So I have been informally investigating

[stormy99]

Rebecca,

No, I recently moved out of Utah County. My faith changes meant I could not continue with my former employment, so I had to move out here to the corn fields of the Midwest to find work (but I thank the Lord that I was able to find something given that the economy is so poor).

And I do like the social aspect of RCIA, I certainly could use the moral support. One body in Christ, right?

**And the cornfields can go on for miles and miles…being a Midwestern gal to begin with, I loved the Mountains of Utah, still do…the Midwestern culture is so different…no one cares what religion you are…nor do they ask…nor are looked down on…it
s about as accepting as the fields as far as the eye can see…

stormy**

 

[soylatte2]

Beware of lukewarm or worse Catholics. As Father Groeschel said, “the problem with Catholicism in America today is the Catholics!”

My wife was a lifelong Catholic who attended Catholic schools for her entire life, but at age 40 she claims that she didn’t even know her faith until the last 4-5 years. When I converted we learned the faith together.(and are still learning!) There are many Catholics in this situation, unfortunately, so don’t expect too much from every Catholic you meet.

I coudn’t agree more. I was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church at 6 weeks old and I am one of those Catholics who went to Catholic school and all but I do not know my faith that well , which is why I’m so glad there is Catholic.com and this forum.

@ Sunstone, I’ve only read the first pages of this thread but I wish you luck in your journey. God Bless you.

 

[MEPayne]

I just love conversion stories; they really are a joy. Converts seem to learn so much more about our faith than we cradle Catholics and they are often so much more “on fire” for God. Welcome home, Sunstone!!! May God be with you always.

Peace~
Mary

 

[KathleenGee]

Stormy,

Again another sharing that is deeply moving…Jesus hungers for you!!

Rebecca, I also like the Church with the same response – that it is the same body all over the world. How I also wish more non-Catholics would pray for grace to see the Church as Christ’s Church.

 

[paulp1002]

The one question I have is, what is your wife’s intentions? Is she attending the RCIA class in support or to also join the Catholic Church?

 

[zipperc98]

I am so thankful I felt the need to get on here searching these forums tonight.

I am technically LDS, though haven’t attended church in a year, essentially. It’s a long story, but essentially almost 2 years ago a friend reappeared in my life, and very quickly I started questioning his beliefs as a Catholic…within weeks my conversion began. I suddenly felt like I was suddenly on a journey, but had no idea where I would end up.

I prayed all the time, and the more I prayed, the more right it felt, exploring the Catholic faith. Things then got ugly in my home, after I went to my husband about my desires to possibly become catholic. He grew up LDS…I was a convert when 19 (shortly after meeting him). I backed off a lot, and was pretty depressed, life just got less and less pleasant.

Now more than a year after the unpleasantness, a few weeks back, I dropped my daughter at preschool, and then found myself driving to a local parish, and into the office of the Deacon who is in charge of RCIA. He informed me the kick off started the very next night.

Since then I have attended that dinner plus two classes, gone to mass, and have spent a lot of time in the Adoration chapel, because the presence of God is calming, strengthening, and further confirmed what I was doing is right.

Problem is I haven’t brought it up with husband again. I am so afraid what it will do to us. I know I need to overcome that, but it’s difficult. For now, since I don’t need to feel like I have to make a formal commitment at least for several more weeks, I am trying to soak it all in. I will talk to him. In the meantime, nobody else, out of friends and family, knows what is happening right now. I feel it makes me stronger, and closer to God somehow, making this process privately. Its helping me.

We were given a small book, which is basically a summary of the CCC…I have been doing great, suddenl

 

[zipperc98]

(Sorry! Accidentally posted, since this is being done all on my phone!)

So, suddenly I’m feeling really overwhelmed…and freaking out…having doubts…I also feel like when I have days of less reflection, less prayer, doubts are there, as well as a lot of bad mood and negativity on my end. Stress, that is. I am feeling overwhelmed about all the prayers, feeling confused about all the stuff on Mary…well, some I get, others I don’t. Perhaps the isolation isn’t a completely good thing, but I don’t know.

I’m really glad to be reminded I am not the only one out there struggling and going through this process.

I’m sorry for any summaries…again, doing this through my phone, so it’s akward. But it uplifts me to know there are people here, and I am enjoying reading what people have to say.

Amy

 

[MEPayne]

God Bless you, Zipperc98! (Amy) Welcome to the Catholic church. I am inspired by your bravery in going forward with your spiritual journey. I pray that your husband will at least be accepting of your decision, and that God may open his heart in love. Please pray for me and my husband as well. I’m trynig to revert back to my faith, and he is a non-Catholic.

I’ve always found comfort in the Bible quote: “Be still and know that I am God”. Can anyone tell me exactly where this is from? Thanks and God Bless!

