joining RCC

[underwhelmed]

I have seen a previous post regarding one person’s decision to join the RCC but was reluctant to tell his family because he was raised WELS. I am in the exact same position, except I’m a woman. I have been for lack of a better term, not feeling “God’s presence” in my church for as long as I can remember and felt as though each sunday I was going through the motions. A few months ago I went to my first mass and was surprised by the many similar facets of the service. I was told my whole life by WELS from sunday school up through confirmation and beyond that the catholic church was awful…they don’t let you ask questions about the bible…they only preach in latin… they believe the pope is God on earth. Basically they’re awful. I am 90% sure I want to leave WELS for many reasons but I know that my family will be very heart broken over it. I have spoken with my lutheran pastor and he told me the same negativity I had heard throughout my life, but when I visited mass once, twice and every time thereafter I get a more familial feeling. The church body is recognized during mass (not just the congregational responses but praying for the head of the church and the bishop, while standing shoulder to shoulder with people who are kind and don’t care that they have no personal bubble because of the amount of people that attend each service. In WELS you’re lucky to have 50 people…talk about a change in attendance perspective…big shock for me) and everyone is so kind and understanding if your new or not…they’re welcoming. In my experience the WELS churches I have been in are very “this is my space don’t encroach on it” or they smile at you but conversation is minimal. The difference in welcoming, taking an interest and just being so just like a big family that you never knew was there is such an immense pull for me. Can anyone relate to this? I don’t have any idea how to break it to my family. My entire family is WELS, devout. Has anyone else been through this. I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

 

[1Tim215Mommy]

I have seen a previous post regarding one person’s decision to join the RCC but was reluctant to tell his family because he was raised WELS. I am in the exact same position, except I’m a woman. I have been for lack of a better term, not feeling “God’s presence” in my church for as long as I can remember and felt as though each sunday I was going through the motions. A few months ago I went to my first mass and was surprised by the many similar facets of the service. I was told my whole life by WELS from sunday school up through confirmation and beyond that the catholic church was awful…they don’t let you ask questions about the bible…they only preach in latin… they believe the pope is God on earth. Basically they’re awful. I am 90% sure I want to leave WELS for many reasons but I know that my family will be very heart broken over it. I have spoken with my lutheran pastor and he told me the same negativity I had heard throughout my life, but when I visited mass once, twice and every time thereafter I get a more familial feeling. The church body is recognized during mass (not just the congregational responses but praying for the head of the church and the bishop, while standing shoulder to shoulder with people who are kind and don’t care that they have no personal bubble because of the amount of people that attend each service. In WELS you’re lucky to have 50 people…talk about a change in attendance perspective…big shock for me) and everyone is so kind and understanding if your new or not…they’re welcoming. In my experience the WELS churches I have been in are very “this is my space don’t encroach on it” or they smile at you but conversation is minimal. The difference in welcoming, taking an interest and just being so just like a big family that you never knew was there is such an immense pull for me. Can anyone relate to this? I don’t have any idea how to break it to my family. My entire family is WELS, devout. Has anyone else been through this. I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

I don’t know what WELS is, but it is good to be honest with your family, especially your parents.

 

[Allegra]

I’m also not sure what WELS might mean, but I think if you are of age, you are under no obligation to tell your family anything until you make your decision. If you are still a minor, then you need your parent’s permission and that is another story. You should not do something behind their back. I think you should look into RCIA so that you can learn the teachings of the Church and decide if you can accept them.

 

[marlo]

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

I’m also not sure what WELS might mean, but I think if you are of age, you are under no obligation to tell your family anything until you make your decision. If you are still a minor, then you need your parent’s permission and that is another story. You should not do something behind their back. I think you should look into RCIA so that you can learn the teachings of the Church and decide if you can accept them.

 

[St_Francis]

Yes, joining RCIA isn’t making any commitment–in fact, some who go have no intention if joining the Church, they just want to learn more about it.

