Thank you for you time everyone

[MonicaC]

mumof5:

Things are just not the same all over the world…

You know you also have the ability to start some of these groups. The book club and the moms group was started by regular parishoners like yourself.

 

[mumof5]

kamz:

You didn’t think this would cause an uproar? Well, when you see a child about to cross the road and a car is coming at them…do you just sit by and watch or do you do something to stop it? Of course you do something, well, in my opinon you are making the biggest mistake of your life walking away from God’s church, you are now going to a church that Jesus did not create, the only Church created by Jesus is the Catholic church and if you really wanted proof I am more than positive everyone on this board would give it to you. I was just like you when I left the church for 3 yrs, I felt alone and that people didn’t “see me” boy…what a silly reason to leave Gods church… what the most important thing was that God was seeing me but thats another story, when you know you are in the one true Church you are willing to be there weather you ever talk to a single person and believe me…when I started getting involved and volunteering, etc. that all changed but I had to put myself out there and let people know “hey, I don’t know anyone” yes, the Catholic church is poor in that area but it is still the only true church and sadly your fooling yourself thinking that any church out side the Catholic church is the Church God wants you in, that is why we are upset, we see you walking away from Gods church and telling yourself that any old church will do and we know better so we are agonizing over it, it is the saddest thing I’ve seen when someone walks away from God and tells themself it doesn’t matter, I feel really sorry for you.

I’m sorry to make you feel that way. My mistake in thinking most people wouldn’t find it a big deal.

 

[mumof5]

MonicaC:

You know you also have the ability to start some of these groups. The book club and the moms group was started by regular parishoners like yourself.

No, I do not have the time, energy or resources. I’m am still recovering from a very difficult birth and it’s all I can do to manage my family. I’ve spent many a year being an organiser. Right now, I can do no better than be a contributor.

 

[Eden]

Do you mean the “Apostolic Church of Ireland and Great Britain”?

“First formed in 1916 as a result of the 1904 Welsh revival, the Apostolic Church is a Trinitarian, Pentecostal denomination with a strong commitment to mission.”

www.apostolic-church.org/

 

[mumof5]

Mike O:

You must have missed this question the first time around, so I’ll put it forth once more; what leads you to believe that you are obeying God by doing this?.

How can I describe an interior process and the manifestations I’ve seen? Suffice it to say, I know…and will keep praying about it.

Sorry for missing it. I’m sure there’s much I’ve missed that I would have liked to have responded to.

I’m going to stop posting now because I’m not here to argue with anybody. And I can see that many people do feel strongly about this so to be fair, I’ll just let it die.

 

[mumof5]

Eden:

Do you mean the “Apostolic Church of Ireland and Great Britain”?

“First formed in 1916 as a result of the 1904 Welsh revival, the Apostolic Church is a Trinitarian, Pentecostal denomination with a strong commitment to mission.”

www.apostolic-church.org/

Nope…certainly the wrong hemisphere Well…actually, must be because I see it links through to the churches in my country where it says ‘apostolic world’.

I’m not denying the Catholic church was the original church.

 

[Eden]

mumof5:

Nope…certainly the wrong hemisphere Well…actually, must be because I see it links through to the churches in my country where it says ‘apostolic world’.

I’m not denying the Catholic church was the original church.

Oh, well, hello down-under then.

I think it’s interesting that the first tenet of belief is belief in the Trinity.

 

[Mike_O]

mumof5:

How can I describe an interior process and the manifestations I’ve seen? Suffice it to say, I know…and will keep praying about it.

The greatest saints were more than able to articulate deep contemplative experiences of God.

The interior process you’ve described is more or less you having convinced yourself that God is telling you to do something that God would never tell anyone to know–abandon the truth. You say you “know.” Copernicus “knew” the Earth was the center of the universe as well. We see where certainty took him.

Your certainty of this falsehood is beyond sad.

 

[Semper_Fi_1]

mumof5:

Something like mumto5. Wouldn’t let me use the same one when I had problems getting the confirmation email.

I’m getting baptised because I want a believer’s baptism. It is not only obedience, it is an outward manifestation of an inner event and a way of showing my commitment to God and to do his will./QUOTE]

Ah, mum… so sad… you really should read the Didache which says baptism can be “dipped”. Also, it really isn’t Biblical for your new Church to dump you in a tub. The original Christian way was to baptize in living water (a river). Does your new baptist church do this? The Didache is perhaps one of the earliest Christian documents and shows us Christians this early were “sprinkling”. Also, the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church do immerse.
Didache 7:

And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

I pray that you STUDY your current Church, the Catholic Church before leaving her. Give her a fair chance before you take off.
Baptism (regenerative)
Saint Justin Martyr (150 A.D.):

St. Justin Martyr First Apology, 61
As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, "Except ye be born again, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Reaserch the doctrines of the early church and not second hand doctrines which Baptists came up with in the 1700s-1800s.

Christ fully present in the Eucharist:
Ignatius of Antioch (martyr:

Take ye heed, then, to have but one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to [show forth] the unity of His blood; one altar; as there is one bishop, along with the presbytery and deacons, my fellow-servants: that so, whatsoever ye do, ye may do it according to [the will of] God.

