Strong Desire to Attend Mass, But Not Catholic

[crazzeto]

We have just received the wonderful news that Susan Judith has been baptized!!
:extrahappy: :extrahappy: :extrahappy:

Excellent news, I very much agree with your emoticons

 

[po18guy]

Praise God in Heaven! Judith, as with your entire life journey, the Lord has brought good out of evil. Even from the harshness of your infirmity, he has shed His His grace upon you through the forgiveness of your sins in Baptismal regeneration. You have been made as white as snow. Every sin you have ever committed is gone from the Lord’s presence and memory. What a dream journey, and what greater evidence of the Lord’s love and mercy do we need?

As we awaited word from You, the Lord was “fast tracking” your journey toward Him. From the first tug you felt, to the last breath you take, His hand is with You. Amen! Alleluia!

 

[chewchoo]

my goodness, you sure have been having troubles with the flu lately. i am glad to hear that you are on the mend. and it is wonderful to hear that you have been baptized!.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

my goodness, you sure have been having troubles with the flu lately.

Yes I have!! I had a confirmed case of H1N1 in the summer, and in the past 2 months I caught another serious strain of the flu. I seem to be very susceptible either way, to influenza and infections in general. The doctor surmises because I am such a workaholic I run myself into the ground constantly and it weakens my resistance. I’m on work leave right now and seeing a counselor to learn strategies to be more “balanced” in how I work and my life in general. I’m a typical Type A personality I guess, and its not good… I need to stop pushing myself so hard.

Oh, and thanks to all for the congratulations on my baptism! Its like a dream come true for me, I really am so happy. I have grown in my faith so much since April, its incredible! My priest said its a miracle. I feel that way too and I am so grateful!

 

[Liraco]

I agree with everyone else, it’s awesome news.

Indeed, lots of good coming from something bad. I’ll pray for you to get well, seems like a lot of people are getting hit by the flu now (someone else I know too). May you have a speedy recovery.

And if I may ask, when is your new birthday? (The day you got baptized)

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Let us not forget that Athiests do indeed have an agenda. Oh, they like to pretend they don’t. They like to pretend they’re the only ones being fair and rational, they like to pretend they’re “free thinkers”, suggesting they’re (and you) are free to think whatever you want.

But here’s the problem, as far as they’re concerned you’re “free to think whatever you want” until you start thinking God exists. Once you reach that conclusion, and once you decide to start going to Mass, then the response becomes exactly what you got. You’re wrong, go see a psychiatrist. You’re free to choose, but if you choose God then you chose wrong!!!

Yes I agree totally. I used to be an agnostic myself. Being an agnostic is a bit different than being an atheist, but I had the same basic beliefs, congratulating myself for being free thinking and tolerant of everyone. The truth is though, I was secretly intolerant of religious people. Not so much Catholics, as I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Catholics. But other religions for sure… I was intolerant of them in my thoughts at least. And I felt superior in many respects, for not being “caught up” in religious beliefs which seemed so ridiculous and nonsensical to me at the time.

But that was before I received the gift of faith. It really IS a gift, an amazing one, and not something you can readily explain to someone who hasn’t received it yet. Now I just know God exists, and that I am part of His Church, even though I have no concrete “proof”. I don’t need proof. I used to think, in my atheist friend’s case, that once I learned the CCC very well, etc, that I could argue with her and convince her that Catholicism was the right way to go. But now I realize I can only help her through prayer and good example. She has to be open to receiving the Lord’s graces. At least, that’s how I feel about it now. I’m not the right person to “convince” her through words and arguments…

One thing I find really disconcerting - she told me she believes all religious people (including Catholics) are zealots who eventually are going to turn on the atheists and kill them! I mean its silly in one respect but it also really bothers me. I’m not sure if she’s saying that just to get a rise out of me or if she really believes that. Anyhow I’m just trying to ignore it at this point and pray for her.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Indeed, lots of good coming from something bad. I’ll pray for you to get well, seems like a lot of people are getting hit by the flu now (someone else I know too).

Yes its pretty rough. We’ve had quite a few people die here - mostly elderly, but still, its awful. The flu strain is quite bad where I am living and in many parts of the world, from what I understand.

Liraco:

And if I may ask, when is your new birthday? (The day you got baptized)

Its funny you mention that, because I had the opportunity to be baptized on my actual birthday, which is October 2, the Feast of the Guardian Angels. But I really like St. Michael the Archangel, so I requested September 29. I think its cool that I now share 2 birthdays of the angels, and that they are so close together also!

 

[Susan_Calvin]

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer…

Now that I have been baptized (on September 29) can I call myself Catholic in the context of this forum? I was just thinking of changing my religious status here. Its currently “catechumen” but I know that a catechumen is someone who is not baptized. I’m also not “officially” in RCIA as my parish doesn’t have it, instead I’m receiving individual instruction from a Sister. I’m now scheduled to be confirmed at the Easter vigil, preparing for that currently, but my first communion and confession might be sooner. I’ve only received baptism so I’m not sure? I don’t want to mislead anyone but it would also be pretty exciting if I could refer to myself as Catholic!

