Question for converts: What's your story?

[Jerry_Parker]

Damooster,

Your experience with chaplains was more positive than mine was in the U.S. Navy many long decades ago (early 1960s). Most chaplains are more officer than priest or minister. I did meet one very fervently faithful Methodist chaplain on the U.S. Naval Base in Anacostia (Washington, D.C.), but he was the exception. The Roman Catholic chaplains all seemed bored and rushed.

When I was posted to my ship, we had a quirky chaplain, again Methodist. There was no R.C. chaplain; ships as small as destroyers get one chaplain, be he Catholic, Protestant, or even Mormon! That Methodist was not detached or aloof, but he was rather nutty and skitterish. I played double bass for the gospel quartet formed of singing members of the crew and I played the very portable organ which he brought along each time he underwent the ship-to-ship transfer by “hi-line” (a grim way to convey a guy from one ship to another in heavy weather when the ships are of disparate sizes!). The Roman Catholics on my ship used to get together, without chaplain, to pray the Rosary together, and I would join them. Their simple Christian sincerity and love of our Lady and of Our Lord, unprompted by any supervising mili-clerical eye, always impressed me.

Well, chaplains do not have an easy go of it nowadays, with all the oecumenical “P.C.” restrictions with which they have to bear! In my military days they were free to make a strong witness for what they truly believed, whether Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, or whatever, but few chaplains then took advantage of such liberty to proclaim Christ clearly according to their respective traditions.

Jerry Parker

 

[LegoGE1947]

Maybe you and your wife could talk to a Catholic Priest and find out why she lost interest in the Catholic Church. Have you asked her to attend 6:30 Mass with you? Do you still watch EWTN ? The “Journey Home” program that comes on at 7 pm on Monday nights CST, has wonderful, interesting stories of converts journey into the Catholic Faith. Prayers for you both and God Bless, Memaw

The cable system removed EWTN or moved it to where we can’t watch it anymore. my wife doesn’t get up early enough to go to 6:30 mass We know about the Journey Home We used to watch it all the time. My wife won’t go near a Catholic Church let alone talk to a priest.

 

[Memaw]

pedro22031:
Damooster,
Thank you for sharing it, Prayers for you on your journey into the Catholic Faith. You have found the TRUE Pearl of Great Price!!
God Bless, Memaw

 

[moen]

To be honest I’m at the point where to continue to not follow what I know is right for me is bordering on disobedience. I’m concerned this will split my family (husband and 3 kids, not Catholic). Someone on another thread (a convert!) counseled me to give up my right and my desires and do what my husband wanted me to do, IE not convert until whenever…and that’s what carrying your cross means, sacrificing what you want.
I wrote back a little miffed, understandably, and confused

 

[Memaw]

To be honest I’m at the point where to continue to not follow what I know is right for me is bordering on disobedience. I’m concerned this will split my family (husband and 3 kids, not Catholic). Someone on another thread (a convert!) counseled me to give up my right and my desires and do what my husband wanted me to do, IE not convert until whenever…and that’s what carrying your cross means, sacrificing what you want.
I wrote back a little miffed, understandably, and confused

I was faced with a similar problem with my second husband, he argued against, ridiculed and even refused to allow his sons to say the rosary with us, BUT I persevered and kept the kids in Catholic schools, we prayed always, and eventually he came around and even later became a Catholic. His Mom told me that he told her, he knew the Catholic Faith was so much more than the protestant faith but he couldn’t get over his own Dad’s opinion of it. He died at age 47, a very peaceful death with all the sacraments. God does work in Mysterious Ways but if we give up, we cut off that channel of Grace. Prayers and God Bless, Memaw.

