Unofficially Catholic

[Malia_Belen]

I really enjoy going to Mass even though I haven’t been in awhile because of transportation issues and I listen and watch mostly Catholic programming. However, I still have some unresolved issues with the Catholics church… the typical Protestant challenges however I just can’t seem to get over them. I have read and prayed about it. The more I keep trying to find the truth with every elses opinions thrown in the more I doubt things in general…more than I use to before I began this discovery. I keep asking myself why does finding truth seem so hard. I was okay just being kind of non-denominational, going to church occasionally and reading and praying regularly. When I began my search for a church and the truth and begun hearing advice/apologetics from every type of Christianity…the confusion set in and now I’m just kinda dazed again wondering what the truth is. I’ve even found myself doubting some things that all Christians know to be true which scares me to death. My question is…is it okay to be just unofficially Catholic meaning attending church and being involved the activities without actually joining? Sometimes, I think I was just better of being just non-denominational, reading my Bible, praying and occasionally going to church.

 

[shom-bms]

Since you say you are in search of truth, the question is whether there is a church that can provide you with proper interpretation of Scripture.

My suggestion is that you find a private place, away from distractions and noise, and prostrate yourself face down on the floor. From that position, recount for God all the times in your life when you were wrong about things. (Well, not all the times; you don’t want pass out from fatigue doing this exercise.) When you’ve thoroughly reminded yourself of the imperfect nature of the human brain, ask yourself whether you really want to base everything only on what makes sense to you (i.e., your own personal interpretation of Scripture) or on what made sense to the founder of one of the thousands of denominations that has sprung up in the past 500 years.

Recall who God is. And who you are.

Then remember the great promise God has given you–namely, that the church He formed is the pillar and bulwark of the truth. (1 Tm 3:15)

Then if you feel so inclined, try simply stepping out in faith on this promise. Raise your eyes to Heaven and say, “Lord, I believe, that I might understand.”

On the other side of your faith, you’ll find the light you need to see both the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith.

 

[LDNCatholic]

I really enjoy going to Mass even though I haven’t been in awhile because of transportation issues and I listen and watch mostly Catholic programming. However, I still have some unresolved issues with the Catholics church… the typical Protestant challenges however I just can’t seem to get over them. I have read and prayed about it. The more I keep trying to find the truth with every elses opinions thrown in the more I doubt things in general…more than I use to before I began this discovery. I keep asking myself why does finding truth seem so hard. I was okay just being kind of non-denominational, going to church occasionally and reading and praying regularly. When I began my search for a church and the truth and begun hearing advice/apologetics from every type of Christianity…the confusion set in and now I’m just kinda dazed again wondering what the truth is. I’ve even found myself doubting some things that all Christians know to be true which scares me to death. My question is…is it okay to be just unofficially Catholic meaning attending church and being involved the activities without actually joining? Sometimes, I think I was just better of being just non-denominational, reading my Bible, praying and occasionally going to church.

Until you convert, you may not receive the Eucharist, as you are not in communion with the Catholic Church. There is nothing wrong with attending Mass (as long as you do not Recieve).

However, if you believe the Catholic Church to be true, why settle for anything less than joining it.

Incidentally, there is no such thing as unofficially Catholic. You would be a Protestant who happens to enjoy Mass and has some sympathies with Catholic theology.

I will pray for you. God bless,

Peter

 

[Paul_Rimmer]

You are welcome to attend a Catholic Church, though without proper membership, it will not be a real home to you (however warm its members probably are).

