Misc.

[Epistemes]

Given the lack of response which I typically receive to my threads, I’ll keep this brief:

1. 
   *]I personally find the current incumbent Pope to be a horrible leader. I disagree with his approach, his statements, and generally everything about him.
   *]I no longer feel at home in my parish even though I’ve made an attempt to attend Mass frequently. I feel anonymous, I feel like a stranger, and the feeling of community is lacking in the ecclesia. The next nearest parish is miles away and Jesus isn’t paying for the gas which goes into my car.
   *]I don’t understand why I continue to hang out with a crowd who is well into their 30s; a crowd which doesn’t think I’m particularly entertaining or enjoyable to be around even though I do my best to be friendly, sociable, and funny. Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective people hasn’t made me any more effective…
   *]It’s pathetic to think that precisely one year ago, it was all about me as I was inducted into the Church. Now, no one even remembers my name.
   *]The thing that really gets my goat is that there isn’t anyone who truly cares. There’s no one there to truly listen. I’m sick and tired of either talking into thin air expecting a response, or to a priest who can’t say anything more than “It’s alright, Jesus loves you” due to time constraints. And I don’t expect anyone on this forum to listen either, since I’ve posted things like this before and received little to response besides “You’re in my prayers” and tacking on some cute smiley in the action of praying or making the sign of a cross. Your prayers and smileys aren’t helping.
   *]Happy Easter.

 

[IrishAm]

And I don’t expect anyone on this forum to listen either, since I’ve posted things like this before and received little to response besides “You’re in my prayers” and tacking on some cute smiley in the action of praying or making the sign of a cross. Your prayers and smileys aren’t helping.

I am sorry, but like most people who don’t reply to some posts, I’m not sure what I could say that would make a difference or throw any light upon the topic for you.

You are obviously angry and perhaps a lot of other things – discouraged, hurt, disappointed. I don’t know you or your situation. But it is awfully tough to have the feelings you currently seem to be burdened with, and for that – as you do not want my prayers – you certainly have my sympathy.

 

[water]

My suggestion is one thing at a time.

If you like to discuss number #1:

I personally find the current incumbent Pope to be a horrible leader. I disagree with his approach, his statements, and generally everything about him.

you should post this post in the apologetic forum and give the reasons why you think the way you think. You will then have more responses.

One thing at a time.

 

[InLight247]

Given the lack of response which I typically receive to my threads, I’ll keep this brief:

*]I personally find the current incumbent Pope to be a horrible leader. I disagree with his approach, his statements, and generally everything about him.

You listed many of your point of views. Like the other poster responded, we don’t understand your problems. It is not that people don’t want to respond, or don’t care, it’s probably most of us don’t know what to say. It is obvious there are many hurts inside of you that require healings, but internet discussion simply cannot provide the healings you need. Since you were recently received into the Church, maybe you can talk to your sponsor and see if you may get any help there. Or you can make an appointment with your Pastor to get undivided attention for at least an hour and go from there.

You described not being accepted or cannot blend in with your parish, have you ever thought about some possible reasons? For example, do you think your position about the Pope will attract fellow parishioners or alinalienate yourself?

God bless!

 

[Belle10]

Given the lack of response which I typically receive to my threads, I’ll keep this brief:

1. 
   *]I no longer feel at home in my parish even though I’ve made an attempt to attend Mass frequently. I feel anonymous, I feel like a stranger, and the feeling of community is lacking in the ecclesia. The next nearest parish is miles away and Jesus isn’t paying for the gas which goes into my car.
   
   *]It’s pathetic to think that precisely one year ago, it was all about me as I was inducted into the Church. Now, no one even remembers my name.
   
   *]The thing that really gets my goat is that there isn’t anyone who truly cares. There’s no one there to truly listen. I’m sick and tired of either talking into thin air expecting a response, or to a priest who can’t say anything more than “It’s alright, Jesus loves you” due to time constraints. And I don’t expect anyone on this forum to listen either, since I’ve posted things like this before and received little to response besides “You’re in my prayers” and tacking on some cute smiley in the action of praying or making the sign of a cross. Your prayers and smileys aren’t helping.
   *]Happy Easter.

