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Kendy
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Well, I don’t have the power to make it unsymbolic.
Kendy
Ahimsa:
Kendy
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Ahimsa
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Ah, you mean that only in Catholicism is the bread and wine actually transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ? (Whereas in the Vineyard, no such real change takes place.)
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tamie
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I am another one on my journey into the Church. I too have found that the last place I looked was the Catholic Church. I was baptized So. Baptist, and the last protestant church I attended was a Christian Reformed church. They too are big on fun and games, social events and so on. That is not to say they do not truly love Jesus and do many wonderful things for those less fortunate, but it was not enough for me. I have struggled for many, many years trying to find my “home”. I stopped going to church completely for years because I was so dissatisfied with what was going on at the churches I attended and the emptiness I felt. I had been attending the Christian Reformed church less and less just before Pope John Paul II passed away. I credit him (and of course our beautiful Savior Jesus) with opening my heart and mind to the Catholic Church. It is so true that the Catholic Church is as close as you can get to God here on earth. I have never felt Him as much as I feel Him when I am at Mass. And that feeling spills over into my everyday life now as well. I LOVE going to Mass and wish I could go more than I do (work gets in the way!) Keep an open mind and heart Kendy, and I truly believe that one day you will feel at peace with where God is taking you.Kendy,
I found the truth in the last place I looked and the last place I expected to find it, the Catholic Church, His visible body on earth. The Holy Spirit had to drag me back across the TIber kicking and screaming with tears in my eyes. But, if you love Jesus with ALL your heart you will follow Him home, to the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church isn’t as fun with games and youth groups and parties and wonderfull motivational speakers like the Baptist sect I left. The Catholic Church is however as close to God as you can get on earth, you even become one with Him in the Eucharist. No Protestant sect can come close to this. Catholic theology is correct, Protestant theology is, well, whatever someone believes that day. Catholic Dogma is timeless, Protestant dogma is fluid.
God promised a great reward is you followed Him in Faith to the end. He never promised the journey would be a cake walk. Protestant theology is fun and games. Catholic Theology is sometimes difficult, just like Christ promised us.
Try to help the Church by bringing the good things with you and leave the heresy behind. Help your new parish with social events, etc… The Catholic Church is about Christ, not fun and games or health and wealth. We can learn from the Protestants though to have more activities based on Christ outside the mass, even if they are fun!
Welcome home!
We both found our way out of the Protestant opinions - PRAISE GOD!:dancing:
Tamie Walcott
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VociMike
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bear06
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Probably not but the Catholic Church doesn’t allow for us to participate in communion services where there is no validly Consecrated Hosts.
BTW Kendy, you mght want to make the Eucharist your prime focus to gain the awesome feeling for which you are looking. The Catholic Church has it and the Vineyard doesn’t and that is the most beautiful and awesome difference between the two. Good luck!
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JaneFrances
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Hi Again Kendy!
Oh, do please listen to this wonderful conversion story!
Go here: salvationhistory.com/bookstore/audioRsrcs.cfm
And click on “The Story of My Conversion.” It is such an extraordinary account of a conversion not unlike your own! Her perspective from a “I’m going, but I don’t have to like it” point of view is so refeshing and inspiring. Please do let me know what you think of it, if you listen.
Oh, do please listen to this wonderful conversion story!
Go here: salvationhistory.com/bookstore/audioRsrcs.cfm
And click on “The Story of My Conversion.” It is such an extraordinary account of a conversion not unlike your own! Her perspective from a “I’m going, but I don’t have to like it” point of view is so refeshing and inspiring. Please do let me know what you think of it, if you listen.
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Strider
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Kendy,Oh, I am obviously not sure. Don’t even get me started with purgatory and indulgences. And NFP. If I were catholic, I couldn’t be those cafeteria ones who do whatever they want. So, I have been spending the past two trying to comfort myself about having eight kids! It’s not a pretty picture
Kendy
I haven’t really followed all of your threads (I allow myself limited time here–work to do), but I am always happy when someone realizes a call to Catholocism, especially one with the understanding you expressed above. There are many life-long Catholics who don’t have this wonderful attitude.
