Need some help

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6693771]Okay guys! More prayers are needed. I’ve been sharing some of my journey with my roommate (mostly sharing stories of Eucharistic miracles, sins I’ve been discovering, and some of the fundamentals of Catholicism).

This morning while we were in church she suddenly broke down and revealed to me she wants to know God better. She’s been feeling numb (like me) for several years (like me too!) She asked if I would read the bible with her and help her to know more (a desire I too share!!) and I suggested she study the Catholic Church with me. She agreed so…

I really need some prayer! I’ve never been very good at understanding written word (I have a lazy brain that only processes part of what I read - and write for that matter!) so I’m worried she’ll ask me questions and I won’t be able to help her properly. This is VERY delicate because she was Mormon and a lot of what she knows comes from the Mormon teachings. AND because I’m new to this as well! Like her I have very little idea what I’m doing! Haha.

Thanks guys! Yikes! The Spirit moves and all fall at God’s feet!!

***This is awesome!

But permit me to offer a word of advice. The CC is 2,000 years old; that is ALOT of Tradition and TEACHING. Also the Bible can rightly ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD correctly in the light of Catholic Church Teaching.

The fact that there are many THOUSANDS of Protestant denominations in only about 400 years gives evidence of what happens when this is not strictly complied with.

I respectfully suggest that you pray about “teaching the Bible” [which is a CATHOLIC BOOK] before you are versed in the teachings of the CC. Its dangerous terriority.

You may wish to pray about this.

Ask what ever you wish to know and you’ll receive the necessary guidence.

Love and prayers,
Pat***

 

[the_hazel_nut]

Okay guys! More prayers are needed. I’ve been sharing some of my journey with my roommate (mostly sharing stories of Eucharistic miracles, sins I’ve been discovering, and some of the fundamentals of Catholicism).

This morning while we were in church she suddenly broke down and revealed to me she wants to know God better. She’s been feeling numb (like me) for several years (like me too!) She asked if I would read the bible with her and help her to know more (a desire I too share!!) and I suggested she study the Catholic Church with me. She agreed so…

I really need some prayer! I’ve never been very good at understanding written word (I have a lazy brain that only processes part of what I read - and write for that matter!) so I’m worried she’ll ask me questions and I won’t be able to help her properly. This is VERY delicate because she was Mormon and a lot of what she knows comes from the Mormon teachings. AND because I’m new to this as well! Like her I have very little idea what I’m doing! Haha.

Thanks guys! Yikes! The Spirit moves and all fall at God’s feet!!

I will pray for you… I have no doubt God is working through you. Isn’t it awesome how he changes the heart of one person and uses them to help others? It seems like he does this a lot. It’s very effective

 

[nickybr38]

James - After you suggested purchasing a prayerbook I realized I had bought just such a thing several weeks ago on a whim. I will give it to her.

Pat - Good points. I’ve given her my Catholicism for Dummies book that my sister gave to me and right now we’re just trying to know God better while studying the Catholic Church (as I said she isn’t 100% into the Catholic Church yet and is only studying it because that’s the Church I’m studying) and the Bible.

I have actually been praying for her since I had my little revelation two weeks ago - I just didn’t realize He’d act this fast OR that I’d be the one whom she’d choose to guide her.

the_hazel_nut - Oh we need prayers. Thank you! There’s definitely a lot of moving going on around here and in some ways it’s a little scary. When you’ve been spiritually numb for several years and then suddenly the Spirit is all around you and moving it’s a bit overwhelming.

I’ll check in with you all again in the coming weeks to let you know how things are going.

 

[po18guy]

James - After you suggested purchasing a prayerbook I realized I had bought just such a thing several weeks ago on a whim. I will give it to her.

Pat - Good points. I’ve given her my Catholicism for Dummies book that my sister gave to me and right now we’re just trying to know God better while studying the Catholic Church (as I said she isn’t 100% into the Catholic Church yet and is only studying it because that’s the Church I’m studying) and the Bible.

I have actually been praying for her since I had my little revelation two weeks ago - I just didn’t realize He’d act this fast OR that I’d be the one whom she’d choose to guide her.

the_hazel_nut - Oh we need prayers. Thank you! There’s definitely a lot of moving going on around here and in some ways it’s a little scary. When you’ve been spiritually numb for several years and then suddenly the Spirit is all around you and moving it’s a bit overwhelming.

