So disheartened. Feel like leaving Church.

[Dempsey1919]

I came home to the Church about a month ago and I attend an indult Latin Mass.

I fully believe in everything that the Church teaches…but I feel like leaving the Church. I’m so disheartened. Here’s the story:

Like I said, I’m a recent revert and I have been meeting with my parish priest for the last two weeks because I want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. I have spent about 4 years reading and learning about the faith; I wanted to make sure that I believe in EVERYTHING the Church teaches. I would never enter the Church and become a ‘cafeteria Catholic’. As a result of this study, I now have a pretty thorough understanding of doctrine and belief etc.

I was very excited about meeting with my priest every week but now I wish I didn’t bother.

It seems that every Catholic I meet is a liberal who is against the Church’s moral teachings. I recently started University and I visited the Catholic Chaplaincy. The Priest was great but the place seems very liberal, for example, the room where they say Mass has a gay pride flag pinned to the wall. One of the chaplains is an ex-nun (which seems strange). They also let non-Catholics worship there/use the facilities eg. chapel etc.

I’ve just came back from my weekly meeting with the Priest and I feel very demoralised. I decided that I would ask the Priest about everything that troubled me about Catholicism. I don’t think it went well. I asked him about ecumenism and the need for other Christians to become Catholics. He said that the Catholic Church is not the Church of Christ per se, but that the Church of Christ subsists in it. He said that the Church of Christ is actually the large fellowship of all Christians, irregardless of denomination. He did say that the Catholic Church has the fullness of faith however. He also said that the Roman Catholic Church had placed too much emphasis on the primacy of the Pope and that more needs to be done to accomodate the Orthodox.

I asked him whether he believed in contraception and he didn’t give me an answer. He told me that most Catholics in this country do not have a problem with contraception and that it is not an infallable teaching. I told him that I was against contraception and he looked less than impressed. I told him that I could not in good conscience ever use a condom and he said that while this is ‘proper’ most Catholics disagree.

I told him that I will keep attending the Latin Mass and that I hope other younger people will attend. He didn’t greet that comment with enthusiasm either.

At the end of the meeting, he asked me whether I would like to keep seeing him. I told him that I still wanted to be confirmed but he seemed less enthusiastic than he was last week.

I’m starting to think that there are no faithful Catholics left. Everyone I meet seems so hypocritical. I’m gutted because I really believe what the Church teaches, but it seems that the church is infested with dissenters who look down on orthodox catholic teaching. I wish I met Catholics like the ones on this forum.

I feel like leaving the Church…everyone seems so hypocritical…even the Priests. I don’t know what to do. The SSPX is looking more and more appealing. I’m feel very upset at the moment .

 

[Pete_1]

We are all sinners, some more so than others, it does not mean the Church is wrong because there are sinners in it. Maybe you should find a different priest, one that is not opposed to some aspects of the CCC (if your priest is).

 

[nan]

I just read a transcript of an American TV talk program in which the Catholic Church was bashed and misrepresented by the commentators, who all claimed to have been “raised” Catholic. I am feeling pretty disheartened myself right now. Just think of all the people in the world who will hear and see that garbage and, not knowing anything about Catholicism, will believe them.

 

[Pophead]

I asked him about ecumenism and the need for other Christians to become Catholics. He said that the Catholic Church is not the Church of Christ per se, but that the Church of Christ subsists in it. He said that the Church of Christ is actually the large fellowship of all Christians, irregardless of denomination. He did say that the Catholic Church has the fullness of faith however. He also said that the Roman Catholic Church had placed too much emphasis on the primacy of the Pope and that more needs to be done to accomodate the Orthodox.

Back in the mid-seventies, a while before I had my first experience of Church, I used to get into some really fantastic discussions with the Roman Catholic Fathers in the Navy and while working for the Hospitals. The thing I liked about them, was they were really open minded and never gave me the impression that they thought that being a Catholic was an exclusive club. In fact they readily agreed that Buddhists, and Moslem, and Jews all were ‘children of God’, (I am not sure about that now) and that they had not objections to people of any faith coming to the services. I guess the times have changed.