Reconciliation (there are two parts to confession, reconciliation and confession). Btw, when you confess your sins “to” a priest, you are confessing them to God.
Origen Homilies on Leviticus 2:

In addition to these there is also a seventh, albeit hard and laborious: the remission of sins through penance, when the sinner washes his pillow in tears, when his tears are day and night his nourishment, and when he does not shrink from declaring his sin to a priest of the Lord and from seeking medicine, after the manner of him who says, “I said, ‘To the Lord I will accuse myself of my iniquity’, and you forgave the disloyalty of my heart.”

Also, you should look into joining a Bible study at your local Catholic Church and into getting your son into some youth groups, there are usually some really great programs. I belong to an orthodox Catholic Bible study at my parish.

God Bless you, I just want you to study the doctrine in the eyes of the Early Church and which church fits the bill. If you discover that the Catholic Church does not fit the bill after reasearching the Early Church Fathers (which can be found at newadvent.org/fathers/, ccel.org/, scripturecatholic.com/ & earlychurchfathers.org/. God tells us to study, and you SHOULD study Scripture and the Early Fathers BEFORE making a life changing decision. So sorry about your priest, but I would try to join another near-by parish as you, sometimes priests are way too overworked because currently there is a shortage. Most secular priests minister more than one parish as well as dealing with weddings, funerals, baptisms, first communion, etc.

BTW, there was an ‘uproar’ in this thread because we are concerned about your soul. We want you to be informed before making such a rash decision. STUDY the Fathers. Again, God Bless and I’m sure Almighty God will lead you home in time!

 

[bejonama]

Hi everyone, I to am really sad that mumof5 is leaving the church. My hope for her is that it is just a detour on her journey home.

I just wanted to comment on everyones assurances that there are groups to attend within the Catholic church; It appears from reading here and on other American based sites that you guys have many more resources and support available than we do in the southern hemisphere(I’m in aust) I have been lucky enough to find a local playgroup that has a couple of like minded(read true practising) Catholics attending. Other than that I can honestly say that unless I travel into town (an hours drive) there is nothing else. there are no women’s groups, there is a lenten study group available but its all retired people, our parish has started youth group in the last 18mths but before that there was nothing Catholic for youth. What mumof5 says about needing people is true. And the Catholic church, at least in Australia has a long way to go before it is providing anywhere near enough.

Don’t get me wrong, I think everyone is right to encourage mumof5 to stay and keep searching within the church, but I can understand why she feels the need to look elsewhere. I have been blessed with people in my life that have helped my in my journey as a Catholic. Perhaps as well as praying that she not leave, or that she come back later we should also specifically pray that God will work through someone in her life.

Michelle

 

[kamz]

bejonama:

Hi everyone, I to am really sad that mumof5 is leaving the church. My hope for her is that it is just a detour on her journey home.

I just wanted to comment on everyones assurances that there are groups to attend within the Catholic church; It appears from reading here and on other American based sites that you guys have many more resources and support available than we do in the southern hemisphere(I’m in aust) I have been lucky enough to find a local playgroup that has a couple of like minded(read true practising) Catholics attending. Other than that I can honestly say that unless I travel into town (an hours drive) there is nothing else. there are no women’s groups, there is a lenten study group available but its all retired people, our parish has started youth group in the last 18mths but before that there was nothing Catholic for youth. What mumof5 says about needing people is true. And the Catholic church, at least in Australia has a long way to go before it is providing anywhere near enough.

Don’t get me wrong, I think everyone is right to encourage mumof5 to stay and keep searching within the church, but I can understand why she feels the need to look elsewhere. I have been blessed with people in my life that have helped my in my journey as a Catholic. Perhaps as well as praying that she not leave, or that she come back later we should also specifically pray that God will work through someone in her life.

Michelle

I think that right now all we can do is pray for her and that in itself is very powerful and I know that others prayed for me when I left the Catholic church for 3 yrs and I came back 6 yrs ago.
There are many things I may be unsure of in my life but my Catholic faith is true and steady and the one thing I can depend upon, I can’t imagine ever leaving the Catholic faith knowing what I know about it. I am praying for mumto5, I know that in God’s time her eyes will open just like mine did.

 

[Mickey]

mumof5:

Well, that depends how you mean ‘know’. I meant know as in ‘will smile at you as you walk in the door because you have a familiar face’. Know as in, they saw you were new so turned around and said hi and introduced themselves. Couldn’t tell you their names though. Not knew as in had a friendship with them. The community at that church is very visible.

Anytime I have been on vacation and attend a Catholic Church, the strangers there smile, shake your hand, and introduce themselves after Mass. I have a difficult time believing that all Catholic Churches in your vicinity consist of rude, distant, emotionless people. It sounds like you are describing something from “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. :bigyikes:

 

[Mickey]

mumof5:

I’m not vulnerable to anything and I do know church history. I have a background in historical research so have no difficulties researching and refining such information.

