New Catholic - Cafeteria Catholics?

[CountryMom27]

Hi - I just converted last year, my DH was raised Catholic and we’re actively raising our little ones Catholic.

One of the things since I converted that I continue to struggle with is when I disagree with some of the teachings of the Church. Not where I know & agree with the teachings, and try my best to follow them - that’s different. Where I know and disagree with them and don’t really want to change my view/behavior to be in compliance. I think about what I will/am teaching my sons, and for some of these issues, I’m not ashamed of what I believe. In a way I see the Church’s beliefs as the ideal, but that we were given free will, and we know in our heart if what we are doing/believing is against God’s will. I don’t know - I’m very confused!

Are there teachings of the Church that you disagree with/don’t follow? How do you reconcile being Catholic without following 100% of the teachings? Whether they are small (say, fasting or attending a Holy Day of Obligation) or large (sex, birth control, divorce), can you be a good Catholic and not obey 100% of the teachings?

Please, no flame/blame. I know we all do the best we can - since we are a somewhat anonymous forum, I’d like to hear what you really do, rather than what you publicly say you do.

Thanks for your openness!

 

[1ke]

Are there teachings of the Church that you disagree with/don’t follow?

No.

How do you reconcile being Catholic without following 100% of the teachings?

I don’t.

The Church-- through the Bishops-- is God’s institution on earth put here to guide us to Heaven. The Church is infallible. I am not. The Church speaks with authority. I do not. The Church has no defect of will (sin). I do.

In short, the Church cannot be wrong.

When I was in the process of coming into full communion with the Catholic Church (entered the Church from the Episcopal Church in 1992) I looked at it this way: when I differ with the Church only one of us can be wrong-- and it’s not the Church. Assent, give obedience to the Church and continue to study and pray until the Church’s teaching becomes clear.

I think obedience is the most difficult thing for former Protestants because no one has ever required it of them before.

Whether they are small (say, fasting or attending a Holy Day of Obligation) or large (sex, birth control, divorce), can you be a good Catholic and not obey 100% of the teachings?

No. Not if you mean the person is knowingly and obstinently disobeying church teaching in faith and morals with no contrition and no plan or desire to change.

If someone, truly desiring to be obedient, fails in an instance and transgresses the teachings of the Church or the moral law-- well they are not a “bad Catholic” they are human. We are all sinners. That is why we can be reconciled through the Sacrament of Confession and try to do better going forward.

There is a distinct-- and very pertinent-- difference between one who chooses their own will over that of the Church and refuses to submit and one who tries to submit and may at times fail.

 

[rick43235]

Hi - I just converted last year, my DH was raised Catholic and we’re actively raising our little ones Catholic.

I am currently going through the conversion process because, like you, I married someone who happened to be Catholic. I was raised in the Lutheran Church, but as an adult, I really haven’t practiced any religion. Had I not married a Catholic, it most likely never would have occurred to me to convert.

Are there teachings of the Church that you disagree with/don’t follow?

While I generally have great respect for the Church, I have to admit that I struggle with some of it’s teachings. Some I just disagree with, some I actually find to be silly, and some are downright scary. For example, I find the Church’s teachings regarding divorce and annulment to be way out of touch with modern society. While I can admire the basic principles behind the rules, I think they are so inflexible that they have become irrelevant - even to the majority of Catholics.

Another teaching that I struggle with is the concept of transubstantiation. Actually, I don’t even bother to struggle with it. How people can believe that a priest, by saying a few magic words, can change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is beyond me. I respect the fact that people can believe what they want to believe, but personally, I find it silly.

What I find scary is that an organization would establish rules that attempt to govern the sexual behavior of married couples or the size of their families. I am sometimes astounded at the discussions on this forum about which sex acts are acceptable, which are sinful, how bad does a woman’s health have to be before she is allowed to avoid pregnancy, and so on. I get the impression that there are a lot of people who have made themselves very unhappy by trying to follow some rules established by some (supposedly - but that’s another thread) celibate men who don’t have a clue about what it is to be married or raise a family.

…can you be a good Catholic and not obey 100% of the teachings?

Personally, I believe in God and I find comfort and inspiration in His Church. That said, by the standards of many of the members of this board, I will probably never be a “good” Catholic. But, I can live with that.

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi - I just converted last year, my DH was raised Catholic and we’re actively raising our little ones Catholic. Welcome to the faith!!!

