On the Tiber’s Shore II

[OddBird]

I think that leaves you the question of whether after knowing all this, when will you take the next step?

Exactly. This is why I don’t think I can go ahead with consecration, why I’m feeling bound by the Sunday obligation (baptized as a Catholic), why I’m willing to put my marriage at risk, because I don’t see any other possible choice than going back to the full communion of the Church.

 

[Crocus]

A conversation a long time ago, a priest said to me: “Your husband is first, after Jesus.” I don’t always completely succeed in that, but have experienced it to be the better way.

 

[TNMan]

Wife went in on me last night. Said this has been going on for a year and not sure why I’m still feeling the way I am.

I’m sure you all have seen this before Roman Catholic Church false teaching list | carm.org

She asked me how I can read all these points and still want to follow through on it since none of it is “biblical.”

She finished it by saying “you do what you want but we (her and our child) will not have a part of it. She said she couldn’t believe I’d go at this alone. She doesn’t think God would lead me to do something that separates our family up in church.

Makes it difficult to want to push on through.

 

[Saturninia]

Affirm her feelings of loss and difficulty. Yes, it will be a challenge, but you will both find joy in respecting each other’s conscience. You will be a better husband, more at peace and more loving.

I had some heated discussions about theology with my protestant husband. My priest advised me to stop those discussions for now. ‘Just let him see the changes in you’.

As far as the articles she throws at you: calmly tell her there are answers to all those accusations, in many different places (Catholic Answers, Call to Communion, the catechism, Scott Hahn books…) but you’re not going to fight about it. If she wants to know, and not fight, you’re willing to peacefully discuss.

I like to calmly tell my protestant friends (who may or may not believe I’m crazy) that I discovered there’s not only answers for questions about catholic belief… but seemingly endless answers! It’s all there, and has been expounded upon in every age, for the last 2,000 years!

 

[Saturninia]

Also, you can attend protestant church with them, then go to mass by yourself before or after. You can’t partake in protestant communion. Go willingly and lovingly, to show you approve of their spiritual journeys. Blessed are the peacemakers.

I know a Catholic man who married a Methodist. He works for the archdiocese. They have a large family. They go to both mass and protestant church every Sunday- they take their kids to both. I met him at protestant church before I became Catholic. He was always so relaxed and kind and joyful. He’s accepted that it’s his cross to carry. He’s been married 18 years. I really admire him and I think he’s an incredible Catholic witness.

 

[Saturninia]

For better or for worse, I chose this man, now I need to pay for it.
I just wish I could find out why I am so drawn to a church that clearly does not see the goodness in me or my family.
I

Wow, I think this is an actual quote from my diary a year ago!
You will find out why, if you don’t give up. He’s right there with you, suffering.
It’s Lent. A gorgeous time to go to Mass and be ‘ a downer’ and repent for all your dumb decisions, and your lack of faith, and despair. Go ahead and cry. No one will bother you.
I was actually sad last year when Lent ended, because my life was a bleeping mess and I was so sad. I wasn’t ready to celebrate Easter.
Friend, Jesus is in the darkest depths. Where sin abounds, grace abounds.

 

[whatistrue]

Thank you. I even got to shake hands and pose for a photo (along with my wife and my Sponsor) with the Bishop at a reception after the Rite yesterday. I remember thinking that I would be willing to bet that he is glad of having the crosier - he seemed to be using it quite a bit for support and balance after standing for photo ops for so long, but he never lost his smile or spoke with less than total friendliness and sincerity. But of course that is one reason why he is the Bishop.

 

[Saturninia]

I truly do not believe that I will get to become fully Catholic. Some of us have to be realistic.

The act of being a Christian isn’t realistic. We aren’t wrestling with flesh and blood. We believe in angels, demons, heaven and hell.

You sound like the apostle Thomas, who was surely depressed by his situation after leaving everything, doing ministry with Jesus, then losing it all.
And what exactly did Jesus do for Thomas? Let him touch the wound in his side. Isn’t that so beautiful?

Let’s pray to St. Thomas, and ask him to intercede for you. To heal your doubts and be affirmed of the powerful goodness of Jesus.

Ask yourself, what signs has he already given you?

 

[Crocus]

It’s Lent. A gorgeous time to go to Mass and be ‘ a downer’ and repent for all your dumb decisions, and your lack of faith, and despair. Go ahead and cry. No one will bother you.

Well, if you are sitting next to me, crying, I am likely to put my arm around you and stuff a fresh tissue into your hand. That happened last week; the young woman is on my prayer list for Lent. May God bless her and lead her gently back home.

 

[Margaret_Ann]

IIRC, Scott Hahn converted to the Catholic Faith before his wife did. Maybe you could reach out to The Coming Home Network. Marcus Grodi has people on The Journey Home (EWTN). They have resources which might help you too.