I’d suggest four things:

1. Participate in Eucharistic Adoration. This is the heart of the Catholic faith, so you should figure out whether you believe this or not. If you do, nothing should keep you away. If you don’t, nothing should be sufficient to keep you there.
2. Talk with a Priest. Begin seriously defining your similarities and differences, and studying them. Make sure that the differences are real differences. This means knowing what you think, and also knowing what the Church teaches. Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
3. Attend an Anglican Church (make sure it’s connected to the Anglican Catholic Communion; if you are interested, private message me, and I’ll let you know what parish is closest to you). They are Catholic, as well, and have the real Eucharist. Talk with them, and figure out what they believe, what’s essential and what’s not, and whether you agree most with them, more importantly, whether you believe that they hold to what is essentially true.
4. Do the same with the Orthodox Church. They also have real Eucharist, and are also Catholic.

(3 and 4 are not the common views here at Catholic Answers).

Let me know if I can help, of if you’d ever like to talk.

 

[BernadetteM]

You are welcome to attend a Catholic Church, though without proper membership, it will not be a real home to you (however warm its members probably are).

I’d suggest four things:

1. Participate in Eucharistic Adoration. This is the heart of the Catholic faith, so you should figure out whether you believe this or not. If you do, nothing should keep you away. If you don’t, nothing should be sufficient to keep you there.
2. Talk with a Priest. Begin seriously defining your similarities and differences, and studying them. Make sure that the differences are real differences. This means knowing what you think, and also knowing what the Church teaches. Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
3. Attend an Anglican Church (make sure it’s connected to the Anglican Catholic Communion; if you are interested, private message me, and I’ll let you know what parish is closest to you). They are Catholic, as well, and have the real Eucharist. Talk with them, and figure out what they believe, what’s essential and what’s not, and whether you agree most with them, more importantly, whether you believe that they hold to what is essentially true.
4. Do the same with the Orthodox Church. They also have real Eucharist, and are also Catholic.

(3 and 4 are not the common views here at Catholic Answers).

Let me know if I can help, of if you’d ever like to talk.

What exactly do you mean by Anglican Catholic church? Are you speaking of the Anglican Use Catholic parishes? If not then in the eyes of the Catholic Church they are not Catholic. Yes Anglo Catholics believe in the Real Presence and have lovely liturgies, but they are not part of the Catholic Church.

There are many Anglicans at this time who are coming into the Catholic Church through the Ordianariates once they are established. They will be bringing in their Anglican Patrimony and will be fully Catholic. To be Catholic you must be in communion with the Pope.

This is said with all charity, I realize that many Anglo Catholics feel they are Catholic, but don’t want to accept the authority of the Papacy. This is why the Episcopal church and the Anglican Communion has turned away from the historical teachings of the Christian faith. Although there are still members who still keep the original teachings, it has become more and more difficult for them to stay within the Anglican Communion.

From your post I thought you might belong to one of the many Continuing Anglican groups.

I am posting this so that the OP will not be confused as to what it means to belong to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. There are several churches who use the name Catholic in their titles.

God Bless

Bernadette

 

[CaptainPicard]

1. Attend an Anglican Church (make sure it’s connected to the Anglican Catholic Communion; if you are interested, private message me, and I’ll let you know what parish is closest to you). They are Catholic, as well, and have the real Eucharist. Talk with them, and figure out what they believe, what’s essential and what’s not, and whether you agree most with them, more importantly, whether you believe that they hold to what is essentially true.
2. Do the same with the Orthodox Church. They also have real Eucharist, and are also Catholic.

(3 and 4 are not the common views here at Catholic Answers).

Hi Paul,
Do you hold to the view that the Anglican Church, the Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church are three branches of the catholic church?
Obviously, both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church reject that view.

I think what concerns me about your post is that it is ambiguous. You’re more than welcome to share your views about the nature of the Church and offer advice to other posters. I’d just ask that you please don’t make it sound like what you’re saying is inline with Catholic (“Catholic” in the sense that everybody takes it to mean on a Catholic answers forum) teaching when it’s not. People could get really confused.

 

[Paul_Rimmer]

Bernadette (and many others) believe that the Anglican Church is not Catholic. I (and many others) believe that it is. I think it’s worth exploring and considering. anglicancontinuum.blogspot.com/ has good information.