 

[luminoushope]

To be honest I’m at the point where to continue to not follow what I know is right for me is bordering on disobedience. I’m concerned this will split my family (husband and 3 kids, not Catholic). Someone on another thread (a convert!) counseled me to give up my right and my desires and do what my husband wanted me to do, IE not convert until whenever…and that’s what carrying your cross means, sacrificing what you want.
I wrote back a little miffed, understandably, and confused

Wow! There but for the grace of God, literally, go I. I would not presume to tell you what to do. If my husband had been opposed to my conversion I don’t know what I would have done. One thing I would probably have done is sought advice higher up the Catholic clerical food chain than an anonymous convert online (meaning no disrespect). I have learned to be careful about who gets to speak into my life. I would have gone to my parish priest, for sure, as well as perhaps trusted Catholic women friends. I pray you can avail yourself of these resources. Most of all, prayer to find out what is God’s will FOR YOU, is important. You will be in my prayers. God has answers for you, and peace.

This is not only a matter of what is right for you, or what you want. It is a matter of following what you know to be the true faith. In the Protestant Church, for 27 years, I was often pressured to follow a pattern of “wifely submission” that seemed to approach idolatry of one’s husband. On the other hand, I don’t agree with all the “women’s empowerment” stuff coming from liberal Christians, Catholic or otherwise. “Male and female created He them.”

Thankfully, my husband is really a grownup and puts his love for me and our unity as a couple before insisting on his rights. Attending two different churches has not detracted from that unity; oddly, it seems to be enhancing it. Don’t underestimate your husband’s love for you. Persevere in prayer. Since I have been attending Catholic church and reading a lot, I love my husband more (and he gets it) because I am learning to love more, altogether. The portions on marriage in the Catechism are filled with love and truth, and thus don’t need to dwell endlessly on every detail of “wifely submission.” There is also an old saying that I try to apply: “Don’t tell your husband about God; tell God about your husband.” Trite but true.

On this thread, I pay close attention to Memaw, she is one of those that is welcome to speak into my life, even online.

There is a little book out entitled “Jesus Is My All And All”, by Mother Teresa. It is a novena to Blessed Teresa. If you possibly can, get it, and do it. This book pushed me through the door of the Catholic Church after years of confusion and unhappiness.

God bless you; there can be no greater thing.

Luminous Hope

 

[luminoushope]

The cable system removed EWTN or moved it to where we can’t watch it anymore. my wife doesn’t get up early enough to go to 6:30 mass We know about the Journey Home We used to watch it all the time. My wife won’t go near a Catholic Church let alone talk to a priest.

Is there any way you can get Catholic TV programming on your computer? I probably wouldn’t be asking this if I weren’t “technologically challenged”, but just a thought.

 

[moen]

Wow! There but for the grace of God, literally, go I. I would not presume to tell you what to do. If my husband had been opposed to my conversion I don’t know what I would have done. One thing I would probably have done is sought advice higher up the Catholic clerical food chain than an anonymous convert online (meaning no disrespect). I have learned to be careful about who gets to speak into my life. I would have gone to my parish priest, for sure, as well as perhaps trusted Catholic women friends. I pray you can avail yourself of these resources. Most of all, prayer to find out what is God’s will FOR YOU, is important. You will be in my prayers. God has answers for you, and peace.

This is not only a matter of what is right for you, or what you want. It is a matter of following what you know to be the true faith. In the Protestant Church, for 27 years, I was often pressured to follow a pattern of “wifely submission” that seemed to approach idolatry of one’s husband. On the other hand, I don’t agree with all the “women’s empowerment” stuff coming from liberal Christians, Catholic or otherwise. “Male and female created He them.”

Thankfully, my husband is really a grownup and puts his love for me and our unity as a couple before insisting on his rights. Attending two different churches has not detracted from that unity; oddly, it seems to be enhancing it. Don’t underestimate your husband’s love for you. Persevere in prayer. Since I have been attending Catholic church and reading a lot, I love my husband more (and he gets it) because I am learning to love more, altogether. The portions on marriage in the Catechism are filled with love and truth, and thus don’t need to dwell endlessly on every detail of “wifely submission.” There is also an old saying that I try to apply: “Don’t tell your husband about God; tell God about your husband.” Trite but true.

On this thread, I pay close attention to Memaw, she is one of those that is welcome to speak into my life, even online.

