What Does it Mean to be a Charismatic Catholic?

[ccmcmg]

That was the point of the Renewal: To include Protestant practices into Catholicism. Don’t worry, the Church approves of this, so its OK to be a Charismatic Catholic.

However, do traditionalists approve of this? I think we all know the answer.

There are people who don’t appreciate the tight mold of some so-called traditionalists, either. But if God, who created these Gifts, and our Church/Faith approves, other people’s personal opinions should have no basis. I haven’t met one Charismatic Catholic who looks down on other ‘types’ of Catholics…NO, EF, OF, whatever. It’s all good. Do what you’re blessed with.
**

No one says you have to be part of the movement. Some Catholics do like it, some don’t. If you don’t like it, don’t participate in it.

**

TRUTH! Just as you don’t have to be consecrated to Mary, the Sacred Heart, be Franciscan, or any other ‘type’ of Catholic, you don’t have to be Charismatic.

Well stated; that is exactly what the so-called “Charismatic Catholics” are like it our parish. I always felt ill at ease around Charismatics of other denominations, but it is something entirely different as a Catholic - and, actually, I never was fond of the book of Acts until becoming Catholic. Here I am finding delight in, and understanding of, every page of the Bible.

John Martin

Ahhhhhh, very nice, John Martin.

We do have in the Catholic Church, the **Catholic Charismatic Renewal **which spirituality is loosely termed as ‘Charismatic’, perhaps for lack of better word. This is quite a new movement within the Church, approximately sprung up during the early seventies.

Maybe what the Charismatic Renewal does to Catholics who have this experience is more important that what their spirituality is being percieved because the latter can be very much misunderstood.

What it does is basically a renewal of one’s faith of the Catholic Church. In other word, a Charismatic Catholic’s faith is renewed, a change in personal character, a conversion experience in repentance, increased love of the Bible, the Sacraments, the Church, the clergies, religious and one another, to give oneselves in service and to pray.

They are open to the charismatic gifts that are mentioned in 1 Cor 12 but not all have the gifts. They begin to recognize their personal talent which purpose is meant to serve the one Lord.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles, and they started speaking in tongues. So, those that are saying that this is ‘Protestant’, are not entirely correct. If the Apostles, including St. Peter, were the first Catholics, are we saying that they shouldn’t have been Charismatic (which means having Charisms/gifts of the Holy Spirit)? Check out Acts 2.

I recently attended my first Charismatic Mass two weeks ago. It was pretty simliar to other Masses I’ve attended…except for the priest from Africa, who was quite joyful and expressive. There was a blessing portion, and a healing portion of Mass. It was in the social room, set up for Mass for the small group. I didn’t hear one person speak in tongues that night, although some told me that it happened sometimes. I actually lowered the age of the group…most were over 65 to 70 years old.

I did feel the Spirit move in me, more than in a regular Mass, but I was more focused on the Holy Spirit than normal, as were all other attendees. I am learning what gifts and charisms that the Holy Spirit has blessed me with (I can think of a couple possibilities), and if I’m ever blessed with tongues, I know I will fall to the ground in praise, humility and who knows what else. I enjoyed being able to get into the Mass more fully in this instance. At times, while praying in Mass, I have opened my eyes, and seen my arm raised towards the Lord. At this Mass, I didn’t have to worry about being judged. I could really give myself over to the Holy Spirit without question. I felt almost more welcomed during this Mass than during many others I have attended.

You can’t force God to give you any of these Gifts, but if you are more open to receiving them, you never know what just might happen. Sometimes, when I am honest and open, the idea of what I might be led to do with the Gifts I feel drawing me in, makes my human self a bit nervous! Thankfully, with God’s Grace and Command, I know whatever any of us might face, we can get through it with Him, in His Will and Way.

Here is an amazing page regarding this:
http://www.diolaf.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=733

 

[ccmcmg]

I have seen myself as an appendix, of no known use to the body:shrug: Of course the appendix is part of the intestines which eliminate waste materials and poisons from the body.

Surely you jest. All of us are important members of the Body of the Faithful! When you find your place, you will know it. Just because the appendix doesn’t have an obvious use that human beings can discover, there is a reason God put it there!

God bless you!