Personally, I think you will discover that belonging to any demonimation does not mean that you are a person of authentic faith. Your priest is right on target. A Christian does not become a Catholic, it is a Catholic who becomes a Christian, and that is not something that is determined by membership, but instead by birth into the family of GOD. Not everything is as it seems.

Love,
Pophead.

 

[WordisLove]

For every cafeteria Catholic I have met, there are two devout Catholics waiting to help anyone who needs help and guidance. The university is a very liberal place, it permeates all aspects of life unfortunately. One would hope that the Catholic Church could be a bulwark against the tide of liberalism, however, no one is perfect. I think if you continue your journey, study privately / online with others, and follow what you know to be the truth, you will find that the Church opinion is not what your priest described to you. Keep the faith, use the forums for information and support. Feel free to PM me anytime. I am a recent convert (March 2007) and may be able to help with questions you may have.

 

[DustinsDad]

…He said that the Catholic Church is not the Church of Christ per se, but that the Church of Christ subsists in it. He said that the Church of Christ is actually the large fellowship of all Christians, irregardless of denomination. …He also said that the Roman Catholic Church had placed too much emphasis on the primacy of the Pope and that more needs to be done to accomodate the Orthodox.

I asked him whether he believed in contraception and he didn’t give me an answer. He told me that most Catholics in this country do not have a problem with contraception and that it is not an infallable teaching. I told him that I was against contraception and he looked less than impressed. I told him that I could not in good conscience ever use a condom and he said that while this is ‘proper’ most Catholics disagree.

I told him that I will keep attending the Latin Mass and that I hope other younger people will attend. He didn’t greet that comment with enthusiasm either.

This is the priest that says the indult mass???

…I feel like leaving the Church…everyone seems so hypocritical…even the Priests. I don’t know what to do. The SSPX is looking more and more appealing. I’m feel very upset at the moment .

You have every right in the world, completely justified, to be scandalized in this situation -* just don’t leave*!

We’re in a very very big storm right now - don’t jump off the boat. Christ will get us through, and the Sacraments are there to sustain us no matter the faith (or lack thereof) of those around us.

Peace in Christ,

DustinsDad

 

[puzzleannie]

you met one less than truthful priest, you worship in an ultra-liberal setting, and you know a lot of unfaithful Catholics. So on that basis you want to leave the Church. Would it not be better for you to seek out a parish with a proper Mass and reverent worship, an orthodox priest for discussion and confession, and become part of a real parish community life, rather than a group of dissenters, and base your judgement on the real Church, rather than the artificial one? If you thought you were joing a Church that includes only holy, truthful, believing Christ-like people, you were mistaken. This is the Church of sinners, not of perfect people, at least here on Earth. Christ came to call sinners, as He states. The only perfect Catholics are those in heaven, so you will have to be willing to make your journey with the rest of us, imperfect as we are.

 

[JRKH]

I have little to offer, but I want to give you some encouragement to stay with it.

If there was ever a time that the church needs people to stand for tradition, and constancy it is now.

One example: The Holy Father has returned to us the great gift of the Tridentine Mass by taking it away from the Bishop’s authority to promote or squelch. Has this “liberalization” of the liturgy promoted joy and unity among Catholics?
No! It has generated a storm of fear and indignation from those who claim to want to be inclusive.

The Church needs young people who are both traditionalists and conciliators.

God may well have big plans for you in the Church. Please stick with it.

James

 

[momof8]

Hang in there, Dempsey! Satan would love to snatch you right back out of the Church. Instead, pray and sacrifice for this priest. However, I would never be able to attend a Mass at that university, and you don’t have to. Your spirit is disturbed at that place for good reason. Do find, as others advised, a parish with an orthodox priest. What about speaking with the priest who says the Latin Mass and doing your Confirmation preparation with him? (I’m guessing that the priest you were talking to is the priest at the university, not the one who says the Latin Mass.) Ask that priest for a recommendation of a parish near you that would have a reverent daily Mass.

But do pray for the university priest and everyone associated with the liberal parish. Try to say a decade or even a whole rosary for him. That is most definitely NOT what Satan is hoping to achieve in this situation!