One of the things since I converted that I continue to struggle with is when I disagree with some of the teachings of the Church. Not where I know & agree with the teachings, and try my best to follow them - that’s different. Where I know and disagree with them and don’t really want to change my view/behavior to be in compliance. I think about what I will/am teaching my sons, and for some of these issues, I’m not ashamed of what I believe. In a way I see the Church’s beliefs as the ideal, but that we were given free will, and we know in our heart if what we are doing/believing is against God’s will. I don’t know - I’m very confused!

I don’t think that God expects perfection, but rather that we stive to be more like His son daily. He knows that we will stumble, which is why we have Confession. Please go frequently, and possibly consult a priest (appointment) to discuss your thoughts. Some think that Catholics view God as this grand pooba sitting in the sky, ready to step on us whenever we sin. He knows that we will make mistakes. The Church is there to help us in our faith walk with Christ…when you stumble, go to Confession…over time, you will stumble over those same sins less and less. I have questioned the Church before, and not followed (I plead some ignorance on that) but one day the Holy Spirit enlightened me to so much, and I’m forever grateful to be Catholic. Just keep running the race until it’s finished.

Are there teachings of the Church that you disagree with/don’t follow? How do you reconcile being Catholic without following 100% of the teachings? Whether they are small (say, fasting or attending a Holy Day of Obligation) or large (sex, birth control, divorce), can you be a good Catholic and not obey 100% of the teachings?

I agree with them now, and as you grow more in your Catholic faith you will become more and more enlightened to the ‘why’s’ and not just doing things without truly embracing it.

Please, no flame/blame. I know we all do the best we can - since we are a somewhat anonymous forum, I’d like to hear what you really do, rather than what you publicly say you do.

Thanks for your openness!

God’s blessing to you…enjoy this faith. It’s not just a series of rules and regulations…there is great beauty behind those ‘rules.’ God doesn’t want us to get hurt…and the Church is there to help us grow closer to Christ. But, if you have a few questions, give them to Christ, and ask Him to enlighten you. And having a sit down with a priest would be very helpful for you, as well…they have heard it all. Nothing will surprise them. Remember–you converted to be one with the Church–just keep striving towards that oneness. Good luck and God bless!

 

[CountryMom27]

Thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut. I talked with DH about it tonight - I think in some areas I may never agree with the Church. Maybe it’s because I’m coming into this as an adult, maybe it is because I was a devout Christian before I became Catholic… but it is strange to see things that I was taught are fine, even healthy (e.g. masturbation, sex within a marriage not intended for procreation). When I search my heart, and I think of what I know about the Bible, I think of Christ’s teachings and the 10 commandments, and those are what I know God wants for us to follow and where he wants us to focus. Part of humility is obedience, but is it obedience to the Church, or to God? In most of my life, I would say both are the same. But I think you can be a good Christian and a good Catholic and still disagree with the Church on some issues.

Some of the rest of it I want to follow, and some of it I just don’t get, no matter how logical the Church’s rules may seem. I do feel that some of the teachings are out of step with Christian life, but I’m at the same time glad that the Church is more conservative than most of society. It is a comfort to know that Her teachings are something to strive for.

I don’t know if I’m making sense. But I think this is a useful dialog and I hope that others will chime in too. Thank you –

 

[hasikelee]

It’s always the sex issues that get us.

Have you visited this website: www.christopherwest.com? He had a long journey, too, from completely disagreeing with the Church to becoming one of her most avid protectors of Church teaching on love, sexuality and marriage.

 

[Peach0218]

I think obedience is a difficult concept in our culture because we have such a relativistic mindset. We believe we create our own realities (i.e. whatever works for you is fine for you and whatever works for me is fine for me). We don’t think in terms of absolute truths, so it’s very hard to get away from the idea that if I personally don’t understand or like something then it can’t be right.

Many of us on this forum have been at the place you’re at. In my experience, it’s really important to step out in faith and not just shut down and assume the church is wrong/out of touch/etc. If you feel that you don’t like something the church teaches, it might help to tell yourself “I must not understand it correctly” and then do a bunch of research and a bunch more praying Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom.

The beliefs and practices mentioned in other posts are all consistent with the church’s clear theology. The church puts forth explanations that can satisfy both the soul and the mind, but we have to pray for a receptive spirit, an obedient heart and will, and clear thinking. I would hate for you to miss out on some of the most beautiful parts of our Catholic faith because you have made the decision to close your heart and mind to them.

