Told Not To Be Catholic?

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WonderingInDall

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After several years of searching and study, I believe I have been convicted of truth of the Catholic Church. The problem? Everyone I know that I’ve told has told me, “You really don’t want to become Catholic right now…”

So I’m trying to find a parish on my own, and I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of any good parishes in or around Dallas, TX? I know the diocese’s website, but I would really like a recommendation - I have two young children, so I want to do a lot of “pre-work” so that I’m not bouncing them all around the county unnecessarily.

Thank you for any advice you have. I must admit the “You really shouldn’t become Catholic” thing is messing w/ my head, and making me doubt my research/thoughts.
 
Who is telling you not to become Catholic? Your friends & family, or Catholics? Priests?

(Sorry, don’t know anything about Dallas.)
 
Welcome Home! :extrahappy::extrahappy:

While I can’t advise anything about Dallas, I do advise you not to worry about people who tell you not to be Catholic. Listen to what God is telling you.

It is not unusual to receive opposition to converting to the Church. Most of us have experienced it at least to some extent. You are in good company.

There is a lot of what you call ‘pre-work’. Once you find your parish, which is usually the one closest to you, you will have to join their RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. Parishes vary on the length but I don’t think any are less than about 7 months. Some are up to 2 years. Although the course in my parish was 7 months, it took me 2 years through a combination of circumstances. The Church will not let you rush into this.

May God bless you
:signofcross:
 
Thanks for the reassurance. To clarify, the ones telling me not to be Catholic are the people I know that are Roman Catholic (which are admittedly, not very many… less than 10. But still the same “advice”)… hence the reason I’m put-off.

My (and my husband’s) parents are actually pretty okay. We freaked them out when we became Anglican and got our children baptized… I still remember the conversations, “So this is like what we would call baby dedication, right?” … “No mom… its like actual baptism” 😉 From Southern Baptist to Anglican was a big jump, Anglican to Roman Catholicism, not so much, at least from their perspective.
 
Are they practicing Catholics, Catholics in name only, or perhaps those who only ever go to Mass at Christmas and Easter?

It would be very unusual advice to come from practicing Catholics.
 
I’m not from Dallas, but when i was there for business, i went to St. Maria Goretti in Arlington. A very good parish. I went to Mass there as well as confession. They have a 24 hour adoration chapel too.
1200 S. Davis Drive ~ Arlington, TX 76013
Church - 817.274.0643 ~ School - 817.275.5081

Mike
 
Linda_Marie said:
Are they practicing Catholics, Catholics in name only, or perhaps those who only ever go to Mass at Christmas and Easter?

It would be very unusual advice to come from practicing Catholics.
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I thought they were faithfully practicing… I know that they go to Mass every Sunday, and on days of obligation, but from our subsequent conversations, it seems they all just have a very laid-back attitude towards whether or not anyone else becomes Catholic as well. I know that one is having some other faith struggles (although before we became Anglican he kept asking me when I was going to get my babies baptized), so his response doesn’t surprise me as much as the others.

Basically, if I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it wholeheartedly, and in full obedience to church teachings, etc. They are more of the “well the church gets it right most of the time, but could use a little updating” (at least so I’m finding out…)

I’ll take a look @ St. Maria Goretti - thanks for the recommendation. I think we (my husband and I) are going to look at St. Thomas Aquinas in Dallas too…
 
WonderingInDall said:
After several years of searching and study, I believe I have been convicted of truth of the Catholic Church. The problem? Everyone I know that I’ve told has told me, “You really don’t want to become Catholic right now…”

So I’m trying to find a parish on my own, and I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of any good parishes in or around Dallas, TX? I know the diocese’s website, but I would really like a recommendation - I have two young children, so I want to do a lot of “pre-work” so that I’m not bouncing them all around the county unnecessarily.

Thank you for any advice you have. I must admit the “You really shouldn’t become Catholic” thing is messing w/ my head, and making me doubt my research/thoughts.
Click to expand...
Find a nice traditional church and you’ll avoid the current mess going on with parishes engaging in modernism that have caused a lot a Catholics to hang their heads in shame. Also study the catholic faith by reading books from Tan and Ignatious press.

tanbooks.com/
ignatius.com
angeluspress.org/
 
<<Does anyone know of any good parishes in or around Dallas, TX?>>

There is a Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic parish in Irving, but it will not be listed in the Diocese of Dallas’s website, as it’s in the Metropolita of Pittsburgh.

It’s in communion with the Pope.

There’s no law that says you must embrace the Latin rite.

And unless I’m mistaken, there’s an Anglican Use pastoral provision parish in the Dallas area.
 
There are 3 FSSP churches in the DFW area, I highly suggest you try one of those.
**
Carmelite Sisters Chapel**
600 S. Flowers Ave.
Dallas TX 75211, USA

Masses:
Sun. 9.30 a.m. (Missa cantata), 11.30 a.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church
6306 Kenwood Ave.
Dallas TX 75214, USA

Masses:
Mon. to Fri. 6.30 a.m.
Sat. 7.30 a.m.