I’ll check in with you all again in the coming weeks to let you know how things are going.

This is the Holy Spirit at work. Praise God! Are you in contact with a Priest or catechist? Since you are beginning a life-long journey, and bringing another along, you need guidance along the way (we all still do). Jesus left Apostles in charge of the Church to teach and guide. I would suggest that you seek guidance so that your journey begins correctly and stays on track. As well, there is a proven method of progressing in faith, since there is a lot to absorb. In our search for a deepening of our faith, many of us forget the basics - and the basics are exactly what have saved the vast majority of Christians.

Both of you are in my prayers.

 

[JRKH]

James - After you suggested purchasing a prayerbook I realized I had bought just such a thing several weeks ago on a whim. I will give it to her.

Pat - Good points. I’ve given her my Catholicism for Dummies book that my sister gave to me and right now we’re just trying to know God better while studying the Catholic Church (as I said she isn’t 100% into the Catholic Church yet and is only studying it because that’s the Church I’m studying) and the Bible.

I have actually been praying for her since I had my little revelation two weeks ago - I just didn’t realize He’d act this fast OR that I’d be the one whom she’d choose to guide her.

the_hazel_nut - Oh we need prayers. Thank you! There’s definitely a lot of moving going on around here and in some ways it’s a little scary. When you’ve been spiritually numb for several years and then suddenly the Spirit is all around you and moving it’s a bit overwhelming.

I’ll check in with you all again in the coming weeks to let you know how things are going.

Peace
James

 

[nickybr38]

deep breath

Okay guys. The more I learn about the Church the more I am growing to love it but I have to tell you in browsing the boards I am finding a major stumbling block/sore spot.

IE: Marian devotion.

I can respect and honor Mary for her part in the grand scheme of things. I can even love her. I cannot wrap my head around people around here (this message board) who profess she is the ONLY way to Jesus and thus the only way to God. This is contrary to everything I read in the bible. Nor can I wrap my head around the idea that she has any part in my salvation SAVE giving birth to Jesus.

Whenever I read such claims I keep thinking of the way Jesus was, the things He said… and this is one of those things I can see Him clearly denouncing. It would not be in His character to encourage people to worship/set their eyes, on anyone but God… and Marian devotion borders on Marian worship when looked on with new eyes - considering her our salvation and redeemer… yeah, that sounds more like worship then devotion to me.

Now, it is my understanding this is NOT what the church teaches. What DOES the Church teach about Mary?

Phew. This is a major point of frustration for me (you may have noticed I posted on a few of these Marian devotion threads because they frustrated me so much). I imagine it’s a major stumbling block for many Protestants.

Despite not having the Eucharist, it almost seems as if we’re taught about a more personal Jesus then the Catholics… however, not knowing what the Church actually teaches I’m not sure if that’s true.

 

[JRKH]

deep breath

Okay guys. The more I learn about the Church the more I am growing to love it but I have to tell you in browsing the boards I am finding a major stumbling block/sore spot.

IE: Marian devotion.

I can respect and honor Mary for her part in the grand scheme of things. I can even love her. I cannot wrap my head around people around here (this message board) who profess she is the ONLY way to Jesus and thus the only way to God. This is contrary to everything I read in the bible. Nor can I wrap my head around the idea that she has any part in my salvation SAVE giving birth to Jesus.

Whenever I read such claims I keep thinking of the way Jesus was, the things He said… and this is one of those things I can see Him clearly denouncing. It would not be in His character to encourage people to worship/set their eyes, on anyone but God… and Marian devotion borders on Marian worship when looked on with new eyes - considering her our salvation and redeemer… yeah, that sounds more like worship then devotion to me.

Now, it is my understanding this is NOT what the church teaches. What DOES the Church teach about Mary?

Phew. This is a major point of frustration for me (you may have noticed I posted on a few of these Marian devotion threads because they frustrated me so much). I imagine it’s a major stumbling block for many Protestants.