 

[Peach0218]

Another teaching that I struggle with is the concept of transubstantiation. Actually, I don’t even bother to struggle with it. How people can believe that a priest, by saying a few magic words, can change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is beyond me. I respect the fact that people can believe what they want to believe, but personally, I find it silly.

Just wanted to say that you are certainly not alone in grappling with this most mysterious of mysteries But it is truly at the center of what it means to be Catholic and one of the most precious gifts of our faith. I’m not sure if you have converted or are in the process of converting, but I would strongly encourage you to bring your questions to a priest or apologist and most especially to prayer. Ask Jesus to teach you about His Eucharistic presence. Please don’t go through the RCIA process without raising your objections and probing these questions. This is the time to explore them as you are about to profess your belief in them.

 

[grandfather]

I am currently going through the conversion process

While I generally have great respect for the Church, I have to admit that I struggle with some of it’s teachings. Some I just disagree with, some I actually find to be silly, and some are downright scary. For example, I find the Church’s teachings regarding divorce and annulment to be way out of touch with modern society. While I can admire the basic principles behind the rules, I think they are so inflexible that they have become irrelevant - even to the majority of Catholics.

Another teaching that I struggle with is the concept of transubstantiation. Actually, I don’t even bother to struggle with it. How people can believe that a priest, by saying a few magic words, can change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is beyond me. I respect the fact that people can believe what they want to believe, but personally, I find it silly.

What I find scary is that an organization would establish rules that attempt to govern the sexual behavior of married couples or the size of their families. I am sometimes astounded at the discussions on this forum about which sex acts are acceptable, which are sinful, how bad does a woman’s health have to be before she is allowed to avoid pregnancy, and so on. I get the impression that there are a lot of people who have made themselves very unhappy by trying to follow some rules established by some (supposedly - but that’s another thread) celibate men who don’t have a clue about what it is to be married or raise a family.

Personally, I believe in God and I find comfort and inspiration in His Church. That said, by the standards of many of the members of this board, I will probably never be a “good” Catholic. But, I can live with that.

There is only one reason that anyone should belong to, practice or join any religion, Catholic or other. The reason is that one believes the teachings of that religion. You clearly do not believe the teachings of the Catholic Church, even the most important teachings. You should not become a Catholic. It would be a lie and hypocritical for you to make a profession of faith.

 

[Claymont79]

I converted at the Easter Vigil in 2002. Like others, my spouse is a cradle Cathoilic, but we were together over 10 years before I decided to ‘come home’, although I was all for raising our current set of kids as Catholic. I was raised a devout Methodist, but had had a super long ‘dark night’ as it were and had a conversion experience shortly after 9/11.

At first I was baffled by all the ‘rules’. But as I’ve grown in my faith by reading, watching EWTN, following these forums, and socializing with my wonderfully faithful homeschool group Moms I’ve learned reasons and beliefs about nearly everything you are questioning and then some of my own. NOW I am a proponent of pretty much all the doctrines. I still have issues with a few, but am working through that as the days go by. (40+ years of teaching from another direction don’t fall away overnight unforunately)

So if you are called to be Catholic and you care enough to delve into it, the knowledge will lead you into the understanding you need. I’ll be praying for you and your full conversion.

 

[1ke]

Thank you for the (name removed by moderator)ut. I talked with DH about it tonight - I think in some areas I may never agree with the Church. **Maybe it’s because I’m coming into this as an adult, maybe it is because I was a devout Christian before I became Catholic… **

That’s actually quite insulting to those of us who-- devout, practicing Christians our whole lives-- chose the Church because of the Truth we found there.

but it is strange to see things that I was taught are fine, even healthy (e.g. masturbation, sex within a marriage not intended for procreation).

Yes, you were taught they were “fine” to do but that’s not the Truth. Keep studying, and you will find the Church’s teachings to be true. They cannot be otherwise.

I really suggest you study on authority and infallibility. That’s the real issue. All the others fall in to place behind this one issue.

When I search my heart, and I think of what I know about the Bible, I think of Christ’s teachings and the 10 commandments, and those are what I know God wants for us to follow and where he wants us to focus.