There is a little book out entitled “Jesus Is My All And All”, by Mother Teresa. It is a novena to Blessed Teresa. If you possibly can, get it, and do it. This book pushed me through the door of the Catholic Church after years of confusion and unhappiness.

God bless you; there can be no greater thing.

Luminous Hope

Yes, i have consulted with the wonderful parish priest, RCIA leader, trusted Catholic friends…and they all say the same thing: that they will pray for me/my family. What else can anyone really say here? It’s tough, but I guess what it all comes down to is doing what I believe God is telling me to do. Maybe it’s that simple.
I will look into the book you mention. (I’m home sick now, wish I could have it now!):sad_yes:

 

[luminoushope]

I will look into the book you mention. (I’m home sick now, wish I could have it now!):sad_yes:

I wish I could send you a copy. I’m sorry you’re sick. I’m home snowed in today actually. If you get the book you will love it.

 

[Memaw]

Is there any way you can get Catholic TV programming on your computer? I probably wouldn’t be asking this if I weren’t “technologically challenged”, but just a thought.

Go to www.ewtn.com and you can get all their programs on from there.

 

[Memaw]

Yes, i have consulted with the wonderful parish priest, RCIA leader, trusted Catholic friends…and they all say the same thing: that they will pray for me/my family. What else can anyone really say here? It’s tough, but I guess what it all comes down to is doing what I believe God is telling me to do. Maybe it’s that simple.
I will look into the book you mention. (I’m home sick now, wish I could have it now!):sad_yes:

Does your husband object to you learning about the Catholic faith even if he doesn’t have to? Maybe he has many predigests against the Catholic Church. I wouldn’t say or do anything to aggravate him but if you could just quietly go on with your studies, reading, EWTN on line or whatever. Pray and if possible go to Mass on Sunday at least. (Actually I started going to daily Mass for my husband and have continued now for 35 years.) If he can see by your good example that you truly love the Catholic Faith and you don’t worship statues etc. maybe his attitude will soften. How old are your children? They can learn by example too. Be patient and trust God. You are all in my prayers, god Bless, Memaw

 

[Memaw]

Wow! There but for the grace of God, literally, go I. I would not presume to tell you what to do. If my husband had been opposed to my conversion I don’t know what I would have done. One thing I would probably have done is sought advice higher up the Catholic clerical food chain than an anonymous convert online (meaning no disrespect). I have learned to be careful about who gets to speak into my life. I would have gone to my parish priest, for sure, as well as perhaps trusted Catholic women friends. I pray you can avail yourself of these resources. Most of all, prayer to find out what is God’s will FOR YOU, is important. You will be in my prayers. God has answers for you, and peace.

This is not only a matter of what is right for you, or what you want. It is a matter of following what you know to be the true faith. In the Protestant Church, for 27 years, I was often pressured to follow a pattern of “wifely submission” that seemed to approach idolatry of one’s husband. On the other hand, I don’t agree with all the “women’s empowerment” stuff coming from liberal Christians, Catholic or otherwise. “Male and female created He them.”

Thankfully, my husband is really a grownup and puts his love for me and our unity as a couple before insisting on his rights. Attending two different churches has not detracted from that unity; oddly, it seems to be enhancing it. Don’t underestimate your husband’s love for you. Persevere in prayer. Since I have been attending Catholic church and reading a lot, I love my husband more (and he gets it) because I am learning to love more, altogether. The portions on marriage in the Catechism are filled with love and truth, and thus don’t need to dwell endlessly on every detail of “wifely submission.” There is also an old saying that I try to apply: “Don’t tell your husband about God; tell God about your husband.” Trite but true.

On this thread, I pay close attention to Memaw, she is one of those that is welcome to speak into my life, even online.

There is a little book out entitled “Jesus Is My All And All”, by Mother Teresa. It is a novena to Blessed Teresa. If you possibly can, get it, and do it. This book pushed me through the door of the Catholic Church after years of confusion and unhappiness.

God bless you; there can be no greater thing.

