I've Lost My Faith

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Peace and All Good!!

the Litany of Our Holy Father St Dominic

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
Prayer for us. *

Holy Mother of God, *
Holy Virgin of virgins, *
Our glorious Father, Saint Dominic, *
Follower of Jesus Christ, *
Eminently endowed with the virtues of His Sacred Heart, *
Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament, *
Singularly devoted to our Blessed Lady, *
Promoter of her honor, *
Promulgator of the Holy Rosary, *
Splendor of the priesthood, *
Founder of the Friars Preachers, *
Confounder of the Albigenses, *
Reviver of ecclesiastical discipline, *
Rose of patience, *
Most ardent for the salvation of souls, *
Most desirous of martyrdom, *
Evangelical man, *
Doctor of truth, *
Ivory of chastity, *
Man of truly apostolic heart, *
Poor in the midst of riches, *
Rich in an unspotted life, *
Burning with zeal for perishing souls, *
Preacher of the Gospel, *
Rule of abstinence, *
Herald of heavenly things, *
Salt of the earth, *
Who didst water the earth with thy pious blood, *
Shining in the choir of virgins, *
Saint Dominic most humble, *
Saint Dominic most obedient, *
Saint Dominic most chaste, *
Saint Dominic most charitable, *
That at the hour of death we may be received into heaven with you, *

Be merciful unto us, O Lord,
And pardon us.
Be merciful unto us, O Lord,
And graciously hear us.

From all sin and evil,
O Lord, deliver us. **

From the snares of the devil, **
From eternal death, **
By the merits of our holy Father, Saint Dominic, **
By his ardent love, **
By his indefatigable zeal, **
By his extraordinary labors, **
By his inexpressible penances, **
By his voluntary poverty, **
By his perpetual chastity, **
By his perfect obedience, **
By his profound humility, **
By his rare constancy, **
By all his other virtues, **

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world:
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world:
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world:
Have mercy on us.

V. O wonderful hope which thou gavest to those who wept for thee at the hour of thy death, promising after thy departure to be helpful to thy brethren:
R. Fulfill, O father, what thou hast said, and help us by thy prayers.
V. O thou who didst shine illustrious by so many miracles, wrought on the bodies of the sick: bring us to the help of Christ to heal our sick souls.
R. Fulfill, O father, what thou hast said, and help, us by thy prayers.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

V. Pray for us, O holy Father Saint Dominic:
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O God, Who hast enlightened Thy Church by the eminent virtues and preaching of Saint Dominic, Thy confessor and our father: mercifully grant that by his prayers we may be provided against all temporal necessities, and daily improve in all spiritual good. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
 
I can certainly relate to struggles, doubts, and pain in matters of faith. Praying for you.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among 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 death.
Amen.

†
 
I’m praying for you. Don’t give up hope. These words of St. Paul are great comfort to me whenever I struggle with sinners in the Church:

“What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every man be false.” (Rom 3:3-4)

Our faith doesn’t rest in any priest or bishop or even pope. It rests in God. In Jesus. And it’s he who founded the Church, on twelve cowardly men, and he who promised he would be with her until the end of time. He who sent the Holy Spirit to guide her into all truth. He is true and trustworthy.

This may sound strange, but one of the things that actually convinced me of the truth of Catholicism was it’s sinful leaders. I saw no explanation for the survival and thriving of the Church - in spite of persecutions outside it and heretics inside it - except the Holy Spirit.

It should have collapsed and given in a long time ago, that’s what corrupt institutions do. Yet it hasn’t. It keeps teaching things that make people uncomfortable, that make people leave.

Anyways, know that I am praying for you. I’m going to start a Divine Mercy novena tonight for you.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us poor sinners! :gopray:
 
Robyn_p said:
I’m praying for you. Don’t give up hope. These words of St. Paul are great comfort to me whenever I struggle with sinners in the Church:

“What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every man be false.” (Rom 3:3-4)

Our faith doesn’t rest in any priest or bishop or even pope. It rests in God. In Jesus. And it’s he who founded the Church, on twelve cowardly men, and he who promised he would be with her until the end of time. He who sent the Holy Spirit to guide her into all truth. He is true and trustworthy.

This may sound strange, but one of the things that actually convinced me of the truth of Catholicism was it’s sinful leaders. I saw no explanation for the survival and thriving of the Church - in spite of persecutions outside it and heretics inside it - except the Holy Spirit.

It should have collapsed and given in a long time ago, that’s what corrupt institutions do. Yet it hasn’t. It keeps teaching things that make people uncomfortable, that make people leave.

