this town.
 
Sometimes it is challenging to be Catholic, especially with the anti-Catholic sentiments all over. Just hold onto the Faith. Pray to Jesus, Mary, and the Saints. They will help you. Attend Mass and go to Eucharistic Adoration.

Like someone above me said, we know we are the Truth, the original Church founded by the Son of God. We were tortured for centuries, however, the gates of hell have not prevailed against us. We have not lost our identity and never will.
 
dnar said:
I know exactly how you feel. I am currently in RCIA and my entire family is Southern Baptist. 85% of the town I live in is Southern Baptist, the other is made up of pentecostal, methodist, etc. I know of 0 catholics that live in this town.
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I am in the same boat you are – in RCIA, no close Catholic family or friends. I just felt drawn to the CC since I was a child visiting a monastery near my home. It sure gets lonely but I have been lucky in that I have so far lost only three friends. I have not told my evangelical uncle yet so I am kind of dreading that one. I can’t imagine not being Catholic though no matter what.

We do have several Catholics in my town, just many more Baptists and Evangelical and non-denominational Protestant churches. No outward hostility – just a drawing back if that makes any sense
 
I am the only Catholic in the small community I live in.I am the only Catholic at the place I work.We drive 22 miles to the next county to attend Mass.We drive 50 miles once a week so my wife of 39yrs.and my friends wife can attend RCIA.When my friends wife completes RCIA,she will be the only Catholic in her community.Everyone around us are Holiness,Baptist or some type of Pentecostal and most of them were taught that Catholics worship Mary,that the Catholic Church is the Great Whore from the book of Revelation,That the KJV of the Bible is the only Bible,That Catholics “party” all week then go to confession.They are slowly changing their opinion of the Church.We’ve had some interesting conversations.😃
 
I was going to post something on this issue as well. Although the anti-Catholic sentiment is not as bad where I live it is here. This is what Christ warned his disciples about- the world hating them. I know that things definitely aren’t getting better in America with liberals and atheists doing the devils work and defaming the church with falsehoods and exaggerations usually under the disguise of freedom of speech or expression. The devil is trying to tear this world apart. He has waged war on the Catholic Church because it is the true church that Christ established and defends God’s holy word. It’s hard particularly as a young man like myself to defend my faith in this secular world where most churches are all about filling the pews, holy ghost slayings, money and so forth. Not that I am criticizing other churches - I believe there are some who truly have a zeal for God but it is not enlightened, they lack knowledge. Where I live many churches now boast of prophets, with the gospel being marginalized and cult like adoration of pastors. Interestingly they accuse the Catholic Church of idolatry and not reading the bible. The CC has affirmed my faith in God, I have been touched by the holy spirit, for those who would suggest Catholics know nothing about the holy ghost. God has opened my eyes and the more I reflect on my faith the closer I get to him. I pray for all Catholics, America and the world at large. The devil knows he doesn’t have much more time.

God bless.
 
It is hard to be a Catholic when you are going it alone. My advice is to cultivate a support group of sorts. Join a bible study, a Catholic mens group, Knights of Columbus, a busy parish ministry…something, anything that keeps you involved with the church and with other practicing and devout Catholics. Go to daily Mass. You need to be around other Catholics on an on-going basis to balance out and give you the fortitude you need to face the opposition. God’s Blessings.
 
I live down south. you know what i mean.

one time the Church had a carnival for fund raise. a baptist around the corner called the police on us saying that we were selling beer wihtout license. some of the Catholics ended up in jail. it costed money to get them out.

the Church still there but her enemy is no longer there.

remember this, when someone, anyone attacks the CC, Jesus is the One taking the Abuses. Peace.
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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Here is something good and helps you to perseverance.

thecatholictreasurechest.com/index.htm
 
Being Catholic will only be easy in heaven! Keep fighting, and remember that your troubles are few compared to those of the Apostles, all of which but one were torturously killed, and the one who wasn’t, John, suffered the unbearable sadness of being right at the foot of the cross with Our Lord and Mary the entire time.

I really feel your pain. It helps immensely to stay close to the Sacraments, and the devil will be less able to attack you. Foster in yourself an intense devotion to Our Lord in the Eucharist, and go to Mass daily when you can, as well as adoration. Frequent fasting and confession are wonderful ideas as well, as is self-mortification.

When you reject the ways of the world things will become a lot easier, and you will be far more at peace and able to pray for the conversion of those that hate you. Remember, God works that way (St. Paul :))

Also remember: you are not on the defensive. You are not a trained apologist, so don’t attempt to argue with them. I guarantee that they will not listen to you even when you quote the Bible on them, because their idea of authority is different; due to personal interpretation and sola scriptura any bible passage, no matter how inextricably clear, like John 6:53, can be called metaphorical, or that it just doesn’t mean that.:rolleyes: Simply LIVE the love you have for Our Lord, be kind and charitable to everybody, and it will cause a stir.

Our Lord has an amazing way of turning everything on its head. So by being nice to those who hate you, and by not going through the typical explanations they get from Catholics, you will affect them far more than by talking. Just say, “If you would really like to have a civil discussion about this then by all means meet me for lunch tomorrow. But I feel like you are trying to argue with me, and it’s not good for us to get into an angry argument with one another.”

God bless 🙂
 
It is hard alright I live in an area with a tiny Catholic population as well and I find that there it’s somewhere between apathy and condescension rather that out and
out dislike, but the misunderstanding and misinformation is there too.

