Replacing rel't with Catholicism?

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I don’t know where to post this, but anyway here goes…
I’ve been drawn/trying to become Catholic for 5 years now. I’ve taken the RCIA class (tho was baptized&confirmed Lutheran), but I didn’t do the very last stage. Because of family unity issues, etc., I just haven’t taken the plunge, but one huge issue stands in the way in my heart…I’m desperately nervous that I will lose my simplicity of devotion to Christ and be replacing w/ a “system”—that layer upon layer will encrouch upon my heart and I will wake up and realize I replace my simple rel’t with God with “THE CHURCH”–make sense? I’ve been an elder/assistant pastor’s wife in another denomination/led worship, etc…I’ve led groups, prayer meetings, etc…IE been around the block a few times. I’m just plain nervous. I’ve done TONS of study, prayer, and really want to become Catholic…but this remains…help>:confused:
 
Look at the Catholic saints - read up on their lives.

Not a one of them, even the ones who, for example being Popes (such as Leo the Great, Gregory the Great or Pius X), were most deeply ensconced within ‘the system’ as you call it, lost their relationship with God as a result.

Think about it this way - school and university studies are usually extremely structured and systematized. Does this structure inevitably result in the squelching of every single student’s love for learning, or their love for those subjects which they study?

It can for some, true, but for the most part not at all. I can vouch for that, having just completed a lengthy double degree which anyone who didn’t truly love what they were doing wouldn’t have gone through.

So don’t worry about ‘system’ being incompatible with a relationship - Jesus, after all, adhered to much ‘system’ in his time. He was circumcised, baptised, went to synagogue every sabbath, went regularly to Jerusalem to keep all the prescribed feasts, paid his taxes, observed the ritual and system of Passover, and so on.
 
The “system,” as you call it, is simply the system that God has ordained in order to bring us to deeper and more perfect faith and love. God knows what our spiritual needs are, and he has ordained his Church to provide those needs. What are the sacraments but channels for us to seek God and for God to touch us?

There is every reason that, coming from the background you have and with the desires you express, your relationship with God will become much stronger as a Catholic. More understanding of God, more connection with God, how could it be any different?

And I strongly agree with the poster who said read the lives of saints. Ask yourself if it sounds like they replaced their true faith and love with a system.
 
Hi Moen,

Talking of the saints, you need to get acquainted with St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, whom most prefer to call by her French name : St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Her “little way” is just what you are looking for. It is explained at romancatholicism.org/therese2.htm

You might also want to read her autobiography, written on the orders of her Superior. You can download it at gutenberg.org/etext/16772 or buy it at

amazon.com/Story-Soul-Autobiography-Therese-Lisieux/dp/0935216588

A great saint and doctor of the Church who kept things simple.

Verbum
 
Wow, I’m happy that you are drawn to the Catholic faith, but sad that you have somehow been led to believe that Catholics don’t have a relationship with Christ. I, too, have been on both sides-- non-Catholic and Catholic and I can say without hesitation that my relationship with Jesus is much deeper and richer now that I live the sacramental life that He wants us to have. It is true that some Catholics just go through the motions. Do not be put off by the bad example of some Catholics. As others have noted, look to the saints to see what Catholic relationship to Christ looks like.

Let’s break down what “system” you have a problem with and then we can talk to you about why it is important. Is it liturgical worship? Is it confessing to a priest? Be specific and maybe we can help you understand it.
 
Wow-------thanks to those that replied!
The “system” I am speaking of is harkens back to a dream I had very early on in my quest toward Catholic faith. I dreamt that instead of an old, plain barn-I looked into a beautiful, treasure-filled museum-with incredible artifacts, jewels, and beauty to behold (which REALLY speak to me as an artist/writer!). Anyway I was walking through this breathtaking space, when I saw a cloak-light coat, white and beaded and gold and incredible. Somehow someone spoke to me and said, you can put this on, but it’s VERY HEAVY. I somehow knew that it was CATHOLICISM. I’m sorry if that offends some of you but I know that I know that what it meant. This was about 4 years ago. That has caused me pause as to my next step. The other things (marriage/child issues) have also--------but that is the heart of hearts here. I was in the midst of all the Toronto Blessing, revival in my home church, that primed me for blissful Holy Spirit moves. It’s tough. Now there are hord core practical issues in my life that are drawing me to clutch after something solid. It’s just hard. I have 2 special needs children (3kids total), a husband that has shut down, and I am “it” for almost everything. I’m spent and tired and also have a chronic illness myself. There is no one to depend on for help, and I am in the stages of exhaustion. And one of the things about the Catholic church that does NOT appeal to me is that lack of community and friendliness…especially in New England! People dart in and dart out. There is NO warm fellowship within…enough said…gotta get my son w/ autism out of the tub! love to you all!
 
