Strong Desire to Attend Mass, But Not Catholic

[jmcrae]

Thanks, this is a good explanation of how to do it! I usually just write down people’s names on a sheet of paper, and fold it up in my purse. Then I take it out when I am saying the rosary or at mass. I don’t write down the intentions; I figured God knows what these people’s intentions are better than me, so I just leave it. But I’ve noticed when my priest personally prays for people, he wants to have their full name, even when he prays privately for them. Is there any specific reason for this?

Names are really important to God. Yes, God knows who you are talking about, even if you don’t know the name, but it’s very powerful to pray for someone by their full and right name.

Obviously, it’s not “wrong” to pray for someone whose name you don’t know - that person screaming by in the ambulance, obviously you don’t even know what they look like or whether they are male or female, but it is very appropriate to pray for them as the ambulance is screaming past you in traffic - but if you later find out the person’s name, by reading about them in the newspaper, you would then pray for them again by name.

Like I said, I am more inclined to just write down the name, whatever portion of it I have (even just a username) and trust that God knows who I am talking about, what is in the person’s heart, etc… but I want to do things the “correct” way… how Catholics do it generally.

Well, the important thing is the “showing up.” Don’t worry about doing it right or wrong - just do it. With practice you will figure it out, and in the mean time God makes up for any lack. “Do your best, and let God do the rest.”

I am not advocating laziness or sloppiness - when I say “do your best” I really mean, take the time and the effort to do the best you possibly can - but rather, just to get in there and get going, and with experience, it will come together. Don’t worry about “doing it wrong” - it would be worse to not do it at all.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Names are really important to God. Yes, God knows who you are talking about, even if you don’t know the name, but it’s very powerful to pray for someone by their full and right name.

Ah OK… thanks! I honestly didn’t realize the name was so important. This is in the teachings of the Church somewhere I assume? Is it somehow connected to, when people are baptized, their whole name is used? It also makes me think of, in synagogue, when a baby is circumcized or named (in the case of a girl). Does it have some connection to that also? It also brings to mind God telling Moses His name…

jmcrae:

I am not advocating laziness or sloppiness - when I say “do your best” I really mean, take the time and the effort to do the best you possibly can - but rather, just to get in there and get going, and with experience, it will come together. Don’t worry about “doing it wrong” - it would be worse to not do it at all.

Yeah, makes sense… thanks!

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Well, the important thing is the “showing up.” Don’t worry about doing it right or wrong - just do it. With practice you will figure it out, and in the mean time God makes up for any lack. “Do your best, and let God do the rest.”

Thanks, I definitely need more practice, and need to learn so much more, especially about the teachings of the Church. I was shocked when I did that Beliefnet quiz (in the non-catholic religions section) and I turned out to be 100% Mormom! Roman Catholic was in there too (94%), but it was only 5th on the list! I figure its because of certain theology questions about the nature of God, mentioned at the beginning of the quiz. I wasn’t sure how to answer about the Incarnation and the Trinity, and I think I chose the wrong answer… which just indicates to me I need to study a lot more.

 

[jmcrae]

Ah OK… thanks! I honestly didn’t realize the name was so important. This is in the teachings of the Church somewhere I assume? Is it somehow connected to, when people are baptized, their whole name is used? It also makes me think of, in synagogue, when a baby is circumcized or named (in the case of a girl). Does it have some connection to that also? It also brings to mind God telling Moses His name…

Yes, precisely. I am under the impression that both Jews and Catholics share the same beliefs about the importance of names - this is definitely an area of common ground.

 

[jmcrae]

Thanks, I definitely need more practice, and need to learn so much more, especially about the teachings of the Church. I was shocked when I did that Beliefnet quiz (in the non-catholic religions section) and I turned out to be 100% Mormom! Roman Catholic was in there too (94%), but it was only 5th on the list! I figure its because of certain theology questions about the nature of God, mentioned at the beginning of the quiz. I wasn’t sure how to answer about the Incarnation and the Trinity, and I think I chose the wrong answer… which just indicates to me I need to study a lot more.