 

[crazzeto]

Yes I agree totally. I used to be an agnostic myself. Being an agnostic is a bit different than being an atheist, but I had the same basic beliefs, congratulating myself for being free thinking and tolerant of everyone. The truth is though, I was secretly intolerant of religious people. Not so much Catholics, as I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Catholics. But other religions for sure… I was intolerant of them in my thoughts at least. And I felt superior in many respects, for not being “caught up” in religious beliefs which seemed so ridiculous and nonsensical to me at the time.

But that was before I received the gift of faith. It really IS a gift, an amazing one, and not something you can readily explain to someone who hasn’t received it yet. Now I just know God exists, and that I am part of His Church, even though I have no concrete “proof”. I don’t need proof. I used to think, in my atheist friend’s case, that once I learned the CCC very well, etc, that I could argue with her and convince her that Catholicism was the right way to go. But now I realize I can only help her through prayer and good example. She has to be open to receiving the Lord’s graces. At least, that’s how I feel about it now. I’m not the right person to “convince” her through words and arguments…

One thing I find really disconcerting - she told me she believes all religious people (including Catholics) are zealots who eventually are going to turn on the atheists and kill them! I mean its silly in one respect but it also really bothers me. I’m not sure if she’s saying that just to get a rise out of me or if she really believes that. Anyhow I’m just trying to ignore it at this point and pray for her.

Praise God (truely) for your gift of faith. You’re right, the best thing you can do for your friend is prayer, and I hate to say it but probably also not trying to convince them. Ive been praying for an agnostic (athiest leaning) friend of mine, and she’s actually considered looking into churches recently. The hardest part for me is checking my own personal enthusiasm, I fear sometimes i can come off quite strong and probably do more harm than good with her personal conversion process (god willing that is what it is). So I’m trying my best, to keep things as low key as they can be, and just continue my rosaries for her.

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer…

Now that I have been baptized (on September 29) can I call myself Catholic in the context of this forum? I was just thinking of changing my religious status here. Its currently “catechumen” but I know that a catechumen is someone who is not baptized. I’m also not “officially” in RCIA as my parish doesn’t have it, instead I’m receiving individual instruction from a Sister. I’m now scheduled to be confirmed at the Easter vigil, preparing for that currently, but my first communion and confession might be sooner. I’ve only received baptism so I’m not sure? I don’t want to mislead anyone but it would also be pretty exciting if I could refer to myself as Catholic!

Technically speaking, baptism makes you Christian not Catholic. The sacrament of Confirmation makes you Catholic. On a personal level, I’d say change your status! Maybe its not technically true yet, but barring some massive upheaval it seems to be where you’re going so it’s true enough in spirit. Celebrate some! Change your status

 

[po18guy]

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer…

Now that I have been baptized (on September 29) can I call myself Catholic in the context of this forum? I was just thinking of changing my religious status here. Its currently “catechumen” but I know that a catechumen is someone who is not baptized. I’m also not “officially” in RCIA as my parish doesn’t have it, instead I’m receiving individual instruction from a Sister. I’m now scheduled to be confirmed at the Easter vigil, preparing for that currently, but my first communion and confession might be sooner. I’ve only received baptism so I’m not sure? I don’t want to mislead anyone but it would also be pretty exciting if I could refer to myself as Catholic!

Father can tell you for certain, but the Sacrament of Baptism is your entry into the Body of Christ. Since your Baptism is Catholic, you may call yourself a Catholic. It is much the same with, for example, a teenager who has not yet been confirmed, but is baptized and taught in the faith. This is the most inspiring thread on CAF!

Coincidentally, I just received a PM from another CAF member whose background is as a Messianic Jew. He was also drawn to the faith and advised me this morning that he has made the decision to become Catholic. Praise God!

 

[Indyann]

I think you should use “Jewish agnostic to Catholicism”. May inspire others to read your testimony from the beginning.

 

[pippin]

Judith,
I am one of those who has been following this thread from the beginning, but has not posted. I just wanted to congratulate you on your baptisim. I know this is the answer to many prayers by many people over many years. They are all rejoicing with you, including Mother. Also, go ahead and change your status. You have been baptised into the body of Christ which is his Church.

 

[luminoushope]

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer…

Now that I have been baptized (on September 29) can I call myself Catholic in the context of this forum? I was just thinking of changing my religious status here. Its currently “catechumen” but I know that a catechumen is someone who is not baptized. I’m also not “officially” in RCIA as my parish doesn’t have it, instead I’m receiving individual instruction from a Sister. I’m now scheduled to be confirmed at the Easter vigil, preparing for that currently, but my first communion and confession might be sooner. I’ve only received baptism so I’m not sure? I don’t want to mislead anyone but it would also be pretty exciting if I could refer to myself as Catholic!