What exactly do you mean by Anglican Catholic church? Are you speaking of the Anglican Use Catholic parishes? If not then in the eyes of the Catholic Church they are not Catholic. Yes Anglo Catholics believe in the Real Presence and have lovely liturgies, but they are not part of the Catholic Church.

 

[promethius]

I keep asking myself why does finding truth seem so hard. I was okay just being kind of non-denominational, going to church occasionally and reading and praying regularly. When I began my search for a church and the truth and begun hearing advice/apologetics from every type of Christianity…the confusion set in and now I’m just kinda dazed again wondering what the truth is. I’ve even found myself doubting some things that all Christians know to be true which scares me to death.

Sounds to me like satan was content to let you be lukewarm in faith… but what does God say about those who are lukewarm? That He will spit them out of His mouth. So now you’re being pushed to “turn up the heat” from one side, the good side, and satan is railing against you going to church and learning more and deeper things about your faith.

Never underestimate the wiles of the devil. Like God, he wants you personally, but for all the wrong and darkest of reasons. Fight him and find God.

My question is…is it okay to be just unofficially Catholic meaning attending church and being involved the activities without actually joining? Sometimes, I think I was just better of being just non-denominational, reading my Bible, praying and occasionally going to church.

You can attend as much as you like, as long as you don’t participate in the sacraments (other than sacraments of initiation if/when you decide to become catholic, after which all the sacraments will be open to you). If you like, you can go to confession and ask for spiritual guidance on moral issues, but note that you’re not catholic so the priest is aware.

I also agree with the idea that you should go to a Eucharistic adoration. The Eucharist truly is the center of our faith life. Go, present yourself before the Eucharist and kneel for a bit in reflection. If this is one of your objections, I’d gladly answer some questions about it for you before you go. When you’re there, just be open to the possibility of the real presence of Christ being there before you and see if you feel the Spirit moving in you. Personally, hunger for the Eucharist is the one need of faith that can be fed only in the Catholic church, because our bread becomes the True Food (Mana) of Christ.

 

[jfoges]

You are welcome to attend a Catholic Church, though without proper membership, it will not be a real home to you (however warm its members probably are).

I’d suggest four things:

1. Participate in Eucharistic Adoration. This is the heart of the Catholic faith, so you should figure out whether you believe this or not. If you do, nothing should keep you away. If you don’t, nothing should be sufficient to keep you there.
2. Talk with a Priest. Begin seriously defining your similarities and differences, and studying them. Make sure that the differences are real differences. This means knowing what you think, and also knowing what the Church teaches. Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
3. Attend an Anglican Church (make sure it’s connected to the Anglican Catholic Communion; if you are interested, private message me, and I’ll let you know what parish is closest to you). They are Catholic, as well, and have the real Eucharist. Talk with them, and figure out what they believe, what’s essential and what’s not, and whether you agree most with them, more importantly, whether you believe that they hold to what is essentially true.
4. Do the same with the Orthodox Church. They also have real Eucharist, and are also Catholic.

(3 and 4 are not the common views here at Catholic Answers).

Let me know if I can help, of if you’d ever like to talk.

Paul,

The Catholic Church does not consider the eucharist celebrated in the Anglican church to be valid. I believe this is because the Anglican orders themselves are not valid. Without proper orders, none of the other sacraments can be valid, except perhaps baptism and marriage.

 

[Paul_Rimmer]

Paul,

The Catholic Church does not consider the eucharist celebrated in the Anglican church to be valid. I believe this is because the Anglican orders themselves are not valid. Without proper orders, none of the other sacraments can be valid, except perhaps baptism and marriage.

I think my signature says it all.

 

[Prophesy]

Paul,

The Catholic Church does not consider the eucharist celebrated in the Anglican church to be valid. I believe this is because the Anglican orders themselves are not valid. Without proper orders, none of the other sacraments can be valid, except perhaps baptism and marriage.