Despite not having the Eucharist, it almost seems as if we’re taught about a more personal Jesus then the Catholics… however, not knowing what the Church actually teaches I’m not sure if that’s true.

Deep breath back at ya. whew - - -

Marion devotion is a stumbling block for many people trying to come into the church.
It is a huge and complex matter in some cases. My advise to someone just learning about the faith is to not get too deeply into this right away.

I was raised Catholic - left for many years and have been back for about three years.
Marion devotion, as practiced by certain people, still troubles me, Also I must admit to not being able to understand the theology behind some of the Marion Dogmas. This does not prevent me from accepting what the Church teaches on the matter. An acceptance that should not be confused with how some people choose to express their devotion).

It is true that Mary holds a significant place in the life of the Church. However, the thing to remember is that the Church does NOT require that we have a special devotion to Mary, or that we even Pray to her, except where she is invoked in the mass.
So the devotions that you see that appear to border on “idolotry” are private devotions only. You are not required, as a catholic, to practice them.

Here is a site listing the “Dogma’s of the Catholic Church”. If you page down a bit you’ll find a listing of links. Click on number 4 (Mother of the Redeemer) and you will find the Marion Dogma’s.

I too have seen some of the posts that you speak of. They do seem a bit over the top. However, I must admit that since being back home in the church, and accepting what the church teaches on Mary, I find that these things bother me less. I know what I must do, what I must accept and I build my perosnal devotions around that.
In my case it is primarily around the Father and around the Eucharist.
The rosary has become a big part of may prayerlife.

Peace
James

 

[nickybr38]

Deep breath back at ya. whew - - -

Marion devotion is a stumbling block for many people trying to come into the church.
It is a huge and complex matter in some cases. My advise to someone just learning about the faith is to not get too deeply into this right away.

I was raised Catholic - left for many years and have been back for about three years.
Marion devotion, as practiced by certain people, still troubles me, Also I must admit to not being able to understand the theology behind some of the Marion Dogmas. This does not prevent me from accepting what the Church teaches on the matter. An acceptance that should not be confused with how some people choose to express their devotion).

It is true that Mary holds a significant place in the life of the Church. However, the thing to remember is that the Church does NOT require that we have a special devotion to Mary, or that we even Pray to her, except where she is invoked in the mass.
So the devotions that you see that appear to border on “idolotry” are private devotions only. You are not required, as a catholic, to practice them.

Here is a site listing the “Dogma’s of the Catholic Church”. If you page down a bit you’ll find a listing of links. Click on number 4 (Mother of the Redeemer) and you will find the Marion Dogma’s.

I too have seen some of the posts that you speak of. They do seem a bit over the top. However, I must admit that since being back home in the church, and accepting what the church teaches on Mary, I find that these things bother me less. I know what I must do, what I must accept and I build my perosnal devotions around that.
In my case it is primarily around the Father and around the Eucharist.
The rosary has become a big part of may prayerlife.

Peace
James

Thank you. Phew. This one just riles me up… but only because I see it as insulting to Jesus and God.

To summarize in the simplest analogy this is how I see disproportionate Marian devotion;

The Father creates Man.
The Son brings the Father to Man.
Man thanks and praises (not worships but gives credit to) the Mother.

How does that make any sense? To me, it doesn’t.

BUT I will avoid anymore discussions on this for the time being. Hopefully as I grow in the church it will start to make a bit more sense.

I have no issue with praying the rosary, or asking Mary to pray on my behalf. That doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is the idea it is only through her that I can speak to Jesus, because that’s not even what Jesus taught (He taught us to speak directly to the Father actually.

You know what though? I’m kind of happy that it riles me up this much. I haven’t been on fire for anything religious in a long, long time. Feels good! I will read the dogmas as soon as I can sit down and focus on them properly.

 

[JRKH]

Thank you. Phew. This one just riles me up… but only because I see it as insulting to Jesus and God.

To summarize in the simplest analogy this is how I see disproportionate Marian devotion;

The Father creates Man.
The Son brings the Father to Man.
Man thanks and praises (not worships but gives credit to) the Mother.

How does that make any sense? To me, it doesn’t.

BUT I will avoid anymore discussions on this for the time being. Hopefully as I grow in the church it will start to make a bit more sense.