The things you listed above ARE part of the ten commandments-- the Sixth Commandment to be specific. You were not taught the **fullness **of truth in these areas. It takes time. Keep reading, keep studying, keep praying. But, always approach it from the point of view that you are wrong and the Church is right. That’s the reality of it. Pray that you will come to understand what the Church teaches and why.

Part of humility is obedience, but is it obedience to the Church, or to God? In most of my life, I would say both are the same. But I think you can be a good Christian and a good Catholic and still disagree with the Church on some issues.

Keep studying, don’t give up. But, I would disagree with this statement above. For example, if your son or daughter asks you if “X” is wrong (one of the "X"s you know the Church teaches is wrong, but you “personally” don’t think is wrong) what will you tell them? You are either Catholic or you aren’t-- you embrace it all or you don’t. I don’t understand people who want to be Catholic but reject what the Church teaches. When I decided to become Catholic I knew it was a package deal. I embraced it fully.

Some of the rest of it I want to follow, and some of it I just don’t get, no matter how logical the Church’s rules may seem. I do feel that some of the teachings are out of step with Christian life,

See, that’s just it. What the Church teaches IS the Christian life. If anyone is ever out of step. it is us not the Church.

It’s very hard to pull away all that society teaches us and get to the heart of what CHRIST teaches us. Keep honestly striving for the Truth.

 

[CountryMom27]

1ke - I actually found some of your statements dismissive of the intent of my post. In particular, I said that after talking with my husband, I realized that I may never agree with some of the Church’s teachings, in part because I have come to this as an adult raised in another faith. It is harder to change things that I have known to be true for nearly 40 years than if you are told that they are true from day 1. I fail to see how that is insulting to anyone.

I chose the Church not because my husband is Catholic and my children are Catholic. I chose the Church because as I learned about it (in an effort to teach my children about their Church and faith), I realized that this is where I wanted to be, that this is what God wanted for me. I found myself closer to God when I was in Mass in a way that was entirely different for me.

I think that this struggle will never go away from me. I think that I will always feel in some areas that the Church is not correct. I know that may seem like sacrilege to some but I think God wants us to question and struggle, for in struggling and questioning it is that we learn and understand and obey.

I wish I could be as absolute as you seem. For me, for the first time in my life, I am seeing a lot of grey rather than black and white. Maybe it is the phase I am in in life, I don’t know. But for whatever reason, the Lord has placed me on this path and I am certain and absolute in knowing that this is where He wants me to be.

So thank you! In writing this post I think I finally get it. He wants me to struggle, and in time, He will lead me to the right answers. In the meantime, I am right where I am supposed to be.

That may not be exactly what the Church teaches, but I know in my heart with certainty that that is what God has intended for me. I will continue to have faith that He will lead me where I need to go.

Peace

 

[GraceDK]

1ke - I actually found some of your statements dismissive of the intent of my post. In particular, I said that after talking with my husband, I realized that I may never agree with some of the Church’s teachings, in part because I have come to this as an adult raised in another faith. It is harder to change things that I have known to be true for nearly 40 years than if you are told that they are true from day 1. I fail to see how that is insulting to anyone.

I chose the Church not because my husband is Catholic and my children are Catholic. I chose the Church because as I learned about it (in an effort to teach my children about their Church and faith), I realized that this is where I wanted to be, that this is what God wanted for me. I found myself closer to God when I was in Mass in a way that was entirely different for me.

I think that this struggle will never go away from me. I think that I will always feel in some areas that the Church is not correct. I know that may seem like sacrilege to some but I think God wants us to question and struggle, for in struggling and questioning it is that we learn and understand and obey.

I wish I could be as absolute as you seem. For me, for the first time in my life, I am seeing a lot of grey rather than black and white. Maybe it is the phase I am in in life, I don’t know. But for whatever reason, the Lord has placed me on this path and I am certain and absolute in knowing that this is where He wants me to be.

So thank you! In writing this post I think I finally get it. He wants me to struggle, and in time, He will lead me to the right answers. In the meantime, I am right where I am supposed to be.

That may not be exactly what the Church teaches, but I know in my heart with certainty that that is what God has intended for me. I will continue to have faith that He will lead me where I need to go.