God bless,
Sharon

 

[Brenda_V]

Hang in there, Dempsey! Satan would love to snatch you right back out of the Church. Instead, pray and sacrifice for this priest. However, I would never be able to attend a Mass at that university, and you don’t have to. Your spirit is disturbed at that place for good reason. Do find, as others advised, a parish with an orthodox priest. What about speaking with the priest who says the Latin Mass and doing your Confirmation preparation with him? (I’m guessing that the priest you were talking to is the priest at the university, not the one who says the Latin Mass.) Ask that priest for a recommendation of a parish near you that would have a reverent daily Mass.

But do pray for the university priest and everyone associated with the liberal parish. Try to say a decade or even a whole rosary for him. That is most definitely NOT what Satan is hoping to achieve in this situation!

God bless,
Sharon

I have to wholeheartedly second everything Sharon says here.

I want to remind you that the Church is full of sinners and hypocrites, these are the people Jesus came here for and was crucified for. He even says so himself when he is chastised for
eating and associating with the biggest sinners of his times; the prostitutes and tax collectors! Remember that we all fall and unfortunately some of us don’t see that we have fallen.

University is not the place to find orthodoxy. You think you don’t have an orthodox Priest, I don’t think so, I think what you have is a wise man who was pointing out to you that even though some will use birth control that does not make them not Catholic, just sinners, sinners perhaps who need to have a conversion of heart about this issue but not by someone who is “new to this”, a gentle mention to some will be the seed that needs to be planted in them for them to stop. Look at the many threads here on CAF about contraception - ever so many have come to this later in life. I do think your Priest may not have handled the talk well but do give him a second and third chance!

Brenda V.

 

[thecoach]

I have to wholeheartedly second everything Sharon says here.

I want to remind you that the Church is full of sinners and hypocrites, these are the people Jesus came here for and was crucified for. He even says so himself when he is chastised for
eating and associating with the biggest sinners of his times; the prostitutes and tax collectors! Remember that we all fall and unfortunately some of us don’t see that we have fallen.

University is not the place to find orthodoxy. You think you don’t have an orthodox Priest, I don’t think so, I think what you have is a wise man who was pointing out to you that even though some will use birth control that does not make them not Catholic, just sinners, sinners perhaps who need to have a conversion of heart about this issue but not by someone who is “new to this”, a gentle mention to some will be the seed that needs to be planted in them for them to stop. Look at the many threads here on CAF about contraception - ever so many have come to this later in life. I do think your Priest may not have handled the talk well but do give him a second and third chance!

Brenda V.

What seems to me here, and seems to be a theme, is that Catholics are more concerned with the Church than with the relationship with CHrist Himself. It seems that the organization is more important than the purpose of the organization,. It seems that more are concerned with the shadow than the substance. Why are you not more concerened with your personalrelationship with Christ than these doctrines? It just seems out of kilter to me.

 

[averheyen]

I came home to the Church about a month ago and I attend an indult Latin Mass.

I fully believe in everything that the Church teaches…but I feel like leaving the Church. I’m so disheartened. Here’s the story:

Like I said, I’m a recent revert and I have been meeting with my parish priest for the last two weeks because I want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. I have spent about 4 years reading and learning about the faith; I wanted to make sure that I believe in EVERYTHING the Church teaches. I would never enter the Church and become a ‘cafeteria Catholic’. As a result of this study, I now have a pretty thorough understanding of doctrine and belief etc.

I was very excited about meeting with my priest every week but now I wish I didn’t bother.

It seems that every Catholic I meet is a liberal who is against the Church’s moral teachings. I recently started University and I visited the Catholic Chaplaincy. The Priest was great but the place seems very liberal, for example, the room where they say Mass has a gay pride flag pinned to the wall. One of the chaplains is an ex-nun (which seems strange). They also let non-Catholics worship there/use the facilities eg. chapel etc.

I’ve just came back from my weekly meeting with the Priest and I feel very demoralised. I decided that I would ask the Priest about everything that troubled me about Catholicism. I don’t think it went well. I asked him about ecumenism and the need for other Christians to become Catholics. He said that the Catholic Church is not the Church of Christ per se, but that the Church of Christ subsists in it. He said that the Church of Christ is actually the large fellowship of all Christians, irregardless of denomination. He did say that the Catholic Church has the fullness of faith however. He also said that the Roman Catholic Church had placed too much emphasis on the primacy of the Pope and that more needs to be done to accomodate the Orthodox.