Anyways, know that I am praying for you. I’m going to start a Divine Mercy novena tonight for you.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us poor sinners! :gopray:
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Lovely post. God bless you.
 
I was where you are now. God will help you. I never lost faith in Jesus but I did question the church. I pray for you to find peace and the answers you need. God bless.
 
Lormar said:
As you know, what can be said on CAF is limited, so I cannot go into detail as to how and why I have lost my faith. It would be more correct to say that I have lost my faith in the hierarchy which, in turn, makes me question whether the Church has ever been what it claims to be.

At this point in time, I need a miracle of grace.

Please pray for me. Often threads in this section like my own get buried or ignored. I hope that doesn’t happen. I do need prayers. Please.
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Hi Lormar.

I have completely lost my faith in the hierarchy of the Church. I live in Ireland and we are going through tough times here. I have lost faith in people but not God. I don’t think I could ever loose my faith in God. We are too close.

I don’t see anything wrong with loosing faith in people, even if God has chosen them. Think of Saul and Judas, and they are only the one’s we know about. People do turn away from God and if they do, I do not believe God expects us to put faith in them anymore. I can recall a priest who reminded us there was a time God said to Israel, his chosen people, I am not your God and you are not my people because they had turned away. If God turns from people because they have turned from Him, I doubt very much if God having turned Himself continues to think we should follow.

Having said that, God will never leave you. Those who genuinely follow will leave neither you nor God. I find it very hard to trust because I have lost my faith in people. I am worried about myself because I think I now hate people in general because I am sick of lies, superficial relationships, and people who profess to believe yet atheists live out Christianity better than they do. That said, I have met some exceptional people. Find them, focus on them. They are few and far between my friend but when you meet them, they will restore your faith in people, and all those you have lost faith in will fade into oblivion when you do and the others won’t matter. One person can cancel out all the bad. They will.
 
Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†
 
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
 
God reward each and every one of you for your charity and kindness. I am clinging with all that I have to Our Blessed Mother.

I just don’t know what direction to go in at the moment and feel like a hypocrite since I am only going through the motions (attending Mass, praying Rosary and other prayers) but my heart is ice and my thoughts are elsewhere.

Please, I will be eternally grateful to you for your continued prayers.
 
Lormar said:
God reward each and every one of you for your charity and kindness. I am clinging with all that I have to Our Blessed Mother.

I just don’t know what direction to go in at the moment and feel like a hypocrite since I am only going through the motions (attending Mass, praying Rosary and other prayers) but my heart is ice and my thoughts are elsewhere.

Please, I will be eternally grateful to you for your continued prayers.
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Prayers offered for you.
One is never a hypocrite for placing one’s trust in God, and finding refuge with Our Lady.

The devil would have you believe this. Do not fall for this trap. He sees you struggling, and desires your fall.
Don’t worry. Your guardian angel will carry you, your Blessed Mother will wrap you in her mantle, and Our Lord with take you into His holy arms. Look to the cross. See Him there embracing your pain.
Trust.
Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet at times like these.
God bless you today, tonight, and always.
Clare
 
Lormar said:
God reward each and every one of you for your charity and kindness. I am clinging with all that I have to Our Blessed Mother.

I just don’t know what direction to go in at the moment and feel like a hypocrite since I am only going through the motions (attending Mass, praying Rosary and other prayers) but my heart is ice and my thoughts are elsewhere.

Please, I will be eternally grateful to you for your continued prayers.
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You’re not a hypocrite by still going through the motions. Not at all! In fact, you’re doing exactly what you need to. It’s the devil who’s trying to convince you you’re a hypocrite, because he wants to keep you away from the Eucharist. He doesn’t want you to keep receiving the sacraments, because those are the only things keeping you in the state of grace, which he desperately wants you out of. Do. Not. Listen.

What you’re going through sounds like what St. Ignatius of Loyola called “Desolation.” Here’s how he describes it:

I call desolation all the contrary of consolation, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to things low and earthly, the unquiet of different agitations and temptations, moving to want of confidence, without hope, without love, when one finds oneself all lazy, tepid, sad, and as if separated from his Creator and Lord. Because, as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts which come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts which come from desolation.

Sound familiar? Thankfully, he gives advice on what to do during it.

In time of desolation never make a change; but be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which he was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation it is rather the good spirit who guides and counsels us, so in desolation it is the evil, with whose counsels we cannot take a course to decide rightly.

So absolutely continue going to Mass! Go every day. Go to adoration. Pray the rosary. They are your best and only weapons against desolation.