Luminous Hope

Thank you Luminous Hope and I try with all my heart never to misguide anyone, I have had many wonderful teachers in my life that I am very thankful for, I call them my Simons as they have helped me carry my crosses.
Recently I saw a picture of Mother Teresa in a wheel-chair and her bare feet were showing, and I have never seen such twisted little feet in my life. I can’t even imagine how she ever walked with them and yet she covered more miles in a day than most of us do in a month, I’m sure. I cried when I saw that picture, and never a complaint out of her. I have read a lot of things about her and have seen programs on TV but I don’t recall ever hearing anyone mention her feet. How she must have suffered. What a Blessing to have lived in a time when we have had sooo many Saintly people in our midst. Prayers and God Bless, Memaw

 

[moen]

I do go to mass every Sunday (singing in the loft), early, then back here. Yet I long for the Eucharist and to be “part” of the Catholic Body of Christ (5 1/2 yrs of study of cc ).
It’s been 30 yrs , when as a young girl I trusted in Christ for myself…then have wandered the maze of protestant churches, in leadership in one role or another (musical mostly). Husband too. Children are 12, 9, 5. One w/ autism, which prevents (blesses, actually) me from taking part in leadership. I can’t sit through the long protestant services any longer w/him, and have a chronic illness where I really need to come back and rest for a few hours, instead of go to the other church w/ my family. I’ve just had to “give up” in trying to be all things to all people, trying to please my husband, please my children, please …my body can’t do it anymore. I love the peace and stillness of the CC. I used to be part of every group it seemed, doing this and that, running here and there “working” for God. Ha. Now He has me in a place of brokenness and longing , but since I’ve begun praying the rosary/chaplet of Divine Mercy, it’s like windows are opening in my soul. Hard to explain. And along w/ Padre Pio , I know is praying for me:yup:
I also am learning things about how God is drawing me and giving me little things like: I was born at a Catholic hospital (to a protestant mother), was most likely baptized by nuns thinking I might die (almost did), was born (Jean, fem.for John) on feast of St. John Dec 27th, also the day Dec 27th (in 1630?)the vision to the Sacred Heart visionary (Margaret Mary) was given where she was able to lay her head on Jesus’ breast to hear His heartbeat. Gotta go now, but there’s more things I’m learning about how God’s got my number in regards to the CC! May sound silly to others, but God knows I need to keep me encouraged that I’m on a track.

 

[luminoushope]

I do go to mass every Sunday (singing in the loft), early, then back here. Yet I long for the Eucharist and to be “part” of the Catholic Body of Christ (5 1/2 yrs of study of cc ).
IMay sound silly to others, but God knows I need to keep me encouraged that I’m on a track.

Nothing here sounds “silly” to me! You are certainly on a track and perhaps you will receive Communion before I do. If this is the case, I rejoice for you. There are so many little odd things that have put me on the road to the Tiber.

I think it was some time last November, one Catholic friend told another Catholic friend that I wanted to be Catholic. The newly-told friend promptly sent me her testimony which she had done in MySpace. (You can get to it on Steve Ray’s blog; I don’t know how to do a link.) Her testimony is in multimedia with music, illustrations and a bar on the left all about Catholic martyrs. I opened it on a Sunday afternoon when I was feeling especially empty and sad after Protestant Church. I was riveted! I had known her in Protestant church and known she was as frustrated as I was, but I never expected THIS! The enclosure said only that this might interest me.

By the time I finished her testimony I knew beyond a doubt where I was headed. My husband and I went away for Christmas and when we got back I told him I wanted to start going to the Catholic church. I told him, and the priest, the simple truth that this is how I will come closer to Jesus. My moods have improved a great deal since then; noticeable to my husband. I’m so happy to be in the Catholic Church and am no longer bursting with frustration about my church life.

So, Moen, it is those “silly” little things that sometimes make such a big difference. Part of my eyes being opened about Catholicism took place in some spiritual “power surges” that I can only attribute directly to God. I pray the same for your husband, and also that you feel better soon. I’m sure you have a lot of difficulties with your situation because you have young children; please persevere!

Blessings to all my wonderful sisters and brothers.