I asked him whether he believed in contraception and he didn’t give me an answer. He told me that most Catholics in this country do not have a problem with contraception and that it is not an infallable teaching. I told him that I was against contraception and he looked less than impressed. I told him that I could not in good conscience ever use a condom and he said that while this is ‘proper’ most Catholics disagree.

I told him that I will keep attending the Latin Mass and that I hope other younger people will attend. He didn’t greet that comment with enthusiasm either.

At the end of the meeting, he asked me whether I would like to keep seeing him. I told him that I still wanted to be confirmed but he seemed less enthusiastic than he was last week.

I’m starting to think that there are no faithful Catholics left. Everyone I meet seems so hypocritical. I’m gutted because I really believe what the Church teaches, but it seems that the church is infested with dissenters who look down on orthodox catholic teaching. I wish I met Catholics like the ones on this forum.

I feel like leaving the Church…everyone seems so hypocritical…even the Priests. I don’t know what to do. The SSPX is looking more and more appealing. I’m feel very upset at the moment .

PLEASE DON`T LEAVE THE CHURCH!!! We need more of your kind, not less!



hang in there

 

[Deist]

I just think you should move to the South, I don’t know any of these “liberal Catholics” that you speak of…I mean, a gay pride flag? Lax on birth control? who are theses people?
I must be sheltered…thanks be to God .

We do like wine…and we have had a “Cake Walk” once at a fund raiser …please forgive us.

 

[bola_mariet]

my dear we need to constantly pray for our priests they need our prayers because sometimes all in the name of ecumenism,liberalism etc they have led many out of the church instead of inside.
dont be discourage take heart and know that the journey of faith sometimes personal and dont leave the church because of some lax fellow who cant keep the rule and think that everybody must not keep it also; pray to the holy spirit to direct you and look for another church where the priest still believe in the church teachings.
take care and God be with you

 

[SeanTom]

Dempsey,

Here are some reasons “not to leave the church” I regret it is so lengthy, but you may find them helpful:

WHY SHOULD WE GO TO CHURCH?

When we go to church we tell the world around us who we are and what we represent. Simply by going to church makes us all evangelists to our family, friends, neighbors and the community in which we live. Jesus says very clear in his Gospels that anyone who stands up for Him before the world, He will stand up for us before God the Father (Mt.10:32). In the light of our life in eternity, what more could anyone ask, for so little effort on our part.

Attendance at church is not just simply joining in a social or community action taking place in a certain type of building. We are actually and formally worshipping God in a community setting. At this time we can thank Him for His many graces and favors to us over the past week . Most of all, though, we can acknowledge our absolute dependence on Him. It is only by His grace and mercy that we get to draw our next breath.

At church, God is able to communicate to us in a way which we may not find anywhere else. Through the prayers of the Mass/service itself, the scripture readings that change each day, and the homilies/sermons on Sundays (and other days of the week), God is able to help, encourage and instruct us in a unique and personal way. Many times one will have come away from Mass/service with a particular thought or phrase going through one’s mind, which usually and not surprisingly applies to something that is going on in one’s life at that time. We may find answers through our communications with God at Mass.

For Catholics, unless we are ill, aged or shut-in, attending Mass is the only time when we have the opportunity to go forward and receive from the hands of the celebrating Priest or Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Minister, the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. This is not simply a memorial of the Last Supper. The wafer we receive is not a rite of remembrance but the most real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Once again, Jesus said very clearly in the Gospel of John: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you… My flesh is true food and My blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in Me and I in him… who feeds on me will have life because of Me.” (Jn.6:53,55-57). Mass, for most of us, is the only time we can go forward and take the food which will give us the life that Jesus talks about in the above quotation from the Gospel of John.

Over the years of my life many Christians have told me that they can worship God just as well while strolling in the woods, or seated in some quiet place at home or elsewhere. This is true enough in its way but when you ask them when was the last time they strolled in the woods for an hour worshipping God, the chances are there would be no answer.

The Bible says we should not forsake “our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near,” (Heb. 10:25). It is wise to go to church because that is where we can go to hear the word of God preached and to experience the friendship of other believers.
It is very important that we hear the word of God. The Bible says, “So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it,” (Isa. 55:11). Also, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Heb. 4:12).