Hi Susan! Many blessings to you; so glad to hear from you again. I don’t feel qualified to answer your questions, but for me, you can see how I designate myself. I was baptized in 1983 by a Protestant minister and the Church accepts that baptism. I am very pleased that the Catholic Church takes baptism seriously and doesn’t constantly re-baptize. I am now in RCIA and have just turned in all my paperwork so that the Church can make a judgment about my prior marriage issues. Similarly, I am glad the Church takes marriage seriously! According to Father I have good prospects for “graduating with my class” and being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Only after my First Communion will I designate myself as Catholic, with great joy. At first I called myself “soon to be Catholic” until I realized it might not be all that soon, although soon is a relative term. By the Easter Vigil I will have been attending Mass and taking instruction for almost a year and a half. That’s not so long when you consider that in the early Church people were catechumens for three years and actually had to leave the room when the Host and the cup were brought.

I would ask your priest for suggestions about your pen name, along with your own process of thought and prayer.

Here are prayers and admonitions about rest and vitamins coming your way about returning to full health, strength and vigor after your bout with flu!

Grace and peace to you,

Luminous Hope

 

[jmcrae]

Hi, Susan;

Yep, you are Catholic now! No going back …

 

[chewchoo]

Yes I have!! I had a confirmed case of H1N1 in the summer, and in the past 2 months I caught another serious strain of the flu. I seem to be very susceptible either way, to influenza and infections in general. The doctor surmises because I am such a workaholic I run myself into the ground constantly and it weakens my resistance. I’m on work leave right now and seeing a counselor to learn strategies to be more “balanced” in how I work and my life in general. I’m a typical Type A personality I guess, and its not good… I need to stop pushing myself so hard.

yes, please take care of yourself better. our bodies are God’s temples and must be treated with care. (i have been learning myself about taking better care of my temple, if you are interested PM me for some of the websites/info i have been looking at)

 

[po18guy]

yes, please take care of yourself better. our bodies are God’s temples and must be treated with care. (i have been learning myself about taking better care of my temple, if you are interested PM me for some of the websites/info i have been looking at)

Amen! The Lord is leading Judith toward the contemplative life for a very good reason.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Ive been praying for an agnostic (athiest leaning) friend of mine, and she’s actually considered looking into churches recently. The hardest part for me is checking my own personal enthusiasm, I fear sometimes i can come off quite strong and probably do more harm than good with her personal conversion process (god willing that is what it is). So I’m trying my best, to keep things as low key as they can be, and just continue my rosaries for her.

Yeah I know exactly what you mean… my friend sometimes seems or talks like she’s more interested / open to having faith and at those times, inwardly I get very excited. I bite my tongue though. I try to remember that it literally took years of prayer on the part of my Catholic friends before I myself felt the call to be Catholic. Like you said you don’t know what her personal conversion process is, and its the same with my friend, I really don’t know the Lord’s plan for her and have to be patient. Its not easy though, even though I’ve been where she is! I feel like a reformed smoker or something!

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Father can tell you for certain, but the Sacrament of Baptism is your entry into the Body of Christ. Since your Baptism is Catholic, you may call yourself a Catholic. It is much the same with, for example, a teenager who has not yet been confirmed, but is baptized and taught in the faith. This is the most inspiring thread on CAF!

Yes I asked my pastor and he confirmed for me that yes, I am Catholic, due to the baptism being a Catholic one. Its just a bit of an unusual situation as its the only sacrament I’ve received so far (other than anointing of the sick) and that’s not common for someone converting. I will be confirmed at the Easter vigil, but I have been given the option to possibly receive the sacraments of reconciliation and holy communion sooner. I’m a little reluctant as I’m not sure I’m ready… then again, I have been attending mass daily for 6 months now, other than when I’ve been sick, and I’ve taken my prayer life and catechism study very seriously, so… I might take Father up on it.

po18guy:

Coincidentally, I just received a PM from another CAF member whose background is as a Messianic Jew. He was also drawn to the faith and advised me this morning that he has made the decision to become Catholic. Praise God!

That’s awesome!!

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Yep, you are Catholic now! No going back …

I never thought of the no going back part… kind of a scary thought! But seriously I am very excited and happy.

I think you should use “Jewish agnostic to Catholicism”. May inspire others to read your testimony from the beginning.

Actually that’s kind of a cool idea, but long!! I was thinking I wished there was a place where I could write about my conversion story, so people could read it… but then I realized, duh, I do have this thread! So I’m adding a link to this thread to my signature.

 

[Susan_Calvin]

Judith,
I am one of those who has been following this thread from the beginning, but has not posted. I just wanted to congratulate you on your baptism. I know this is the answer to many prayers by many people over many years. They are all rejoicing with you, including Mother. Also, go ahead and change your status. You have been baptized into the body of Christ which is his Church.

Thanks so much! I feel like a broken record, but I still can’t believe how many people have read my story / enjoy reading it. If somehow God is using this story to help other people then I feel very blessed.

luminoushope:

According to Father I have good prospects for “graduating with my class” and being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

That is awesome… congratulations!! I am so happy for you. Cool too that we are going to be confirmed on the same day!