Yes, if a Catholic attends an Anglican celebration, they still have not fulfilled their obligation. High Anglican communities are close (like the Orthodox), but close is not 100% (as is the case with the Eastern Rites and the new Anglican Rite).

-Prophecy

 

[BernadetteM]

Dear Paul,

I am a convert from the Anglo Catholic tradition and know that when one would ask me if I was Catholic I would say yes, but knew in my heart I was not being honest. Of course the person asking would assume that I belonged to the Catholic Church.

When an Anglican is asked this same question they must explain what they mean by Catholic, that they are actually Anglican, but feel that they are part of the Catholic Church. If they don’t explain this, then they are not being forthcoming.

The blog you mentioned is one of the most uncharitable and unchristian ones I have seen among Anglicans. They take things out of context and attack other Anglicans and priests, by name that are joining the Ordinariate.

I do believe that there have been some priests who have been ordained by an Old Catholic Bishop, that gives him valid, but illicit orders. But now that woman have been ordained it negates any more valid ordinations. You would have to ask your priest who ordained him to make sure that it was an Old Catholic Bishop, otherwise the ordination is not valid.

If you think about it, Christ’s True Church is universal, this is not true of any other church. The Continuing Anglicans, which you seem to be a part of have broken from one another so many times, that if you look on the web, there are over 80 of them worldwide. This is called protestantism.

Your parish might feel that the Eucharist is valid and not just a symbol, but other Anglican groups do not. While growing up I belonged to a low church, the Rector considered himself a minister, not a priest. The service was called Holy Communion and only offered at the main service once a month. It was considered more a symbol, not the actual Body and Blood of Christ.

There will never be peace among the groups of Anglicans who have broken away from the Episcopal church or Anglican Communion. They will always be infighting and another breakaway because there is no head of the church. Jesus gave Peter the authority to be over the Church and also the keys. No matter whether there is sin in the Church or Bishops and priests etc. who disobey the teachings of the Catholic Church, the teachings remain the same.

I have been where you are so know the mindset of many Anglo Catholics, the main issue is that they choose not to be under authority, except their own and that is why the Anglican Communion and the Continuing groups will always be in turmoil. They want to do it their way.

If you are content in your parish that is fine, but there are so few of each group what will you do when your not close to your parish. Since there are only one or two of the different groups in some states and they aren’t in communion with one another it must be a difficult time if you travel.

The Orthodox don’t accept Anglicans as Catholic, they don’t accept the branch theory. You might start praying that God will show you His Church.

I have found peace and a true feeling of spiritual communion with my brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church that is difficult to explain. I also can’t wait until, hopefully there will be an Anglican Use Catholic parish close to me.

God Bless

Bernadette

 

[Paul_Rimmer]

You might start praying that God will show you His Church.

I am totally confident in my Catholic faith, and that I am exactly where God wants me to be at this time in my life.

For the OP, I hope God gives you the same confidence and faith, no matter where you decide to make your home. I just pray it is a place that respects the Eucharist and that has valid Apostolic Succession.

God bless.

 

[legendashmore]

Paul,
I think the issue that others feel has come up is not that you believe that the Anglican Church is Part of the Catholic Church, but the issue is that you are claiming that this is an official church teaching, which it is not.
You have the right to believe this, even though most of us disagree with you, but please do not state that this is what the Catholic Church Believes, because it is not.

God Bless:thumbsup:

 

[zz912]

I would suggest you call your parish and find out when RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process of becoming Catholic) classes start. You can attend and ask all the questions you have and receive education on Catholic teaching. There is no requirement for you to come into the Church, you can attend just to learn more.

This is a great wasy to work through all the questions and issues you have and understand better Catholic teaching.