It is discouraging how many Catholics also have heretical beliefs about the Trinity and the Incarnation - I recently heard someone who really ought to know better describing the Trinity as “like ice, water and steam” - uh, no - that’s the Heresy of Modalism. The Trinity is like three folds in the same blanket - one blanket, three folds - one God, three Persons. Three Persons who share in one Divine nature, and one Divine will.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Yes, precisely. I am under the impression that both Jews and Catholics share the same beliefs about the importance of names - this is definitely an area of common ground.

Cool, I will have to read up on it more. I really don’t know much about Judaism either, as I was raised secular. But its very interesting to me how similar some things are between the two faiths. I was just commenting in another thread that the Tridentine mass is quite similar in some respects, to Orthodox Jewish services I have attended. The first Tridentine mass I attended really reminded me of synagogue.

 

[jmcrae]

Cool, I will have to read up on it more. I really don’t know much about Judaism either, as I was raised secular. But its very interesting to me how similar some things are between the two faiths. I was just commenting in another thread that the Tridentine mass is quite similar in some respects, to Orthodox Jewish services I have attended. The first Tridentine mass I attended really reminded me of synagogue.

Yes, I know - I chanced to visit a synagogue one time for an ecumenical meeting, and I thought, “Hey! It’s a Latin Mass chapel!”

I was extremely tempted to genuflect.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Yes, I know - I chanced to visit a synagogue one time for an ecumenical meeting, and I thought, “Hey! It’s a Latin Mass chapel!”

I was extremely tempted to genuflect.

Haha. Yes the look is very similar too I’ve found. Its interesting to me!

Well, I am leaving on my trip in the morning (Monday morning) so I will speak with you all on my return, next Sunday night. Please keep me in your prayers during my visit and “retreat” with the Missionaries of Charity. I am very excited! Take care all.

 

[grandfather]

Haha. Yes the look is very similar too I’ve found. Its interesting to me!

Well, I am leaving on my trip in the morning (Monday morning) so I will speak with you all on my return, next Sunday night. Please keep me in your prayers during my visit and “retreat” with the Missionaries of Charity. I am very excited! Take care all.

You surely are going with prayers.

I think alot about the nature of prayer. A lot of people pray a lot, which is always good, but don’t think about what an amazing thing prayer is. One of the things it is, is glue. It not only puts souls in communion with one another, but it creates a bond, a connectedness through which grace flows.

In the world of robotics there are signal processors. They are connected some to others and data goes back and forth that cause movement in the unit. Prayer interconnects our souls. We are one body, the Body of Christ.

Have a blessed and grace filled trip and retreat.

 

[Liraco]

When it comes to things like the Trinity, no analogy is perfect and they all have flaws (though some a lot more than others) but can still be understood. Just keep growing in that knowledge.

You’re certainly in my prayers. Have fun!

 

[po18guy]

Cool, I will have to read up on it more. I really don’t know much about Judaism either, as I was raised secular. But its very interesting to me how similar some things are between the two faiths. I was just commenting in another thread that the Tridentine mass is quite similar in some respects, to Orthodox Jewish services I have attended. The first Tridentine mass I attended really reminded me of synagogue.

Rosalind Moss describes her impression of the Catholic mass as “Synagogue, but with Christ”. It went a long way toward leading her home.

You have my prayers that your retreat will fill your heart to overflowing with joy and God’s graces. Amen!

 

[MyCatholicHeart]

Judith,
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for sharing your experiences here on this forum, especially the ones about attending adoration. I actually went for the first time recently mainly because of you sharing your experience. I found a parish near my home that has 24 hour adoration and am hoping to be able to go more often. It was simply awesome. I couldn’t take my eyes off of my Lord there right in front of me. I have never felt anything like that. I actually went home and looked at myself in the mirror because I figured I must look different since I felt so different! The experience actually cemented my desire to become Catholic and I am starting RCIA next month.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for being so open to sharing your experiences and to let you know that it has been a blessing to me personally.
And I know you won’t see this until you return from your trip next week, but I hope you have a safe trip and that it’s everything you expect and more. I can’t wait to read about it. Prayers and God bless.

