Trying hard to like it

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JohnCarroll

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My wife and I are trying to become Catholic. We have taken our classes. We go to Mass every Sunday. It is Awful. here is my dilemma. I believe what the Church teaches . I don’t know if my faith can stand up to everything else.
I think I know what is wrong:
As you know,( this is a very Catholic idea) , all the senses are avenues of communication . When one or more of these avenues is not used in an intentional way, that avenue is used never-the-less --but in an unintentional way. This is the nature of the senses-they are always on . In the Masses I attend , the words spoken are virtually the only thing to which any attention has been given. The Priest seems not to care what he is saying. The people do not sing. In my culture this is a sign one is disinterested. The Music is some poor imitation of a 1963 folk song. The building and art works are not made well.This is not because the people are poor. People Rich and Poor, have always made art about what they think is important. When Art is missing or is slapdash, it says to the observer that the occasion does not warrant any better than this. It says what goes on here is unimportant. It does not matter if this is not what the people feel --it is what is being said. How do I know what they feel but by observation? The Priest does not talk as is he Loves God --we all know how one talks when one loves someone. This isn’t it. I hope he does love God. I keep trying to become Catholic but my faith takes an assault every-time i go to Mass. Yes, faith tells me that Jesus is here --but my senses are constantly being told that He is a small matter.

What should I do. Forgive me,I feel like a rude guest who complains to the host after eating dinner.
 
I am in RCIA and this is one of the challenges I face as well. I see the kinds of things you reference in the U.S. Church at large.

Unfortunately, I think the Catholic church in the U.S. has been in a sad state for the last 30 years. The good news is that there are significant signs of revitalization within the last few years. In most areas, it is possible to find spiritually vibrant parishes and priests, but you may need to look a little and seek references from faithful Catholics who adhere to Orthodoxy.

In any event, focus on the deposit of faith and your own personal faith. These are the most important things. View yourself and your calling as one who will help revitalize the church.

I drive 45 minutes each way to a parish that evidences a more vibrant spiritual life and very orthodox teachings. The alternative is to be part of a parish much closer to home that is more like the one you describe. For some, there may be a calling to serve weak parishes. It is important to be discerning in such matters and seek wise counsel. Consider the needs of yourself, your family, and the Body at large.

In most circumstances, it seems it would be wise for new converts to seek the best possible spiritual formation.
 
John,

Is there perhaps a licit (that is, offered with the permission of the local bishop) Traditional Latin Mass near where you live? Assuming that you live in the U.S., you can check this site:

latinliturgy.com/Usamass11.pdf

The “Traditional” Masses are denoted with 1962; those denoted with a 1970 follow the same form as the Mass you are probably used to, only in Latin.

A very good essay for those unfamilar with the Mass can be found here:

donjim.blogspot.com/2004_09_01_donjim_archive.html#109478389909789306

I do not mean to suggest that the problems in the Church today are merely liturgical, but based on what you write, I really do think that you would find it rewarding. The traditional rite is a great feast for the senses.

Scott
 
Drive a little farther and find another Catholic Church. Unfortunately, just like in every faith you have good Priest (Pastors) and bad Priest (Pastors). Regardless of the time period you would have lived in, this would be true. If you lived in 104 A.D. and 2004 A.D. you would still find bad Priest. Priests are human and thus sinful.

BTW, if you can’t find a good Roman Catholic Church you like, you do know that you can attend ANY Eastern Catholic Church. You may receive ALL of the sacraments in those Churches. Perhaps one of those Churches might interest you: crosslink.net/~hrycak/ch_indx-s.html

Or you might like to go to an indult Traditional Latin Mass:
web2.airmail.net/~carlsch/MaterDei/churches.htm

Of course my Personal opinion is to avoid the Novus Ordo all together. However, my friend Franciscum, who is full of the “Spirit of Vatican II”, would disagree with that opinion.

In Christ!
 
I find sometimes that things distract me from worship, but I consciously pull myself back to it. I like singing, but I grew up w/Gregorian chant and frankly I miss its majesty. Some songs are good (at Mass) and some are less than interesting to me, so I focus on what I KNOW is going on in the hands of that priest. The fact is that even if he’s the biggest dirtbag in the world it will not stop the Eucharistic miracle so long as he follows a licit form of the Mass. Though it’s great to participate in a Mass w/a priest who is everything he’s supposed to be, I know that that doesn’t change the spiritual reality that is going on there in front of me. I have been very fortunate in that I have yet to attend a messed up Mass. (Deo gratias!) In fact I often don’t see the priest during the consecration…I see that host and the cup and I KNOW that my risen Lord is there and that in a few minutes I will receive Him into my body & soul. I get really wrapped up in Him and that makes all the difference;sometimes I get so choked up that I can hardly answer the priest w/“amen” when he says to me “The body of Christ” and tears roll down my face. Maybe he thinks I’m nuts…then again he needs to see that someone really loves Jesus in the Eucharist. I havbe 2 differnt churches that I atttend mass at. Both are good but I find that I really love the daily Mass at this little parrish in town where it’s just a straightforward Mass at midday w/about 50 souls present & they pray the Rosary before that Mass every day.