 

[paul_c]

I really enjoy going to Mass even though I haven’t been in awhile because of transportation issues and I listen and watch mostly Catholic programming. However, I still have some unresolved issues with the Catholics church… the typical Protestant challenges however I just can’t seem to get over them. I have read and prayed about it. The more I keep trying to find the truth with every elses opinions thrown in the more I doubt things in general…more than I use to before I began this discovery. I keep asking myself why does finding truth seem so hard. I was okay just being kind of non-denominational, going to church occasionally and reading and praying regularly. When I began my search for a church and the truth and begun hearing advice/apologetics from every type of Christianity…the confusion set in and now I’m just kinda dazed again wondering what the truth is. I’ve even found myself doubting some things that all Christians know to be true which scares me to death. My question is…is it okay to be just unofficially Catholic meaning attending church and being involved the activities without actually joining? Sometimes, I think I was just better of being just non-denominational, reading my Bible, praying and occasionally going to church.

Malia, the Catholic view of salvation is this:
you need to be baptized in the name of the father, the son and the Holy spirit to gain sufficient grace to go to be saved. If you die in the state of grace, you will go to heaven. You stay in the state of grace by loving God and Neighbor and avoiding sin… Partaking of the sacraments, particularly the eucharist, will increase the grace within you, making it easier to love and avoid sin. If you do fall from grace through sin, you can be reconciled to God and reenter the state of grace through the sacrament of reconciliation, which requires contrition, confession to a priest, penance, and repentance.

In your current state, you do not have access to the eucharist, nor to reconciliation. These are huge impediments to your ability to reach heaven. To be Catholic, means being unified in the Body of Christ. You either are, or you aren’t.

 

[Deconi]

I really enjoy going to Mass even though I haven’t been in awhile because of transportation issues and I listen and watch mostly Catholic programming. However, I still have some unresolved issues with the Catholics church… the typical Protestant challenges however I just can’t seem to get over them. I have read and prayed about it. The more I keep trying to find the truth with every elses opinions thrown in the more I doubt things in general…more than I use to before I began this discovery. I keep asking myself why does finding truth seem so hard. I was okay just being kind of non-denominational, going to church occasionally and reading and praying regularly. When I began my search for a church and the truth and begun hearing advice/apologetics from every type of Christianity…the confusion set in and now I’m just kinda dazed again wondering what the truth is. I’ve even found myself doubting some things that all Christians know to be true which scares me to death. My question is…is it okay to be just unofficially Catholic meaning attending church and being involved the activities without actually joining? Sometimes, I think I was just better of being just non-denominational, reading my Bible, praying and occasionally going to church.

Malia, don’t go to Mass looking for answers!

JUST go to Mass… to be with God, ‘listen’ with your soul and mind… and leave all the murmurs and confusion…at the door!

As Catholics. we don’t go looking for answers, although the answers may follow.

WE GO TO MASS TO WORSHIP AND BE WITH GOD.

All else flows from that.

If you’re going to Mass as a non-Catholic and just sitting quietly ‘spending’ time with Our Lord, you’re more Catholic than some I know!

God Bless

 

[Paul_Rimmer]

Paul,
I think the issue that others feel has come up is not that you believe that the Anglican Church is Part of the Catholic Church, but the issue is that you are claiming that this is an official church teaching, which it is not.

Where did I claim it was official? I think it’s Church teaching; it’s taught at my church.

 

[Malia_Belen]

To be honest, Jesus in the Eucharist isn’t so hard to believe. I think I’ve always sort of believed it. I’m just the not sure the Catholic Church is the only one who has a valid Eucharist. The idea of Eucharistic adoration kind of bothers me.

My main things are Mary and praying to the Saints. I don’t get why Catholics pray to saints and it bothers me that I read someone where that Saints have powers. I also completely don’t get the rosary and why Mary is sinless.

 

[paul_c]

Originally Posted by legendashmore
Paul,
I think the issue that others feel has come up is not that you believe that the Anglican Church is Part of the Catholic Church, but the issue is that you are claiming that this is an official church teaching, which it is not

Paul, seriously, how do you define the term “Catholic Church”.