So... I’m Catholic. Now what?

[MonteRCMS]

Check in your parish bulletin and diocesan newspaper … there are programs and lectures and trips & pilgrimages that may be of interest.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

Thank you very much. I now have a meeting with the pastor of the parish to talk about next steps.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

No he did not. He only raised the issue, and since he raised it I felt obligated to respond, so I did.

It was lioness who did specifically ask. And she is who I was talking too about what is appropriate to ask a stranger.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

@lioness1 since you couldn’t be bother to look before you launched into your attack… here you go. My first response. Post #48. It reflects exactly what I wrote. Nice try.

That is a very personal and honestly none of your business, but since you’ve brought it up in a public forum (very bad form) I feel obligated to respond.

I am married. My husband and I have only ever been married to each other.

 

[Lioness1]

There is nothing more for me to say, I would just hope at this time in your life, that you would take a deep look at where you are and where you are going, look inward and see if what is being said to you has any merit. Ultimately it is up to you.

I am done here.

 

[Brettbat]

One does not just call themselves Catholic. Being Catholic is not some title that one just puts on because it seems right, it is a refinement, a change, an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It takes a lifetime of work. At least a year of catechesis and deep commitment.

VERY well said. Extremely presumptuous for a not-even-catechumen to call themselves Catholic in the title of this thread. Long way to go until this person can call themselves that. Not just a long way in the catechetical process, but in spiritual growth as well.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

@Brettbat @Lioness1

With attitudes such as this it’s no wonder the Catholic Church in the US is shrinking. Do you really expect all your converts to be perfect? Are you so pure? What I see is self-righteousness and righteous indignation. And no matter what you say THAT is not Christ-like.

Thank heavens the real life Catholics I’ve met along the way have been gracious and welcoming. Thank heavens they are interested in building relationships and building bridges. Thank goodness they are patient and slow to judgement. Thank goodness they are kind and caring in their guidance and correction. Thank goodness they recognize that, but for the grace of God, they would be nothing.

If I only ever encountered Catholics like you two I would NEVER EVER become Catholic. My life is full of enough pain, struggle, sadness and hopelessness. I wouldn’t dream of signing myself up to be the whipping boy of people up on their high horses.

I came here for answers to questions that have dogged me for years. Clearly I’ve come to the wrong place. Clearly.

 

[Dlee]

Please, everyone take a step back and stop the banter. We are not her catechists or her priest. Leave these questions to them We are here to encourage, not throw out roadblocks. Cut her some slack - it’s her journey to cherish.

mrsdizzy84, welcome to your journey to the Catholic Church. I’m glad you have contacted your parish to start the process. As a recent convert - I remember asking when I could say I was Catholic. Enjoy your journey.

 

[TheOldColonel]

Fill out a registration form. Then you’ll get your first envelopes. Then, start donating to the first and second collections and Bishop’s Annual Appeal every Sunday and on Holy Days. Support the Building Campaign, the Priests Retirement Fund, Catholic Education, the Semnarian Fund, Outreach to Latin American, Outreach to Native Amercans, Outreach to Africa, the Retirement Funds for Religious, the Retirement Fund for Deacons, All Special Collections for the Poor, Single Mothers, Disabed Circus Performers, Animal Rescue, Catholic Relief Servces, Retired Firefighters Association, Injured Hang Glider Recovery Fund, Americans for Religious Freedom, Americans for Religious Tolerance, the Holy Land, the Vatican and many, many other special causes. It’s really quite easy and very, very fun. All you have to do is use envelopes.

 

[MonteRCMS]

Buy a bookcase so you will have a dedicated place to keep your Catholic library.

 

[Pup7]

One does not just call themselves Catholic. Being Catholic is not some title that one just puts on because it seems right, it is a refinement, a change, an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It takes a lifetime of work. At least a year of catechesis and deep commitment.

Well then I’ll stop calling myself one, as I’ve not had this year you’re claiming is necessary.

You knew exactly what the OP meant in what she said.

Arrogance drives people from the Church. You can have a lifetime of Catholicism and you’ll still never be the perfect Catholic or the most knowledgable. Nothing in life works that way, not even religion.

Hardly a charitable statement. You have no idea where people are on their spiritual journey and you’re not entitled to call them out for it.