 

[Greg_Schmidt]

Yes thanks I have attended mass! Probably over a dozen times now. The first time was April 29th, and I’ve been trying to go every day, though I got the flu so there was a period of close to 2 weeks where I wasn’t going. I’m practically a regular now though! I’m also speaking with the parish priest, I’ve seen him at his office twice and we’ve also met at the local cafe. He lives 2 blocks from me! The church is also extremely close, as are the Sisters who attend the early morning mass I go to… their convent is 2 blocks in the opposite direction. Its kind of amazing, as I only moved to this neighbourhood a very short time ago, and the only reason for being in this particular part of the city at all is because of the near zero vacancy rate - I took this place out of desperation. Normally I would have chosen a location much closer to my work. It seems though it was meant to be!

Oh, and for a further update, the priest is now suggesting I attend some catechism classes, weekly. No pressure he says, but I have been invited. So I may do that soon.

This maybe me but my thought is that people like Susan that don’t start out Catholic but end up Catholic end up being some of the best Catholic people of all,

 

[jmcrae]

This maybe me but my thought is that people like Susan that don’t start out Catholic but end up Catholic end up being some of the best Catholic people of all,

The most inspiring and edifying part is that she is not holding back at all from the experience - she is just diving right into it and enjoying the whole thing.

 

[po18guy]

The most inspiring and edifying part is that she is not holding back at all from the experience - she is just diving right into it and enjoying the whole thing.

It would appear that we are witnessing not only the Lord’s call, but a call to a vocation.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

MyCatholicHeart:

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for sharing your experiences here on this forum, especially the ones about attending adoration. I actually went for the first time recently mainly because of you sharing your experience. I found a parish near my home that has 24 hour adoration and am hoping to be able to go more often. It was simply awesome. I couldn’t take my eyes off of my Lord there right in front of me. I have never felt anything like that. I actually went home and looked at myself in the mirror because I figured I must look different since I felt so different! The experience actually cemented my desire to become Catholic and I am starting RCIA next month.

Oh wow, that is wonderful. It is awesome, isn’t it? I feel exactly the same way as you described. I am so happy that you will be attending RCIA in the fall. Thanks be to God! Yesterday being the Assumption, I feel its fitting to quote the Magnificat:

My soul glorifies the Lord, 
my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
He looks on his servant in her lowliness; 
henceforth all ages will call me blessed.

The Almighty works marvels for me. 
Holy his name!
His mercy is from age to age, 
on those who fear him.

He puts forth his arm in strength 
and scatters the proud-hearted.
He casts the mighty from their thrones 
and raises the lowly.

He fills the starving with good things, 
sends the rich away empty.

He protects Israel, his servant, 
remembering his mercy,
the mercy promised to our fathers, 
to Abraham and his sons for ever.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Thanks to everyone who wrote in here while I was away with the Sisters. It was nice to come back home today and read your comments. I had a fantastic time with the Sisters. In fact, I really didn’t want to leave!

It was funny meeting the Sister I knew as a child, as she seemed a lot younger to me haha. I guess she was only about 25 when I knew her, so she’s 45 now. At the time I thought she was very ancient, but now I don’t consider her old at all, and its 20 years later! Kids have weird perceptions! In any event, she is a wonderful person, as were all the Sisters. I didn’t know this would be happening, but they allowed me inside their convent. I thought I would be staying in a guest area or a part of the shelter. As a kid I never saw where they lived. But… I stayed right with them, ate and slept with them and so on. I had remarked to Sister in passing that I felt I might have a religious vocation, but too early to tell obviously since I’m not even Catholic yet. But because I said this, she let me stay with them as an informal come and see. I feel very privileged to have been in their home, and I’m in awe of the way they live. I’m not going to share all the particulars because I’m not sure its appropriate. But it was wonderful. Such a different perspective of them than the one I had as a child. Not bad or anything, but just very different. I want to go back for a longer stay, probably in the spring sometime.

