Overwhelmed and not sure what to do

[TwinMommy]

I’m sorry to hear that your family would not be supportive. I hope that you will find the members of this forum supportive in their place until they are willing to accept the choice you have made.

I also commend you on having the courage to follow God’s calling, despite the fact that it was / will not be and easy journey.

again, God bless!

I am finding everyone here very (I always have to backspace out the word “wick” as I am from NE and some do not take that term for what it means when we say it)helpful. I am just overjoyed with how nice everyone is and that wealth of information is great. This whole site is really helping me to see things in a new light.

I can see it is not going to be the easiest journey but that won’t stop me. Being a Christian, no matter a denomination or whatever else, is not something that is easy and always comfortable.

It is my church family who won’t be supportive. My family, I am the only Christian and they just want me happy. Now my inlaws are Catholic…but in the 6+ years we have lived here, I have seen them at church three times at the most. Maybe if I find out that this is where God wants me, they then would start going back. Who knows. God works in wonderful ways.

 

[pablope]

Thank you so much for the link. I have been listening and watching videos on somethings here at this site and it is really helping. A book was mentioned, Rome Sweet Home, and I just called my library and only one library in the state had it, and it is missing

Not to worry…here is a short version of Scott Hahn’s conversion story and his wife Kimberly…star.ucl.ac.uk/~vgg/rc/aplgtc/hahn/m1/Mod1.html

Explore the site too…for other information on the Sacraments…especially the Mass or Eucharist.

 

[TwinMommy]

Same “procedure” Walk into a Catholic Church (the building is usually called “Rectory”) and mention you’d like to speak to a priest and that you are interested in inquiring about RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

As for going to Mass, as the priest says: “Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb"”, so you won’t look bad…not at all!! All you need to do is to sit, stand, and kneel with the congregation (as s. Augustine of Hippo once said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” ). Make sure to not receive Holy Communion (you may remain seated, it is perfectly fine, and many do so for many different reasons). And probably this can help if you want to pray along

With regards to the time of preparation you will undergo as a Catechumen, the best thing to do (in my humble opinion) is to begin by reading the Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and keep close either a copy or the link to the full Catechism which is a summary of the whole Catholic doctrine and a solid reference for anything you may ever be wondering about.

Personally, I’d recommend the reading I was told to read for RCIA: Ecclesia de Eucharistia.

Other such encyclical letters can be found f. ex. here and here, and they are truly beautiful readings, because they speak of our ancient traditions through the eyes of and applied to the present day.

To find out more about the Catholic love for the sacred liturgy, there are some great books that you may want to read at some point. A few are mentioned here.

Remember: the right place to go for information about Catholic belief is the Catholic Church herself. Seek out a Catholic priest and put you questions to him. You will find him a very understanding person.

May Christ bless you in your journey, dear sister in the faith!!

So many links, so much great stuff!! Thank you. Thankfully I LOVE to read and study. I am pretty much a total geek so this makes me extra happy

 

[TwinMommy]

Not to worry…here is a short version of Scott Hahn’s conversion story and his wife Kimberly…star.ucl.ac.uk/~vgg/rc/aplgtc/hahn/m1/Mod1.html

Explore the site too…for other information on the Sacraments…especially the Mass or Eucharist.

Thank you!!! I was watching a video on the site where a guy called into to speak to Scott and he said the book was a huge factor in his conversion.

I did listen to an hour long broadcast on reason for Liturgy and a few things on Mary. My misguided view was always that Catholics worshiped Mary but now I am seeing different.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Oh that is great to know something is there to follow along with. That sets my mind a little more at ease. I know Communion is a lot different than protestant churches, well at least the ones I have been at.

No need to worry. I did the same, sat in back, wondering what the heck. After you go a few times you’ll get it. Liturgy is the best teacher of Catholic faith there is.

The stand-up, sit-down, ok kneel, is where I felt like I was awkward. So, helpful note, we stand when the priest is processioning in and out, to pray and when the Gospel is read. We kneel during the communion rite and all other times, we sit! But don’t worry, there were times I gave up trying to follow along and just sat. No one will be thinking the worse about you.

Welcome.

 

[Mariem2]

Oh you mentioned candles. On tv shows and in movies, you see a lot of candles being used. My husband’s best friend’s mother is Catholic. My husband at one point said she was always lighting a candle and saying a prayer when she did so. Prayer I know LOL Prayer is a huge part of my life and from what I have been reading, it seems it is very important in the Catholic faith. Where do candles fall into it all?.

Welcome TwinMommy. I’m not going to give you any links to further reading because, even if I knew where to find them, I think others have given you enough to get you started.

The tradition of lighting candles dates back to ancient times - from what I have read it dates back to the days of the catacombs where the early Christians lit candles as a sign of solidarity with their martyred brethren. I think it very important to point out to you that, although candles are a nice symbol, it’s the accompanying prayers that matter. Catholicism does not have “magic” candles.