I have no issue with praying the rosary, or asking Mary to pray on my behalf. That doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is the idea it is only through her that I can speak to Jesus, because that’s not even what Jesus taught (He taught us to speak directly to the Father actually.

You know what though? I’m kind of happy that it riles me up this much. I haven’t been on fire for anything religious in a long, long time. Feels good! I will read the dogmas as soon as I can sit down and focus on them properly.

I know of NO church teaching that says we must go through Mary to get to Jesus. Certainly no “Dogmatic” teaching. Mary is our Mopther, and as such is a powerful intercessor. Those who approach her in faith and reverence find much solice, just as a small child will find solice in a mothers arms.
But then again, there are children who are closer to their mothers and children who are closer to their fathers. You and I seem to fall into the latter catagory. We’d rather go straight to “Dad”. Perfectly acceptable within the Churches teaching.

Peace
James

 

[nickybr38]

I know of NO church teaching that says we must go through Mary to get to Jesus. Certainly no “Dogmatic” teaching. Mary is our Mopther, and as such is a powerful intercessor. Those who approach her in faith and reverence find much solice, just as a small child will find solice in a mothers arms.
But then again, there are children who are closer to their mothers and children who are closer to their fathers. You and I seem to fall into the latter catagory. We’d rather go straight to “Dad”. Perfectly acceptable within the Churches teaching.

Peace
James

I suppose, for me, I have always been in a one-on-one relationship with God (as a child I cried to Him nightly). My sister is a Marian devotee and while I pray the rosary ultimately it is the Our Father prayer that fits me best.

Okay! Now, time to focus on work. Haha. I feel slightly less frustrated and in future am going to avoid such discussions (at least until I’m more ready to understand them).

Part of my problem is that I’ve always been passionate when I do immerse myself in the Church, but being overly passionate has it’s drawbacks!

 

[JRKH]

I suppose, for me, I have always been in a one-on-one relationship with God (as a child I cried to Him nightly). My sister is a Marian devotee and while I pray the rosary ultimately it is the Our Father prayer that fits me best.

Okay! Now, time to focus on work. Haha. I feel slightly less frustrated and in future am going to avoid such discussions (at least until I’m more ready to understand them).

Part of my problem is that I’ve always been passionate when I do immerse myself in the Church, but being overly passionate has it’s drawbacks!

Passion is fine, we don’t want to find ourselves “lukewarm” ad Judgement.
We just need to remember to temper that passion with Patience.

Peace
James

 

[nickybr38]

I’m all over the place today! HAHA.

Anyway, I asked my roommate today if she’d like to participate in RCIA classes and she said yes. She’s still not sure about the Catholic church or joining it but she wants to learn.

She can take RCIA even if she’s not sure about joining yet can’t she?

The Sister hasn’t called me yet (the people at the parish said she’d call to make arrangements for RCIA) so I haven’t had a chance to ask HER, which is why I’m still here. Hahahah.

 

[the_hazel_nut]

She can take RCIA even if she’s not sure about joining yet can’t she?

Yes, RCIA is no strings attached.

 

[JRKH]

I’m all over the place today! HAHA.

Anyway, I asked my roommate today if she’d like to participate in RCIA classes and she said yes. She’s still not sure about the Catholic church or joining it but she wants to learn.

She can take RCIA even if she’s not sure about joining yet can’t she?

The Sister hasn’t called me yet (the people at the parish said she’d call to make arrangements for RCIA) so I haven’t had a chance to ask HER, which is why I’m still here. Hahahah.

Yes she can take RCIA without joining.

Did the parish give you any timetable for RCIA? I know around here they sometimes don’t start until September. Don’t want to freak you out on that but also didn’t want you to get frustarted any further (we know about your “patience” )

Peace
James

 

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6706123]I’m all over the place today! HAHA.

Anyway, I asked my roommate today if she’d like to participate in RCIA classes and she said yes. She’s still not sure about the Catholic church or joining it but she wants to learn.

She can take RCIA even if she’s not sure about joining yet can’t she?

The Sister hasn’t called me yet (the people at the parish said she’d call to make arrangements for RCIA) so I haven’t had a chance to ask HER, which is why I’m still here. Hahahah.

