Protestant seeking

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Dianna

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I’m a Protestant who when seeking a closer relationship with God came upon Catholic prayers. I’ve been very unhappy with my relationship with the Lord for sometime, unhappy in Protestant churches. As I started reading the prayers something happened. An overwhelming peace. I’ve kept praying. Reading/watching all I can. I had many ideas of what I thought Catholicism was and wasn’t. Boy was I wrong. So much of what I thought, or had heard about Catholic beliefs was so twisted and wrong. Too bad every Protestant won’t look at what the beliefs of the Church really are. Today I prayed the Rosary twice, no beads, but used and app for all the prayers. I can’t recall the last time I sat and prayed for 20 minutes straight without my mind wandering, or feeling like I wish I was done. When I finished one Roasry I was disappointed it was over. Was very happy to have another 20 minutes later to pray again. My prayers had meaning. I have an app to get all the daily readings/ reflections. Prayer apps. I got the Catechism kindle edition. I’m moving so will be a few weeks till I could even think of talking with a Priest. Do I just keep praying and doing daily readings? I don’t know any Catholics. Shoot, I was the only Protestant in my family and friends. Most everyone I know are non-believers. I’m not on social media and so don’t know how to reach out. So feeling a bit overwhelmed and alone but feeling so good at the same time. I’m married (non-believer), mom, in my 40’s and finding it crazy that in a very short time so much has been turned upside down. But I’m so thankful!
 
I’m so sorry you have to hide it from your parents. That must be very hard. When I bring it up to my husband I’ll get a roll of the eyes. Don’t get me wrong, he is supportive. Has never kept me from church or study groups but just doesn’t have the care or excitement. Hopefully he will start to see changes in me with changes in prayer and closeness to God and that will help.
 
Wonderful to hear your story. You will find lots of encouragement on this site from old, young, new, well seasoned, and aspiring Catholics. Welcome.

Keep praying. When you can, do meet with the priest to talk about your journey into the Catholic Church.

A great resource is theCatechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) available online http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
 
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Nice to hear your story. A suggestion. If you can, attend a Catholic mass. Sit in the back and listen. You might be amazed to hear, not only several readings from Scripture, but if you listen carefully to the prayer of the priest and the congregations response, you will hear a lot of Scripture. Something many Protestant preachers and members do not recognize. And if you can attend a Sunday mass, listen to the Creed. That comes after the Gospel and homily (sermon). It is what we Catholic believe in unison.
Here’s hoping your further examination of this wonderful faith of ours brings you peace and much fruit.
Shalom
 
Thank you. It’s a very exciting time. I did find the churches in the area I’m moving to so will figure out who I will contact. Nervous but a good nervous.
 
Praise God! Thank you Holy Spirit! Blessed be the Lord Jesus Christ!

When you move, search out your local parish and find out when they offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Then, simply go and spend time in His Presence - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Sublime peace.

Then, speak with Father about “RCIA” or “Inquiry” classes. No obligation, but you already know what you will find: your spiritual home.
 
My extended family was converted to Catholics when I was bornned and were baptized together. Then my mom converted all 50 other members of the whole extended family.

Just join a local church, talk to a priest, attend a group rosary prayer’s weekly meeting.
They will help you further step.

Mary, our Mother.

We pray rosary is to repeat the gospels of messenger angel [Lk 1:28 Lk 1-41-43] and also the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in order to deliver us from devils.

The bible affirms Mary is the Mother of God the son, Jesus, the second person of the Holy Trinity [Lk 1:35, 43, Mt 1:23Jn 1:1]

Mary is also our mother because those who belong to the church of Christ are also member of His body [Jn 19:26-27 Col 1:18 Cor 6:15]

Although Mary was created by God and therefore does not merit worship, God made her sinless so that she could fulfill her unique role as the Ark of the New Covenant [Ex 40:34-35 Lk 1:35 Sam 6:9] like the original Ark.

