My methodist ministers will know that I'm going catholic now!

[ElizabethPH]

Thank you for your support but here is the problem;

…if I say I am catholic, you will say that I am not because I haven’t been in RCIA classes long enough.
If I say that I am protestant, you will have a pop at me for being in a catholic church… well that’s what most here have done…

Thats correct you are not Catholic yet. But I would never have a “pop” at you or any protestant for going to Mass, but I would if you tried to receive Holy Communion. You cannot receive the most Blessed Sacrament in the Holy Eucharist until you become Catholic, I think you now understand that. You have already hit quite a few obstacles…such as in your first RCIA class you are unwilling to accept that Catholics do not worship statues; and stating that you were not impressed by the explanation the priest gave you. You really must keep an open mind. Understand that Catholics are not worshiping statues when you see them bowing in front of them…they are praying for the intercession of the saint the statue represents. They are only statues, reminders, like a picture reminds us of our loved ones. Keep in mind that folks are hopefully only trying to help. Some of us are more straight forward then others, but I don’t think anyone here wants to discourage you but only help you understand.

 

[Zundrah]

thats correct you are not catholic yet. But i would never have a “pop” at you or any protestant for going to mass, but i would if you tried to receive holy communion. You cannot receive the most blessed sacrament in the holy eucharist until you become catholic, i think you now understand that. You have already hit quite a few obstacles…such as in your first rcia class you are unwilling to accept that catholics do not worship statues; and stating that you were not impressed by the explanation the priest gave you. You really must keep an open mind. Understand that catholics are not worshiping statues when you see them bowing in front of them…they are praying for the intercession of the saint the statue represents. They are only statues, reminders, like a picture reminds us of our loved ones. Keep in mind that folks are hopefully only trying to help. Some of us are more straight forward then others, but i don’t think anyone here wants to discourage you but only help you understand.

let me get this traight right now! I never said that i thought that they were worshipping that statue thing!

i didn’t bow to it becuase i was uncomfortable about it! Not becuase i thought that they were worshipping it!!!

 

[rinnie]

Thats correct you are not Catholic yet. But I would never have a “pop” at you or any protestant for going to Mass, but I would if you tried to receive Holy Communion. You cannot receive the most Blessed Sacrament in the Holy Eucharist until you become Catholic, I think you now understand that. You have already hit quite a few obstacles…such as in your first RCIA class you are unwilling to accept that Catholics do not worship statues; and stating that you were not impressed by the explanation the priest gave you. You really must keep an open mind. Understand that Catholics are not worshiping statues when you see them bowing in front of them…they are praying for the intercession of the saint the statue represents. They are only statues, reminders, like a picture reminds us of our loved ones. Keep in mind that folks are hopefully only trying to help. Some of us are more straight forward then others, but I don’t think anyone here wants to discourage you but only help you understand.

But you got to give her time Elizabeth. Then we can show her scripture when God himself commanded statues. But time my love. let it sink in. It is not that she is unwilling to accept she does not understand what has yet to be revealed. It will. But it takes time. Thats why RCIA isn’t a 1 day class. She has to understand everything she is getting into. She has RCIA, the Priest, and then the HS has to do the most powerful work. God will show it to here when he thinks. It will all come together in the end.

 

[Zundrah]

But you got to give her time Elizabeth. Then we can show her scripture when God himself commanded statues. But time my love. let it sink in. It is not that she is unwilling to accept she does not understand what has yet to be revealed. It will. But it takes time. Thats why RCIA isn’t a 1 day class. She has to understand everything she is getting into. She has RCIA, the Priest, and then the HS has to do the most powerful work. God will show it to here when he thinks. It will all come together in the end.

It will be slow but steady!

 

[Zundrah]

If any one has problems with understanding me then perhaps they chould PM me at some time rather than accusing me of being an athiest like some one did a few moments ago!

xxx zundrah xxx

 

[rinnie]

let me get this traight right now! I never said that i thought that they were worshipping that statue thing!

i didn’t bow to it becuase i was uncomfortable about it! Not becuase i thought that they were worshipping it!!!

Sure you were Zun, and if I was not Catholic I would be uncomfortable too. My husband was protestant so I can also understand alot of things that we take for granted. You will eventually learn the greatest thing in the world. In that little box is the real life JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF! Now thats exciting.

I remember as a kid, there was a big curtain behind the (little box)… I thought he was behind the curtain, not in the (box). So I was in 2nd grade and figured if I could just get behind that curtain I would see him and catch him off guard.