Luminous Hope

 

[moen]

another “silly” here is that I was born at Sacred Heart hospital. Not knowing all the pieces that fit together here, I prayed the Sacred Heart consecration I think it was about 1 1/2 yrs ago now. It’s so funny how it’s only now that i"m learning all the “nooks and crannies” of catholicism, of Margaret Mary’s vision, etc.

On another note, pls pray for my son who will go to a geneticist tomorrow. I feel rotten and must drive quite a distance for this appt. Need strength and to stay awake

 

[Jerry_Parker]

Luminous Hope and Moen,

What a predicament, i.e. to be torn between the demands of one’s conscience about the Faith and the perceptions and pressures of a spouse! I guess that I have it easy in that regard, being single.

I do have my own predicament, one that poses less personal demands than it does irreconcilable obstacles from the circumstances of being here in Rouyn-Noranda. I would convert to Eastern Orthodox with no delay whatsoever, if it were possible to live week-by-week, Sunday-by-Sunday as an Orthodox lay Christian. Alas, there is no active Eastern Orthodox presence here in Rouyn or anywhere close. (There is a museum of Orthodoxy due to a lovely church with no longer a congretation, and a private chapel in Amos, built and owned by a retired priest and a lay assistant, but it really is hostile to having believers there on a regular basis, existing mostly to enable the wealthy priest to live out his days fulfilling his duties to God to say the Holy Liturgy and the daily offices.)

My own dilemna is finding a way to reconcile the nagging differences that I have in secondary matters with being a Roman Catholic in good conscience. I loathe sectarian and most Protestant worship; the attitude towards the sacraments is abhorrent to me! I feel adrift not living the sacramental life which I know is what is all-important for a believer, but the R.C. Church imposes a 100% conformity on even doctrinally secondary matters that differ from Holy Orthodoxy, such as indulgences, Purgatory, other matters, that the Eastern Orthodox Church does not impose on a believer’s conscience, or outright rejects. In Montréal I would not face this quandary, since there are presences of both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Here it is R.C. vs. the sects, and that is it!

I am being patient, but a bit frustrated.

Jerry Parker

 

[marcylee]

Hi everyone. I am new to this website and to Catholicism, and to the language of Catholicism, so please bear with me. I was exposed to the Faith last summer when I was invited to a Magnificat breakfast. I was raised as Protestant, but left that faith and had been floating around for awhile. I went to this breakfast, and was astounded by the beauty and spirituality of the women there. I could really feel the Lord was there among us. The next day, I went to a local Protestant church, but did not have the same feeling. I wondered, should I become a Catholic? The next day I was going about my business, going by a Catholic church, so I stopped by to get a bulletin. I walked in, and there were people in the pews, so I sat down to see what it was going on. It just happened to be time for 10:00 mass. I did not know what was going on, but I felt a real reverence for the Lord there. I was just drawn in. I have been going to Mass every day since. I am in the RCIA program at my church and will be confirmed at Easter Vigil. I have been trying to read as much as I can about the Faith, taking in any information I can find. I feel like I’m trying to learn a lifetime of lessons in a few months. I know that is impossible, but I’m doing the best I can. About a month after I started going to Mass, my husband, who was raised Catholic but left the church 30 years ago, started coming with me.

I guess I just want to give people hope that even though it seems like the Lord has abandoned us, He is still working behind the scenes, I am currently working on my relationship with our Blessed Mother, praying the Rosary as much as I can, trying to understand her relationship to me. I just read today that we cannot fully have Jesus in our heart unless we have Mary, because we cannot know him unless we know her.