I am a revert ( abuses with the “spirit of Vaticvan II”), but I never went anywhere else, so there are some things I can’t help you with.
It’s always difficult to leave friends, especially those you’ve shared much with. I can sympathize there.
I have visited Protestant services for speciaol occasions ( weddings, etc), and they always left me cold. Others have suggested books for you to read, and they’re all good. I really believe, though, that once somebody really and completely understands the Mass, nothing less will even come close to fulfilling that love for Christ we alln have.
May I suggest that you read John 6, all of it, Mt 26:26 - 29, Mk 14:22 - 24, Lk 22: 19, 20 an Acts 11: 23 - 29. I’m trying not to be condescending, here. I’m sure you’ve read these passages many times. But if you read them slowly, one at a time, maybe just one a day, in context, really absorb them in the context of the Mass, maybe just after you’ve attended Mass, you’ll begin to get the feeling, as I do every day, how truly special the Catholic Mass is.
There is so much more I could wrtie, but it probably wouldn’t come off very well, and you’ve got enough on your plate right now as it is.
You will be my intention at our Monday evening rosary.
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Della
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Something like that happened to me, too, believe it or not. I just suddenly understood and believed in transubstantiation when the priest conducting RCIA asked me if I believed in the “Real Presence.” It was the gift of faith that God often just drops into our hearts and minds, seemingly out of the blue.
Yes, consistency is one of the marks of the Church. Like it or hate it, the Church does not change the teachings of Christ to please anyone or any time in history.
Yes, that and Jesus declaring that only those who persevere to the end will be saved and having to pay “the last farthing.” OSAS simply isn’t biblical–but is a man made theological construct which Luther came up with because he has a problem with scrupulosity.
Since Jesus himself established the sacrament, we do have a yen for it because all the sacraments fulfill our various spiritual needs.
This may be because you don’t understand what the Mass is, what its various parts are for, and are used to feeling something during church services, which is a personal form of meditation, but not necessarily a part of corporate worship, which is what the Mass is.
Believe or not, but many Catholic parishes have really good outreach programs that are staffed by very loving people. They may not quote the Bible a lot, but they do live out Jesus’ words regarding helping the poor and caring for people’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Once you get involved in a parish ask about their various service programs and see if there is one you feel would be good for you–where you can give of your time and talent. Once you get involved with such a group you will also find good fellowship with good people.
It’s true that there are priests who are less than spectacular preachers, but they don’t have to “wow the crowd” with their eloquence because that’s not the function of a homily. They are supposed to give solid homilies on the Mass readings of the day. My parish is blessed with priests who do give great homilies and who are the kindest, and sweetest men you’d ever want to know.
If your pastor is truly a godly man he won’t be horrified or try to hinder you because you are being drawn to the Catholic Church. Pray about talking to him and ask him to pray for you, too. Just be honest and open with him. And I suggest you talk to the priest from your local parish about your being drawn back to the Church. I’m sure he will be quite willing to help you make the transition as easily as possible and allay some of your confusion and fears.
God bless you, and be assured of my prayers. Please pray for me, too!
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scylla
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I came back to the Catholic Church, but still associate myself with a lot of people from Calvary Chapel. (it’s kinda related to Vineyard) Calvary Chapel has some very good people and lively services where people are involved and really try and make a difference in this world.
I might travel with them soon to Mexico to help make some houses out of garage doors.
I am back in the Catholic Church and credit my being away as a way of God waking me up to His reality. I am in probably the Catholic Church you would never want to come back to. In fact for about 5 months or so I drove about 30 minutes to go to a parish which had a great priest, instead of going to the Church that is 2 minutes away, heck I could walk to it.
I find that many reverts are coming back to the Church to revitalize it and bring their zeal\fire to the cafeteria Catholics. And you know what when you come back you will find that there are Catholics who are on fire already they just don’t make a lot of noise about it.
You should have seen how my wife fought coming back to the Church, that was some tough times in my marriage. But thanks be to God we are both happy in the Church and involved in our parish.