Peace

Dear sister in Jesus.
I am happy you are with us in the Body of Christ… just think about all those who dont know Jesus
Even if you were not Catholic but still a Christian… what a beautiful wonder.
I think you will do just fine… we are happy to have you in the Catholic Church… like good seeds thrown on our soil
My advice is this: Prayer and Bible study.
No debates. Believe me or not… but when in a few issues I have had struggles I have almost always ended up feeling more as though I just did not belong anywhere after having been through the rough mill of some of the rhetorics on these boards.
My own way from the beginning was like this: Prayer, Bible reading, Mass, testimonies and edifying litterature were all crucial parts of my walk in the right direction.
Then after that and… absolutely secondary to that came the apologetic books… and books are good because it gives you time for peaceful reflection whereas peoples fast remarks dont.
For me if you put Christ in the centre then getting learned and studied in a lot of theology falls into its right place… after that.
Being in here with serious issues has often tempted me more than it has done me good.
I want to warn you about that…

Grace

 

[kristie_m]

My advice is this: Prayer and Bible study.
No debates. Believe me or not… but when in a few issues I have had struggles I have almost always ended up feeling more as though I just did not belong anywhere after having been through the rough mill of some of the rhetorics on these boards.
My own way from the beginning was like this: Prayer, Bible reading, Mass, testimonies and edifying litterature were all crucial parts of my walk in the right direction.
Then after that and… absolutely secondary to that came the apologetic books… and books are good because it gives you time for peaceful reflection whereas peoples fast remarks dont.
For me if you put Christ in the centre then getting learned and studied in a lot of theology falls into its right place… after that.
Being in here with serious issues has often tempted me more than it has done me good.
I want to warn you about that…

Grace

Good advice. And if I may add to it…spending some time with the Blessed Sacrament is an EXCELLENT way to gain some clarity.

 

[TxDeeDee]

CM - thanks for posting this topic. I am a cradle Catholic and find it hard to understand and accept some of the church teachings myself. I believe I am a cafeteria catholic but I a lot that I’m finding is based on my ignorance of subjects. So I’m actually going to be taking a lot of the advice offered to you for myself. Thanks for the courage to post your feelings!!

 

[Jennifer_J]

1ke - I actually found some of your statements dismissive of the intent of my post. In particular, I said that after talking with my husband, I realized that I may never agree with some of the Church’s teachings, in part because I have come to this as an adult raised in another faith. It is harder to change things that I have known to be true for nearly 40 years than if you are told that they are true from day 1. I fail to see how that is insulting to anyone.

I chose the Church not because my husband is Catholic and my children are Catholic. I chose the Church because as I learned about it (in an effort to teach my children about their Church and faith), I realized that this is where I wanted to be, that this is what God wanted for me. I found myself closer to God when I was in Mass in a way that was entirely different for me.

I think that this struggle will never go away from me. I think that I will always feel in some areas that the Church is not correct. I know that may seem like sacrilege to some but I think God wants us to question and struggle, for in struggling and questioning it is that we learn and understand and obey.

I wish I could be as absolute as you seem. For me, for the first time in my life, I am seeing a lot of grey rather than black and white. Maybe it is the phase I am in in life, I don’t know. But for whatever reason, the Lord has placed me on this path and I am certain and absolute in knowing that this is where He wants me to be.

So thank you! In writing this post I think I finally get it. He wants me to struggle, and in time, He will lead me to the right answers. In the meantime, I am right where I am supposed to be.

That may not be exactly what the Church teaches, but I know in my heart with certainty that that is what God has intended for me. I will continue to have faith that He will lead me where I need to go.

Peace

I can’t speak for 1ke, but I can speak as an adult convert who was comfortable being a baptist until our conversion experiences led dh and I to the Church. I will admit that my belief was very simplistic as a baptist and really only did bible study and prayer–no indepth studies for me at that time, I didn’t know much beyond the life of Jesus. Perhaps you had a more indepth faith and knowledge base at the time of your conversion, I don’t know, but I do know that what you said about having MORE faith before being Catholic IS a bit off-putting to those of us who converted BECAUSE of what the Church teaches. In good conscience I couldn’t have converted if I had any doubts about the teachings of the Church and any doubts about the Authority of the Church to make those teachings. I always approach any questions I have about a teaching by realizing that the Church as 2000+ years of experience, apostolic succession, authority, knowledge, etc and I don’t. I submit to the authority while trying to find the answer that will satisfy me and also by praying that I will find either understanding or at least be able to submit. I will be honest and say I haven’t had to do this on too many issues, because to me the “rules” actually allow me freedom to live within them, but I’m a good rule-follower and appreciate the security in rules–just part of my personality. I can understand others who like to question all things until they get an answer, but I just don’t have that drive. I like to know the reasons behind the rules, certainly, but for the most part, I agree with them.