It has been my own experience that developing a network of Catholic friends with whom you can discuss topics like, the Mass, the Bible etc is the best way to go.
That way you can talk without getting into arguments or getting snidely comments and this will help you to grow in Faith and also in confidence
God Bless
 
Archbishop Fulton Sheen had a saying, that paraphrased went something like “There are not 100 people in the US that hate the Catholic Church, but there are many who are confused about the Catholic Church”. Today, I think both of those numbers have grown significantly.

However, do not be discouraged. When Jesus died He had 11 apostles, and today He has Billons world wide.

Remember also, what St. Francis of Assissi taught his monks. “Evangelize always, and when necessary use words”, so how you live and treat others carries more weight than your words. And as to your words, it is not up to you to convert, just speak the truth. It is up to the Holy Spirit to take your words and translate them into the hearts of the confused. We are the instruments of the Holy Spirit. We are the words, He is the action and the results.

I would suggest you go to www.salvationhistory.com and get the conversion CD of Scott Hahn and his wife and keep several copies in our car, or inside pocket of a jacket. When challenged, hand one out and ask if they would listen, and then come to discuss what they heard. (Do not do this on the job, only off company premsises).

Scott Hahn was the youngest ever evangelical to be asked to become a Dean of an Evangelical Seminary/College as he is that bright and filled with the gift of being able to explain the faith to evangelicals. His conversion CD holds the record as the most purchased Catholic CD. I think because a lot of people hand them out to friends.

Finally, embrace the Rosary. Through the rosary several faith threatening challenges have been defeated throughout history. Pray a rosary every day for your community that the Holy Spirit will descend upon it with the truth - then be ready with some CD’s.
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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I first want to say that you have found a good site to help you with your challenges.There is a lot of good information here, but I would encourage you to get a good study bible and if possible get into a bible study group. Another good book would be the Compendium of the Catechism. This makes the study of the Catechism much easier. Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating is another book to have on your bookshelf. There are of course many other books, but I would start here. As you become more familiar with the bible you may even want to study the bible with non Catholics. You can learn a lot and when they have a question that you can not answer it gives you an incentive to learn more. Keep plugged in with good Catholics in your area. ( by the way … what region of the country are you in … diocese?? ) I have to agree with you that it is hard to be a good Catholic, but the rewards are unimaginable.
 
Wow everyone, thank you so much for the support and information.
As far as the challenges, alot of the replies have touched on what I was eluding to (Idol worship, devotions to Mary, that we are not “bible” based nor “preach” scripture and of course the disdain of the Pope- and yes have even been asked by 1 or 2 if we believe in Jesus Christ).
I don’t want to point out any other Christ based faith as the “bad guy”, but it is mostly those of the Baptist faith that will go “toe to toe” with me, challenging me. I always calmly and kindly speak with them and give explanations. It just becomes very tiresome being told over and over again that the way I worship the Lord is wrong. Do note though, I was ‘born’ a Catholic and I will die a Catholic. It fits my soul. Which also brings me to another topic, marriage outside the faith. I was married once outside my faith and have since received my abscence of canonical. Now being older, I do not want to even consider marriage outside my faith and am chastized for this. (Why would I marry someone outside my faith only to be told by that HUSBAND that my relationship with God /worship practice is wrong???) Wondering if anyone else has had similar experience and vowed not to marry outside the faith?
 
I have been Catholic all of my life and have been married to a Southern Baptist for 25 years. Marrying outside of tour faith can be extremely challenging. I also live in the south and have been challenged by many non and anti-catholics. This gives you a chance to grow in your faith, which I encourage you to continue to study and pray. I became a Catholic apologist by constantly reading apologetic works. I like Tan and Ignatius press for a good part of my books. I found Karl Keatings book Catholicism and Fundamentalism many years ago and found a list of books for suggested reading in the back of the book. I started with these and expanded from there. Read your BIble especially the Gospels. Become familiar with the standard objections and their answers. It is a slow process but there are many resources online now. DON’T BE DISCOURAGED. The answers are out there. This site is a very good one to research topics.
As far as getting married I would always encourage you to stay within your faith. If you don’t be aware of the dangers and issues. Trouble will come and it takes strong people to endure the difficulties that this can and probably will occur.
 
John6- Thank you so very much for your reply and words of encouragement. I must confess I was not aware of what an apologetic was, and am delving into that now via the internet and suggested sites.
This is a wonderful site to connect with others and learn things. What a blessing!:
 
scottj said:
Hello everyone, I’m new to this forum and looking for an honest and open venue to speak out. All may well call me a lapsed catholic, but only God knows my heart and knows that I am his through our faith. I did not confirm until my early 30’s but am a “cradle catholic”. I knew when I took my vows at confirmation, part was to be a defender of the faith. I now know at 42 what my elders told me about it being “hard” to be a catholic.
I live in a smaller catholic populated area, and the misinformation and general dislike towards my faith is so disheartening. I read my bible, am familiar with the cathechism and feel like I am constantly under scrutiny and “less than” because of my faith. Now do let me preface in saying, being a believer in “the way” has it’s challenges, and I am ready to do my part til I draw my last breath; but I am wondering how many out there do face the same challenges… being told that being Catholic is the “wrong” faith… I hope some of ya’ll are open to discuss this topic with love and your own (name removed by moderator)ut. Thanks to all who chose to post. I appreciate your candor and your (name removed by moderator)ut. G.B.
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🙂 Join the club.

Just to add, you will know you’re on the right track when things are difficult and you’re going by the Church teaching. 😉
 
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