Trust me, you wont leave anything behind, that is one big fear we had, it just takes time to see it.
God Bless
Scylla
I might travel with them soon to Mexico to help make some houses out of garage doors.
I am back in the Catholic Church and credit my being away as a way of God waking me up to His reality. I am in probably the Catholic Church you would never want to come back to. In fact for about 5 months or so I drove about 30 minutes to go to a parish which had a great priest, instead of going to the Church that is 2 minutes away, heck I could walk to it.
I find that many reverts are coming back to the Church to revitalize it and bring their zeal\fire to the cafeteria Catholics. And you know what when you come back you will find that there are Catholics who are on fire already they just don’t make a lot of noise about it.
You should have seen how my wife fought coming back to the Church, that was some tough times in my marriage. But thanks be to God we are both happy in the Church and involved in our parish.
Trust me, you wont leave anything behind, that is one big fear we had, it just takes time to see it.
God Bless
Scylla
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Sherlock
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Kendy,
I’ll second the suggestion of “If Your MInd Wanders at Mass” by Thomas Howard, and also suggest “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn. These books might make the Mass more meaningful to you by drawing your attention to the truly miraculous nature of the Mass.
I’ll second the suggestion of “If Your MInd Wanders at Mass” by Thomas Howard, and also suggest “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn. These books might make the Mass more meaningful to you by drawing your attention to the truly miraculous nature of the Mass.
S
Superstar905
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Sure we do…you might of heard of the band…U2Can I still go to prostestant church if I don’t receive communion? And go to mass later that day?
Kendy
P.S. Would I have to stop going to Christian concerts? As far as I can tell you guys don’t put on any. How is it that there are not more (any?) catholics producing contemporary music praising God?
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Photini
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Sorry this is off-topic but…
Ohmigosh-- I love U2! I know Bono’s a Christian, but Catholic? Really? Are those guys Catholic?!? That would be too cool!!!
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Tonks40
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Actually, Bono has an Anglican father and Catholic mother, but I’m not really sure what Christian denomination he practices or holds.
There really shouldn’t be any problem attending Christian concerts - I know many faithful, young Catholics that attend.
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CARose
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Oh my goodness Kendy,
My power was out for a couple of days, and then I had to go to work today, so I missed this thread until just now (and it took a while to get caught up in reading it all through)! How incredibly wonderful!
I am so happy to learn that you are becoming convicted of the truth that is found in it’s fullest sense in the One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church, the Catholic Church!
Yes, it can be tough at times, and I know that my pride got in the way, many more times than once along the way. God Bless you.
Know that you are in my prayers (if they count for anything).
CARose
My power was out for a couple of days, and then I had to go to work today, so I missed this thread until just now (and it took a while to get caught up in reading it all through)! How incredibly wonderful!
I am so happy to learn that you are becoming convicted of the truth that is found in it’s fullest sense in the One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church, the Catholic Church!
Yes, it can be tough at times, and I know that my pride got in the way, many more times than once along the way. God Bless you.
Know that you are in my prayers (if they count for anything).
CARose
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trustmc
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Kendy, what you described above is remarkably similar to the works of many, many Catholics. Ministering to the poor and homeless? Evangelizing in other countries? Establishing orphanages? Common work in the church as mission? The pope and his predecessors have called all Catholics to do this. Ours, after all, is the Church that produces saints like Mother Theresa. It sounds to me like, given your experience with charity (both on the giving and receiving end of it), you might find a very receptive home as a religious (brother or sister – I don’t know your gender). If you’re married, there is still nothing stopping you from volunteering with a local order and assist with charity. Brothers and sisters are laymen too just like you and me, except that they take their work seriously enough to commit themselves to chastity and poverty in the likeness of Christ.
I too am a former fundamentalist/evangelical who has “reverted” back to Rome thanks in large part to the witness of John Paul the Great. To this day, I apply my bible literacy and evangelical gifts that I learned from my non-Catholic Christian brothers and sisters towards a weekly prison ministry sponsored by my diocese in Savannah, Georgia. Five years ago I was reluctant to return also, remembering what I thought was worship so mired in banality, and lukeworm congregations. But it was my own disbelief that kept me from scratching below the surface and noticing the dynamic work of present saints who were following in the footsteps of thousands of other Saints with works of charity.