Mary’s womb contained the Word of God and had to be entire holy [Chr 35:3 Lev 16:2 Jn 1:1 Lk 1:28]

As Jesus’ mother, Mary is unique among all Christian saints and also the closest to Him in heaven. We do well to ask her to intercede for us [Jn 2:3-10]
 
Welcome home! These are all great places to start. You may also like to consider praying the Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office. This is a special form of daily prayer. There are morning, evening, and night time prayers, plus daytime prayers (you can pray up to 3 times for daytime prayer; many people only pray once). You can get the 4-volume book set but it’s somewhat awkward for a beginner. If you have a smartphone I recommend the iBreviary app. (A breviary is a book for the praying the Liturgy of the Hours.)
 
Agatha, and OP too,

Peace and blessings to you both, and welcome home as you look at crossing the Tiber into the church!

I would urge you not to hide it from your parents if possible. Only you can determine what is best, but we are to honor our father and mother, and living a lie to them doesn’t meet that goal in the long run. Plus, Agatha, for your situation, they may feel even more betrayed to discover that as soon as you moved out you started the RCIA process, and they may wonder how long you harbored these feelings without telling them. It’s very possible to have a grown-up conversation with them that this is something that you feel calling to you, and you’re interested in learning more (you don’t have to phrase it in a certainty way), and note that you’re willing to honor their wishes and wait to continue research through RCIA until after you move out if they wish. They may surprise you and allow you to start the process sooner too! If you have the chance and access, you could always ask a priest what the right way to approach this conversation with your parents is.

But, like I said, only you can determine what is best for your unique situation.
 
Yeah they could be hurt by you hiding it it. As a mom I know I don’t want my kids hiding things from me.
 
I’ve been reading up on RCIA. Trying to get an idea of what to expect since this is all so different than anything I’ve ever expected experienced.
 
That’s beautiful about your family!!!

Learned a lot about Mary yesterday as that was something I had been seeing as something Catholics did wrong. But once you start opening your eyes and looking at why,it makes sense.
 
I will look into the app. The one I have already downloaded has that but I like seeing how different ones are set up and what all they offer.
 
Wonderful news! I don’t think anyone mentioned The Journey Home to you yet. These are weekly shows about converts and the many varying ways they came to Catholicism. I’m not sure what time they air on EWTN, the Catholic channel, but many are uploaded on YouTube. They are wonderful testimonies! Just search for The Journey Home or Marcus Grodi.
 
Oh there is so much scripture. I don’t know we (Protestants) have it in our heads that it’s all unscriptural. Soooo much scripture in everything!!
 
Scott Hahn’s books have been enormously influential for Protestants seeking the true church. Look especially for Rome Sweet Home, and his episode on Journey Home.
The Rosary will definitely bring you home. Mother Mary has a way of doing this!
 
Praise God!

I’m glad you are on your journey home!

Yes, keep reading and praying. Once you move and get settled, find a parish ASAP.

Catholic prayer had a lot to do with my journey, so I can relate. As a Baptist, I prayed the rosary. I eventually added the Liturgy of the Hours once I decided to become Catholic. There is also a scriptural prayer technique called Lectio Divina that I’ve added in. It works well with the readings. You should try it! My prayer life feels so much richer than it ever did as a Protestant!

There is a TV show on EWTN called The Journey Home. I highly recommend it. You can find all the episodes online on either the EWTN website or on YouTude.

Catholic radio is also great. EWTN radio has great programming.

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you journey home. Come, Holy Spirit!
 
I purchased Rome Sweet Home last night. Plan to start reading it today.
 
I didn’t know prayer could be so powerful, so full of feeling the Lord’s presence, feeling His grace, peace, love. I’ve tried and tried to have a prayer life that draws me to God. Always left me feeling frustrated and questioning a lot about myself, caused a lot of doubt and guilt.

Seems like I’ve got a great many resources at my fingertips!!!
 
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