So the day came, I knew sister would yell at me but it was worth it. I took off ran behind that curtain and thought darn, he is so quick. How did he take off so fast. It took me later to understand he was alive in the tabernacle. Then the understanding of God revealing himself in the 3 person, the Trinity starts to make sense. The Father, in the O.T. the Son in the N.T. the Holy Spirit today.

 

[paperwight]

[QUOTEPaperwight:
.
The RCIA process, sincerely undertaken, involves more steadiness, thought and willingness to study than is realised.

Quote Zundrah:

Not true, I have already made up my mind.

xxxx zundrah xxxx
[/QUOTE]

But you see, becoming a Catholic isn’t a spur of the moment decision. There is an established process, to make sure you understand what you are taking on. It’s more an affair of the mind than of the emotions.

Tell me, was your conversion to the Methodist church quick? And although at the time I’m sure you felt sincere, has it lasted?

What I’m getting at is how can you have already made up your mind when you have done no background reading, by your own admission, and have only been to Mass once or twice?

I’m a convert, too, and spent many months hanging around int the back of Catholic churches, reading the leaflets, looking through the hymn book and so on, before ever I went to Mass. But I gather you were convinced of the truth of the Catholic religion following attending just one Mass, which you went into because you happened to be passing the church on your bicycle one day, and which you criticised strongly on this mb in Non-Catholic Religions as being full of mean unfriendly people kissing statues?

i would love to see everyone in the world being Catholic. But it has to be a genuine conversion.

 

[Tracy24]

I don’t mean to step on any toes here but here goes…

I am a recent convert to the Catholic church and it is not a decision to be made on a spur of the moment feeling. I started my journey when I was 14 and it took me 22 years to get to this point(now you can do the math and figure out how old I am LOL).

I definitely agree with everyone that has said that the journey into the Church is a long process that should be taken very seriously, because it is a long process and it should be taken very seriously. I am in no way saying you are not sincere in your desire to become Catholic and I really hope you do decide to join the Church but for the right reasons and when you can believe and accept the Church’s teachings with NO reservations.

Definitely continue in your RCIA and don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you need to ask to be able to understand.
I will keep you in my prayers

 

[Zundrah]

paperwight;5451382][QUOTEPaperwight:
But you see, becoming a Catholic isn’t a spur of the moment decision.

It never was a “spur of the moment thing”, I was a christian that went into a chritian church to worship my saviour…

There is an established process, to make sure you understand what you are taking on.

I understand that I am taking on and revieving Christ through a chruch that was chosen by him.

It’s more an affair of the mind than of the emotions.

Spirit…

Tell me, was your conversion to the Methodist church quick?

Qiuck? Most definately not, I was an athiest and I had many conflictions about Christ and with God! It took a long process for me to recieve him.

And although at the time I’m sure you felt sincere, has it lasted?

Excuse me? Has it lasted? What exactly do you mean by this!?

What I’m getting at is how can you have already made up your mind when you have done no background reading,

…because christ is Christ, what is there to read or research?

by your own admission,

I was alone yes, and the spirit lead me to the church beacuse I felt him in there.

and have only been to Mass once or twice?

You make it sound like a completely different religion!

I’m a convert, too,

Converted from what? What denomination?

and spent many months hanging around int the back of Catholic churches, reading the leaflets, looking through the hymn book and so on, before ever I went to Mass.

Why!? LOL - you had to read and do all this before you went in!? Didn’t you pray for guidance or anything?

But I gather you were convinced of the **truth of the Catholic religion **

following attending just one Mass,

What in God’s name are you going on about!? Mass had no change in me.

which you went into because you happened to be passing the church on your bicycle one day,

…I planned to rejoin a church long before I saw the catholic chruch. I saw many denominations but held back and didn’t go to them, then I saw the church and thought that a catholic church would be better for me and I will see how they differ form my old methodist church.

and which you criticised strongly on this mb in Non-Catholic Religions as being full of mean unfriendly people kissing statues?

Yes, correct I did do this. I had to get answers here becuase (as I have said before) no one in the church would talk to me, they just told me to fill in a membership form…

i would love to see everyone in the world being Catholic.

Amen, but the spirit is with them so long as they are christian, but they will just miss out sadly on quite a few beautiful things that the catholic faith has to offer.

But it has to be a genuine conversion.

…this is where you confuse me greatly. There is no conversion! What do you mean by this! All it means is that I put my protestant beliefs behind! Please, I beg you to read the 175th hymm in the catholic hymm book please, it really spoke to me…

xxx zundrah xxx
[/quote]

 

[paperwight]

It never was a “spur of the moment thing”, I was a christian that went into a chritian church to worship my saviour…

…because christ is Christ, what is there to read or research?

You make it sound like a completely different religion!