Am I helping you? I don’t know. I reserve the right to go where the Mass is most meaningful to me because it’s the grace of my soul that we are talkin’ about here. I’m no angel (as the song says) so I need all te graces I can get and then more grace to cooperate with THOSE graces. :rolleyes:

For the love of God, PLEASE don’t slack up now. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you get more out of Mass and to lead you to the parrish where your soul will be best fed. You can rest assured that He will hear and answer you because He is our counselor and teacher…our Paraclete (one who comes alongside to help).

Also rest assured that you are in my daily prayers as well.
One more thought…Our most holy faith is under constant attack from the enemies of God. That means that the devil works extra hard to shipwreck Catholics and very especially priests. Do we pray for these men who have chosen this path at the call of the Holy Spirit. The priesthood is not easy and those men hear all kinds of stuff all day & night. Do we “have their backs” in prayer and fasting, and do we take the time to tell them that we appreciate them: even if they aren’t perfect? We have a DUTY to pray for vocations and most especially for all those who have the guts to answer that call from the Lord. It’s part of the spiritual warfare that is a reality in any Christian’s life. Remember ALL the clergy from JP II down to the newest member of any faithful order, and ask St,John Vianney (The Cure D’Ars) who is the patron saint of parrish priests to help them.

I used to have to attend services w/ a crusty old priest who was very liberal and said from really goofy things, but he heard a good confession and brought us a valid Eucharist, so I praised God for him and pray for him to this day.

Just hang in there and wait for the guidance of the Lord while you look into the parishes around where you live.

Pax vobiscum, :gopray:
 
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JohnCarroll:
My wife and I are trying to become Catholic. We have taken our classes. We go to Mass every Sunday. It is Awful. here is my dilemma. I believe what the Church teaches . I don’t know if my faith can stand up to everything else.
I think I know what is wrong:
As you know,( this is a very Catholic idea) , all the senses are avenues of communication . When one or more of these avenues is not used in an intentional way, that avenue is used never-the-less --but in an unintentional way. This is the nature of the senses-they are always on . In the Masses I attend , the words spoken are virtually the only thing to which any attention has been given. The Priest seems not to care what he is saying. The people do not sing. In my culture this is a sign one is disinterested. The Music is some poor imitation of a 1963 folk song. The building and art works are not made well.This is not because the people are poor. People Rich and Poor, have always made art about what they think is important. When Art is missing or is slapdash, it says to the observer that the occasion does not warrant any better than this. It says what goes on here is unimportant. It does not matter if this is not what the people feel --it is what is being said. How do I know what they feel but by observation? The Priest does not talk as is he Loves God --we all know how one talks when one loves someone. This isn’t it. I hope he does love God. I keep trying to become Catholic but my faith takes an assault every-time i go to Mass. Yes, faith tells me that Jesus is here --but my senses are constantly being told that He is a small matter.

What should I do. Forgive me,I feel like a rude guest who complains to the host after eating dinner.
Click to expand...
I’m sorry if this sounds rude but how can you say that your “faith” takes an assault? Is your faith based on what other do or don’t do? Is your faith based on feelings? Are your eyes focused on Christ or on other things?

If you trully love Jesus then your senses should be attuned to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the Mass rather than what the priest says or doesn’t say or how good the choir is or isn’t. If you base your faith on feelings then you won’t remain a Christian for very long I think. You might want to find another parish or attend mass at a different time to find a more suitable atmosphere to worship in.
 
as the person administering RCIA in my parish, my advice is a bit different. there has to be a reason you chose this parish, or were led there, to begin your journey. Is the priest the one you have contact with in your class? Can you talk to him in a conversational way about what your expectations were of Catholic worship and parish life in general, and why you feel disappointed and unnourished in the current setting? I mean, with a view of exploring what is going on with you spiritually, not of challenging or scolding him. If not him, is there someone on the RCIA team, or your sponsor you can have this discussion with?

It may be that you are in this parish for a reason. Did you know, new converts are a huge source of inspiration and renewal for those of us slumping in the pews. Sadly, you may never know how many people you have touched by being there but I assure you it is true.

Can it be that you are being allowed to begin your participation in Catholic liturgy in a setting where little or nothing perceived by the senses is satisfying, in order that you may realize your satisfaction, nourishment, healing, and communion are coming from Christ himself, and that they come to you in spite of, not because of the senses? Could it be that the very indifference of the priest is being allowed so that you understand how it is that Christ works through the priest, who however dull, unmotivated or unloved he now feels, is nonetheless willing to “show up” every day and allow Christ to work in him?

It may be that you are being granted the blessing of a very advanced spiritual lesson through this experience, and if you are, it means that God knows you are ready for this lesson and are disposed to benefit from it.

My advice would be to humbly submit to the challenge the Holy Spirit is putting in your way. You may be the one lighted candle that can light the way for the rest of your sad parish. Pray for them, and most of all pray for your priest.

As you say, the senses are the initial means Jesus used to reach and communicate his reality to people, which is part of the meaning of the Incarnation. Perhaps in your parish God is allowing the sense experience to be dulled in order that the people may be led to concentrate on the words themselves and their meaning. Just like you turn down the TV in order to carry on a conversation with someone who has just entered the room. Pray like mad for your parish. This is the community you joined, don’t be too ready to shop around for a better “experience”.
 
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