Mary

 

[Janet1983]

I’ve always found comfort in the Bible quote: “Be still and know that I am God”. Can anyone tell me exactly where this is from? Thanks and God Bless!

Mary

[BIBLEDRB]Psalm 45:11[/BIBLEDRB]

Depending on how you count though… in many other translations it’s Psalm 46:10.

KVJ: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

[Marie5890]

Hello Sunstone!

First of all know that there are several of us here who are former Mormons and found our way into the Catholic church. You are not alone in this. I am one of these.

With that, first know that there is no pressure and dont let your doubts and concerns trouble you (I had them but God found a way to help me thru this)

My one and only advice for you and your wife is to be open…Be open to the spirit…Be open to those who are guiding you thru the RCIA program…

There is no pressure…You will not be forced to be baptized this upcoming Easter vigil…

Keep your prayer life with Our Lord free flowing and go with the flow as so need…

Keep your eyes on Christ. Even when the waves swell around you.

If you have questions that you think would be helpful asking someone who understands your background better feel free to PM me…

 

[RebeccaJ]

(Sorry! Accidentally posted, since this is being done all on my phone!)

So, suddenly I’m feeling really overwhelmed…and freaking out…having doubts…I also feel like when I have days of less reflection, less prayer, doubts are there, as well as a lot of bad mood and negativity on my end. Stress, that is. I am feeling overwhelmed about all the prayers, feeling confused about all the stuff on Mary…well, some I get, others I don’t. Perhaps the isolation isn’t a completely good thing, but I don’t know.

I’m really glad to be reminded I am not the only one out there struggling and going through this process.

I’m sorry for any summaries…again, doing this through my phone, so it’s akward. But it uplifts me to know there are people here, and I am enjoying reading what people have to say.

Amy

RCIA can feel like drinking from the fire hose. I felt that way, and a lot of people have told me they felt/feel the same. There is also a drawing into Jesus Christ, that is felt as well. So rely on Him.

Put those struggles into prayer, and write down your questions, and put them out to get answers.

As has already been said, there is no pressure being put on you, so just relax.

“God wants us to realize we are, indeed, pregnant with Love. Christ is already there. As we develop spiritually, we slowly come to grasp this spiritual pregnancy, the gift of the Incarnation, and what it means for us in ever deeper ways. Thankfully, this mystery unfolds before us in small steps, in God’s time, so as to not overwhelm us. God does not lead us immediately from total darkness to total and perfect light. Such a sudden change would undoubtedly blind us. It would mean death to our eyes in a physical sense and death to our souls in a spiritual sense. In His infinite mercy, God allows Christ to be birthed in the world and in each of our hearts in a way analogous to the rising of the sun, allowing the pupils of our souls the time needed to adjust as the light continues to grow.” (“The Seeker’s Guide to Mary”, Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda)

 

[zipperc98]

RCIA can feel like drinking from the fire hose. I felt that way, and a lot of people have told me they felt/feel the same. There is also a drawing into Jesus Christ, that is felt as well. So rely on Him.

Put those struggles into prayer, and write down your questions, and put them out to get answers.

As has already been said, there is no pressure being put on you, so just relax.

LOL on the firehose. That’s quite a visual, but totally fitting.

I was given an RCIA manual a year and a half ago, so prior to attending classes I had read much of it. At least it isn’t completely overwhelming, but there is still plenty to understand and grasp!

Definitely a draw to Christ. Granted, I know I am new, but I would reccomend Adoration to those who are trying to grasp everything…somebody like me, who has a hard time finding enough quiet moments, even in daily prayer. I helps me considerably everytime I have been there, in the prescence of Jesus.

Good luck to those who are starting out…will keep you all in prayers as I am going through the same process!

 

[Tamarack]

God bless you, Zipper and Sunstone! You are in my prayers.

 

[zipperc98]

Thank you for your prayers and encouragment. In many aspects I have reasoned my way to Catholicism, but I have also felt the tuggings of God. As an academic, that’s not something I say easily, but I guess that’s why it’s all the more convincing for me.

A number of people and things have combined to help me, step by step, on the path. An Episcopalian pastor who quietly avows Catholic doctrine, a couple of Catholic faculty members where I work, an active Catholic college group (NCSC), Father Corapi on EWTN, Raymond Brown’s Introduction to the New Testament…I could go on and on.

I feel like I’m coming home, and like I’ve been coming home slowly for years. It feels good.

Very cool Sunstone! I hope it didn’t sound like I was hijacking your thread! I am interested to hear your progress as time goes…

And btw, I hear your on the “Slowly for years” aspect. My LDS conversion was fast, and probably rushed…My thoughts are exactly like you…it feels good!

 

[KathleenGee]

God bless you both, Sunstone and Amy…

Yes, the others are right…just be still…seek a quiet, gentle spirit in this, and try not to worry, putting your trust in the Lord.

Especially know that it is the Holy Spirit Himself Who is guiding you!!!