What I don't like about Catholics...as a Catholic.

[John_oxios]

That sure wasn’t MY point.

My beef was with the country club crowd (and I know who they are) who come to Mass dressed week after week dressed like they just shoveled out the garage, but who wouldn’t set foot in a restaurant or job interview dressed the same way.

Hey sailor,
I didn’t say it was, my point is we never know where a person is in Life or his journey toward sanctification and salvation… and that giving them a LIFT as best we can, and unselfishly, is a far, far better thing.

God Bless,
John

 

[rinnie]

Hi rinnie,
not one of us is worthy! But Christ makes us worthy!

God is proud of you!
We plant seeds, the Holy Spirit does the rest, it is God who nurtures and allows faith to grow. But they student has to be ready to listen… give’em what you have…and let God do the rest!

Just as Elijah gives Elisha,

2Ki 2:13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

James 5:19-20, "My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

And God bless abundantly, for accepting and undertaking this task he has placed before you!

In Christ Amen,
John

You are awesome John. You are such a great example of Gods grace and love for one another. You could be so full of anger and hurt and bitterness, but instead you are filled with so much Grace and Love. You have much God in you John. Thank-You so much for what you have written.

God works in mysterious ways and I could not see why God picked me. But now that he has spoken through you, I know now why! I promise to be a Good Student.

I am so filled with joy and happiness at this moment. It is for People like you that I will go that extra mile. You make it worth every moment.

You will be in my prayers all day buddy. God Bless You!

 

[rinnie]

Hey sailor,
I didn’t say it was, my point is we never know where a person is in Life or his journey toward sanctification and salvation… and that giving them a LIFT as best we can, and unselfishly, is a far, far better thing.

God Bless,
John

Amen Brother, Now thats what I am talking about!! I like to say now that Roman Catholic!!

 

[rinnie]

Because, it is NOT about us. I…don’t know if I can say it’s about us and God. IT’S ABOUT GOD. The Mass is NEVER about us. I’m not saying this as attacking. I’m not saying this rudely. It is the truth.

I don’t go to church to check out what other people are wearing, I notice, but, I don’t go there for that reason.

Is it wrong that people should dress more considerably for God, though?

I’ve posted this before, I shall post it again.
rev-know-it-all.com/2008/2008—05-11.html

Hi adstrinty, The Mass is not about us the Mass is for us. All of us. The Mass is to me about God and God’s love for Us. So to me its God’s way of uniting US to him. It’s never about Just God. Because God is never just about God. God is always about Us. And our pain, and our fear. And Mass is God being there for US.

Peace astrinity

 

[GaryTaylor]

I don’t know that theres anything I don’t like about about Catholics. They are people. So would would the question then be, what I don’t like about peole, or what I don’t like about the Catholic Faith?

Confused. People have the same fears, share the same tears, and die in so many years.

 

[Richard_Kastner]

Hi Richard,
ACTUALLY, if I have reservations about doing something (i.e. when I hear a small voice that says, don’t you do that! ) and someone says “C’mon! Everybody’s doin’ it,” that ought to be a reason not to do it… That excuse never worked with my parents… nor does it work for my Children… there’s the norm… and the abby- norm (al). Everybody doin’ it does not mean its A.O.K. it has to include what everybody else is doin also,

Freedom doesn’t mean we get to do whatever we want:

We have the freedom to do the correct /right thing, because when if you think you have the freedom to do anything…well? That’s when you find out you can lose that freedom… it is society as a whole that defines what is good, as a whole.

God Bless,
John

Nicea made this statement

:
Originally Posted by Nicea325
And just because everyone wears them does not make it the norm.

To which I replied

Actually that is the definition of “the norm.” If everyone is doing it, it is the norm.

I put no moral spin on my statement. The fact that everyone is doing it, makes it “the norm”. Whether that norm is good or bad is irrelavant as to whether or not it is the norm. We as Christians must always look at “the norm” with a sceptical eye.

My daughter had a bracelete with the letters WWJD on it. This of coarse stands for What Would Jesus Do. When we as Christians look at “the norm” in any given situation, we need to ask ourselves this question. And this needs to become our “norm”.