The word of God, when it is preached, presents to us the truth that the Lord wants us to know. We need to hear the word of God presented to us, analyzed, and applied to our lives so that we can live better, accomplish what God desires for us, and can bring glory and honor to Him.

The other very good reason mentioned above for going to church is to experience friendship with other Christians. We need friends in order to be well balanced and healthy. Also, in church we discover opportunities to serve and be served. Therefore, we learn to apply what is taught out of God’s word and then we learn to extend it to others outside the church.

Also, in church we share in the successes and failures of others and learn how the Lord has worked in the lives of other people. In this we are encouraged. Remember, God did not make us to be alone. We need the friendship of other believers.
So, you should go to church because that is where you can hear the word of God explained and applied to your life, see how God works in people’s lives, and experience the friendship of others.

(Continued to next posting)

 

[SeanTom]

(Continuted from previous posting)

Can a person be a Christian and not attend church?

This is a valid question, since going to church does not save people. They are saved (and get to go to heaven) by getting right with God. Still, getting right with God is only the start of being a Christian, as a birth is only the start of having a life.

We understand that some people may find themselves in a position where they do not attend church for a short time. (Perhaps they just moved to a new city and have not found a church, or are in the hospital and can not physically go to church.) That is not what we are referring to here. We are referring to people who can not be bothered with going to church and purposefully and consistently stay away from church. We believe that such people can not remain Christians for at least three reasons

(1) The Bible has no examples of anyone who was right with God but also       stood alone and did not spend time with other believers. Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us clearly that we should gather together and encourage and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

(2) In Ephesians 5:21-33, Paul tells us how husbands and wives ought to relate to one another. There, he teaches that Christ relates to the church as if it were His “bride.” He always wants the best for her and loves the church so much that He gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). If you told someone, “I like you and I want to have a close relationship with you, but I can’t stand being around your spouse at all,” you might get a punch in the nose! In the same way, people who say “I love Jesus, but I do not want to have anything to do with the church,” are putting up a wall between themselves and Jesus.

(3) Using figures of speech, Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18 refer to Christ as the “head” and the church as the “body.” 1 Corinthians chapter 12 further explains how the church (the body) is made up of individuals who work together, pooling their talents, skills, and strengths-all for the purpose of helping as many people as possible get right with God and grow closer to Him. To refuse to be a part of the body is to say that we do not want to follow God’s plan. In a sense, such people believe that by acting on their own that they have a better plan than God does. There is a lot of arrogance in such thinking.

A Special Comment

Church can be a gathering of thousands in a “mega-church.” It could also be a few people getting together for breakfast at a restaurant and helping each other “grow in Christ,” since Jesus says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

“Growth in Christ” happens when we meet to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24) or “sharpen” each other (Proverbs 27:17). It does not have to be in a church building on Sunday morning. It is possible that some of us may live where there are no churches close by, or those that are available do not follow the Bible. We still have a responsibility to do all we can to locate other believers and get together with them. We may need to start something on our own and do our best to help people around us get right with God, so we can grow from there. Bur the best way to do this is by attending a Christian church of your choice.

In closing, I would like to add that if you happen to be away from the practice of your faith, why not give it a try once more. Slip into a back pew on a Sunday or attend a weekday Mass, or service, somewhere, in the church of your choice.
I believe that a Christian church is God’s house on earth. What better way to be with God then to visit with Him in His own earthly home. For me this is the Catholic church. For others it may be a Protestant church - but if they are Christian churches, God will be there for each of us…

Remember, if we are serious about doing what God wants us to do in order to enter His Kingdom, then we should strongly consider going to church. How else can we do what God wants us to do if we don’t really know what it is that God wants us to do. The best way to know this is to (1) Read the Bible to see His words as presented to us by His Apostles - authors of the Gospels and (2) GO to church to hear His words, and have them explained, from the pulpit… How else will we know how God’s teachings apply to us if we won’t make ourselves available to hear them? We must know what God’s teachings are for us. Living a good life does not necessarily mean that we are following the teachings given to us by our Lord Jesus. We need to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.We need to take His words to heart.