This storm will pass my friend, but we have to stay close to Jesus. Even when it seems he’s asleep in our boat.
 
Gertabelle said:
What he said!

And many of us are committed to praying daily for those struggling with the faith. So you are receiving prayers even from some who are never on these forums at all. Be courageous, dear one! You are not alone, but dearly loved by many of your brothers and sisters in Christ. :hug3:
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:amen:
 
Praying that the Lord may renew your faith and grant you all the graces you seek.

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
 
Lormar said:
God reward each and every one of you for your charity and kindness. I am clinging with all that I have to Our Blessed Mother.

I just don’t know what direction to go in at the moment and feel like a hypocrite since I am only going through the motions (attending Mass, praying Rosary and other prayers) but my heart is ice and my thoughts are elsewhere.

Please, I will be eternally grateful to you for your continued prayers.
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I really respect you for hanging in there.

Not sure if this is helpful, but during my Protestant days, I got somewhat exhausted by the “Spirit-filled” sermons and worship services. Church was always an emotional “high.” It felt great at first, maybe it was the Spirit. But with time, I found the spiritual highs to be tiring. Life is not a happy thing all the time, even for those in friendship with God. Protestantism gave me somewhat false expectations about what it “feels” like to be a Christian (perpetually like you just climbed Mount Everest).

Mormonism falsely taught me and my family to accept a false religion because of the way it’s scripture made us “feel.” The warm and fuzzy feelings we felt at church and from Mormon scripture supposedly were proof of the truth of the church.

Feelings, feelings, feelings…sometimes truthful…but not necessarily so.

When I started investigating Catholicism in earnest, I wanted a “spiritual” experience. I wanted an emotional high wherein I would “just know” that it was true. Interestingly, God did not give me such an experience. I think He wanted me to think things through a bit more. That ended up being so merciful of Him. Now, whenever I have doubts, I come back to the reasoning that led me to Catholicism. This is a reasoning that stands, no matter what I am feeling. It is a reasoning that incorporates evidence based on life experience and observation, basic logical principles, scripture, and study of other faith traditions. For me, Catholicism held up to intellectual scrutiny better than any other. Imo, it is the belief system that best harmonizes and explains science, morality, human consciousness and spirituality, as well as history and civilization.

Perhaps it would be useful for you to think about why–intellectually–you believe in Catholicism. For me at least, this has been very grounding. Feelings can come and go, but reason does not.
 
onegirlinchrist said:
I really respect you for hanging in there.

Not sure if this is helpful, but during my Protestant days, I got somewhat exhausted by the “Spirit-filled” sermons and worship services. Church was always an emotional “high.” It felt great at first, maybe it was the Spirit. But with time, I found the spiritual highs to be tiring. Life is not a happy thing all the time, even for those in friendship with God. Protestantism gave me somewhat false expectations about what it “feels” like to be a Christian (perpetually like you just climbed Mount Everest).

Mormonism falsely taught me and my family to accept a false religion because of the way it’s scripture made us “feel.” The warm and fuzzy feelings we felt at church and from Mormon scripture supposedly were proof of the truth of the church.

Feelings, feelings, feelings…sometimes truthful…but not necessarily so.

When I started investigating Catholicism in earnest, I wanted a “spiritual” experience. I wanted an emotional high wherein I would “just know” that it was true. Interestingly, God did not give me such an experience. I think He wanted me to think things through a bit more. That ended up being so merciful of Him. Now, whenever I have doubts, I come back to the reasoning that led me to Catholicism. This is a reasoning that stands, no matter what I am feeling. It is a reasoning that incorporates evidence based on life experience and observation, basic logical principles, scripture, and study of other faith traditions. For me, Catholicism held up to intellectual scrutiny better than any other. Imo, it is the belief system that best harmonizes and explains science, morality, human consciousness and spirituality, as well as history and civilization.

Perhaps it would be useful for you to think about why–intellectually–you believe in Catholicism. For me at least, this has been very grounding. Feelings can come and go, but reason does not.
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Excellent post. Thank you fro saying this.
God bless you,
Clare
 
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are 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
 
More than I can tell you, I deeply appreciate all of what you are telling me.

Please, please keep praying. It is at a crisis point at the moment and I don’t know which way to turn or where to go.

Please know that my gratitude to you for your prayers and concern is deep and sincere.
 
Dear God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the angels and saints in Heaven and the merits of all the Catholic Churches in Heaven, on earth, and in Purgatory, please grant Lormar a great miracle of Faith. Thank You. Amen.
 
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among 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.
 
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