Just call your parish and ask about the classes. Right now is time for you to learn more about the Catholic Church, and later have a better idea of what to do about your family.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I have seen a previous post regarding one person’s decision to join the RCC but was reluctant to tell his family because he was raised WELS. I am in the exact same position, except I’m a woman. I have been for lack of a better term, not feeling “God’s presence” in my church for as long as I can remember and felt as though each sunday I was going through the motions. A few months ago I went to my first mass and was surprised by the many similar facets of the service. I was told my whole life by WELS from sunday school up through confirmation and beyond that the catholic church was awful…they don’t let you ask questions about the bible…they only preach in latin… they believe the pope is God on earth. Basically they’re awful. I am 90% sure I want to leave WELS for many reasons but I know that my family will be very heart broken over it. I have spoken with my lutheran pastor and he told me the same negativity I had heard throughout my life, but when I visited mass once, twice and every time thereafter I get a more familial feeling. The church body is recognized during mass (not just the congregational responses but praying for the head of the church and the bishop, while standing shoulder to shoulder with people who are kind and don’t care that they have no personal bubble because of the amount of people that attend each service. In WELS you’re lucky to have 50 people…talk about a change in attendance perspective…big shock for me) and everyone is so kind and understanding if your new or not…they’re welcoming. In my experience the WELS churches I have been in are very “this is my space don’t encroach on it” or they smile at you but conversation is minimal. The difference in welcoming, taking an interest and just being so just like a big family that you never knew was there is such an immense pull for me. Can anyone relate to this? I don’t have any idea how to break it to my family. My entire family is WELS, devout. Has anyone else been through this. I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

Welcome to CAF! I am glad that you had the courage to go to Mass twice already! I believe it is the Holy Spirit that leads us all back “home” to the Church! Please make an appointment to speak with the parish priest and ask him about starting RCIA classes, the Rite of Christian (Catholic) Initiation, which is like the introduction course in becoming a Catholic. If you stick with the instruction, you will discover so much about our faith, and at the end, if you choose to, you can be baptized, receive confirmation and Holy Communion all on the same night!

You don’t need to tell your family until you are ready, unless you are still a minor, but since you referred to yourself as a woman, I am thinking you are already out and living on your own.

Again, glad you’re here!

 

[Jon_S_1]

I have seen a previous post regarding one person’s decision to join the RCC but was reluctant to tell his family because he was raised WELS. I am in the exact same position, except I’m a woman. I have been for lack of a better term, not feeling “God’s presence” in my church for as long as I can remember and felt as though each sunday I was going through the motions. A few months ago I went to my first mass and was surprised by the many similar facets of the service. I was told my whole life by WELS from sunday school up through confirmation and beyond that the catholic church was awful…they don’t let you ask questions about the bible…they only preach in latin… they believe the pope is God on earth. Basically they’re awful. I am 90% sure I want to leave WELS for many reasons but I know that my family will be very heart broken over it. I have spoken with my lutheran pastor and he told me the same negativity I had heard throughout my life, but when I visited mass once, twice and every time thereafter I get a more familial feeling. The church body is recognized during mass (not just the congregational responses but praying for the head of the church and the bishop, while standing shoulder to shoulder with people who are kind and don’t care that they have no personal bubble because of the amount of people that attend each service. In WELS you’re lucky to have 50 people…talk about a change in attendance perspective…big shock for me) and everyone is so kind and understanding if your new or not…they’re welcoming. In my experience the WELS churches I have been in are very “this is my space don’t encroach on it” or they smile at you but conversation is minimal. The difference in welcoming, taking an interest and just being so just like a big family that you never knew was there is such an immense pull for me. Can anyone relate to this? I don’t have any idea how to break it to my family. My entire family is WELS, devout. Has anyone else been through this. I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

I told my parents recently about my wanting to become Catholic and starting RCIA. I had manufactured their response in my head to be the whole disowning me and hurt and angry and everything I am sure you are thinking.

In reality they were very open, asked many questions, and we had some great conversations. Now they are planning on visiting mass with me.

I share this, because we often formulate worse case scenarios in our heads, but end up getting anxious over nothing.

Remember it is your decision and your life and your spiritual eternal destination at stake. Life will probably never present you with the perfect scenario, sometimes we have to step forward in faith and let the details work themselves out.

I think you can relate very well to todays mass readings.

Reading 1 1 KGS 19:16B, 19-21

The LORD said to Elijah:
“You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah,
as prophet to succeed you.”

Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,
as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;
he was following the twelfth.
Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.
Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,
“Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,
and I will follow you.”
Elijah answered, “Go back!
Have I done anything to you?”
Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;
he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,
and gave it to his people to eat.
Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

Gospel LK 9:51-62

When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?”
Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus answered him,
“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

And to another he said, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”
But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”
To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

 

[adf417]

I have seen a previous post regarding one person’s decision to join the RCC but was reluctant to tell his family because he was raised WELS. I am in the exact same position, except I’m a woman. I have been for lack of a better term, not feeling “God’s presence” in my church for as long as I can remember and felt as though each sunday I was going through the motions. A few months ago I went to my first mass and was surprised by the many similar facets of the service. I was told my whole life by WELS from sunday school up through confirmation and beyond that the catholic church was awful…they don’t let you ask questions about the bible…they only preach in latin… they believe the pope is God on earth. Basically they’re awful. I am 90% sure I want to leave WELS for many reasons but I know that my family will be very heart broken over it. I have spoken with my lutheran pastor and he told me the same negativity I had heard throughout my life, but when I visited mass once, twice and every time thereafter I get a more familial feeling. The church body is recognized during mass (not just the congregational responses but praying for the head of the church and the bishop, while standing shoulder to shoulder with people who are kind and don’t care that they have no personal bubble because of the amount of people that attend each service. In WELS you’re lucky to have 50 people…talk about a change in attendance perspective…big shock for me) and everyone is so kind and understanding if your new or not…they’re welcoming. In my experience the WELS churches I have been in are very “this is my space don’t encroach on it” or they smile at you but conversation is minimal. The difference in welcoming, taking an interest and just being so just like a big family that you never knew was there is such an immense pull for me. Can anyone relate to this? I don’t have any idea how to break it to my family. My entire family is WELS, devout. Has anyone else been through this. I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

As someone has already said it sounds like the Holy Spirit calling. I don’t know what He is calling you to do but from my perspective, there seems to be many people in your life that are confused and misunderstand the truth about the Catholic Church. Who will help them to know the truth? It is clear this truth will not be coming from their current leadership.

Peace be with you!!!

Edit: Welcome to CAF and everything Catholic!

 

[Stilldreamn]

I was raised in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church, and later became a member of the LCMS. The WELS congregations I belonged to were pretty negative about the Catholic Church in my experience as well. I came in for a great deal of criticism for going to a Catholic college even though that was the only college in my area that offered a BSN back in the day (thanks to the SSJ for a wonderful education).

I pray that the Holy Spirit guides you in your journey.

 

[bzkoss236]

Yes, joining RCIA isn’t making any commitment–in fact, some who go have no intention if joining the Church, they just want to learn more about it.

Just call your parish and ask about the classes. Right now is time for you to learn more about the Catholic Church, and later have a better idea of what to do about your family.

Some people have even attended RCIA multiple times before deciding whether to commit or not.

 

[JonNC]

I have seen a previous post regarding one person’s decision to join the RCC but was reluctant to tell his family because he was raised WELS. I am in the exact same position, except I’m a woman. I have been for lack of a better term, not feeling “God’s presence” in my church for as long as I can remember and felt as though each sunday I was going through the motions. A few months ago I went to my first mass and was surprised by the many similar facets of the service. I was told my whole life by WELS from sunday school up through confirmation and beyond that the catholic church was awful…they don’t let you ask questions about the bible…they only preach in latin… they believe the pope is God on earth. Basically they’re awful. I am 90% sure I want to leave WELS for many reasons but I know that my family will be very heart broken over it. I have spoken with my lutheran pastor and he told me the same negativity I had heard throughout my life, but when I visited mass once, twice and every time thereafter I get a more familial feeling. The church body is recognized during mass (not just the congregational responses but praying for the head of the church and the bishop, while standing shoulder to shoulder with people who are kind and don’t care that they have no personal bubble because of the amount of people that attend each service. In WELS you’re lucky to have 50 people…talk about a change in attendance perspective…big shock for me) and everyone is so kind and understanding if your new or not…they’re welcoming. In my experience the WELS churches I have been in are very “this is my space don’t encroach on it” or they smile at you but conversation is minimal. The difference in welcoming, taking an interest and just being so just like a big family that you never knew was there is such an immense pull for me. Can anyone relate to this? I don’t have any idea how to break it to my family. My entire family is WELS, devout. Has anyone else been through this. I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

I have not been through what you are going through, but my guess is their reaction would not be much better if you were joining the LCMS.
That said, I think it is important, at some point, for you to be honest with your family. You have my prayers that the Spirit guides you to where ache wants you to be.