1. 
   I’m very sorry you’re upset. I can say that I often feel like I’m a thread-killer, for whatever reason.
   
   Anyway, aside from some smiles here and there, I feel the same at my parish, despite having attended there for 6 1/2 years. I think some of this is due to my shyness, but also due to the fact that I am 28 with a young child and it seems like everyone else is either in retirement or their kids are teens. I truly wish there were more “young people” (I’m still young, right? ) in my parish, but perhaps this is just a small suffering I must endure for now. It doesn’t diminish my need for Jesus, in fact, it heightens it…
   
   I can understand how you might feel it was “all about you” as you entered the church, but really, it was all about your relationship with God, not how others look at you. If you focus on others’ reactions to your baptism, confirmation, etc. rather than your reaction to the sacraments, you’re bound to be disappointed.
   
   Maybe you can make an appointment with your priest, so there won’t be any rush, and you can address some of your concerns with him.
   
   I’m sorry you feel like people’s offers to pray for you aren’t much. Sometimes that’s all some people can do, and actually, I’m always humbled and honored when someone prays for me and when I can pray for them. So, here’s a prayer for you:
   
   Lord Jesus, stay close to Epistemes, especially during this Holy Week. Remind him that you experienced loneliness in the Garden, so you know what he’s feeling like. Remind him that you wait for him in confession and Holy Communion, and that you love him. We often have trouble understanding why we go through certain sufferings, so give us comfort in knowing that you are in control, and that all the hardships that we go through, if we look to you for help, are bearable. Thank you for your love, and help us to experience Good Friday and Easter Sunday with the reverence, humility, and love that we should. Thank you for your many blessings, Amen.
   
   Happy Easter Epistemes. PM me if I can do anything for you. :hug1:

 

[MarcoPolo]

And I don’t expect anyone on this forum to listen either, since I’ve posted things like this before and received little to response besides “You’re in my prayers” and tacking on some cute smiley in the action of praying or making the sign of a cross. Your prayers and smileys aren’t helping.

I only have one suggestion for your angry feelings. Learn humility. Read all you can about it. Search the Bible for examples. This will not only make you more attractive to everyone including God, but it will either solve or make you able to cope with all problems.

 

[Graing]

Given the lack of response which I typically receive to my threads, I’ll keep this brief:

• I personally find the current incumbent Pope to be a horrible leader. I disagree with his approach, his statements, and generally everything about him.

What exactly don’t you like about him? I think he’s great. Seems very orthodox and all. Heck he is even getting the Saudis to consider allowing the construction of a Church! In Saudi Arabia! Where you cannot own a bible or wear a crucifix. We can’t help you on your Pope angst unless you give us more information.

• I no longer feel at home in my parish even though I’ve made an attempt to attend Mass frequently. I feel anonymous, I feel like a stranger, and the feeling of community is lacking in the ecclesia. The next nearest parish is miles away and Jesus isn’t paying for the gas which goes into my car.
• I don’t understand why I continue to hang out with a crowd who is well into their 30s; a crowd which doesn’t think I’m particularly entertaining or enjoyable to be around even though I do my best to be friendly, sociable, and funny. Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective people hasn’t made me any more effective…
• It’s pathetic to think that precisely one year ago, it was all about me as I was inducted into the Church. Now, no one even remembers my name.

I go to church to pray, to adore, to celebrate the sacrifice of our Lord. Sometimes I think you can more fully devote attention to God if you are anonymous. Perhaps church/mass isn’t the best locale for socialization for you? Fish frys, festivals, etc. may be different… but bottom line : I don’t know that it’s the Church’s fault (or responsibility) that you can’t forge long lasting friendships or chum around with parishoners. The one option I would have advised - you already shot down - check out other churches in the area.

• The thing that really gets my goat is that there isn’t anyone who truly cares. There’s no one there to truly listen. I’m sick and tired of either talking into thin air expecting a response, or to a priest who can’t say anything more than “It’s alright, Jesus loves you” due to time constraints. And I don’t expect anyone on this forum to listen either, since I’ve posted things like this before and received little to response besides “You’re in my prayers” and tacking on some cute smiley in the action of praying or making the sign of a cross. Your prayers and smileys aren’t helping.

I’ll listen. And I won’t give ya a smiley.

• Happy Easter.

Right back at ya slick!