 

[po18guy]

I have seen myself as an appendix, of no known use to the body:shrug: Of course the appendix is part of the intestines which eliminate waste materials and poisons from the body.

You certainly do have a charism - perhaps several. Some of them can be very quiet - almost invisible, but still important to God. Here is something about them from that seldom consulted source, the catechism:

Charisms

799 Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.

800 Charisms are to be accepted with gratitude by the person who receives them and by all members of the Church as well. They are a wonderfully rich grace for the apostolic vitality and for the holiness of the entire Body of Christ, provided they really are genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit and are used in full conformity with authentic promptings of this same Spirit, that is, in keeping with charity, the true measure of all charisms.253

801 It is in this sense that discernment of charisms is always necessary. No charism is exempt from being referred and submitted to the Church’s shepherds. "Their office [is] not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but to test all things and hold fast to what is good,"254 so that all the diverse and complementary charisms work together "for the common good."255

Don’t underestimate yourself, as God has not underestimated you.

 

[LegoGE1947]

You certainly do have a charism - perhaps several. Some of them can be very quiet - almost invisible, but still important to God. Here is something about them from that seldom consulted source, the catechism:

Don’t underestimate yourself, as God has not underestimated you.

Just frustrated because if I do have a charism, I haven’t been able to locate it! My Catechism is NOT seldom consulted, (maybe seldom understood but not seldom consulted)!

 

[grannymh]

Just frustrated because if I do have a charism, I haven’t been able to locate it! My Catechism is NOT seldom consulted, (maybe seldom understood but not seldom consulted)!

If you do not locate at least one of your charisms in post 19, I will be delighted to add some more to that list.

P.S. Please,
take another look at the interesting words (simple and humble & directly or indirectly) in this Catechism paragraph from post 23.
799 Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.

 

[po18guy]

Just frustrated because if I do have a charism, I haven’t been able to locate it! My Catechism is NOT seldom consulted, (maybe seldom understood but not seldom consulted)!

As to the catechism, good! I only mentioned that because offering sections from the catechism here at CAF seems often as not to result in the sound of crickets. All I can tell you is that I did not realize my charism until I underwent the baptism in the Holy Spirit at the hands of our charismatic priest at a Life in the Spirit seminar at my parish. In my case, it was all about deciding to become docile to the Hoy Spirit. Although I rarely attend charismatic events, my faith life changed ever after that event. Night and day difference. Actually, I think it is Fr. Robert Barron that teaches that the one prayer that is always answered is “Come, Holy Spirit!” The Spirit arrives only by our invitation and will never force Himself upon us.

 

[LegoGE1947]

As to the catechism, good! I only mentioned that because offering sections from the catechism here at CAF seems often as not to result in the sound of crickets. All I can tell you is that I did not realize my charism until I underwent the baptism in the Holy Spirit at the hands of our charismatic priest at a Life in the Spirit seminar at my parish. In my case, it was all about deciding to become docile to the Hoy Spirit. Although I rarely attend charismatic events, my faith life changed ever after that event. Night and day difference. Actually, I think it is Fr. Robert Barron that teaches that the one prayer that is always answered is “Come, Holy Spirit!” The Spirit arrives only by our invitation and will never force Himself upon us.

That was not my experience! One time a special speaker at one Pentecostal assembly actually climbed over the pews, grabbed me and forced me to my knees. To h*** with this Pentecostal garbage!

 

[Reuben_J]

Just frustrated because if I do have a charism, I haven’t been able to locate it! My Catechism is NOT seldom consulted, (maybe seldom understood but not seldom consulted)!

There are many things you can do brother until you find one that really meant for you in relation to the time and place you are in.

Simple things like arranging the chairs for a gathering, cooking (though that may not be so simple), visiting the sick, the grieving and the imprisoned, praying as an intercessor, usher in the church, giving comfort, giving transport for those who need it, teaching in the CCD, lector, et al.

You can also sing in the choir, teach in the RCIA, give teaching - family life and breaking the word of the Bible, minister to the sick, set up school, go for outreaching and missionary and corporal work of mercy. The list goes on.

 

[grannymh]

That was not my experience! One time a special speaker at one Pentecostal assembly actually climbed over the pews, grabbed me and forced me to my knees. To h*** with this Pentecostal garbage!

:bigyikes:

I am shaking from reading about your experience. My favorite descriptive word begins with S. You have both my sympathy and understanding.