Jon

 

[underwhelmed]

Welcome to CAF! I am glad that you had the courage to go to Mass twice already! I believe it is the Holy Spirit that leads us all back “home” to the Church! Please make an appointment to speak with the parish priest and ask him about starting RCIA classes, the Rite of Christian (Catholic) Initiation, which is like the introduction course in becoming a Catholic. If you stick with the instruction, you will discover so much about our faith, and at the end, if you choose to, you can be baptized, receive confirmation and Holy Communion all on the same night!

You don’t need to tell your family until you are ready, unless you are still a minor, but since you referred to yourself as a woman, I am thinking you are already out and living on your own.

Again, glad you’re here!

I have spoken with the priest and he told me to e-mail him when I am ready to go through RCIA. I have reservations because I have questions about the church. Also, my family is very tight knit as we are italian. My grandparents are quite old and would be devastated to know which is why I hesitate to inform anyone in my family. I feel more at home and close to God during mass than in the lutheran worship, however my parents are the most hard headed people I know and my family is as well. For example my family is upset that I have returned to school for a second degree in order to get a career. My family made it clear to me that I am put on this earth to have children and the hurt from that alone is enough to make me want to scream but in catholic service I don’t feel any anger as I do any other time I’m out and about. So I suppose the calm that the church gives me is something to take into consideration as well?

 

[SoMissCatholic]

I have spoken with the priest and he told me to e-mail him when I am ready to go through RCIA. I have reservations because I have questions about the church. Also, my family is very tight knit as we are italian. My grandparents are quite old and would be devastated to know which is why I hesitate to inform anyone in my family. I feel more at home and close to God during mass than in the lutheran worship, however my parents are the most hard headed people I know and my family is as well. For example my family is upset that I have returned to school for a second degree in order to get a career. My family made it clear to me that I am put on this earth to have children and the hurt from that alone is enough to make me want to scream but in catholic service I don’t feel any anger as I do any other time I’m out and about. So I suppose the calm that the church gives me is something to take into consideration as well?

Don’t let your questions about the Church be a barrier to attending RCIA classes. That is the exact reason that they are there, for you to learn more about the Catholic faith. As others have pointed out already, going to RCIA classes in no way obligates you to join the Church. I pray that your journey brings you home to the Catholic Church.

 

[jmcrae]

I want to go through RCIA but feel guilty not telling my family that I have been attending mass as it is.

Tell them that all these interesting things they’ve been teaching you about the Catholic Church have caused you to want to learn more, and that you are planning to take a course on Catholicism, try out a few Masses, and that sort of thing. Let them know that you have attended a couple of Masses, and they weren’t what you had been led to expect.

 

[EmeraldOne]

I’m in a similar boat as you Underwhelmed. For the last two years I have been struggling with the desire to reconcile with Rome, but have yet to really take any steps toward it. I attend a Southern Baptist Church, with my mom, sister, her husband, and children, as well as my grandmother and it’s where I was baptized. With the exception of my grandmother, who quite possibly could take ill and pass away from the shock, everyone in my family is amusingly enough aware that I’m a huge closet Catholic, but hoping that it’s just something that will pass. I haven’t been idle, I’ve read “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn, as well as “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” by David Currie, listen to various podcats (“Catholic Stuff You Should Know”, Fr. Robert Barron’s “Word on Fire”’ among others), and I’ve watched Mass on tv, but that’s about it. I feel paralysed to move forward. The plan was/is for me to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminiary next year having majored in Religious Studies for my undergrad, but how can I? I’ve tallked to our pastor before, more than once, and he is actually a great man, and of tremdous faith. However, during our last talk he point blank told me that I know more in the way of Church History and Theology than he does, and that is a disheartening thing to hear, hah. The services that while they seem to work great for many, just don’t usually do much for me. Might go over a few verses from various places in the scriptures, then it’s all music mostly. The thing to take away from all this is that others are struggling in a similar sense, so don’t feel disheartened.