Any so called practicing Catholics that are telling you not to become Catholic have some issues with the Church. I wouldn’t take their advice, and I wouldn’t go to them for questions about Catholicism. They are clearly lacking in adequate catechesis.
 
I would recommend the Dallas Latin Community Mater Dei, I hear they will soon have their own parish around Loop 12 and Irving Boulevard. They are terrible about answering emails via their website though…:confused: You can listen to some of the priest homilies from the website, I just love the priest.

Mater Dei Latin Mass Community - Home Page
 
Why don’t you start by checking out your closest parish.

Every diocese is divided into territories that correspond to particular parishes. At one time everyone simply went to their territorial parish. These days people shop around a lot more. There’s an advantage to going to a nearby parish rather than one that’s across town. It makes it much easier to be involved in the parish. For now there will be Mass and RCIA. Later you’ll be taking your children to religious education classes, you may want to get involved in different activities and groups, and it will be a lot easier if the church is five minutes away rather than an hour away.
 
I go to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wylie. That’s just a little north of Garland, so it may not be too far out of the way if you’re in Dallas. It’s a great parish, not all liberal or full of unorthodoxy. And the RCIA director is great, VERY knowledgable and great to listen to/ask questions of. 😃
 
WonderingInDall said:
After several years of searching and study, I believe I have been convicted of truth of the Catholic Church. The problem? Everyone I know that I’ve told has told me, “You really don’t want to become Catholic right now…”

So I’m trying to find a parish on my own, and I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of any good parishes in or around Dallas, TX? I know the diocese’s website, but I would really like a recommendation - I have two young children, so I want to do a lot of “pre-work” so that I’m not bouncing them all around the county unnecessarily.

Thank you for any advice you have. I must admit the “You really shouldn’t become Catholic” thing is messing w/ my head, and making me doubt my research/thoughts.
Click to expand...
I got a lot of opposition to my conversion too…don’t let that stop you 🙂 now that I actually became Catholic, I see that it was the right decision. Just keep on going…and become Catholic 😉 I hope you find a good parish… sorry I don’t live around Dallas (or in the US)… God bless
 
Cluny said:
<<Does anyone know of any good parishes in or around Dallas, TX?>>

There is a Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic parish in Irving, but it will not be listed in the Diocese of Dallas’s website, as it’s in the Metropolita of Pittsburgh.

It’s in communion with the Pope.

There’s no law that says you must embrace the Latin rite.

And unless I’m mistaken, there’s an Anglican Use pastoral provision parish in the Dallas area.
Click to expand...
I would not recomend an Eastern Catholic parish unless you are familar with the background and culture, otherwise it may be hard to fit in.
 
Linda_Marie said:
Welcome Home! :extrahappy::extrahappy:

While I can’t advise anything about Dallas, I do advise you not to worry about people who tell you not to be Catholic. Listen to what God is telling you.

It is not unusual to receive opposition to converting to the Church. Most of us have experienced it at least to some extent. You are in good company.

There is a lot of what you call ‘pre-work’. Once you find your parish, which is usually the one closest to you, you will have to join their RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program. Parishes vary on the length but I don’t think any are less than about 7 months. Some are up to 2 years. Although the course in my parish was 7 months, it took me 2 years through a combination of circumstances. The Church will not let you rush into this.

May God bless you
:signofcross:
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👍 Excellent post…

DO NOT listen to BAD advice…if the Lord is calling you to the Catholic Church then GO…why put off what the Lord is calling you to do???
Welcome HOME!!!
CC
 
=WonderingInDall;5810738]After several years of searching and study, I believe I have been convicted of truth of the Catholic Church. The problem? Everyone I know that I’ve told has told me, “You really don’t want to become Catholic right now…”
Click to expand...
So I’m trying to find a parish on my own, and I have no idea where to start. Does anyone know of any good parishes in or around Dallas, TX? I know the diocese’s website, but I would really like a recommendation - I have two young children, so I want to do a lot of “pre-work” so that I’m not bouncing them all around the county unnecessarily.
Click to expand...
Thank you for any advice you have. I must admit the “You really shouldn’t become Catholic” thing is messing w/ my head, and making me doubt my research/thoughts.
Click to expand...
I can’t assist you in finding a parish in Texas, but I can suggest you get on there web site, and contact of Diocesean Office of the Bishop. Talk to what ever priest your given and tell him the kind of parish your looking for. Traditional, Latin Mass, Liberal ect. He should either know or have the ability to find out for you.

As for your doubts, there I can be of more help. What specifically are your concerns? and a second question, what is your understanding of the Bible? Third have you been to RCIA yet?

Let me know, and I’ll try to ease your burden.

Love and prayers my friend,

Pat
 
Embarrassingly, I didn’t know I could call the office and talk to someone… what a novel concept 😉

I don’t know that I can p(name removed by moderator)oint specific concerns, but I’ll try. I’m more worried that all this was a way of God “snap me out of it” so to speak - Going “all the way” to Roman Catholicism was, to me and my upbringing, just something you didn’t do.