moen said:
I don’t know where to post this, but anyway here goes…
I’ve been drawn/trying to become Catholic for 5 years now. I’ve taken the RCIA class (tho was baptized&confirmed Lutheran), but I didn’t do the very last stage. Because of family unity issues, etc., I just haven’t taken the plunge, but one huge issue stands in the way in my heart…I’m desperately nervous that I will lose my simplicity of devotion to Christ and be replacing w/ a “system”—that layer upon layer will encrouch upon my heart and I will wake up and realize I replace my simple rel’t with God with “THE CHURCH”–make sense? I’ve been an elder/assistant pastor’s wife in another denomination/led worship, etc…I’ve led groups, prayer meetings, etc…IE been around the block a few times. I’m just plain nervous. I’ve done TONS of study, prayer, and really want to become Catholic…but this remains…help>:confused:
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I know that this is an issue with alot of non-Catholics that are either considering joining or spouses that go to church with their Catholic husband or wife. To be honest with you I as a Catholic do think that our church has more than its fair share of legislation. I guess you have to understand where this legislation or rules have come from and why they are a part of the Church. These rules came from centuries of fighting heresies, abuses in the Church and at times being the secular authority as well as the spiritual authority of its members. These rules are truly meant to protect the doctrine as it was handed down. Also the rules which many of them are ancient were never meant of a split and church and as such creates perceived divides that should not be there in my opinion.

Anyway I understand your concerns but the legality of Catholcism is there to protect you and insure that you can have a personal relationship with Christ. I have been Catholic for 20 years now and have had no problem with having, I hope, a very good relationship with my Father and my Brother in heaven through the Love of the Spirit “of Adoption” which gives me the power to call out to “Abba”. I also have a beautiful Mother in heaven that prays for my salvation as well. So no complaints on this side.😃
 
Well, I was hoping for something a bit more specific. But I would caution you about dreams, sometimes they are from the Lord and sometimes they aren’t. But in regards to heaviness, I would have to say that is the weight of the cross. As Catholics, we try to take up our cross, and walk the walk of Christ. We don’t just believe in Christ. We try to do everything He told us to do and receive the Sacraments He instituted. We submit to the authority of the Church He founded. It isn’t always easy, especially when the Church has not conformed to the world around it (cf Rom 12:2). The Church is viewed as archaic with regard to it’s views on marriage, the priesthood, the right to life, etc. But it is not archaic, it is the truth. And the truth can be hard to handle in a day and age where it is more important to be politically correct than to stand up and preach the truth.

With regard to “warm” fellowship. I have to say that you find the fellowship as you get more and more involved. If you surround yourself with people who are trying to lead holy lives, you will find fellowship. How far have you gotten in really getting involved with a Catholic Bible study or prayer group? Have you gone through RCIA? If not, I suggest that you try these things, you may be pleasantly surprised about the fellowship. But remember, when it comes to worship, it is not about feeling warm and fuzzy. It is about worshipping in spirit and truth. Sometimes, we are blessed with that physical feeling of the Holy Spirit. However, we have to remember that worship is what we are giving the Lord. He does return our love and sanctifies us as we receive Him in the Eucharist or receive His absolution in confession, but we don’t always feel it.

I always recommend praying to see if the Lord will show you what He wants you to do. But it wouldn’t hurt to inquire about learning more about the Church and it’s teachings. If you sign up for RCIA you don’t have to make a commitment to joining the Church-- it is just a learning process. I belong to a fantastic Catholic Bible study that anyone is welcome to join. Check out your local Catholic Church to see if they have anything similar.

As always we at CAF will try to help you along your journey, but there are plenty of people who sign on here that do not fully understand what the Church teaches (though many do!). So you might want to pick up a Catechism or look online to confirm what people tell you.
 
moen said:
… Somehow someone spoke to me and said, you can put this on, but it’s VERY HEAVY. I somehow knew that it was CATHOLICISM. I’m sorry if that offends some of you but I know that I know that what it meant.
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Hi Moen,

That’s not offensive at all - the Catholic faith certainly can be “VERY HEAVY.”

It calls us to deny ourselves for the sake of the kingdom of God.
moen said:
And one of the things about the Catholic church that does NOT appeal to me is that lack of community and friendliness…especially in New England! People dart in and dart out. There is NO warm fellowship within…enough said…gotta get my son w/ autism out of the tub! love to you all!
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I understand, although I would strongly disagree with the idea that “there is NO warm fellowship within” the Catholic Church.

Yes, the manner in which fellowship is evidenced, is completely different than in Protestant churches, though.

