Non-Catholic feeling drawn to attend Mass or even pray at a Cathlolic Church for some reason

[needanswers3777]

Ok so to give a bit of my spiritual background… I was born Protestant, dabbled a bit in Wicca as a teen, then converted to Roman Catholicism then converted to Eastern (Greek) Orthodox where I even attended a Greek Orthodox theological school for my BA. Now I des describe myself as “who knows”.

Not sure by the way if this is the right place to write this but here it goes.

I’ve been going through a lot lately. I lost my job in August and now work at a grocery store to make ends meet. Because of this I almost got evicted if it wasn’t for the local charity offering to pay my back owed rent. I’m one month behind on all my bills. My grandfather of 89 years has a fast moving debilitating form of cancer and it is unknown how much time is left, but all I know is he’s been in and out of the hospital at least twice this week.

About 2 months ago I said to myself as a joke pretty much that I should go to Mass as this may be my only hope (always said that if I became Christian again it would be Catholic, as being someone of Hispanic heritage it’s part of my culture and not to be insulting but I really consider the Catholic and Orthodox churches and MAYBE the Anglican Church to be the only truely Christian. Churches as they can trace their heritage back to the beginning). Now here’s the thing, ever since that idea came into my head I haven’t gotten it out and even started to take it seriously, to the point of spending and entire night figuring out which church I wanted to attend (despite living in a relatively small city there are about 6 or 7 Catholic Churches here, as bot only is my town about 80% Spanish, before that it was like 80% polish.) I even almost went to Mass the other day but something came up and I couldn’t make it.

Now you maybe saying (well Gods drawing you back to the church). That would be the case if my beliefs were AT ALL still Catholic. Everything from my social positions to my spirituality to my belief in a higher power is very not Catholic. I mean I could probably be described as a questioning pantheistic deist at best with a splash I’d animism. The weirdest part is its not even the Catholic definition of God or the Church’s teachings that are drawing me there, it’s the saints. My intention of wanting to be there was specifically to talk to light a candle and ask the Virgin Mary for help. I have no intention of praying directly to God because in my mind he is distant and unapproachable (a very not so Catholic belief).

Again not sure if this belongs in this forum or if I wasted my time writing this, I’m just asking for some advice of what’s going on mind my mind. Why the heck am I so drawn right now to an institution that I have no intention of ever rejoining?

 

[TriciaF]

You and God may have an interesting time gradually working things out as your life journey continues. It is good that your heart goes to the Catholic Church as an optimum choice if you could believe.

That you cannot believe doesn’t mean it isn’t true. And though many believed immovably that the earth was flat, when all the time it was more or less spherical.
Truth is truth and reality is reality, whatever we think.

I trust in God to lead you in His own way and time, because incredible though it seems to you, you are a loved child of God.

If you ever feel like exploring it, you can find links online to the Catechism of the Catholic Church online…but in any case, I’m happy to say a prayer that you’ll find your way. The desire you feel could be a call from God that you faintly hear.
We know who we are today, but in the tomorrows, we sometimes surprise ourselves. I have known people who found themselves astonished to be happily returning eventually to the faith that they formerly were radically unable to accept…who knows!

 

[Bob_Crowley]

I think God’s using this time of trial to push you towards Him. He often does.

When we’re comfortable, we don’t really care, and dabble in anything that takes our fancy eg.

I mean I could probably be described as a questioning pantheistic deist at best with a splash l’d animism.

That’s a happy clappy religious belief you’ve got - no obligation required.

Be aware though that if you do go to mass, you cannot take communion.

Personally I think God’s nagging you in this time of personal crises. He will eventually give up if you ignore Him, but that will be* your* eternal and everlasting loss, not His.

 

[Maristella]

Sounds like God is showing you He is not the distant deity you have come to believe He is. What’s going on is the very God who is closer to you than your own heartbeat is drawing you closer to Himself in the Church. I hope you will continue to follow His call.

By the way, if you need some help with making ends meet, you might try contacting the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. Most parishes have a chapter. They help anyone regardless of whether they are Catholic or not.

I am very sorry to hear about your grandfather’s illness. My prayers for you, your grandfather, and all who love him.

 

[po18guy]

Welcome to the forums! It sounds like you have been more a spiritual seeker than a spiritual settler. Yet, as life goes on, and life’s problems mount, I am certain that you are seeking the truth as well as something to hold onto - something of comfort in time of trial. You are very correct in that the Catholic and Orthodox Churches are the only two which trace to Christ in a direct manner, and which have all seven valid Sacraments. Yet, what is it that calls you? Well, the Saints have certainly been praying for you, as you are as drawn to them as they are to you.

Attending mass would be wonderful. Yet, there may be something you can do even before that: go and spend time in our Lord’s presence at adoration. Just call or stop by - one of the parishes, or perhaps all of them, will offer adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. There, you can place all of your anxieties before Him directly. God is not remote - He will be right before you once you come into the presence of Greatness. You may place your petitions for yourself and for your grandfather before Him. Just be as patient with Him as He has been with you, and you will not be disappointed.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Ok so to give a bit of my spiritual background… I was born Protestant, dabbled a bit in Wicca as a teen, then converted to Roman Catholicism then converted to Eastern (Greek) Orthodox where I even attended a Greek Orthodox theological school for my BA. Now I des describe myself as “who knows”.