And what I previously thought was banal, I found to be rather soothing. I now appreciate the liturgy for allowing me to be still and know that He is God, even for just an hour on Sundays. I discovered that it was my previous non-believing heart that mistook liturgical aesthetics for banality, and contemplation for lukewarmness. I also know that part of my previous motivation for going to church as a “nondenominational” Christian was to be entertained and seen, and not for being in the real presence of the Lord. I do miss the scholarly sermons, but I cherish the mass as I receive more sanctifying grace from the Eucharist than a month of Sunday sermons. For that matter, if my priest decides to forgo the homily and recite a thousand names out of the phonebook instead, I would still relish the Real Presence of Jesus on the alter. Protestants don’t know what they are missing!
My Sunday school teacher is a former Pentacostal minister who also teaches weekly bible studies for various groups of Catholics at my parish. He too applies his protestant-honed gifts towards Catholic ministry. Upon your return, I’m sure you will find many former evangelicals who have learned to contribute their gifts to the Church. Join with them, learn from them, and help them with their missions. You’ll soon find that before you is a great harvest that will reap much joy. If you can’t find any serious Catholics at your parish, look for them elsewhere. You’ll find them on the street in front of aboriton clinics, in the soup kitchens, in the prison ministries, at the women’s rescue mission, at the crisis pregnancy centers, at the hospices, and in the monastaries.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with Catholic piety at your parish, don’t fret. Perhaps God is calling you to bring your witness into the Church and teach Catholics about sharing their light with others. Or perhaps you, like Mother Theresa, are being called to follow Christ more in his likeness like many Catholics before you have.
Finally, stay in touch with your pastor and evangelical friends. I do, and as a result some have followed me to Rome who were never even Catholic before. I still learn from the rest and my love for them has only increased. We fellowship and pray together and share biblical insights (thank you, Catholic Answers). Rest assured, you are in my prayers.
Your brother in Christ,
Mike
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Kendy
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Of course, they do
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Kendy
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Thanks for your prayers.
Kendy
trustmc:
Kendy
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trustmc
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Actually, it was Calvin who came up with OSAS, otherwise known as “the perseverence of the saints.” Luther, like his successors, believed that one could lose one’s salvation when one loses one’s faith. He did agree with Catholic teaching on that and many other points. Anglicans and Wesleyans also believe the same thing. OSAS, a Calvinist doctrine followed by some – but not all – evangelicals, is a minority position among protestant traditions. Just an FYI… and thanks for your witness to Kendy.
Mike
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christaddict
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Kendy, I couldn’t believe this … couldn’t believe that what I was hoping and praying all these days has come true. Welcome back home. It’s really a joy to see that. Yes, entering the Catholic Church may not seem like a parade, and from the physical eyes the Mass might not seem so bright. No drum rolls, no cymbal clashes. But wait … close your eyes and open the inward eyes in silent prayer.(I prefer to keep my eyes closed most of the time in the Mass) You will see the majesty. It’s all connected with the spiritual side. Every time you come after confession you feel the salvation experience! EveryOk, You win. Having spent some time on this site, and having done some other reading and thinking. I have decided that the RCC is right about some pretty crucial theological questions.
But I have to admit I am not happy about it. I am not experiencing some of the happy going back home feelings that you reverts have been talking about.
It’s more like fine; I’ll go home
Kendy
time you receive the Lord in your heart you see that coming true, you feel the graces filling you. Catholic Church is not about resolutions but about making them happen to the very end with conviction. All the best for your future, my prayers will go along. Drop a line if you need support here.
And to start your journey, I highly recommend this book, you don’t need to buy … it’s available free, it’s there waiting for you to read
**Holy Hour: A beautiful illustration of the spiritual side of the Mass **
On ConfessionDivine Providence:
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Kendy
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Thanks for praying for me.
Kendy
christaddict:
.Kendy
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