First, in Catholicism, we all share in fellowship & communion in the mass. But I agree, on a more “social” level, after mass fellowship is often lacking. In many Catholic churches, there doesn’t usually seem to be a really good “gathering place” after mass as people leave, so it seems like when people get to the parking lot, they just kind of “go on” to their cars.

Protestant churches often have places more conducive to stopping & chatting with people between the place of worship & the parking lots.

Still, regardless of the type of Church, I’ve noticed that people seem to connect more closely in certain activities, whether they are bible studies, church picnics, bingo, or whatever.

Something that never fails to give me joy, is knowing that the Body of Christ is a gigantic “family”, & although it seems like with so many others around us that God might “get lost in the shuffle”.

I don’t find that to be the case though - being apart of such an extensive family actually helps me to focus more on God, as He is the center; the unifying aspect of the entire family.

That said, I have found that it is incumbent on me to reach out. Not everyone responds, but many do, & I have developed some good friendships because of that. And knowing my family is not limited only to the people in the same parish (or even on the same planet!), helps me to remember that I don’t need to feel discouraged if I don’t connect with everyone around me.

God bless,

Chris
 
Yes, I’ve taken RCIA. Yes, I’ve read probably 20 books on different saints’ lives. Yes, I’ve reached out. But remember: this is a rural area in New England…not a warm, fuzzy area. So, I acknowlege that it is encumbent on ME to do the reaching out.
Yes, I’ve spoken to the priest. He has prayed that God would lead me…my marriage is a huge issue right now in my decision…and I have a ton of day to day responsibility-in fact today I’m sort of “off” because one of my kids is home sick;) --so i can goof off on the internet here:p

Yet–just in all your responses says that God is working simply by showing me there are people out there who care enough to reply!!!THat’s huge to me. I’ve never been more lonely in my life, here with a chronic illness, special needs kids, house in the middle of nowhere, financial need…yet I’m grasping and praying for THE TRUTH, and see a structure in the RCC that is stable and inviting.
THank you for your care.
 
moen said:
Yes, I’ve taken RCIA. Yes, I’ve read probably 20 books on different saints’ lives. Yes, I’ve reached out. But remember: this is a rural area in New England…not a warm, fuzzy area. So, I acknowlege that it is encumbent on ME to do the reaching out.
Yes, I’ve spoken to the priest. He has prayed that God would lead me…my marriage is a huge issue right now in my decision…and I have a ton of day to day responsibility-in fact today I’m sort of “off” because one of my kids is home sick;) --so i can goof off on the internet here:p

Yet–just in all your responses says that God is working simply by showing me there are people out there who care enough to reply!!!THat’s huge to me. I’ve never been more lonely in my life, here with a chronic illness, special needs kids, house in the middle of nowhere, financial need…yet I’m grasping and praying for THE TRUTH, and see a structure in the RCC that is stable and inviting.
THank you for your care.
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I will dedicate my hour of Eucharist Adoration this evening that you may find relief, and if not relief, strength to endure the trials you are now enduring. May the grace of God fill you.
 
Wow! I’m impressed with your steps of discernment. Great work! What is the size of the parish in your area? Is this the parish where you took RCIA? If so,were you able to forge any friendships?

If I may ask, in what way is your marriage an issue? Is it annulment issues, or that your spouse does not support your acceptance of the Church? As the wife of an anti-Catholic (I converted after the marriage and it was very complicated), I understand how difficult it can be.

I don’t think the Lord is going to call you to the Church and then allow you to be blocked from joining. It may not be easy; you may suffer some trials at first, but your obedience in suffering will be counted as a blessing.

You are in my prayers. I pray that the Lord will pour forth His mercy and grace and that He will strengthen and console you.
 
With the difficult situation you are in you need strength and there is no greater strength than the Eucharist. It will sustain you through everything you are going through. There is nothing on earth that compares to being united to Jesus that way, to know that rather than you taking Him into you it’s He taking you into Him.

Hang out for coffee and donuts after wards, you’ll find out who the committed ones are. The CC needs the warm fellowship from the incoming protestants, but you’ll have to reach out and make it happen.

You are in my prayers.
God Bless
 
Wow-----I love all these thoughtful replies! (And I love this icon: 👍 !)
Anyway—I wish all these things were this easy in life:
(from another poster: “I don’t think the Lord is going to call you to the Church and then allow you to be blocked from joining. It may not be easy; you may suffer some trials at first, but your obedience in suffering will be counted as a blessing.”
Remember the obstacles St Paul had in going forth at times, and Edith Stein comes to mind…but I SO appreciate the reply.