The answer to your question is YES! RCIA is essentailly seperated into two halfs. The fisrt half is for all to discern whether the CC, Catholic Faith is for you? It covers a great many topics superficially; provides what we beleive but not so much as to why we beleive it; although Q&A can get into that also. No commitment is sought in the first half.

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[nickybr38]

Yes she can take RCIA without joining.

Did the parish give you any timetable for RCIA? I know around here they sometimes don’t start until September. Don’t want to freak you out on that but also didn’t want you to get frustarted any further (we know about your “patience” )

Peace
James

Sorely. Lacking. That’s the state of my patience which is why God has placed me with a parish that isn’t starting RCIA until September. “Slow down, you move too fast.” comes to mind.

My sister says I can ‘fast track’ things because I was baptised BUT my roommate really wants to take RCIA and she won’t go without me so I have decided to join RCIA with her. Besides, it’s like I told my sister; “I’m an improperly trained Protestant - why wouldn’t I want a refresher like the RCIA classes?”

 

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6707273]Sorely. Lacking. That’s the state of my patience which is why God has placed me with a parish that isn’t starting RCIA until September. “Slow down, you move too fast.” comes to mind.

My sister says I can ‘fast track’ things because I was baptised BUT my roommate really wants to take RCIA and she won’t go without me so I have decided to join RCIA with her. Besides, it’s like I told my sister; “I’m an improperly trained Protestant - why wouldn’t I want a refresher like the RCIA classes?”

SORRY:blush: But your sisters wrong. Baptism is necessary and if done properly cannot be repeated; but it dos not change the programas far as what is taught. It will change slightly th “Rite of Acceptance.”

The Church “ties togeather” Baptism, Confesion and Eucharist as necessary for entry into the Church.

Love and prayers,
Pat

 

[nickybr38]

SORRY:blush: But your sisters wrong. Baptism is necessary and if done properly cannot be repeated; but it dos not change the programas far as what is taught. It will change slightly th “Rite of Acceptance.”

The Church “ties togeather” Baptism, Confesion and Eucharist as necessary for entry into the Church.

Love and prayers,
Pat

yeah, I’m not entirely sure what she’s talking about but she’s been saying I could be in the Church in two weeks because I was baptised already. That route hasn’t much interested me. I want to approach this respectfully - I’m not interested in the fast track (a rare thing for me!).

 

[PJM]

=nickybr38;6707332]yeah, I’m not entirely sure what she’s talking about but she’s been saying I could be in the Church in two weeks because I was baptised already. That route hasn’t much interested me. I want to approach this respectfully - I’m not interested in the fast track (a rare thing for me!).

I don’t know everything; BUT i’m pretty sure she is wrong on this. In Order for a Catholic to COMMIT to our beliefs [Confirmation] one has to know what they are committing too. There are HUGE theological difference in what we hold as truth and what othrr denominations are willing to accept as there own truth.

Love and prayers,

Pat

PS I responded to your mail.

 

[po18guy]

In my case, I was not baptized. In such situations, the three Sacraments which are naturally grouped together are Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Nicky, you will want to contact the community in which you were baptized, to obtain your baptismal record. If it is one of the odd sects whose baptism is not according to the Triune Christian formula (LDS for example), you will need to partake of Christian Baptism. If your baptism is valid (very likely), you would need only the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

As to “Mary”. She is a stumbling block for nearly all bible Christians, as she has purposefully been suppressed or downplayed out of varying degrees of disagreement with the Catholic Church. Simply have faith that the 1,977 year old Church knows what she is teaching. You need never develop a devotion to Mary. You need never pray a single Rosary to be a Catholic in good standing.

However, I am a living witness that Mary’s unique role among all women who ever lived (and ever will live) will win you over. The Church teaches, with evidence that she was ever virgin and that she was assumed body and soul into heaven. That’s all. My final doubt/hesitation about Mary was erased during a bible study about five years ago. Scripture simply came together in a form of revelation and my doubts vanished.

We are all praying for both you and your roommate. As you wait for classes to begin, you can read up and interact with members here. You will be more than ready to jump into your faith journey with both feet. In fact, you already have, actually.

Christ’s peace be with you!