non-Catholic Christian considering becoming Catholic needs help

[moosears]

It just seems out of character for God Incarnate to ask us to partake in cannibalism. Can someone please explain this to me?

Think about this. When we eat our food it is assimilated into our bodies. So if we eat a carrot, for example, the carrot, which is a lower life form, is assimilated into the higher life form, which is us. When we receive Jesus’ body, blood, soul and divinity in Holy Communion, the opposite takes place. We are assimilated into Him. The lower form becomes a part of the higher form. Just more food for thought (no pun intended) on Transubstantiation. Hope this helps.

 

[KingAlfred]

Ocean,

The exact words spoken by Jesus over the bread and cup are impossible to recover, since the various accounts of the institution have been colored by liturgical developments in the post-Easter community. They all agree, however, that Jesus associated the bread with his body, and the wine with His blood, and with the inauguration of a new covenant. Personally, I’m satisfied with that explanation and understanding. I don’t permit theological details and/or polemics to cloud my devotion.

 

[ocean_soul1980]

I don’t understand your problem with infant Baptism, as my father’s side of the family is of the church of the Nazarene and I know that they do baptize infants. They do more adult Baptisms, for sure, but they do baptize infants. My understanding is that they come from the Wesleyan Methodist tradition, and many of their practices come from that tradition. In fact, the baptism of young children is discussed in the Articles of Faith on the Nazarene website.

That’s strange, none of the Nazarene churches I ever went to as a child (there were several throughout the years) practiced infant baptism. In recent years, they started calling it “christening” or “dedication.” That’s all it was ever called when I was growing up.

 

[ocean_soul1980]

The other questions I have about Catholicism in itself are far more personal in nature, and probably would be best left to a Confessional.

What I do know is, right now, it’s especially hard to consider becoming Catholic, with all the scandals with child molestation (I know they’re few and far between, and although it bothers me, it’s not hindering me)…and I’ve noticed that people are especially hostile to Catholics. My mom is having huge issues with it (though she hasn’t really said anything, I can hear it in her voice when I talk about it), and my husband has made some snide comments, too. It was bad enough when I became a Christian in the first place, but he’s pretty against the idea of me becoming Catholic.

I know that wives are supposed to submit to their husbands, but what about when their husband is hindering them in their faith? My husband is SOOOOO against the idea of me attending church or Bible study it’s not even funny.

The only other issue I have with Catholicism is that women aren’t allowed to teach. I’ve been having a strong feeling the last few months that I was being called either to apologetics (which I’m extremely interested in), or ministry. I obviously can’t be in ministry as a woman, though I could be a theologian or an apologetic. But how do I reconcile this “calling” I’ve been experiencing, with the beliefs of the Catholic Church? Maybe I’m being called to a position outside the Church, such as at a college?

At least now I understand transubstantiation and infant baptism, lol. That’s a start, right?

 

[mercygate]

The other questions I have about Catholicism in itself are far more personal in nature, and probably would be best left to a Confessional.

What I do know is, right now, it’s especially hard to consider becoming Catholic, with all the scandals with child molestation (I know they’re few and far between, and although it bothers me, it’s not hindering me)…and I’ve noticed that people are especially hostile to Catholics. My mom is having huge issues with it (though she hasn’t really said anything, I can hear it in her voice when I talk about it), and my husband has made some snide comments, too. It was bad enough when I became a Christian in the first place, but he’s pretty against the idea of me becoming Catholic.

I know that wives are supposed to submit to their husbands, but what about when their husband is hindering them in their faith? My husband is SOOOOO against the idea of me attending church or Bible study it’s not even funny.

The only other issue I have with Catholicism is that women aren’t allowed to teach. I’ve been having a strong feeling the last few months that I was being called either to apologetics (which I’m extremely interested in), or ministry. I obviously can’t be in ministry as a woman, though I could be a theologian or an apologetic. But how do I reconcile this “calling” I’ve been experiencing, with the beliefs of the Catholic Church? Maybe I’m being called to a position outside the Church, such as at a college?

At least now I understand transubstantiation and infant baptism, lol. That’s a start, right?

Please take this up with a Catholic priest because the family relationship thing is very important. Your situation is not uncommon. The Journey Home (www.chn.com) deals with the matter of divided couples ALL the time. Talk to Jim Anderson or Marcus Grodi. Great guys!

 

[CB_Catholic]

The other questions I have about Catholicism in itself are far more personal in nature, and probably would be best left to a Confessional.

What I do know is, right now, it’s especially hard to consider becoming Catholic, with all the scandals with child molestation (I know they’re few and far between, and although it bothers me, it’s not hindering me)…and I’ve noticed that people are especially hostile to Catholics. My mom is having huge issues with it (though she hasn’t really said anything, I can hear it in her voice when I talk about it), and my husband has made some snide comments, too. It was bad enough when I became a Christian in the first place, but he’s pretty against the idea of me becoming Catholic.

I know that wives are supposed to submit to their husbands, but what about when their husband is hindering them in their faith? My husband is SOOOOO against the idea of me attending church or Bible study it’s not even funny.

The only other issue I have with Catholicism is that women aren’t allowed to teach. I’ve been having a strong feeling the last few months that I was being called either to apologetics (which I’m extremely interested in), or ministry. I obviously can’t be in ministry as a woman, though I could be a theologian or an apologetic. But how do I reconcile this “calling” I’ve been experiencing, with the beliefs of the Catholic Church? Maybe I’m being called to a position outside the Church, such as at a college?

At least now I understand transubstantiation and infant baptism, lol. That’s a start, right?

I am not sure what you are referring to when you say women aren’t allowed to teach. Can you clarify this?

 

[vee8]

The only other issue I have with Catholicism is that women aren’t allowed to teach.