Then how do you come to terms with writings such as those from St Ignatius of Antioch?

 

[Mickey]

mumof5:

The word used for baptism in the Bible means to immerse or dip. Not sprinkle.

Who sprinkles?

 

[jim1130]

mumof5:

No, I do not have the time, energy or resources. I’m am still recovering from a very difficult birth and it’s all I can do to manage my family. I’ve spent many a year being an organiser. Right now, I can do no better than be a contributor.

Peace.

Please excuse me if this is intrusive, but do you think that you may be suffering from Postpartum depression?

Peace.

 

[gardenswithkids]

.

bejonama:

It appears from reading here and on other American based sites that you guys have many more resources and support available than we do in the southern hemisphere(I’m in aust)…What mumof5 says about needing people is true. And the Catholic church, at least in Australia has a long way to go before it is providing anywhere near enough…I think everyone is right to encourage mumof5 to stay and keep searching within the church, but I can understand why she feels the need to look elsewhere.

Thank you for sharing that perspective. I agree that sharing our faith with others is very beneficial. I want to mention that the Catholic Church has wonderful opportunity to share our faith with milliions. World Youth Day will be in Sydney, Australia in 2008. That might help spread some enthusiasm for Christ to the southern hemisphere. Here’s a link to some World Youth Day information: wyd2008.org/index.shtml

 

[ChristsSoldier]

mumof5:

I’m getting baptised because I want a believer’s baptism. It is not only obedience, it is an outward manifestation of an inner event and a way of showing my commitment to God and to do his will. The word used for baptism in the Bible means to immerse or dip. Not sprinkle. Some may be satisfied with the baptism they received in the Catholic church and that is fine. I just don’t consider that my Catholic infant baptism is able to demonstrate my own commitment and choice to live for Christ. I understand the case for infant baptism, all my children were baptised though even then i had mixed feelings about that.

And don’t worry, I’m not going to go away anti-Catholic. Catholicism is another Christian denomination to me.

I want to apologise for this thread as I never intended this uproar to start. Just wanted to inform those I’d enjoyed chatting with. as I said, I never expected more than a handful of responses. I take it from the fact it’s still here that the moderators don’t have a problem with it but would understand if they chose to remove it. Just don’t think it hasn’t been valuable to me

Be Blessed,
No need to apologies.
I think this thread has been good for everyone - including myself.

I’m a bit worried about you apparent lack of understanding of the Catholic faith. I don’t mean this in a derogatory way, so please don’t take it that way…
I’m often amazed about how many America’s complete a Catholic education - and come away with a very poor understanding of our faith. I have several friends who left the church long before meeting me, and tell me of the joys they have found elsewhere. It stagers me because the same joys are found in the RCC and many many more.
You are right, our faith is something to struggle with, and indeed we are all hypocritical with what the Church teaches at one point or another. That is the struggle though. Giving up the struggle is walking the easier path IMO.

Infant Baptism:
Are you aware that we reaffirm our baptism at confirmation? Were you confirmed? Since we’re on the subject, have you ever heard of the term ‘Second Conversation’? You should search it on the internet - it is in your catechism.
My church does practice full emersion. It is my understanding that the RCC has directed that each church place a font at the entrance that is capable of full emersion. I may have my facts wrong, but it is practiced in our church.

Have you ever attended Easter Vigil? If so, did you watch the RCIA classes be baptized? Perhaps talking with the RCIA class would help you find the fire your heart yearns for. Believe me they have it! It is so powerful to watch those - called by the Holy Spirit - enter our Church…
If your Friday is open, I would reccomend you go to your local Cathedral to attend Easter Vigil and watch. It will change you.

You seem to have found one heck of a RCC community right here. Look at this thread! I’m envious…

You never answered my questions so I will ask them again.

1. Why does your new church “require” you be baptized by a Pastor? Why not baptize yourself? Is this a ‘rule’? Where is it found in the bible?
2. Are you aware of the history of the Bible, it’s origin, and ties to our church?
3. Were you confirmed?

Peace,
CS

 

[mumof5]

Mickey:

Anytime I have been on vacation and attend a Catholic Church, the strangers there smile, shake your hand, and introduce themselves after Mass. I have a difficult time believing that all Catholic Churches in your vicinity consist of rude, distant, emotionless people. It sounds like you are describing something from “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. :bigyikes:

If it were possible, I would happily take you to the various Masses around here and let you see for yourself…

 

[mumof5]

jim1130:

Peace.

Please excuse me if this is intrusive, but do you think that you may be suffering from Postpartum depression?

Peace.

No. I did have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but that’s resolved now.

 

[mumof5]

Just what I can answer quickly because I have to go out…

ChristsSoldier:

Have you ever attended Easter Vigil?

Yes.

1. Why does your new church “require” you be baptized by a Pastor? Why not baptize yourself? Is this a ‘rule’? Where is it found in the bible?

The Pastor does it though in the bible any believer could do it - and did.

1. Are you aware of the history of the Bible, it’s origin, and ties to our church?

Yes.

1. Were you confirmed?

Yes.