Scared of saying goodbye or cold feet?Converts enter

[Stratiotes]

Not alone. It is actually common to any major decision in life - marriage, becoming a parent, etc. The second thoughts and uneasy feeling is part of the confirmation of the decision. Like what you here in military and law enforcement circles - “the debriefing.” It is a way to look back at the way you got to this place and analyze if indeed you reached the right destination. But, being human beings, we will always be nagged that perhaps we made a mistake - then back to, no, it was no mistake. I think of it as working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phl. 2:12). Just part of the journey of the rest of our lives on earth.

 

[DJgang]

I do believe these feelings come from the fact that we ARE taking our conversion so serious.

Last night, during my First Confession, the Priest told me that our class was the most serious class of converts that he has seen in a long time. I thought that was great…then I told him that it has taken me four years to finally get up the nerve and make the decision to become Catholic…wow, I didn’t even take that long to marry my husband!

 

[Belle10]

I think what makes it so scary, for lack of a better term, for people who have come from a Protestant background is that we are used to simply signing on the dotted line with whatever church we want to attend, and it is done. When we get tired of that church, we can move on freely to another church. When we tire of being of one denomination, we move on to something else. You can be Lutheran one day, Methodist next week, and Pentecostal by the end of the month if that’s what you want.

The Catholic Church is not like that at all; it’s completely different from what we’re used to. We have to be educated, and the decision to join is not one to be made lightly or on a whim. It requires effort and time and… did I mention effort? It’s a commitment with Jesus Christ and His church, and it’s so much more than signing up for the denomination du jour.

But, ohhhh, what waits for us… I get so goose-bumpy when I think of it. What we’re going through is not an easy transition, regardless how excited and happy we are. This is huge, so I suspect it’s probably normal to run the full course of emotions during the entire conversion process. You’re certainly not alone.

What a great description, and very enlightening. Thank you for sharing it. As a cradle Catholic, I now recognize there have been times in my life (when I should’ve known better) that I’ve taken for granted my Catholicism and haven’t really been on fire for God the way I should be. Hearing the perspective of converts (so many great experiences shared here - thank you!!) helps many of us cradle Catholics to open our eyes and repent for being so hum-drum about the wonderful gifts we can receive and do receive through the church.

Teadough, this is not just for converts. All of us Catholics are also called to conversion, to say goodbye to parts of us that tether us to the world. For us, it is every bit as scary as you describe. -Tim

Yes, good point. There are things I’ve had to put behind me even though I didn’t want to, but by the grace of God I’ve been able to (though it’s a constant process).

Last night, during my First Confession, the Priest told me that our class was the most serious class of converts that he has seen in a long time.

So, how was it? If it’s too private you don’t have to share, I just hope it was a wonderful experience of the mercy and love of our Lord.

 

[DJgang]

So, how was it? If it’s too private you don’t have to share, I just hope it was a wonderful experience of the mercy and love of our Lord.

You know, it was all that I expected…a little more laid back though.

It was really funny, they asked for volunteers (we are doing first Confession during class time) and I volunteered, I was the last one last night.

Well, my time came and I grabbed my little notebook. Someone said, “that’s a long list”, we all laughed and I said, hey, it’s not full, but…I wrote them all down just in case I forget something… Guess that’s not the norm.

So, the Priest, he just listened to me. Nodded his head up and down, said “oh, okay” quite a bit and absolved me.

I really couldn’t have done this a few years ago. It took years of me praying and asking our Lord to make me comfortable with this Sacrament. And it was like one day, I was at peace with it all and was actually looking forward to Confession.

I feel bubbly today. I’ve been singing. My children are kissing all over me, they sense my happiness…guess that I am glowing.

Thank you Jesus for your Sacrament and your Church!

 

[Belle10]

Thank you Jesus for your Sacrament and your Church!

AMEN!! :extrahappy:

Well, my time came and I grabbed my little notebook. Someone said, “that’s a long list”, we all laughed and I said, hey, it’s not full, but…I wrote them all down just in case I forget something… Guess that’s not the norm.

Well, I don’t know…I’ve often thought about doing that because I always seem to forget something I wanted to confess (venial) and then I remember it on the ride home. Doesn’t seem like a bad idea to me (if it helps you with your examination of conscience). Considering it was the first time too, I’m sure you were a bit nervous so I’d guess it was helpful.