While there were serious questions about the early Catholic Charismatic Renewal, they have been rare for many years because the Renewal is under the supervision of a Diocesan official . There is also a local Renewal liaison to the Diocese and a list of prayer groups associated with the Diocesan Renewal.

This is an exceptionally good link for information. Check the menu on the left.
nsc-chariscenter.org/

Here is info about Rockford.
nsc-chariscenter.org/Search/searchdb.asp
nsc-chariscenter.org/Search/searchdetails.asp?mID=1711
rockforddiocese.org/charismaticrenewal/

Currently, the same abuse of pride over praying in tongues, which sparked St. Paul’s corrections to the people of Corinth, exists in some areas. The fact that someone prays in tongues is not a badge of holiness. People need to realize that over the centuries the Holy Spirit has graced our Church with many ways to live a holy spiritual life.

While my intention is not to “convert” anyone to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, I do try to explain it. I will answer your concerns, if you wish.

I am still upset about what happened to you. I have this picture in my mind… leaping toward me. Don’t worry. Ice cream will banish crazy thoughts.

All I can say is that Catholics have a choice as to whether or not they should commit their lives to Our Lord Jesus Christ in a special prayer-filled way one finds in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. This does not substitute for Baptism or Confirmation. In the early Church, this commitment was an addition to the celebration of Baptism and Confirmation since the first converts were mostly adults. Today, this same principle is seen in infant Baptism in the parents and godparents answers to “Do you renounce Satan …”. By renouncing the works of Satan, we commit our lives to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, and every day, we have the opportunity to re-commit our lives to Jesus when we receive Him in Holy Communion.

 

[po18guy]

That was not my experience! One time a special speaker at one Pentecostal assembly actually climbed over the pews, grabbed me and forced me to my knees. To h*** with this Pentecostal garbage!

Pentecostalism, lacking a central authority, is all over the map. I would try to forget about that rather jarring experience! The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is under the Bishop of the diocese that it is located in, and some Bishops will participate in the charismatic masses. A world of difference.

 

[LegoGE1947]

Pentecostalism, lacking a central authority, is all over the map. I would try to forget about that rather jarring experience! The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is under the Bishop of the diocese that it is located in, and some Bishops will participate in the charismatic masses. A world of difference.

These things all happened in “Word Of Faith” Protestant assemblies. The Catholic Church had nothing, to my knowledge with these people or their “churches” although some of them may have been non-practicing Catholics. You’d be shocked at how many Protestant assemblies are made up of former Catholics. It is just that these things that occurred have effectively stolen my soul, my joy, and my faith, along with any ability I may ever have had to read Scripture with an open mind. It pains me that I allowed myself to be sucked into this, not to mention all the other souls that have been hurt in various ways by that Word Faith heresy. I only ask Gods forgiveness and your prayers. Now I think I’ll withdraw from this thread because I can’t take this anymore

 

[grannymh]

These things all happened in “Word Of Faith” Protestant assemblies. The Catholic Church had nothing, to my knowledge with these people or their “churches” although some of them may have been non-practicing Catholics. You’d be shocked at how many Protestant assemblies are made up of former Catholics. It is just that these things that occurred have effectively stolen my soul, my joy, and my faith, along with any ability I may ever have had to read Scripture with an open mind. It pains me that I allowed myself to be sucked into this, not to mention all the other souls that have been hurt in various ways by that Word Faith heresy. I only ask Gods forgiveness and your prayers. Now I think I’ll withdraw from this thread because I can’t take this anymore

Thank you for your courage in sharing.

 

[po18guy]

These things all happened in “Word Of Faith” Protestant assemblies. The Catholic Church had nothing, to my knowledge with these people or their “churches” although some of them may have been non-practicing Catholics. You’d be shocked at how many Protestant assemblies are made up of former Catholics. It is just that these things that occurred have effectively stolen my soul, my joy, and my faith, along with any ability I may ever have had to read Scripture with an open mind. It pains me that I allowed myself to be sucked into this, not to mention all the other souls that have been hurt in various ways by that Word Faith heresy. I only ask Gods forgiveness and your prayers. Now I think I’ll withdraw from this thread because I can’t take this anymore

One day in the future, perhaps even years from now, think about taking a peek at the Catholic version and you will not be so traumatized.