 

[Patrocinor]

Praise God for you! When you are ready…Jesus and His Church are ready to receive you with open arms. Nothing will make an old salt like me cry as when a new member enters the Church on Easter evening. Especially if I had anything to do with it. It is very emotional for me.
However, you are in a discernment period. This is good. Discernment can be short or it can be very long. It took me over 3 years to discern whether I should marry my spouse or not. It took me about 30 years to decide to become a Knight of Columbus. I had to discern entering the priesthood on two occasions. That took years as well. It took me quite some time to become an RCIA teacher which I really enjoy.
Whatever your decision, it will be the right one for you in good time. There are so many here that can help you answer your questions. Only prayer, your good judgement and good timing can help you with your family. However, once again, I have found that when things can be openly discussed, I was surprised at my parents reactions to various trials in my life. Your parents may surprise you. To bottle this up is difficult. Talk to a trusted confidant. Talk to a priest. Write a journal and in time read what you have wrote and see if there is a pattern to your fears.
In the meantime - Num 6:24-26. I remember all the potential converts in my prayers. Your past in the Church that you came from, will be of utmost value to others in time who may be contemplating the same thing. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
"Do not let not your hearts be troubled. Jn 14:1

 

[underwhelmed]

I’m in a similar boat as you Underwhelmed. For the last two years I have been struggling with the desire to reconcile with Rome, but have yet to really take any steps toward it. I attend a Southern Baptist Church, with my mom, sister, her husband, and children, as well as my grandmother and it’s where I was baptized. With the exception of my grandmother, who quite possibly could take ill and pass away from the shock, everyone in my family is amusingly enough aware that I’m a huge closet Catholic, but hoping that it’s just something that will pass. I haven’t been idle, I’ve read “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn, as well as “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” by David Currie, listen to various podcats (“Catholic Stuff You Should Know”, Fr. Robert Barron’s “Word on Fire”’ among others), and I’ve watched Mass on tv, but that’s about it. I feel paralysed to move forward. The plan was/is for me to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminiary next year having majored in Religious Studies for my undergrad, but how can I? I’ve tallked to our pastor before, more than once, and he is actually a great man, and of tremdous faith. However, during our last talk he point blank told me that I know more in the way of Church History and Theology than he does, and that is a disheartening thing to hear, hah. The services that while they seem to work great for many, just don’t usually do much for me. Might go over a few verses from various places in the scriptures, then it’s all music mostly. The thing to take away from all this is that others are struggling in a similar sense, so don’t feel disheartened.

 

[underwhelmed]

I’m in a similar boat as you Underwhelmed. For the last two years I have been struggling with the desire to reconcile with Rome, but have yet to really take any steps toward it. I attend a Southern Baptist Church, with my mom, sister, her husband, and children, as well as my grandmother and it’s where I was baptized. With the exception of my grandmother, who quite possibly could take ill and pass away from the shock, everyone in my family is amusingly enough aware that I’m a huge closet Catholic, but hoping that it’s just something that will pass. I haven’t been idle, I’ve read “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn, as well as “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” by David Currie, listen to various podcats (“Catholic Stuff You Should Know”, Fr. Robert Barron’s “Word on Fire”’ among others), and I’ve watched Mass on tv, but that’s about it. I feel paralysed to move forward. The plan was/is for me to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminiary next year having majored in Religious Studies for my undergrad, but how can I? I’ve tallked to our pastor before, more than once, and he is actually a great man, and of tremdous faith. However, during our last talk he point blank told me that I know more in the way of Church History and Theology than he does, and that is a disheartening thing to hear, hah. The services that while they seem to work great for many, just don’t usually do much for me. Might go over a few verses from various places in the scriptures, then it’s all music mostly. The thing to take away from all this is that others are struggling in a similar sense, so don’t feel disheartened.