So, the Priest, he just listened to me. Nodded his head up and down, said “oh, okay” quite a bit and absolved me.

You know, priests are all different (duh, we’re all different, right? ). I just mean that different priests hear confessions in slightly different ways (I’m not talking about serious deviations from the way the sacrament is to be given or anything). I’ve had priests who sound like the one you had who didn’t really say much. I’ve also had priests like the one at my parish now, who listens and then offers some “advice” before absolution – not advice per se, but reassurance and “real life” ideas on how to try to avoid certain sins. I don’t know if I’m explaining this very well!)
There have been times when I’ve felt a literal calm come over me (the Holy Spirit washing over me at the moment of absolution), and other times I haven’t “felt” anything, but I KNOW the grace was there every time, despite the different experiences.

The most important thing to remember is that as Jesus told St. Faustina (please see my signature if you’re not familiar with her or the Divine Mercy), He Himself is there in the confessional, and the priest is but a screen. This is why we are to trust our confessors and listen to them, because our Lord is truly the one speaking and absolving us of our sins.

I really couldn’t have done this a few years ago. It took years of me praying and asking our Lord to make me comfortable with this Sacrament. And it was like one day, I was at peace with it all and was actually looking forward to Confession.

I couldn’t do this a few years ago either, and I grew up with it. Lately I’ve been going pretty regularly though, and the more you go, the more grace you receive and the “easier” it gets! I really liked a talk given by Fr. Larry Richards simply titled “Confession” – you can get it (and others) for free at www.CatholiCity.com. I highly recommend it – it’s helped me so much.

I feel bubbly today. I’ve been singing. My children are kissing all over me, they sense my happiness…guess that I am glowing.

That’s wonderful!!! :extrahappy: That’s the grace of God flowing through you – and it’s a tangible thing your kids notice. What a blessing! :bounce:

 

[jmcrae]

Belle;

Don’t forget to burn the notebook.

(That was my second-favourite part of First Confession. after the Absolution - watching my list go up in flames, and realizing all over again that all those sins are gone. )

 

[DJgang]

Belle;

Don’t forget to burn the notebook.

(That was my second-favourite part of First Confession. after the Absolution - watching my list go up in flames, and realizing all over again that all those sins are gone. )

I shredded mine into tiny pieces in the garbage. Just where sins need to go, in the garbage!

 

[Belle10]

Belle;

Don’t forget to burn the notebook.

(That was my second-favourite part of First Confession. after the Absolution - watching my list go up in flames, and realizing all over again that all those sins are gone. )

Absolutely! I’ve never actually taken a written list into the confessional, I was just saying sometimes I think I should so I don’t forget anything…but, since venial sins are forgiven at the beginning of each Mass anyway, I haven’t done it.

I understand why we receive the sacraments at the ages we do, but I have to say that at 7 or 8 when I had my First Confession, I certainly didn’t understand it the way I do now (obviously). Sometimes I think it would be better to be a little older so as to have a better understanding, but I guess Jesus’ words in Luke 18:16 – “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God – is reason enough to receive them when we do.

Sorry, I got a little off topic!

 

[jmcrae]

Absolutely! I’ve never actually taken a written list into the confessional, I was just saying sometimes I think I should so I don’t forget anything…but, since venial sins are forgiven at the beginning of each Mass anyway, I haven’t done it.

I understand why we receive the sacraments at the ages we do, but I have to say that at 7 or 8 when I had my First Confession, I certainly didn’t understand it the way I do now (obviously). Sometimes I think it would be better to be a little older so as to have a better understanding, but I guess Jesus’ words in Luke 18:16 – “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God – is reason enough to receive them when we do.

Sorry, I got a little off topic!

I am of the opposite opinion - I wish I had had the opportunity to learn how to go to Confession before I ever had anything serious to confess - then I could have just concentrated on learning the ritual, without being nervous and wound up about my sins on top of it.

 

[Belle10]

I am of the opposite opinion - I wish I had had the opportunity to learn how to go to Confession before I ever had anything serious to confess - then I could have just concentrated on learning the ritual, without being nervous and wound up about my sins on top of it.

This is what I meant about it being so interesting and great to hear things from a different perspective (converts). I never would have thought of that, but it makes sense I guess.