 

[PLeeD]

Pentecostalism, lacking a central authority, is all over the map. I would try to forget about that rather jarring experience! The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is under the Bishop of the diocese that it is located in, and some Bishops will participate in the charismatic masses. A world of difference.

That was not my experience! One time a special speaker at one Pentecostal assembly actually climbed over the pews, grabbed me and forced me to my knees. To h*** with this Pentecostal garbage!

I am very sorry to hear this happened to you! That is crazy!

I attended an Assemblies of God church for many years. Nothing like this ever happened there. Use of charisms was closely directed by Paul’s teaching on the subject. The Holy Spirit is at work in many protestant churches as it is in the CCR.

 

[po18guy]

For those wondering, here is why the use of the charisms is important:

Charisms of the Holy Spirit & Evangelization

The Holy Spirit also enriches the entire evangelizing Church with different charisms. These gifts are meant to renew and build up the Church.[108] They are not an inheritance, safely secured and entrusted to a small group for safekeeping; rather they are gifts of the Spirit integrated into the body of the Church, drawn to the center which is Christ and then channelled into an evangelizing impulse. A sure sign of the authenticity of a charism is its ecclesial character, its ability to be integrated harmoniously into the life of God’s holy and faithful people for the good of all. Something truly new brought about by the Spirit need not overshadow other gifts and spiritualities in making itself felt. To the extent that a charism is better directed to the heart of the Gospel, its exercise will be more ecclesial. It is in communion, even when this proves painful, that a charism is seen to be authentic and mysteriously fruitful. On the basis of her response to this challenge, the Church can be a model of peace in our world.

Differences between persons and communities can sometimes prove uncomfortable, but the Holy Spirit, who is the source of that diversity, can bring forth something good from all things and turn it into an attractive means of evangelization. Diversity must always be reconciled by the help of the Holy Spirit; he alone can raise up diversity, plurality and multiplicity while at the same time bringing about unity. When we, for our part, aspire to diversity, we become self-enclosed, exclusive and divisive; similarly, whenever we attempt to create unity on the basis of our human calculations, we end up imposing a monolithic uniformity. This is not helpful for the Church’s mission.

Evangelii Gaudium #130-131 Pope Francis

 

[DebChris]

That was not my experience! One time a special speaker at one Pentecostal assembly actually climbed over the pews, grabbed me and forced me to my knees. To h*** with this Pentecostal garbage!

Pentecostalism, lacking a central authority, is all over the map. I would try to forget about that rather jarring experience! The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is under the Bishop of the diocese that it is located in, and some Bishops will participate in the charismatic masses. A world of difference.

As others has already said, there is a difference between the Catholic Charismatic Renewal which remains obedient to the Holy See, and has the blessing of the popes beginning with Popes beginning with Pope Paul VI through Pope Benedict XVI.
When I was in Chicago, I was invited to an Apostolic Church. As I sat in the back and observed the members my thoughts went to Jim Jones and the emphasis on the emotionality as members were whipped into a frenzy and the focus was strictly on the gift of tongues. As a young boy fell into ecstasy, he was baptized. My thought at the time was “where is the knowledge and forethought?” This “friend” did not understand how I could simply observe and not feel the Holy Spirit at work in her church.I can very much empathize with your situation. She refused my reciprocal invitation to the Catholic Church.
My introduction to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal came during a crisis point in my life. I went on an Easter retreat and found myself returning to the retreat center that also had a Charismatic prayer group that met weekly. Although it was 50 miles from where I lived, it was the closest one to where I lived in WI. It was an ecumenical group, mostly Catholic. The retreat center itself was Catholic. You could feel God’s presence and peace the moment you drove onto the grounds. Prayer meeting often included teachings on the various charisms. There was an emphasis on the importance of discernment.