The parish we attend now is remarkably similar to the teachings of the Catholic church, at least what I can tell. We pray for the Pope, as well as the Patriarch of Constantinople. (I believe the parish is what’s considered heavily influenced by the Oxford Movement, for those familiar with Anglican theology). Our priest condemns any form of hormonal contraception, as it is abortifacient, but will condone the use of condoms in tandem w/ NFP, if there is a serious reason to postpone pregnancy, so I know that bit is different, and agree with the Roman Catholic teachings. In the class the rector requires all new parishioners to attend, we go over the first 7 councils of the church (through the East-West schism), and the church emphasizes regular confession, etc. The only difference that I can see, besides the condom issue is that the parish we attend recognizes the Pope as the first among equals, and not the supreme head of the church.

I’ve listened to EWTN Radio - specifically Fr. Corapi, and the call-in shows like Catholic Answers live for about 5 years now, and I’ve read several works by Scott Hahn and Patrick Madrid specifically. I’ve never completed an RCIA class, but I have a copy of the Catechism and have read it, as well as several explanations of the teachings of the Catechism.

Basically the worries that all this brings up for me is that I just have lost my mind, and what I think is so isn’t so… because if even Catholics are telling me to stay away, there must be a reason, you know? I mean, I expected backlash from my other Protestant friends, and honestly feel I could counter their concerns with the evidence I’ve unearthed, but to get it from the people who have what I consider is the fullness of Truth? Very strange! (I know the church is made up of men, who are prone to sin, I’m just trying to express my feelings)

I can talk myself out of it in my more rational moments, but it still causes me unease from time to time. I just don’t want “to be wrong” - if that makes sense, and be responsible for misguiding my husband and children, which is the ultimate worry unearthed by my Catholic friends-turned-naysayers.
 
WonderingInDall said:
Embarrassingly, I didn’t know I could call the office and talk to someone… what a novel concept 😉

I don’t know that I can p(name removed by moderator)oint specific concerns, but I’ll try. I’m more worried that all this was a way of God “snap me out of it” so to speak - Going “all the way” to Roman Catholicism was, to me and my upbringing, just something you didn’t do.

The parish we attend now is remarkably similar to the teachings of the Catholic church, at least what I can tell. We pray for the Pope, as well as the Patriarch of Constantinople. (I believe the parish is what’s considered heavily influenced by the Oxford Movement, for those familiar with Anglican theology). Our priest condemns any form of hormonal contraception, as it is abortifacient, but will condone the use of condoms in tandem w/ NFP, if there is a serious reason to postpone pregnancy, so I know that bit is different, and agree with the Roman Catholic teachings. In the class the rector requires all new parishioners to attend, we go over the first 7 councils of the church (through the East-West schism), and the church emphasizes regular confession, etc. The only difference that I can see, besides the condom issue is that the parish we attend recognizes the Pope as the first among equals, and not the supreme head of the church.

I’ve listened to EWTN Radio - specifically Fr. Corapi, and the call-in shows like Catholic Answers live for about 5 years now, and I’ve read several works by Scott Hahn and Patrick Madrid specifically. I’ve never completed an RCIA class, but I have a copy of the Catechism and have read it, as well as several explanations of the teachings of the Catechism.

Basically the worries that all this brings up for me is that I just have lost my mind, and what I think is so isn’t so… because if even Catholics are telling me to stay away, there must be a reason, you know? I mean, I expected backlash from my other Protestant friends, and honestly feel I could counter their concerns with the evidence I’ve unearthed, but to get it from the people who have what I consider is the fullness of Truth? Very strange! (I know the church is made up of men, who are prone to sin, I’m just trying to express my feelings)

I can talk myself out of it in my more rational moments, but it still causes me unease from time to time. I just don’t want “to be wrong” - if that makes sense, and be responsible for misguiding my husband and children, which is the ultimate worry unearthed by my Catholic friends-turned-naysayers.
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I am a convert from the Episcopalian Church, and it was an agonizing decision. I have been "home"in the Church now for almost 20 years and each year I get more confirmation that I made the right decision. I did not “lose” my Episcopalian faith by coming to the Church, rather, I crowned it with the “fullness of Truth”.

Remember that “perfect love[God] casts out all fear”!

Go to:
www.chnetwork.org
For support and encouragement in converting from Protestantism to Catholicism. They will also “pair” you with a Partner, a convert that went through an experience similar to yours…It began as an apostolate of Scott Hahn, because HE was told not to bother becoming Catholic and just stay a “good” Presbyterian. He was so upset by that advice, that he started this ministry.

I agree with a previous poster, stay on this site and ask your questions. Join one of the groups here. There has to be a group for Anglicans that want to become Catholics.
Not sure which one that is.
CC
 
Have you asked them why they say 'don’t join now" ? Is it don’t become Catholic ever or just now? Just exactly what are their objections?

Perhaps if we could refute them for you, you would have more peace.

God bless,
Linda
 
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