What in God’s name are you going on about!? Mass had no change in me.

…this is where you confuse me greatly. There is no conversion! What do you mean by this! All it means is that I put my protestant beliefs behind! Please, I beg you to read the 175th hymm in the catholic hymm book please, it really spoke to me…

xxx zundrah xxx

No, Zundrah, being a Catholic is not a negative thing. It is not a matter of just ‘putting your protestant beliefs behind’.

It’s taking on a whole system of belief and practice that ideally you will realise has influenced and been coloured by, 2000 years of human culture. Hav you read (or been told) anything about the Reformation, for instance?

Alarm bells are really ringing when you say that Mass had no change in you. How can you say that about the supreme and central part of Catholic life and belief?

I can’t look up the hymn you mention as you don’t specify which publication.

 

[rinnie]

No, Zundrah, being a Catholic is not a negative thing. It is not a matter of just ‘putting your protestant beliefs behind’.

It’s taking on a whole system of belief and practice that ideally you will realise has influenced and been coloured by, 2000 years of human culture. Hav you read (or been told) anything about the Reformation, for instance?

Alarm bells are really ringing when you say that Mass had no change in you. How can you say that about the supreme and central part of Catholic life and belief?

I can’t look up the hymn you mention as you don’t specify which publication.

Why are alarm bells going off? She is a kid who is just beginning to learn what our faith is all about. How could you expect her to even to begin to grasp what the mass is about it noone has ever taught her, and she only had one meeting of RCIA. I have to say I agree with her everyone is so hard on this kid. I do not understand it myself. You have a kid in her early 20’s finding herself called to investigate the CC. I think it great and we should rejoice, and thank God for making this possible. Do you know how many kids her age are stoned out of their mind on drugs etc. This kid is searching for God. I am proud of her. I will do all I can to encourage her and help her.

 

[paperwight]

Why are alarm bells going off? She is a kid who is just beginning to learn what our faith is all about. How could you expect her to even to begin to grasp what the mass is about it noone has ever taught her, and she only had one meeting of RCIA. I have to say I agree with her everyone is so hard on this kid. I do not understand it myself. You have a kid in her early 20’s finding herself called to investigate the CC. I think it great and we should rejoice, and thank God for making this possible. Do you know how many kids her age are stoned out of their mind on drugs etc. This kid is searching for God. I am proud of her. I will do all I can to encourage her and help her.

Well, she’s not a kid,exactly, is she? Twenty-one is not a kid. I’d expect more willingness to find things out independently from the ten-year olds I tutor. Does she not have access to the internet? A book-shop? Why does she need to be personally taught?

If someone is wondering about the Catholic church, surely they would do some research, not expect to be individually spoonfed?

It’s precisely because she has no idea what the Mass is about, as you say, and has made no effort to find out, apart from enrolling in RCIA, that I don’t see how she can be sure she wants to be a Catholic.

I’m aware this sounds harsh, and I’m sorry. Of course I want converts. But you see, when someone can’t even see that conversion is necessary to change from Methodism to Catholicism via the Mormons (see another thread started by the OP on the Non-Christian Religion board) , I feel it’s not quite time to hang out the bunting.

 

[rinnie]

Well, she’s not a kid,exactly, is she? Twenty-one is not a kid. I’d expect more willingness to find things out independently from the ten-year olds I tutor. Does she not have access to the internet? A book-shop? Why does she need to be personally taught?

If someone is wondering about the Catholic church, surely they would do some research, not expect to be individually spoonfed?

It’s precisely because she has no idea what the Mass is about, as you say, and has made no effort to find out, apart from enrolling in RCIA, that I don’t see how she can be sure she wants to be a Catholic.

I’m aware this sounds harsh, and I’m sorry. Of course I want converts. But you see, when someone can’t even see that conversion is necessary to change from Methodism to Catholicism via the Mormons (see another thread started by the OP on the Non-Christian Religion board) , I feel it’s not quite time to hang out the bunting.

Actually I do, I see 20 as a very confusing and hard age at this time. Sure she is very co nfused right now. You do not know what her life has been like, nor do I. But I see a kid searching for the truth and I see she has found the right place to find it. And instead of condemning her for what she does not see, I admire her for what she is searching for. My heart tells me she is going to make it,

Even if she goes through RCIA and finds that at this time in her life it is not for her, she always has the knowledge of what she has learned. SHe indeed will be back if not now at another time.

Do you think that you can show her about that conversion, or do you think it is better for the Priest a disciple of Jesus to maybe open her eyes to the faith. My Money is on the Priest he has the gift of the Holy Spirit to teach her. I am just here for the ride and moral support along the way.