 

[JustaServant]

1. Catholics who never go to Mass
2. Catholics who are trivial with their faith and believe that is what the church truly teaches
3. Catholics who are E & C Catholics. Easter and Christmas Catholics only
4. Catholics who wear shorts and sandals at Mass as if they are at the beach
5. Catholic women who wear extra tight clothes and show a lot of cleavage
6. Catholic parents who have no control over their young children during Mass
7. Catholics who answer their cells phones during Mass,after being told to silence them.
8. Catholics who receive Communion and split dodge in order to be at lunch or beat traffic
9. Catholics who enroll their child(ren) for catechism,yet never attend Mass
10. Catholics who never tithe because they believe it is not biblical
11. Catholics who talk during Mass
12. Catholics who do not show any reverence to the tabernacle
    13.Catholics who are clueless why the sanctuary lamp (candle) is there
    14.Catholics who chew gum during Mass and receive Communion
    15.Catholics who have nothing to do with parish-life and yet demand what they want
    16.Parents who want a quincernera (Sweet 15) but their daughter is not even baptized
    17.Catholic parents who want to rush their children through catechism
    18.Catholic parents who ask: Why does it take so long to prepare to receive Communion?
    19.Catholic parents who ask: Why are you charging me for catechism?
13. Catholic parents who believe the church should adjust to their own needs and beliefs

WHY IN THE HECK ARE YOU CATHOLIC?

1. Catholics who complain all the time about other Catholics.
   

 

[John_oxios]

Nicea made this statement

I put no moral spin on my statement. The fact that everyone is doing it, makes it “the norm”. Whether that norm is good or bad is irrelavant as to whether or not it is the norm. We as Christians must always look at “the norm” with a sceptical eye.

My daughter had a bracelete with the letters WWJD on it. This of coarse stands for What Would Jesus Do. When we as Christians look at “the norm” in any given situation, we need to ask ourselves this question. And this needs to become our “norm”.

Hi Rich,
no spin on the norm, we are in the world, but are to subdue it… Jesus Christ was anything But the Norm,

 

[TobyLue]

I just came in and opened this thread and have not read through all of it but thought I would just respond to a few posts

Amen! lol I’m willing to admit i’m guilty of none other than number 4 on the list… I’ve always pondered that one and never understood it. Oh well. Who ever said sandals and shorts in the dead of summer was inappropriate? Especially when it frequently reaches 110degrees here and the church is not financially able to use the air conditioner to its fullest capabilities. (I too am well catechized, attend daily mass, and go to confession frequently.)

When I was growing up there were fans but no AC in any church that we would attend. However, regardless of how hot it was, there were never any shorts worn by men, nor any tongs worn on feet. We gladly sweated like a horse and offered it up to God as penance. Nowadays people have become to anti-penance they want their churches running with the AC full blast, they want their kneelers padded (we had old wooden splinter riddled but never complained), pews also padded etc. They want to worship in luxury or they wont go to church because its too uncomfortable.

No.4–Jesus wore sandals, as do many of the priestly orders. We had a visiting priest who wore sandals. And I sometimes wear them to daily Mass, but not on sunday. No explanation.

Yes and many priests wear the roman collar but we are not members of the ministerial priesthood nor have we vowed to dress a certain way. Sandals were the mode of dress in Jesus time. Jesus didn’t drive a car to the synagogue. If you want to make that same comparison, then walk to church and leave the car at home and take the rocky road. Also, make sure the church is not ac’d. Jesus’ synagogue didn’t have an fans, much less an A/C

And just who are we to criticize anyone else. We are all sinners before God and should be more humble and forgiving towards others, as it says in the Lord’s Prayer

If someone is dressed in a thong or bikini, we should NOT criticize or say anything?

Some of our church goers are guilty of what you say, as I am, but God knows why I am there and it is for Him, not for others to judge me.

Yes we all know that we go to worship, praise, and thank our Lord and it is all for Him, but is that how little we think of Him that we go before him like we just got back from feeding the hogs? Should we not give him the best from our heart in praise and in the mode of dress? Would you go to your boss’s luncheon dressed in running shorts, sloppy dirty shirt and tongs? If we dont do it for other, why is it OK to do that for God?

Perhaps if you spent more time discerning the real reasons to be at Mass, you wouldn’t have so much time checking out the communicants

It is a distraction when the lady in front of me is wearing such a revealing dress and the man is wearing such short shorts and its almost indecent. Don’t people that are dressed like that realize, or even give it one slight thought that they are causing a distraction? Is this how little they think of others? Their thinking is … Hey, its hot, I’m gonna dress however I what and to he-- with what other people think. It want to be comfortable.

Because it’s a hospital for sinners?