I found this inscription on an entrance door of the Naval Amphibious Base Catholic Chapel - something to think about::

“Whenever I pass a church
I always pay a visit.
So that when I am “carried” in,
The Lord won’t say, “who is it?”

 

[mpb74]

Though raised Catholic I left in my mid teens because of the conduct I saw in the devout. Namely my parents, SOME Parish priests , and several, certainly not all of the Nuns in my school. These are people. failed human beings. Alas, I was a child. Despite all I learned in secular society, I now realize, to use modern english, they be like me., Or I be like them. Failed human beings of varying degrees of Faith. It has taken me over 30 years to come home. I will never ever allow the conduct, attitude, faith or lack thereof of any human being drive me away from God, Catholic life is a paragon, an ideal, that I see as totally impossible to perfectly attain by human beings. We become better Catholics thru practice ( Thus the term Practicing Catholic ). I am seeking perfection, but being a man, must accept what is attainable, progress. That’s why there is confession. The struggles we face are mere gnats flying in our eyes compared to the travails of Christ. I am wholly, totally, and completely responsible for MY attention to the faith. God allows many obstacles to avert us, including those who suppose to speak in his name. If my faith cannot withstand the sight of a renegade priest or a congregation of cafeteria Catholics, what true faith have I to overcome the snares temptations and evil that manifest themselves in the world, and yes, in Christ’s church today. Pray, Trust God, Resolve to withstand the slings and arrows to follow the fullness of faith and trudge the peaceful, though ravaged road towards salvation. Just my vexperience and view, for what it is worth. Dan

 

[hasikelee]

OP, you say you are a recent convert…something I’ve noticed about those who are new to this journey of faith is they can become very critical of others on the journey and easily discouraged.

You are lit with fire and very zealous…not everyone is like that at every point in life. Justice might seem tantamount to you right now, but mercy has its time as well.

 

[Dempsey1919]

Thanks for the replies, they really helped. I feel guilty for even writing this because the Priest is a really nice person.

Maybe I was in the wrong, I just don’t know. I thought that the Catholic Church was necessary for salvation; I believed that there was no salvation outside of the Church except when ignorance prevents people from knowing the truth. For example, people who have no idea what the Catholic Church is may be saved if they live a good life according to their conscience.

Is this correct?

I am a traditional Catholic. I like the Latin Mass and the old spirituality of the Church, such as the Rosary. The people I have met mentioned Taize prayers (I haven’t a clue what this is) etc.

Is it wrong to think that the Catholic Church is superior to the Protestant churches? I thought the Catholic Church was the true church of God and that the Protestants were wrong for separating. I have always believed that the Protestant churches should convert and unite with the Pope and his Bishops. I was under the impression that ecumenism was meant for this. Was I wrong?

Maybe what I thought about the Church was wrong. I really believed that the Catholic Church was necessary for salvation. Now I’m not sure. The priest said that Christ works through all Christians and that they don’t necessarily have to become Catholic. This goes against everything that I thought. I’ve read Church documents in the past that have called Protestants heretics for leaving the Church.

I must be in the wrong if every Catholic I meet believes differently to me. For instance, I personally believe that receiving the Eucharist in the hand is disrespectful and I would never want to do it. Most Catholics think I am strange for this. I’m not condemning people for receiving in the hand, it’s just a personal preference of mine.

Maybe I need to be more accepting of other religions. I was all for evangelisation and conversion, but maybe this is not the way to go. I don’t want to alienate myself from anyone in the Church and I think I may be a bit too conservative for my own good.

I cringe when I hear of african masses and ‘international’ Masses. Am I being uptight?

I feel so confused at the moment. I don’t know what I believe anymore.

Is it possible to be too traditional? I am loyal to the Pope and will do whatever he says but I just prefer the Latin Mass. I wish there was a FSSP parish near me.

By the way, this is one of the Priests who says the Latin Mass. There are a few. I think I may lack tact when I speak and that may be a problem. I will be the first to admit that I see things as black and white sometimes - there are no grey areas. Maybe I should be more accomodating to the people who disagree with contraception and homosexuality etc. I hate hypocracy though and I would leave the Church if I ever endorsed these behaviours. I would never try to make the Church change its beliefs to suit me - that is what irritates me about the liberals.