They pray throughout the day, and their work is very simple. Beautiful work though. I helped at the shelter and with preparing meals for the poor and handing out food. I went visiting with them. Very difficult to describe, but it was a very strange feeling to be on the other end of things. I remember receiving food from them with my mother, and I just thought of them as very nice women, who were kind to me. But now its so much more, seeing “behind the scenes” how they actually live, and seeing them through the eyes of an adult. Sorry I can’t be more specific than that but it is very hard to describe my feelings. I’m just simply in awe of them.

It was weird leaving, it was so peaceful there. I had a mini culture shock coming back to all the noise and bright colours and electronics. They don’t have much of that in the convent, everything is very sparse and quiet. My head is spinning a bit from all the technology and even the humming of appliances in my apartment. Obviously they have some machines and appliances but not in every room as most people in the western world typically do.

Anyhow I’m just rambling, not really saying much of anything so I’ll close for now. Maybe I’ll think of more to write later. I think I’m still a bit “dazed” and probably tired. But I had a wonderful time.

 

[Liraco]

Well please do share anything else you feel you can once you’ve collected your thoughts. It’s interesting you note the “shock” of coming back to all the technology. (If one week did that to you, I wonder how Sr. Rosalind will feel after a whole year.)

I can only imagine the “weirdness” of being on the other side of what you experienced as a kid. Glad to know you had a wonderful time.

I think I read this on a separate thread but, did you decide on whether you’d do the consecration to Jesus through Mary?

Hope you get lots of rest!

 

[Susan_Calvin]

It’s interesting you note the “shock” of coming back to all the technology. (If one week did that to you, I wonder how Sr. Rosalind will feel after a whole year.)

Well, I guess it would depend on how much Sr. Rosalind uses technology… some people are more into it than others, especially younger people. I still consider myself pretty young at 30. I’ve had a computer, a cell phone, iPod, etc… for quite a few years already. I’ve played video games all my life and the TV was essentially my babysitter. I’ve pretty much grown up with technology of all kinds. Not to mention my profession is hi tech also. I spend very little time not around technology, whether at work or play. So it may be more of a culture shock to me who is totally immersed than to someone who isn’t so much.

Liraco:

I can only imagine the “weirdness” of being on the other side of what you experienced as a kid. Glad to know you had a wonderful time.

Yes it was absolutely amazing, and once I collect my thoughts I will certainly share more. I think I’m just tired as I got up with them very early each morning, and didn’t get much sleep all week.

Liraco:

I think I read this on a separate thread but, did you decide on whether you’d do the consecration to Jesus through Mary?

Yes, I did ask my priest and he said there is no reason why I can’t do it before I convert… in his words, it can’t hurt anyhow! So I’m going to do it, but I’m going to prepare a little longer. Then I’ll renew it again once I convert.

 

[Ignatius]

I apologize if this is not the correct forum for this post. I looked through each forum and this one seemed to best fit with my situation. Sorry for the length also, I tried to be brief but I felt I needed to explain myself a bit.

I am a professional woman in my early 30s, Jewish by birth though I was never religious nor connected with the Jewish community. I consider myself an agnostic.

I also do not want to be unintentionally disrespectful to the church, with being an agnostic. Though, lately I feel open to changing my beliefs.

Thank you in advance for any and all responses.

Shalom haMashiach. You’ve come to the right place. First, you are warmly welcomed to attend Mass. Also there are a number of resources here that can help you in your discernment of the will of God for you.

I see you’re already familiar with Rosalind Moss ewtn - catholic.com/seminars/moss.asp

Here are some more interesting links.
Association of Hebrew Catholics - hebrewcatholic.org/
Second Exodus, Israelite Origins of the Catholic Faith by Marty Barrack - secondexodus.com/html/sitedesign/israeliteheritage.htm
Roy Schoeman - salvationisfromthejews.com/

Shalom.