My Rite of Election eased some fears!

[Brian_C]

Well, my bishop really gave some comfort to my fears as to how orthodox things are in my parish and diocese at my Rite of Election. He warned all of us to watch out for and not become “fallen away” Catholics or not to become “Cafeteria Catholics!” He said you can’t pick and choose what you want to believe. He told us we should teach our respective parishes how to be good Catholics. I know that’s not much but it was of great comfort.

I can’t say that I ever thought I was in a cesspool of heterodoxy but I’ve always worried since we attend a comfortable suburban parish. I had some fears early on about the quality or depth of instruction but those fears have progressively trickled away.

There was one candidate who made me feel a little sad inside. While standing outside the cathedral, he said rather sarcastically, “Hey, do I get to wear funny clothes and take a picture with the pope?” All his red-faced sponsor could muster up was “Uh, they aren’t funny clothes!” I had to wonder what this poor soul’s reasons were for going thru the whole process.

 

[Lorrie]

Congratulations on your Rite of Election going so well, glad your fears were eased! You received such wonderful advice from your Bishop, all of it being so true.

Sometimes when people are nervous or whatever they will use humor as a way to calm themselves or those around them, the sad thing is they don’t always think before opening their mouths. I’m sure his intentions are good though, keep him in your prayers.

Congratulations again!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Brian_C:

Well, my bishop really gave some comfort to my fears as to how orthodox things are in my parish and diocese at my Rite of Election. He warned all of us to watch out for and not become “fallen away” Catholics or not to become “Cafeteria Catholics!” He said you can’t pick and choose what you want to believe. He told us we should teach our respective parishes how to be good Catholics. I know that’s not much but it was of great comfort.

I can’t say that I ever thought I was in a cesspool of heterodoxy but I’ve always worried since we attend a comfortable suburban parish. I had some fears early on about the quality or depth of instruction but those fears have progressively trickled away.

There was one candidate who made me feel a little sad inside. While standing outside the cathedral, he said rather sarcastically, “Hey, do I get to wear funny clothes and take a picture with the pope?” All his red-faced sponsor could muster up was “Uh, they aren’t funny clothes!” I had to wonder what this poor soul’s reasons were for going thru the whole process.

Something tells me that this was not the first time this Sponsor heard something like that. Maybe the sponsor should not have recomended that their candidate go forward to Reception and spend a bit more time learning about the funny clothes!

 

[Brian_C]

Yeah, I don’t know what the guy’s problem was-maybe he’s only going thru for a spouse or fiance’.

Anyway, like I said, I’m just glad all appears to be well in my parish and diocese.

 

[Lorrie]

Or maybe he was just having a bad day? Perhaps simply asking him about it or just getting to know him better will answer a lot of questions? We (note: me included) shouldn’t be so quick to just assume this or that/judge others.

 

[Brian_C]

Nope, he’s had a bad RCIA, as in he’s barely come to it. I don’t know how he’s still going thru.

 

[banjo]

Brian_C:

He told us we should teach our respective parishes how to be good Catholics. I know that’s not much but it was of great comfort.

Great advice! You don’t have to feel this is “not much.” We need to build one another up in the spirit of Christ.

God bless…

 

[Brian_C]

What I was referring to was how even though what he said was not a definitive statement on how orthodox our diocese is, it still eased some fears.

See my original post:

e warned all of us to watch out for and not become “fallen away” Catholics or not to become “Cafeteria Catholics!” He said you can’t pick and choose what you want to believe. He told us we should teach our respective parishes how to be good Catholics. I know that’s not much but it was of great comfort.