Not sure by the way if this is the right place to write this but here it goes.

I’ve been going through a lot lately. I lost my job in August and now work at a grocery store to make ends meet. Because of this I almost got evicted if it wasn’t for the local charity offering to pay my back owed rent. I’m one month behind on all my bills. My grandfather of 89 years has a fast moving debilitating form of cancer and it is unknown how much time is left, but all I know is he’s been in and out of the hospital at least twice this week.

About 2 months ago I said to myself as a joke pretty much that I should go to Mass as this may be my only hope (always said that if I became Christian again it would be Catholic, as being someone of Hispanic heritage it’s part of my culture and not to be insulting but I really consider the Catholic and Orthodox churches and MAYBE the Anglican Church to be the only truely Christian. Churches as they can trace their heritage back to the beginning). Now here’s the thing, ever since that idea came into my head I haven’t gotten it out and even started to take it seriously, to the point of spending and entire night figuring out which church I wanted to attend (despite living in a relatively small city there are about 6 or 7 Catholic Churches here, as bot only is my town about 80% Spanish, before that it was like 80% polish.) I even almost went to Mass the other day but something came up and I couldn’t make it.

Now you maybe saying (well Gods drawing you back to the church). That would be the case if my beliefs were AT ALL still Catholic. Everything from my social positions to my spirituality to my belief in a higher power is very not Catholic. I mean I could probably be described as a questioning pantheistic deist at best with a splash I’d animism. The weirdest part is its not even the Catholic definition of God or the Church’s teachings that are drawing me there, it’s the saints. My intention of wanting to be there was specifically to talk to light a candle and ask the Virgin Mary for help. I have no intention of praying directly to God because in my mind he is distant and unapproachable (a very not so Catholic belief).

Again not sure if this belongs in this forum or if I wasted my time writing this, I’m just asking for some advice of what’s going on mind my mind.** Why the heck am I so drawn right now to an institution that I have no intention of ever rejoining?**

Well…sometimes that’s how the Holy Spirit works. You start where you are, and you go forward and follow your heart, because your heart is aching for God. The Holy Spirit is leading you towards Mary and the Saints but God is very approachable and so is Jesus.

If you were baptized as a Catholic, you’re still a Catholic. But I’m not sure what you mean by “I converted,” because it takes over a year for someone to become a Catholic, there are classes to attend and a real process - it’s not just “Go to this church and say you’re a Catholic and presto! you are.”

If you were baptized, then you need to go and talk to a priest about coming back to the Church. Of course, you can go into any church and pray, but you might want to stay for a Mass. You can’t take communion right now but talk to the priest and he will tell you what you need to do (probably confession).

When you “come home,” you will understand that you have been searching in all the wrong places, and the Truth is within our Church (by the way, there were no other churches - only the Catholic Church, the one, true, apostolic Church - in the beginning, and the Anglican Church was formed by Henry VIII when the Catholic Church would not grant him a divorce).

 

[aicirt]

If you feel the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints are calling you than you should accept the invitation and head to church. Go to Mass. You are being called. Understand that things will be put in your way to deter you. This happens. Continue on the path and conquer the obstacles.

 

[Ben_F]

I think God’s using this time of trial to push you towards Him. He often does.

When we’re comfortable, we don’t really care, and dabble in anything that takes our fancy eg. That’s a happy clappy religious belief you’ve got - no obligation required.

Be aware though that if you do go to mass, you cannot take communion.

Personally I think God’s nagging you in this time of personal crises. He will eventually give up if you ignore Him, but that will be* your* eternal and everlasting loss, not His.

I pray constantly that God will never give up on me. I have a recurring sin, that I just can´t shake. A wise Priest once told me that temptation is The Lord calling us to His Supper. The temptations never go away. Maybe this is a good sign.

 

[animalis]

I want to thank Maristella for suggesting the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to the OP. I desire that those people be of service to you as you seek understanding. St. Paul said, and that which is in the bible, " And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he hath not yet known as he ought to know." (1 Cor 8:2) We are all on a journey and we all have to grow in a deeper seven-fold gift of the Holy Spirit, primed with the Pope’s and the Saints teachings.

God is a mystery, nevertheless "Faith is certain. It is more certain than all human knowledge because it is founded on the very word of God who cannot lie. To be sure, revealed truths can seem obscure to human reason and experience, but “the certainty that the divine light gives is greater than that which the light of natural reason gives.” “Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 157)

This light is quality of contrite prayer. “'Faith seeks understanding”: it is intrinsic to faith that a believer desires to know better the One in whom he has put his faith, and to understand better what He has revealed; a more penetrating knowledge will in turn call forth a greater faith, increasingly set afire by love.’ (Ibid., 158)

And so with certainity and understanding as values that trump the rest including money we find we recieve all that we need. But there is a cost "he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough, deeds are required. …One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in order to “know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven”. For those who stay “outside”, everything remains enigmatic. (ibid., 546)

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I pray constantly that God will never give up on me. I have a recurring sin, that I just can´t shake. A wise Priest once told me that temptation is The Lord calling us to His Supper. The temptations never go away. Maybe this is a good sign.