I’m not blocked by my husband, it’s that our family wouldn’t be unified if I went forth. I could, and just go to Mass on Saturdays, etc. The issues w/ my marriage are manifold (and I posted yesterday and today in response to “Marriage in Turmoil” under family issues forum). It goes back 26 years now. I came from abusive/dissengaged parents (love them and they did their best, I guess). I had no roots, really, and when my husband and I thought of marrying, I thought God was leading me…yet it’s been almost a complete uphill battle. He has essentially shut down, and has for many years. He recently told me that he thought I hated him so he said he decided to disengage from me for 10 years. HE never had the guts to even mention it. His answer for most things is: Whatever you want to do (many times in an angry tone, then stomps off…or says it dazed and neutral)For instance, he’s had a job for 10 years, w/o a raise or review, and seems to settle for being in a victim’s role wherever he is. It’s weird, and w/ our growing health problems, he is content to let me handle everything…and I’m spent. I just kept praying, thinking Nothing is Impossible with God…but it’s been 26 years, and I’m becoming fossilized inside. I’m tired of trying to improve our lives/kids’ lives on my own…I simply can’t physcially/emotionally anymore. Yes, it’s in God’s hands…but how long do you sit and wait for God to move? Don’t we have a part to play in moving too? I sat under the teaching that you pray and wait…and wait…and wait…and wait. It doesn’t work that way. I have done that to the detriment of many years of my life, and I’m getting older and tired-er…thanks to all of you!
 
moen said:
Yes, I’ve taken RCIA. Yes, I’ve read probably 20 books on different saints’ lives. Yes, I’ve reached out. But remember: this is a rural area in New England…not a warm, fuzzy area. So, I acknowlege that it is encumbent on ME to do the reaching out.
Yes, I’ve spoken to the priest. He has prayed that God would lead me…my marriage is a huge issue right now in my decision…and I have a ton of day to day responsibility-in fact today I’m sort of “off” because one of my kids is home sick;) --so i can goof off on the internet here:p

Yet–just in all your responses says that God is working simply by showing me there are people out there who care enough to reply!!!THat’s huge to me. I’ve never been more lonely in my life, here with a chronic illness, special needs kids, house in the middle of nowhere, financial need…yet I’m grasping and praying for THE TRUTH, and see a structure in the RCC that is stable and inviting.
THank you for your care.
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Hello,

I live in New England too so I can understand something about what you are saying about the culture. Even if Catholicism doesn’t have as many fellowship activities, it is still where the Lord is most present. Seek the lord in the Catholic Church, and you will find the support you need.
 
You say falling in love with the Church like its a bad thing?

Epehesians 5

22Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

24But as **the church **is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

25Husbands, love your wives, just as **Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, **

26so that He might sanctify her, **having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, **

27that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that **she would be holy and blameless. **

28So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;

29for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,

30because we are members of His body.

31FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.

32This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

33Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

As for the not so social part, get in there and join the altar society, or start a ministry that welcomes people or helps mothers such as yourself. You are needed. The Body of Christ needs someone like you who wants the community to thrive. I know its scary at first and hard but oh so worth it.

We have to work in the vineyard to produce the fruit;)
 
Luke 17:7-10
7 “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? 8 Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Matthew 5:12-16
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Luke 6:23
23 Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.

.
 
Would your husband be open to attending a marriage encounter weekend with you? It’s run by Catholics but open to those of all faiths. It might be very helpful to both of you. You say your husband has shut down. This is his way of coping with your very stressful situation. You have taken on everything. You both need God’s help and healing.

I can see why taking on the heavy cloak of Catholicism seems overwhelming when your whole life already seems too heavy to bear. But my experience is that it isn’t heavy, it only appears that way from the outside. The Eucharist deepens my relationship with Jesus which is what keeps me going. God bless you.
 
Thanks for the encouragement to those of you w/ the scripture…
To Fellow Christian, please understand this: as I said I have taken on almost everything in a family with 3 rambunctious boys, 2 w/ special needs, and I myself have a chronic health condition—which requires constant monitoring. I have work to do constantly already, my point with my husband shutting down. HOW can I start a ministry. I am doing WELL on a day where the meals are made, laundry is done, and my house is fairly clean…let me know if you have any ideas, because my heart is to jump in and DO, but my body and needs say otherwise--------along with my family’s needs. I have no family here, and would love to move, but that also would be all me figuring out, getting a job/husband a job, selling house, buying a house. My husband does not jump in and DO. For instance, he doesn’t clean his car, and lets the boys leave coats, shoes, clothes, food, etc. In the morning I wonder where things are, etc…get the picture? I am the “meanie” because I want some semblance of order to simply get some things done. I have to direct pretty much ALL activity and organization, and wonder where the time would come from…I barely can get to a Catholic church, let alone start a ministry. My husband do NOt want Catholicism, and boys tend to model themselves after their dad.
Enough said. THank again!
 
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