 

[Shamati]

I rely on my heart a lot because the good things that come from my heart, come from God. I am trying to stay clear of a lot of stuff that right now I don’t need to worry about. I have been searching things I know about and finding out why they are done. I figured I would find off the cuff answers but finding solid information based on Scripture and it is making sense.

The catholic and orthodox church view the Bible very differently from most protestant denominations. It is the Word of God but also a history of Gods People, which through Jesus Christ is the church. The catholic way of reading the Bible (lectio divina, quadrigal) was what drew me closer and made its text relevant to my personal life and feelings in the modern world. The biblical basis is always there but not always in a simple spelled out literal sense because the ancient church read the scriptures not only as literal historical facts about God and his people but also as symbolical, allegorical instructions for personal spiritual matters and for the church. All the epistles for example are actually letters written by church fathers with spiritual and temporal guidance. So when you continue reading later epistles/letters or other writings by later church fathers you’ll find a wonderful continuity with the epistles of the bible always filled with spiritual teachings and perspectives rooted in biblical teachings.

I wish you well on your journey. Let us pray that God may show us His way and make us willing to walk it. Amen

 

[dolphinlove]

Hi again,

If you can get your hands on any Scott Hahn’s books, it will be most helpful to you.
But dont get in over your head and drown yourself with information. Just take your time.
RCIA classes run all the time, so enquire when you feel ready to go.
God bless you on your journey

 

[HoosMommie]

God bless you! You’re starting a journey that will take your breath away. Our parish starts with an Inquiry class that meets once a month through August (it actually starts tonight), with the RCIA beginning in September. The Inquiry class is just that, a place where you can bring your questions and get answers. There is never any pressure to enter the Church at any point along the way.

I am on the downhill slide to full communion with the Catholic Church and it’s going to be the longest three and a half weeks of my life! In fact, I’m going to my first Reconciliation (confession) tonight :getholy: WOOOO HOOOO

As others have said already, just go to Mass, do as the others are doing (kneel, stand, etc) and just relax so you can take it all in because it’s incredibly beautiful.

 

[TwinMommy]

No need to worry. I did the same, sat in back, wondering what the heck. After you go a few times you’ll get it. Liturgy is the best teacher of Catholic faith there is.

The stand-up, sit-down, ok kneel, is where I felt like I was awkward. So, helpful note, we stand when the priest is processioning in and out, to pray and when the Gospel is read. We kneel during the communion rite and all other times, we sit! But don’t worry, there were times I gave up trying to follow along and just sat. No one will be thinking the worse about you.

Welcome.

How long did it take for you to get in the swing of things?

 

[TwinMommy]

Welcome TwinMommy. I’m not going to give you any links to further reading because, even if I knew where to find them, I think others have given you enough to get you started.

The tradition of lighting candles dates back to ancient times - from what I have read it dates back to the days of the catacombs where the early Christians lit candles as a sign of solidarity with their martyred brethren. I think it very important to point out to you that, although candles are a nice symbol, it’s the accompanying prayers that matter. Catholicism does not have “magic” candles.

Yes, nothing replaces prayer that is for sure!

 

[TwinMommy]

The catholic and orthodox church view the Bible very differently from most protestant denominations. It is the Word of God but also a history of Gods People, which through Jesus Christ is the church. The catholic way of reading the Bible (lectio divina, quadrigal) was what drew me closer and made its text relevant to my personal life and feelings in the modern world. The biblical basis is always there but not always in a simple spelled out literal sense because the ancient church read the scriptures not only as literal historical facts about God and his people but also as symbolical, allegorical instructions for personal spiritual matters and for the church. All the epistles for example are actually letters written by church fathers with spiritual and temporal guidance. So when you continue reading later epistles/letters or other writings by later church fathers you’ll find a wonderful continuity with the epistles of the bible always filled with spiritual teachings and perspectives rooted in biblical teachings.

I wish you well on your journey. Let us pray that God may show us His way and make us willing to walk it. Amen

I am glad you posted this. I had to look up Lectio Divina and I am glad I did. I found on Belief Net a “How to Practice Lectio Divina”. Looks really informative. My desire is to grow closer to God, allow Jesus to move more in my life and to draw more out of God’s word. I have been feeling that something is really missing in my walk with God. I am getting more sure by the moment that this is why I am here right now.

 

[TwinMommy]

Hi again,

If you can get your hands on any Scott Hahn’s books, it will be most helpful to you.
But dont get in over your head and drown yourself with information. Just take your time.
RCIA classes run all the time, so enquire when you feel ready to go.
God bless you on your journey

On the two churches I am looking at, both do have information about the classes and I was happy to see that. I think right now until I get to visit my main goal is to get a clear understanding on things that I have a formed opinion on that does not come from informed people. Prayer is very important to me. I am going to see in what ways my prayer life can start changing.