I have 2 kids one is 26 and one 22 ooops 23 now. Anyway I see that there is quite a difference in them now. I see 20-22 a very very difficult age today. My Son is just now at the level that I can actually reason with him, and he acually hears what I say. Maybe you don’t have kids. or you are quite young yourself, but if you have kids that hit this age you will understand. Or you may have just been a better Mother than I.

 

[danonwaveland]

I see 20-22 a very very difficult age today. My Son is just now at the level that I can actually reason with him, and he acually hears what I say.

My son is 22. Do you think the same will happen with him? Before he turns 40?

Seriously, I wish my son was as serious a “seeker” as this young lady.

God bless,
Dan

 

[Zundrah]

Oh rinnie, I thought that paperwight was a man! OOPS…

Anyway;
To be protestant means to rject the pope, to deny the capability to communicate with the communion of saints, to deny the holy catholic church as the one true church and to say that praying to Mary is blasphemous.

I do not believe the above, there fore I am no longer a protestant, am I!?

P.S I love St. John Paul!

xxx jennifer xxx

Thank you rinnie for caring for me, at the moment I live alone in a council flat and I have a dog with me called Bonnie, so I am not that lonely! My faith now (after having left my methodist church) is souly by my own upkeep of it. I feel the Lord telling me to stay put at my catholic church were no teachings are corrupt and capable of missleading me. I will follow my priest and gain help from catholics on this site, they are all I have.

 

[Zundrah]

My son is 22. Do you think the same will happen with him? Before he turns 40?

Seriously, I wish my son was as serious a “seeker” as this young lady.

God bless,
Dan

…thank you, danonwaveland…

 

[rinnie]

My son is 22. Do you think the same will happen with him? Before he turns 40?

Seriously, I wish my son was as serious a “seeker” as this young lady.

God bless,
Dan

Let me put it to you this way. Between him and his sister they keep me on my knees at the foot of Jesus every Sunday When my Son and daughter hit 20 I swear they turned into the devil I swear that head was going to do a full turn at times. Just kidding, but they grew up. My daughter anyway she got married in the Church and is doing good. Jr? Well lets say I light candles of The Blessed Mother, St Joseph, Jesus of course and St Jude. You cant forget St. Jude he’s my favorite he is for the hopeless!

 

[rinnie]

Oh rinnie, I thought that paperwight was a man! OOPS…

Anyway;
To be protestant means to rject the pope, to deny the capability to communicate with the communion of saints, to deny the holy catholic church as the one true church and to say that praying to Mary is blasphemous.

I do not believe the above, there fore I am no longer a protestant, am I!?

P.S I love St. John Paul!

xxx jennifer xxx

Thank you rinnie for caring for me, at the moment I live alone in a council flat and I have a dog with me called Bonnie, so I am not that lonely! My faith now (after having left my methodist church) is souly by my own upkeep of it. I feel the Lord telling me to stay put at my catholic church were no teachings are corrupt and capable of missleading me. I will follow my priest and gain help from catholics on this site, they are all I have.

You got me love. Trust me Zen, this is not the best time of your life. Its hard. You are supposed to be a adult now, have a good job, make money and you are still a kid. My son left home at 20. He moved in with a friend, got a bad girlfriend and came home almost 2 years later at 22 broken. He had me, my Mom. (a Saint) my husband, my daughter, my Mother in law all ready to Love humpty dumpty and put him back together again. The girl got him into credit card debt, and he is still a work in progress. He like you really likes Father. He is back to church (although he does skip now and then But like you he is on the right page now. It takes time. Trust me. You are in the right place. But don’t expect it overnight its gonna take time. And I am very very proud of you. You and my Son could have turned to drugs by you two turned to God. Its gonna be a struggle but you guys will make it.

 

[Zundrah]

Rinnie, you are a saint, and I aspire to be like you!
Thank you for everything!

In my prayers to our darling advocate Mary, I prayer to be more like her in evrey way. To be more loving, to be more patient, to be more understanding and to be more tender. it seems to me that you are all these things! I only wish that I was as good a soul as you are.

God Bless!

xxx jennifer xxx

 

[rinnie]

Rinnie, you are a saint, and I aspire to be like you!
Thank you for everything!

In my prayers to our darling advocate Mary, I prayer to be more like her in evrey way. To be more loving, to be more patient, to be more understanding and to be more tender. it seems to me that you are all these things! I only wish that I was as good a soul as you are.

God Bless!

xxx jennifer xxx

Unfortunately not enough my love. But I like you pray to our dear Lady to ask Jesus to give me the grace and patience. SOme days are better than others.

We are all human love, and have good days and bad days. But you Zun are in my prayers daily.