If so then what are St Teresa of Avila, St Catherine of Siena, and St Therese of Lisieux doing as Doctors of the Church?

Doctor of the Church (Latin doctor, teacher, from Latin docere, to teach) is a title given by a variety of Christian churches to individuals whom they recognize as having been of particular importance, particularly regarding their additions to theological or doctrinal matters.

 

[Wesley7]

Just to clarify something - the Orthodox do not define the sacraments. The sacraments are properly called *mysteries. *

 

[Joe_5859]

I’m curious about so many other things, too. For example, I understand the concept of asking the Saints, and the Virgin Mary, to intercede on our behalf. The question is, without a Rosary, or anything else like that, and even without knowing the names of all the Saints (I know very few, lol, it just wasn’t a focus of my faith…not that I paid much attention to it anyway!), can I still ask them to intercede for me before the Father?

You don’t need a rosary or any formal prayer to ask for Mary’s intercession (although they can be very helpful). I like to think of the Communion of Saints as my circle of friends. It’s like going to a new town and trying to meet people. At first, you have difficulty keeping all the names straight and everytime you turn around you’re meeting someone new. But eventually, you come to know them more and more. Of course, some you will become more familiar with and better friends with than others. That’s perfectly okay. In the mean time, there are some great websites where you can find out more about the saints. You can search alphabetically by name or topically (i.e. patron saint of [fill in the blank]). You might want to take a look at St. Monica. She prayed every day for the conversion of her husband (who converted on his deathbed) and her wild and crazy son, Augustine (who later became one of the most important and influential saints that the Church has ever known). She’s a great saint to pray to for the conversion of our family.

So…with transubstantiation, and the Sacraments…is that part of what Jesus meant when He said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”?

He meant it literally, didn’t He? And not just with the Holy Spirit? Do I have this right? If so…WOW. My mind is blown.

I think you have a better grasp of the theology of the Eucharist than many Catholics. I had been a Catholic for many, many years before someone pointed this out to me about Christ’s words here in this passage. You’re absolutely right: WOW!

The only other issue I have with Catholicism is that women aren’t allowed to teach.

That is most certainly not true! Women cannot be priests, but they can most definitely be catechists and teachers. In fact, most catechsits and Catholic school teachers are women. You would definitely be welcome in any parish to share your love for the faith by teaching in many different capacities, whether it be with children or adults. So don’t think for one second that you won’t be allowed to teach because you’re a woman! You’re not off the hook that easily!

P.S.: Are you a Nightwish fan? I ask because your user name is one of their songs.

 

[mercygate]

The other questions I have about Catholicism in itself are far more personal in nature, and probably would be best left to a Confessional.

What I do know is, right now, it’s especially hard to consider becoming Catholic, with all the scandals with child molestation (I know they’re few and far between, and although it bothers me, it’s not hindering me)…and I’ve noticed that people are especially hostile to Catholics. My mom is having huge issues with it (though she hasn’t really said anything, I can hear it in her voice when I talk about it), and my husband has made some snide comments, too. It was bad enough when I became a Christian in the first place, but he’s pretty against the idea of me becoming Catholic.

I know that wives are supposed to submit to their husbands, but what about when their husband is hindering them in their faith? My husband is SOOOOO against the idea of me attending church or Bible study it’s not even funny.

The only other issue I have with Catholicism is that women aren’t allowed to teach. I’ve been having a strong feeling the last few months that I was being called either to apologetics (which I’m extremely interested in), or ministry. I obviously can’t be in ministry as a woman, though I could be a theologian or an apologetic. But how do I reconcile this “calling” I’ve been experiencing, with the beliefs of the Catholic Church? Maybe I’m being called to a position outside the Church, such as at a college?

At least now I understand transubstantiation and infant baptism, lol. That’s a start, right?

Oops. I missed your statement about teaching. FWIW, I teach 6th grade CCD, and will be co-leading a Bible study in the fall. Many seminaries have women faculty on staff. Monica Migliorino Miller, Janet Smith, and Theresa Farnan come to mind. The Pope has appointed women to the theology faculty of the Pontifical colleges. Many Catholic colleges in America were founded by teachng sisters.

 

[beeliner]

ocean, I cannot add much to all of the fine replies you have received, except to add a few words of my own.

Transsubstantiation has always been quite basic to me: We believe that Christ is really present in the Eucharist because He promised us that He would be. That is all the evidence I require. Exactly how His presence there occurs is a mystery of faith.

Luke tells us in Acts that the apostles baptized entire families. That would certainly include children. The main idea of infant baptism is to remove the stain of original sin as quickly as possible and instill God’s sanctifying grace, which the new Christian can lose only by serious sin.

You didn’t mention where you live in Germany. I live, for part of the year, right across the street from St. Suitbertus Church on Schützenstrasse in Ratingen, near Düsseldorf. Behind the church is a small Franciscan monastery, and though I speak German, I’m quite sure that there must be one or more English-speaking priests and/or monks there who would be delighted to meet you if you are ever in the area.

 

[moosears]

Your family will definitely be in our prayers, ocean. Don’t be surprised if an angel whacks your husbands head with a two by four . Don’t worry it doesn’t hurt most of the time but it sure can be a rude awakening .
I’m sure God will bless your efforts to come to Him through His Church very abundantly. Just don’t try to move too fast. God not only knows where your heart is, He also knows where it is going.

 

[jmcrae]

As far as transubstantiation, I know that it’s in Scripture. I’m just curious as to WHY. So that Jesus can abide in us, and we in Him? Okay. Why is that necessary? I just don’t understand.

Jesus is the Passover Sacrifice of the New Covenant.

Just as the lamb of the passover had to be eaten by all members of the Jewish community, so also, the body and blood of Christ, who is the Lamb of God, also must be eaten by every member of the Christian community.