 

[bwhite06517]

Cold Feet - yes!!!

In college once, I went to a Catholic rectory - rang the bell (and before it was answered - left)

Later, I started an RCIA class - got the book - attended two sessions - didn’t go back

Later - another class - five sessions - didn’t go back

Finally, when I really was ready, as part of the process went to a weekend retreat and enjoyed it greatly - and after the retreat was attacked by Satan “These are not your type of people”, “This is not what you should do” “This is stupid” “This is the dumbest thing you have ever done” … I’m glad I did not listen to him - and did become a Catholic ten years ago!!! Hallelujah!!! Now, I can receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament daily!!! (and I do!!! - what Love God had for me!!!)

 

[DJgang]

Finally, when I really was ready, as part of the process went to a weekend retreat and enjoyed it greatly - and after the retreat was attacked by Satan “These are not your type of people”, “This is not what you should do” “This is stupid” “This is the dumbest thing you have ever done” … I’m glad I did not listen to him - and did become a Catholic ten years ago!!! Hallelujah!!! Now, I can receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament daily!!! (and I do!!! - what Love God had for me!!!)

Ha, we definitely can’t say Satan isn’t real, because he told me the same things. In addition to “what will you parents think” “everyone will think you are a freak”…

 

[Todd_Winkels]

I VERY excited to be confirmed in Easter…I’m just somewhat nervous for my upcoming first confession!!!

 

[jmcrae]

I VERY excited to be confirmed in Easter…I’m just somewhat nervous for my upcoming first confession!!!

That’s normal!

 

[bwhite06517]

I VERY excited to be confirmed in Easter…I’m just somewhat nervous for my upcoming first confession!!!

I remember my first confession … if words had an aroma to them, my would have really stunk!!! They would have had to use a high dose of antiseptic spray in the confessional after my first one!! (Not that I was ‘that bad’, but I definitely needed to confess!!!)

 

[DJgang]

I VERY excited to be confirmed in Easter…I’m just somewhat nervous for my upcoming first confession!!!

Oh, Todd…I can honestly say that I wasn’t nervous. But tell you what, it takes a lot of praying to be at peace, because as Protestants we NEVER did anything like that.

I wrote notes that helped and … I practiced at Adoration for two weeks. Yes, I confessed silently to the Lord. I just talked and talked and talked, cried, etc. hoping that I wouldn’t cry when I finally made my First Confession, but I did anyway.

I’m telling you…you can feel God’s Grace!

So, be excited about this, think about how wonderful you are going to feel afterwards, to have all that weight off your shoulders. And mine was pretty heavy, I might add.

God bless!

 

[jwashu]

.

The reality of becoming Catholic is at hand. The honeymoon period where I have been in awe of this institution is over. From what I gather, what I am going through is normal. All of a sudden I realize that Catholicism is as much a religion as it is a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle that requires a devotion to Jesus Christ that I am not used to. It is also one I desperately need.

I have to say goodbye to a part of me that I don’t want to see go. I am going to have to stand up for beliefs that have been set in stone for almost two thousand years. As much as I know how much Jesus is the God of love,grace,and redemption,I also know that He is a God of division. I also know I can’t walk into the light unless I go the route that is ahead of me. There may be salvation outside of the Catholic Church but this is the narrow gate that is spoke of in the Bible. This is the Christianity the early Church fathers speak of and I want what they have and am willing to go to any lengths to get it. I am not sitting on the fence with this,however, I feel inadequate. On the flip side of the coin I had someone tell me something that really struck a cord with me. They said “The Catholic Church is not a museum for Saints,but a hospital for sinners” Hey,thats me…thats where I need to be!!!

Has anyone else gone through this? It almost like “cold feet” even though I am 100% sure that this is the True Church. I would not turn back if my life depended on it

As a Candidate right now myself I believe this is normal. Even though you are a Christian you didn’t have the full Truth, now you do… and someone doesn’t like that

This is a time of reflection and purification as we prepare for our First Reconcilliation and First Communion, it’s also a time of temptation and doubt.

I didn’t read all the responses so someone else may have said this already, but frankly the Devil dosen’t want us to be Catholic and he is going to do whatever he can to see that we fail.

What we have to remember is that Christ has already won this battle for us

I’m saying a prayer for all of our strength!

Joe