Sorry for rambling. I’ve got a lot on my mind. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pax_et_Caritas]

Thanks for the replies, they really helped. I feel guilty for even writing this because the Priest is a really nice person.

Maybe I was in the wrong, I just don’t know. I thought that the Catholic Church was necessary for salvation; I believed that there was no salvation outside of the Church except when ignorance prevents people from knowing the truth. For example, people who have no idea what the Catholic Church is may be saved if they live a good life according to their conscience.

Is this correct?

I am a traditional Catholic. I like the Latin Mass and the old spirituality of the Church, such as the Rosary. The people I have met mentioned Taize prayers (I haven’t a clue what this is) etc.

Is it wrong to think that the Catholic Church is superior to the Protestant churches? I thought the Catholic Church was the true church of God and that the Protestants were wrong for separating. I have always believed that the Protestant churches should convert and unite with the Pope and his Bishops. I was under the impression that ecumenism was meant for this. Was I wrong?

Don’t let yourself become confused. You are not wrong. You are exactly correct in your throughts. I have two recommendations for you…

1.) Don’t get discouraged. Instead, you should be wondering why God has allowed you to keep the faith in this time of apostasy. Think of how many people are loosing the faith today, while you yourself still have it! This is a tremendous grace, for which you owe much gratitude to God. He has given you the faith in a day of almost total apostasy and confusion. You should thank Him every day, and show your gratitude by giving 100% effort to live as He would have you to live. You are one of the few chosen souls to still have the faith in this day of confusion.

2.) So that you do not become confused by the confusion of those you are encountering, read the old Encyclicals of the Popes. These are perfectly clear, and will help to enforce the truth that you already posses. Here are a few great encyclicals - all of which are available online. Simply type the name into google and you locate them.

a.) Satis Cognitum, by Pope Leo XIII. This encyclical discusses the true nature of the Church and shines the light of truth on the false ecumenism of our day.

b.) Libertas, by Pope Leo XIII. This encyclical deals with the nature of true liberty and exposes many false modern “liberties”. One thing that will help you to understand this encyclical is to realize that the term “natural liberty” (which the Pope uses) is another name for “free will”. “Natural liberty” is what man is capable of doing, whereas “moral liberty” is what man is allowed to do. Keep that in mind when you read the encyclical.

c.) Mortalium Animos, by Pope PiusXI. This is another good encyclical on unity, and it also exposes the false ecumenism of today. BTW, you mentioned “Tiaze”. This is a “religious community” that consists of a variety of heretical sects (Protestants) and Catholics all living together as “one”. It is a perfect example of the false ecumenism of today that I call “Big Tent” ecumenism, which does not seek a unity within the Truth, but simply a “unity” at any costs, and at the expense of truth. Truth is set aside, for the sake of “unity”.

d.) Mirari Vos, by Gregory XVI. This is an encyclical that was written in 1832, when Liberalism was first beginning to emerge. In those days, Liberalism was primarily in the world, and had not yet made much of an impact in the Church. The Pope is primarily condemning the liberalism that was emerging in the world, but it is a perfect parallel to what is now happening in the Church.

e.) Our Apostolic Mandate (agianst the Sillon), by Pope Pius X. This encyclical condemns a group known as the Sillon. The errors of the Sillon are everywhere today. I’ll end this post with a quote from that encyclical

Pope Pius X" "And now, overwhelmed with the deepest sadness, We ask Ourselves, Venerable Brethren, what has become of the Catholicism of the Sillon? Alas! this organization which formerly afforded such promising expectations, this limpid and impetuous stream, has been harnessed in its course by the modern enemies of the Church, and is now no more than a miserable affluent of the great movement of apostasy being organized in every country for the establishment of a One-World Church which shall have neither dogmas, nor hierarchy, neither discipline for the mind, nor curb for the passions, and which, under the pretext of freedom and human dignity… (Our Apostolic Mandate, Pope St. Pius X, 1910).

We are now in the day he predicted, and you yourself still have the faith. This should encourage you, not discourage you. But be sure to do your part by reading (and learning) the encyclicals I posted above so that the present state of confusion does not cause you to be confused.