Yes, but even in hospitals you are to take what given to you to get better. How is going to help when you go visit an alcoholic in the hospital with a bottle of tequila in one hand and a glass full of ice on the other. Let’s not confuses Jesus’ word, that he came for the sinner. Cause he called for repentance; that is a turning away from what we are doing

 

[TobyLue]

Contd—

Point of order, Mr. Chairman. I WAS at the beach a week ago tonight. Participated in Mass at Our Lady Star of the Seas, New Smyrna Beach, FL. Fr. John Murray celebrating. (good homily, by the way). Everybody in the building had shorts and sandals on. (Probably including Fr. Murray under his vestments). Nobody, that I saw, was dressed offensively given the beach scenario, and you can go in the most upscale restaurant in NSB dressed just the way I was. (Which I did, by the way. If you’re ever there, Spanish River Grill puts on a mean spread, albeit a bit pricey.The yuca encrusted grouper is to die for.)

This lame excuse I have heard time and time again. Look, people go on vacation and the last thing they think about is “Where will I attend Mass this coming Sunday? What nice clothes shall I pack?” Is this how little people think about our Lord, that they make the claim, that they are going to worship our Lord while we go on vacation, but place Him on the bottom of the list as to mode of dress?
BTW, they are plenty of nude beaches around the world. Would it be proper to attend Mass in the nude since that is the mode of dress, or shall I say lack of dress, around that area?

 

[TobyLue]

Nicea325 - I work in an office of a small parish and you would be surprised how many people come in and get upset because they cannot be godparents for a baptism when they are only civilly married or not married at all.

Add that to your list.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I just came in and opened this thread and have not read through all of it but thought I would just respond to a few postsWhen I was growing up there were fans but no AC in any church that we would attend. However, regardless of how hot it was, there were never any shorts worn by men, nor any tongs worn on feet. We gladly sweated like a horse and offered it up to God as penance. Nowadays people have become to anti-penance they want their churches running with the AC full blast, they want their kneelers padded (we had old wooden splinter riddled but never complained), pews also padded etc. They want to worship in luxury or they wont go to church because its too uncomfortable.Yes and many priests wear the roman collar but we are not members of the ministerial priesthood nor have we vowed to dress a certain way. Sandals were the mode of dress in Jesus time. Jesus didn’t drive a car to the synagogue. If you want to make that same comparison, then walk to church and leave the car at home and take the rocky road. Also, make sure the church is not ac’d. Jesus’ synagogue didn’t have an fans, much less an A/CIf someone is dressed in a thong or bikini, we should NOT criticize or say anything?Yes we all know that we go to worship, praise, and thank our Lord and it is all for Him, but is that how little we think of Him that we go before him like we just got back from feeding the hogs? Should we not give him the best from our heart in praise and in the mode of dress? Would you go to your boss’s luncheon dressed in running shorts, sloppy dirty shirt and tongs? If we dont do it for other, why is it OK to do that for God? It is a distraction when the lady in front of me is wearing such a revealing dress and the man is wearing such short shorts and its almost indecent. Don’t people that are dressed like that realize, or even give it one slight thought that they are causing a distraction? Is this how little they think of others? Their thinking is … Hey, its hot, I’m gonna dress however I what and to he-- with what other people think. It want to be comfortable.Yes, but even in hospitals you are to take what given to you to get better. How is going to help when you go visit an alcoholic in the hospital with a bottle of tequila in one hand and a glass full of ice on the other. Let’s not confuses Jesus’ word, that he came for the sinner. Cause he called for repentance; that is a turning away from what we are doing

Good points about dress and attitude.

 

[John_oxios]

I just came in and opened this thread and have not read through all of it but thought I would just respond to a few posts

When I was growing up there were fans but no AC in any church that we would attend. However, regardless of how hot it was, there were never any shorts worn by men, nor any tongs worn on feet. We gladly sweated like a horse and offered it up to God as penance. Nowadays people have become to anti-penance they want their churches running with the AC full blast, they want their kneelers padded (we had old wooden splinter riddled but never complained), pews also padded etc. They want to worship in luxury or they wont go to church because its too uncomfrotable

Hi,
Welcome!! and yes I’m old enough to remember those days, no A/c men in long sleeve shirts, ties… women sweating with veils on!!

.

Yes and many priests wear the roman collar but we are not members of the ministerial priesthood nor have we vowed to dress a certain way. Sandals were the mode of dress in Jesus time.

Let’s not forget the Garments the Priest also wears, and the altar servers!

A/C

/COLOR]

 

[Richard_Kastner]

Hi Rich,
no spin on the norm, we are in the world, but are to subdue it… Jesus Christ was anything But the Norm,

Not sure what your point is brother?