Go to confession as often as you need to. Stay in an adoration chapel and let Jesus change your heart. Do you really repent from this sin? The temptation is not from the Lord, but from the Evil One. Jesus calls you to a true heart change. Persevere.

 

[Jitterbug]

God works in strange ways.

Consider this: Maybe He’s using the Blessed Virgin and the Saints to draw you closer. Maybe you’ll experience a sudden realization. Who knows?

 

[robwar]

Ok so to give a bit of my spiritual background… I was born Protestant, dabbled a bit in Wicca as a teen, then converted to Roman Catholicism then converted to Eastern (Greek) Orthodox where I even attended a Greek Orthodox theological school for my BA. Now I des describe myself as “who knows”.

Not sure by the way if this is the right place to write this but here it goes.

I’ve been going through a lot lately. I lost my job in August and now work at a grocery store to make ends meet. Because of this I almost got evicted if it wasn’t for the local charity offering to pay my back owed rent. I’m one month behind on all my bills. My grandfather of 89 years has a fast moving debilitating form of cancer and it is unknown how much time is left, but all I know is he’s been in and out of the hospital at least twice this week.

About 2 months ago I said to myself as a joke pretty much that I should go to Mass as this may be my only hope (always said that if I became Christian again it would be Catholic, as being someone of Hispanic heritage it’s part of my culture and not to be insulting but I really consider the Catholic and Orthodox churches and MAYBE the Anglican Church to be the only truely Christian. Churches as they can trace their heritage back to the beginning). Now here’s the thing, ever since that idea came into my head I haven’t gotten it out and even started to take it seriously, to the point of spending and entire night figuring out which church I wanted to attend (despite living in a relatively small city there are about 6 or 7 Catholic Churches here, as bot only is my town about 80% Spanish, before that it was like 80% polish.) I even almost went to Mass the other day but something came up and I couldn’t make it.

Now you maybe saying (well Gods drawing you back to the church). That would be the case if my beliefs were AT ALL still Catholic. Everything from my social positions to my spirituality to my belief in a higher power is very not Catholic. I mean I could probably be described as a questioning pantheistic deist at best with a splash I’d animism. The weirdest part is its not even the Catholic definition of God or the Church’s teachings that are drawing me there, it’s the saints. My intention of wanting to be there was specifically to talk to light a candle and ask the Virgin Mary for help. I have no intention of praying directly to God because in my mind he is distant and unapproachable (a very not so Catholic belief).

Again not sure if this belongs in this forum or if I wasted my time writing this, I’m just asking for some advice of what’s going on mind my mind. Why the heck am I so drawn right now to an institution that I have no intention of ever rejoining?

Sometimes we are drawn back to God whether we fully understand or agree with it. I would encourage you to always come to Church anyway and pray or just even be. You are always welcome back even if you just want to sit back and do nothing. Sometimes our spirit is ahead of what we know or understand. This isn’t a waste of time and I am glad you wrote. I would encourage you to go if possible to an adoration chapel and just go in an be.
don’t even have to pray. God bless you and you are in my prayers.

 

[Julia_Mae]

Now you maybe saying (well Gods drawing you back to the church). That would be the case if my beliefs were AT ALL still Catholic. Everything from my social positions to my spirituality to my belief in a higher power is very not Catholic. I mean I could probably be described as a questioning pantheistic deist at best with a splash I’d animism.

But it has nothing whatsoever to do with what you believe or don’t, does it? No matter how many people believed the world was flat or that the sun revolved around it, it was still sphere orbiting the sun. God is what God IS and none of us really have a clue.

The weirdest part is its not even the Catholic definition of God or the Church’s teachings that are drawing me there, it’s the saints. My intention of wanting to be there was specifically to talk to light a candle and ask the Virgin Mary for help. I have no intention of praying directly to God because in my mind he is distant and unapproachable (a very not so Catholic belief).

I have no idea why you would think this is “weird.” Stop messing around and go talk to Mary. Any parish will do, but perhaps you have one dedicated to her? BTW, the second part of talking to her, is *listening *to her.

God bless you abundantly.

 

[hannajomar]

The saints helped to draw me into the Church. I was a Catholic who had rejected the Church and most of the teachings as a teen. In my last year of college, I happened to read a book by Blessed Mother Teresa, A Simple Path. What touched me deeply was the profound wisdom and truth she lived. Just the universal truth of loving people. I slowly began thinking that if someone was so wise in her actions and words, how could her mind and theology be completely untrue as I thought it was? That just opened me up to the possibility that the Catholic Church could be true. From there I just started to investigate things further, until I came to accept the Church again. I’m not saying this is what will happen to you, but your situation doesn’t sound weird or in any way inappropriate to me.

Have you ever prayed the Rosary? If you are attracted to the Blessed Mother, this is might be for you. For me, this prayer always brings me inner quiet and peace when I’m facing worries.

You are going through a very difficult time now. I pray for you, your grandfather, and your whole family. And may God Bless you on your search!