 

[TwinMommy]

God bless you! You’re starting a journey that will take your breath away. Our parish starts with an Inquiry class that meets once a month through August (it actually starts tonight), with the RCIA beginning in September. The Inquiry class is just that, a place where you can bring your questions and get answers. There is never any pressure to enter the Church at any point along the way.

I am on the downhill slide to full communion with the Catholic Church and it’s going to be the longest three and a half weeks of my life! In fact, I’m going to my first Reconciliation (confession) tonight :getholy: WOOOO HOOOO

As others have said already, just go to Mass, do as the others are doing (kneel, stand, etc) and just relax so you can take it all in because it’s incredibly beautiful.

That is so exciting!! Confession is something that total scares me. When I confess to God, He knows what I have done, as we can’t hide anything from Him, but going in and confessing to a Priest has to bring a whole other level to it. It is not in a nature to want to tell someone when we did something wrong, so much easier to share when we did good things.

 

[R_C]

That is so exciting!! Confession is something that total scares me. When I confess to God, He knows what I have done, as we can’t hide anything from Him, but going in and confessing to a Priest has to bring a whole other level to it. It is not in a nature to want to tell someone when we did something wrong, so much easier to share when we did good things.

Well, in fact you do not confess to a man The doctrine is that priests and bishops act in persona Christi when they offer the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, and it is therefore Christ who through his ministers hears your confession and absolves you. This is why confessionals come with a veiled window. And you do not have to share the details of the mortal sins - just the kind and number. Confession, as you will learn as you read the biographies of the greatest members of the body of Christ throughout the centuries, is where holiness is edified. It is most recommended to confess even weekly, even though we only have knowledge of minor (venial) sins, because of the enormous grace that this Sacrament gives. In fact, it is in our nature - this is why Christ came in the flesh, personally forgave sins, and after the Resurrection gave his apostles the power to forgive sins (“as the Father has sent me, so I send you…”).

But I don’t need to say this…you will *feel *it for yourself! A good confession is the most liberating experience a man (or woman) can have.

And I am glad you liked the links I mentioned! Thanks for the kind words

 

[TwinMommy]

Well, in fact you do not confess to a man The doctrine is that priests and bishops act in persona Christi when they offer the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, and it is therefore Christ who through his ministers hears your confession and absolves you. This is why confessionals come with a veiled window. And you do not have to share the details of the mortal sins - just the kind and number. Confession, as you will learn as you read the biographies of the greatest members of the body of Christ throughout the centuries, is where holiness is edified. It is most recommended to confess even weekly, even though we only have knowledge of minor (venial) sins, because of the enormous grace that this Sacrament gives.

But I don’t need to say this…you will *feel *it for yourself!

And I am glad you liked the links I mentioned! Thanks for the kind words

So what is the difference between mortal and venial sins? I know sin…sin is sin is sin is sin.

 

[R_C]

A mortal sin is an injury on grave matter, with full knowledge and deliberate consent. Ex. I fully know insulting my dad is grave matter, yet I deliberately consent. This suffices to deprive me of sanctifying grace. Ignorance or a consent insufficiently deliberate attenuates the gravity - it becomes venial. Venial sins are also minor offenses (ex. getting upset at someone or looking at a girl and being moved to lustful thoughts for a moment).

St. John the Evangelist is the one who teaches us this first, I recall.

 

[TwinMommy]

A mortal sin is an injury on grave matter, with full knowledge and deliberate consent. Ex. I fully know insulting my dad is grave matter, yet I deliberately consent. This suffices to deprive me of sanctifying grace. Ignorance or a consent insufficiently deliberate attenuates the gravity - it becomes venial. Venial sins are also minor offenses (ex. getting upset at someone or looking at a girl and being moved to lustful thoughts for a moment).

St. John the Evangelist is the one who teaches us this first, I recall.

Thank you for explaining I am learning more and more. Very exciting. I just found a page that has more prayers than I could have dreamed over and have picked out a small handful to start praying. It makes so much more sense then rambling, loosing focus, and then rambling again…that is what prayer has been turning into for me.

 

[pablope]

Yes, nothing replaces prayer that is for sure!

You will find that the Mass is one long prayer…from beginning to end.

This link gives you a short Biblical references for the Mass:

catholicbridge.com/catholic/catholic_mass_bible_references_full_text.php

 

[pablope]

On the two churches I am looking at, both do have information about the classes and I was happy to see that. I think right now until I get to visit my main goal is to get a clear understanding on things that I have a formed opinion on that does not come from informed people. Prayer is very important to me. I am going to see in what ways my prayer life can start changing.

My suggestion…ask the parishes if they have adoration chapels or a schedule of their Eucharistic exposition times.

You spend a few minutes, as long as you like, in the presence of the Eucharist…in prayer and mediation…it is something for you to try to look at and experience.

Have you gone across the Divine Mercy chaplet? If not, it is something for you to look at…for starters.