 

[po18guy]

As others has already said, there is a difference between the Catholic Charismatic Renewal which remains obedient to the Holy See, and has the blessing of the popes beginning with Popes beginning with Pope Paul VI through Pope Benedict XVI.
When I was in Chicago, I was invited to an Apostolic Church. As I sat in the back and observed the members my thoughts went to Jim Jones and the emphasis on the emotionality as members were whipped into a frenzy and the focus was strictly on the gift of tongues. As a young boy fell into ecstasy, he was baptized. My thought at the time was “where is the knowledge and forethought?” This “friend” did not understand how I could simply observe and not feel the Holy Spirit at work in her church.I can very much empathize with your situation. She refused my reciprocal invitation to the Catholic Church.
My introduction to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal came during a crisis point in my life. I went on an Easter retreat and found myself returning to the retreat center that also had a Charismatic prayer group that met weekly. Although it was 50 miles from where I lived, it was the closest one to where I lived in WI. It was an ecumenical group, mostly Catholic. The retreat center itself was Catholic. You could feel God’s presence and peace the moment you drove onto the grounds. Prayer meeting often included teachings on the various charisms. There was an emphasis on the importance of discernment.

The best example of a charismatic movement is one which respects and fosters all of the charisms - even those that are silent and unseen, such as private intercessory prayer.

 

[HeadingBackHome]

That was not my experience! One time a special speaker at one Pentecostal assembly actually climbed over the pews, grabbed me and forced me to my knees. To h*** with this Pentecostal garbage!

and you didnt throw away Your faith, but I trew away the Pentacostal part of it and became Catholic instead?

Thats very impressive!
Most People With experiences like the one you described leave Christianity forever.
Ive heard others struggling With the same trauma, they never seem to forget it.

I used to be a Lutheran myself before the Lord called me home to the Catholic Church so Ive been protected from that kind of stuff earlier in my life as Ive allways been involved in a high Church community.

Thanks for Your testamony and God Bless you for Your Choice to become Catholic.

• Peace in Christ

 

[DebChris]

The best example of a charismatic movement is one which respects and fosters all of the charisms - even those that are silent and unseen, such as private intercessory prayer.

No argument here. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is about much more than the visible. It about renewal of the individual heart and by extension the Church itself. I gave my personal example to put LegoGE1947 at ease regarding the manifestations of the Holy Spirit within the Catholic Church. I know what it is like to be chased by somebody filled with zeal, and thinking this is the way to win somebody to Christ.
The strength of the Charismatic prayer groups to which I have belonged lay in the time set aside for intercessory prayer. Leaders prayed before meetings. Intercessory prayer was the stated purpose of the group to which I belonged in NC. I currently live and work overseas. A group meet outside the regularly scheduled weekly prayer meeting time for intercessory prayer.
Each of us is called to our private prayer time to include adoration, praise, and intercession. Many Charismatics rediscover traditional prayer forms including the rosary. With a deeper devotion to Christ comes a deeper devotion to the Eucharist, a quicker conviction of sin and recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Except when attending a Charismatic prayer meeting, it is unlikely that looking around a typical parish congregation that anybody could pick out the Charismatic Catholic from the Catholic who is not Charismatic, and that is as it should be. It is the Holy Spirit, alive and active in the life of the Charismatic Catholic that moves him or her to be more active in parish life, to service and to a deeper prayer life.

 

[Morgan2375]

What does being a Charismatic Catholic mean?

What’s it like?

God Bless
adawgj

What it is like to be a Charismatic Catholic: - To be a Charismatic Catholic is to live your life in response to God. The Holy Spirit invites and even woos us to Himself and once we are in Communion with Him, He sends us out to be Christ present in the world. He empowers us to be the Body of Christ as He intends and as such, the Holy Spirit often chooses to do great and wonderful things with and through you.

What is it like to be in the Charismatic Renewal or Charismatic Movement:

1. It’s Supernatural Responding to the Holy Spirit in communion with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit often makes real St. Paul’s assertion to the Philippians that all things are possible through Christ and as such, God uses mere mortals to do great and wonderful things, supernatural things like becoming vessels for Christ, the Healer, to heal others.
2. It’s also extremely tempting to try to take ownership of the gifts of the Spirit. When we do, we stop responding and begin “do-ing” whatever gift it was we experienced before or we might even look to another as a healer or prophesier or one who speaks in tongues. We might begin to think “WE” are accomplishing God’s will or that someone else we see is accomplishing God’s will.

We must fight every temptation to think and act as if we had anything to do with these great and wonderful things other than to say “Yes” to the Holy Spirit. If we begin to think, for example, “I am a healer”, or “I speak in tongues”, or “I prophesy”, these are all pitfalls of the evil one.