As a member of WELS and having been baptized, confirmed and taken communion with my whole family I too believe my grandparents would pass from the shock of leaving. My grandmother cries each time the whole family takes communion together. My sister and her husband are as devout WELS Lutherans as the rest of my family. My sister accepts what my parents say without question and as a result she has never questioned anything and like the rest of my family has no idea what Catholicism really entails. From the little research I have done, there are only grey areas between us that were built up by Luther. I’m not trying to start a debate but I see no reason for a division between Lutherans and Catholics anymore. The services are basically the same as my own pastor told me but he also had no real concrete reason for me to stay in a Lutheran church. I am more at peace with myself during mass than I have ever been in a WELS. If I were you I would attend a mass once and see how you feel during the service. I immediately felt at home because it was so familiar and it was what had been missing in the Lutheran worship services in my opinion. So to say I feel little connection to God in a Lutheran service and feel whole in a mass means a tremendous amount for me. I know what it is to feel family pressure especially in this sense and honestly going to mass was the most daunting aspect of it. But they were kind, warm smiling and so different than what was painted throughout my life. In short I appreciate everyone’s responses and I urge you, emerald one , to go to mass just once to see how it literally makes your heart feel. If any one knows any real concrete difference between wels and Catholicism please tell me. I haven’t been able to discern anything and feel as though WELS is simply a watered down form of RCC. Once more I’m not trying to be offensive I just seek clarification because I am one email away from joining RCIA.

 

[underwhelmed]

Praise God for you! When you are ready…Jesus and His Church are ready to receive you with open arms. Nothing will make an old salt like me cry as when a new member enters the Church on Easter evening. Especially if I had anything to do with it. It is very emotional for me.
However, you are in a discernment period. This is good. Discernment can be short or it can be very long. It took me over 3 years to discern whether I should marry my spouse or not. It took me about 30 years to decide to become a Knight of Columbus. I had to discern entering the priesthood on two occasions. That took years as well. It took me quite some time to become an RCIA teacher which I really enjoy.
Whatever your decision, it will be the right one for you in good time. There are so many here that can help you answer your questions. Only prayer, your good judgement and good timing can help you with your family. However, once again, I have found that when things can be openly discussed, I was surprised at my parents reactions to various trials in my life. Your parents may surprise you. To bottle this up is difficult. Talk to a trusted confidant. Talk to a priest. Write a journal and in time read what you have wrote and see if there is a pattern to your fears.
In the meantime - Num 6:24-26. I remember all the potential converts in my prayers. Your past in the Church that you came from, will be of utmost value to others in time who may be contemplating the same thing. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
"Do not let not your hearts be troubled. Jn 14:1

I appreciate your response. Can you tell me what the difference is between WELS and RCC? The wels site even says it considers itself catholic with a small c. However the only definitive difference I have seen is the definition of good works which even now I don’t understand.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I’m in a similar boat as you Underwhelmed. For the last two years I have been struggling with the desire to reconcile with Rome, but have yet to really take any steps toward it. I attend a Southern Baptist Church, with my mom, sister, her husband, and children, as well as my grandmother and it’s where I was baptized. With the exception of my grandmother, who quite possibly could take ill and pass away from the shock, everyone in my family is amusingly enough aware that I’m a huge closet Catholic, but hoping that it’s just something that will pass. I haven’t been idle, I’ve read “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott Hahn, as well as “Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic” by David Currie, listen to various podcats (“Catholic Stuff You Should Know”, Fr. Robert Barron’s “Word on Fire”’ among others), and I’ve watched Mass on tv, but that’s about it. I feel paralysed to move forward. The plan was/is for me to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminiary next year having majored in Religious Studies for my undergrad, but how can I? I’ve tallked to our pastor before, more than once, and he is actually a great man, and of tremdous faith. However, during our last talk he point blank told me that I know more in the way of Church History and Theology than he does, and that is a disheartening thing to hear, hah. The services that while they seem to work great for many, just don’t usually do much for me. Might go over a few verses from various places in the scriptures, then it’s all music mostly. The thing to take away from all this is that others are struggling in a similar sense, so don’t feel disheartened.

I love reading this. My journey has been very similar. I had many hesitations about joining the church too. A good friend told me I am the type of person that not only cares about others immensely but also someone who meticulously likes to get all ducksin a row. He pointed out that it is noble to care about hurting others in my decision, but ultimately this is my spiritual journey. He encouraged me to step out in faith and let the cards land where they land. The details would work out later. God has immensely blessed that decision and I enjoy being in the Catholic Church. My friends and family are being very supportive.

It sounds like you know church history well. As such, I believe you will be miserable in a Baptist Seminary. As your pastor indicated, they give cursory education on church history, and I am sure it will frustrate your experience. If you haven’t been to mass in person yet, I think you should visit, it may help you make your decision. And remember this is between you and God. If you are sincerely seeking him, his blessing will be in the decision even if it is difficult for your family.

God Bless!