 

[Memaw]

Hi everyone. I am new to this website and to Catholicism, and to the language of Catholicism, so please bear with me. I was exposed to the Faith last summer when I was invited to a Magnificat breakfast. I was raised as Protestant, but left that faith and had been floating around for awhile. I went to this breakfast, and was astounded by the beauty and spirituality of the women there. I could really feel the Lord was there among us. The next day, I went to a local Protestant church, but did not have the same feeling. I wondered, should I become a Catholic? The next day I was going about my business, going by a Catholic church, so I stopped by to get a bulletin. I walked in, and there were people in the pews, so I sat down to see what it was going on. It just happened to be time for 10:00 mass. I did not know what was going on, but I felt a real reverence for the Lord there. I was just drawn in. I have been going to Mass every day since. I am in the RCIA program at my church and will be confirmed at Easter Vigil. I have been trying to read as much as I can about the Faith, taking in any information I can find. I feel like I’m trying to learn a lifetime of lessons in a few months. I know that is impossible, but I’m doing the best I can. About a month after I started going to Mass, my husband, who was raised Catholic but left the church 30 years ago, started coming with me.

I guess I just want to give people hope that even though it seems like the Lord has abandoned us, He is still working behind the scenes, I am currently working on my relationship with our Blessed Mother, praying the Rosary as much as I can, trying to understand her relationship to me. I just read today that we cannot fully have Jesus in our heart unless we have Mary, because we cannot know him unless we know her.

Wonderful, God Bless you on your journey. Just remember God doesn’t expect us to ‘know it all’ right away, His Grace is sufficient for our journey in life. I have been a lifelong Catholic (72) and believe me there is still plenty for me to learn. I have attended probably 25 instruction classes,over the years, (with friends and converts) and have taught CCD for 20 years. It never fails that a Sunday, (or weekday) Homily opens another door for me. Food for thought. I love it. Gods Grace is endless.
As for Our Blessed Mother, she said herself that ‘All generations will call Me Blessed’. Not for herself, but for what God has done for her. She always draws us to her SON. If you loved her with all your heart, for the rest of your life, you could never love her as much as Jesus does. She is the TRUE Women of Faith. She IS what Eve should have been to us. A true Mother. She said to Juan Diego at Guadalupe. “Am I not your MOTHER?” She is our Mother too. God Bless, Memaw.

 

[luminoushope]

I went to this breakfast, and was astounded by the beauty and spirituality of the women there. I could really feel the Lord was there among us. The next day, I went to a local Protestant church, but did not have the same feeling… I felt a real reverence for the Lord there. I was just drawn in… I feel like I’m trying to learn a lifetime of lessons in a few months. I know that is impossible, but I’m doing the best I can…

Good morning friends, I am still snowed in, so look out, I have lots of words!

Your testimony is very sweet and contains things I can relate to. What initially drew me to the Catholic church was “my luminous Catholic women friends.” I couldn’t find any other way to say it. I had the same contrast with the Protestant church, and observed Catholics’ reverence for God. Later I ended up having to try to explain “luminous” to my husband and to the priest. It was a challenge trying to put something so subjective in logical terms. I ended up with, “you shall know them by their fruits.” I did.

One friend with whom I had been in the Protestant church, who reverted to Catholicism, wrote me of her relief at no longer having “the manic drive to study, study, study!” that drove the church we were formerly in. I agree. Of course I read, and I only wish I were being confirmed this Easter–I rejoice for you–but I no longer have to know it all. As an aspiring Catholic of almost 60 years of age, that doesn’t seem likely anyway. I hope your studies are deeply enriching for you at every level and lay an ample foundation for your future Christian life.

My mother died when I was 16; it was a terrible loss, and if I can come into relationship with the Blessed Mother it might well be one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me.

For me the Catholic church is “church as it should be.” My favorite times are just kneeling in the church looking at the image of my crucified Lord and being overwhelmed by what He has done for me.

Welcome home!

 

[Jerry_Parker]

Luminous Hope and Marcylee,

You two had written: *One friend with whom I had been in the Protestant church, who reverted to Catholicism, wrote me of her relief at no longer having “the manic drive to study, study, study!” that drove the church we were formerly in… – I rejoice for you–but I no longer have to know it all. *

That says a lot! Protestants, and sectaries even more so, relentlessly comb the Bible to find verifications of their theories, especially regarding End Time matters (eschatolgy), getting into terrible contortions of speculation, as they do in so many other matters as well. Well, like to recall those Biblical words about false teachers who are ever striving for knowledge but never coming an understanding of the truth!

Jerry Parker