I do hope and pray that you can find satisfactory answers to your questions and come to know the fullness of truth that the Catholic Church offers. God bless you on your journey!!

 

[catherineajt]

As others have pointed out in this thread, it is not the Church that is out of step with society, it is society that has gotten out of step with the Church. As Catholic Christians, we are called to be in this world, but not of it. Just because our society has declared divorce to be a natural solution, does not mean Church teaching has to change to accomodate society’s wishes.

The Church is Eternal. Society changes, twists and turns, and customs alter. No wonder so many people suffer depression and anxiety, living in a society where the norms change every generation or so. By looking to the Church for guidance, and adhering to Her laws, we find stability.

 

[3GirlsRUs]

I will be honest and say I haven’t had to do this on too many issues, because to me the “rules” actually allow me freedom to live within them, but I’m a good rule-follower and appreciate the security in rules–just part of my personality.

I’m a cradle Catholic and I kind of feel this way, too. Although, as I have matured, I have learned to look at it not that the Church has a bunch of “rules” but that what we all think of as “rules” are really the things that keep us from sinning. Of course, we are all going to sin anyway, because that’s what we are…sinners…but looking at the “rules” more like saving us the pain of sinning (if followed, of course), has helped me a lot more.

Of course, I have a pretty healthy respect for authority, as well. Grew up with it…lost my respect for it for some years in my adolescence and reformed my respect for it as I prepared for marriage and family.

That’s what I find most people who have issues with CAtholic teaching have a problem with…they don’t want to give anyone or anything any authority…they want to be their own authority instead of following the authority established by Christ Himself.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

**I completed my “journey home” in 2005. I was agnostic when I met my cradle Catholic hubby in '98.

I would never have dreamed of converting if I didn’t trust in the Church. I trust that the Church is the “Truth” so I know that if I am having trouble with a teaching etc that it is my problem and I must work to understand. And even while not agreeing or understanding I am obedient.

I am all for questioning. But I look at it a bit differently. I start with the assumption that the Church is RIGHT and try to prove Her wrong, not the other way around which is so common, especially in today’s society.

I haven’t proved Her wrong yet

I grew up with a lot of supposedly Catholic friends and went to Catholic schools even though I wasn’t. The hypocrisy (not just from them, I understand they were only children, but from their whole families) was sickening to me. It turned me off of religion for a long time and off of the Catholic Church in particular the most.

I have a Catholic friend now that does what she wants (divorce, remarriage, contraception, sterilization, doesn’t go to Mass…etc etc etc) but still proudly calls herself Catholic. When i asked her why she said something about it being part of her cultural identity. That’s so sad.

So, while I can appreciate that we all have difficulty with obedience and understanding, I think it comes down to respect. Do we truly respect the Church that Jesus gave to us? If we do, we’ll give Her the benefit of the doubt. If we don’t, why on earth would we convert in the first place?
**

 

[rick43235]

Just wanted to say that you are certainly not alone in grappling with this most mysterious of mysteries But it is truly at the center of what it means to be Catholic and one of the most precious gifts of our faith. I’m not sure if you have converted or are in the process of converting, but I would strongly encourage you to bring your questions to a priest or apologist and most especially to prayer. Ask Jesus to teach you about His Eucharistic presence. Please don’t go through the RCIA process without raising your objections and probing these questions. This is the time to explore them as you are about to profess your belief in them.

Thank you for your thoughts. After some reflection, perhaps I should provide some clarification. I believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist. (But I also believe that He is present in the last pew of the church, on the front lawn, and it the houses down the street.) I am also open to the possibility that the priest’s words at the consecration might add a sacred quality to the bread and wine. It is the physical transformation from bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Christ that I can’t believe. In the recent past I spoke to Father about my struggle, and his response was that it is natural to doubt.

There is only one reason that anyone should belong to, practice or join any religion, Catholic or other. The reason is that one believes the teachings of that religion. You clearly do not believe the teachings of the Catholic Church, even the most important teachings. You should not become a Catholic. It would be a lie and hypocritical for you to make a profession of faith.

Thank you for your opinion. I’m sure you’ll understand that I choose to ignore it.