VERY well said. Extremely presumptuous for a not-even-catechumen to call themselves Catholic in the title of this thread. Long way to go until this person can call themselves that. Not just a long way in the catechetical process, but in spiritual growth as well.

Who are you to say that? You also know what she means - you’re smarter than that, and I know you are.

 

[Pup7]

@Brettbat @Lioness1

With attitudes such as this it’s no wonder the Catholic Church in the US is shrinking. Do you really expect all your converts to be perfect? Are you so pure? What I see is self-righteousness and righteous indignation. And no matter what you say THAT is not Christ-like.

Thank heavens the real life Catholics I’ve met along the way have been gracious and welcoming. Thank heavens they are interested in building relationships and building bridges. Thank goodness they are patient and slow to judgement. Thank goodness they are kind and caring in their guidance and correction. Thank goodness they recognize that, but for the grace of God, they would be nothing.

If I only ever encountered Catholics like you two I would NEVER EVER become Catholic. My life is full of enough pain, struggle, sadness and hopelessness. I wouldn’t dream of signing myself up to be the whipping boy of people up on their high horses.

I came here for answers to questions that have dogged me for years. Clearly I’ve come to the wrong place. Clearly.

There are SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE HERE - don’t let the arrogance and uncharitable attitudes of the few deter you from this forum! People like that are everywhere; you and I both encountered them prior to our journey to the Catholic faith; you know we did.

Don’t let them speak for everyone.

 

[MonteRCMS]

So, what you do is to start “acting Catholic” … pro-life activity, visiting the veterans home, bring Holy Communion to shut-ins, daily Mass, daily Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration in the middle of the night, food bank, helping with religious education, … and one day someone will point to you as being the model of someone who is a dedicated, devout Catholic.

 

[Brettbat]

You have no idea where people are on their spiritual journey and you’re not entitled to call them out for it.

One’s actions clearly illustrate where one is on one’s spiritual journey. We are admonished as Christians to point out such things if we ourselves are not guilty of the same thing. All of the epistles at one point or another mention this.

Her spiritual fitness was called into question for one simple reason: I stated “if you have been divorced and are remarried, that changes everything if you want to be a Catholic.” That benign statement, which was meant to be helpful, was reacted to with anger and rudeness. That is not the reaction of a person who is spiritually ready to call themselves Catholic.

My wife and I are currently sponsoring a young lady who is currently going through the annulment process. When she first expressed interest in the Church, no one told her about the divorce/remarriage issue, and it was quite a shock to her when she found it. When I saw this thread, I noticed that no one mentioned that, and I was just trying to help. There was no cause whatsoever for the rude response I received. Being rude to someone who is trying to help, easily taking offense, and being ungracious are antithetical to the Christian spirit…

 

[Pup7]

Her spiritual fitness was called into question for one simple reason: I stated “if you have been divorced and are remarried, that changes everything if you want to be a Catholic.” That benign statement, which was meant to be helpful, was reacted to with anger and rudeness. That is not the reaction of a person who is spiritually ready to call themselves Catholic.

I maintain that as you are as much as sinner as the rest of us, you have no right to make such a call. As she did make such a statement, you have no idea what memories you may have provoked with that.

We know not what our neighbor has been through.

Being rude to someone who is trying to help, easily taking offense, and being ungracious are antithetical to the Christian spirit…

Let he who is without sin…

I’m not railroading her post with further discussion on this.

OP - how’s your journey coming? When are you meeting with your priest?

 

[Brettbat]

I maintain that as you are as much as sinner as the rest of us,

I agree. Just not guilty of the thing that she did on the thread, thus I DO have the right to say it. You need to study the scriptures, which clearly illustrate that point. We are not to judge others if we are guilty of the same thing. I have never in my life been rude to someone who is trying to help. Never. Not once. Other sins? Sure I am a sinner like everyone else, and I would NEVER call someone out for something I have done or do.

 

[Dlee]

With all due respect and not meaning to offend you (thus negating if you perceive my comment rude and offensive), perhaps your comments are why you aren’t making connections in your new parish. You seem to be pretty boastful about yourself. Christ tells us we are not to be stumbling blocks to others and you are very presumptuous, touting your right to make judgement. Leave her spiritual direction to her priest and catechist.

 

[MonteRCMS]

You can’t do everything … but you can start with something easy … and when you are established in one thing … then add another thing. One thing at a time.