 

[rinnie]

Nicea325 - I work in an office of a small parish and you would be surprised how many people come in and get upset because they cannot be godparents for a baptism when they are only civilly married or not married at all.

Add that to your list.

Huh? You lost me there Toby? My brother was my Sons God Father and was not married at the time. And My cousin the God Mother to this day is still not married??

 

[Peter5]

Jim and others:

I don't think its judging rather showing a level of serious commitment that has been lagging in the church. We don't like making excuses up for other people cause we don't like doing it ourselves. Yes, we are all sinners including myself, however, does that excuse that sort of disrespect? I mean look at the precepts of the church like

1. Attending Mass every Sunday and holy days
2. recieving the ucharists at least once a year during Easter Sunday
3. donating materially and spiritually to your local church
4. confessing sins with reconciliation once a year minimuminally
5. performing fast and absinence at least Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all fridays during Lent?
   note: I plan to devote all Fridays myself like the other catholics outside of the U.S
   note 2: these follow the seven sacraments like baptism, confirmation, ucharist, matronomy, holy orders, reconciliation and annointing of the sick.
   I look at thesee requirements to be the bare minimum unless you have something that impeeds you with valid excuse. For example, if my ride doesn’t show up to drop me off via their own volunteering time with driving, then I cannot rightfully go to mass. Then again I’m not into modernism caue I percieve the modern world going to runs with decaying family and the elimination of morals in overall society. Ultimate diversity, liberation, secularism and unrestricted mainstream media blitzes wis h to destroy christianity into some old relic. Th lovely church that stands for dignity, respect and grace doesn’t deserve to be plagued by some that contort it to their designs. I’ve seen things like people saying “I’m a catholic,” yet haven’t been in years and they could send multiple signals out to the public that people will think all catholics are like this. Then again my priest was talking about how some people don’t deserve to be in church but are allowed by the love and grace of God. Ah, I sin as well but not in the name of catholicism and take on personal responsability of my own faults. This is the danger of the church today in my opinion along with radical left wing fringe groups.

 

[John_oxios]

Not sure what your point is brother?

Hey Richard,
The 'Norm" the society norm? The youthful norm? The worldly norm? Still trying to figure out what’s the norm, myself?

The Jesus Chris, Paul and the disciples were acused of turning the whole world upside down… anything but ‘the norm’ Jesus came to save the world, through those who accept Him… the others? Well they think there the norm.

Here’s a norm for you:
norm.org/

The National Organization of Restoring Men is a non-profit support group for men who have concerns about being circumcised, are considering foreskin restoration, or are in the process of restoring their foreskins. Our aim is to help men regain a sense of self-directedness – physically as well as emotionally.

Having been circumcised as an infant, I don’t know the difference, I don’t have an emotional attachment to something I can’t remember ever having>

There’s the average 'norm," Intelligent ‘norm’ ( I.q.), Par,

There’s the authoritative standard/ model

Websters defines Norm: a principle of right binding action upon the members of a group and serving guide, to regulate proper and acceptable behavior.

So what about someone converting? Changing norms? They will need time to learn or relearn, Heck, Jesus taught the apostles for three yrs and they still didn’t get it fully til Pentecoste.

Biblically it takes three yrs to become part of the ‘Norm’ Some are fast learners, some are slow… but we are all exactly where we are suppose to be in our pilgrimage towards God… it is in His time… we learn to come to Him.

Why does Christ begin His ministry @ 30 yrs. of age?

Well The Hebrews, raised a Child from 1-5 they learned the things of the home, from 5 to 11 they were taught their fathers trade and Hebrew and Torah, At 11 yrs of age. They were prepared fr Bar Mitzvah… Given three mentors… whom they could turn to until twenty yrs of age. form twenty to thirty, they went out experienced what they taught, and what they learned by hands on situations and what they learned from both.

At 30 yrs. of age, A hebrew Man was considered someone who walked with life experience and authority. That’s why Jesus began His ministry @ 30, they would not accept Him as authoritive, because like we say today…He would have been considered “to wet behind the ears”

Bottom line the Norm is where one is as long as they are striving in Christ.

Our RCIA Program for Converts lasts from late Sept to Easter, is that long enough? By no means… those converting still have some issues but we encourage them to learn more, to pray more and with God’s help become god and faithful Catholics.

Nobodies better than anyone else… The best people have a little evil in them… and the worst people have a little good in them… We all have to meet in Christ, Only Jesus Christ can change our nature.

God bless,
John

 

[John_oxios]

Nicea325 - I work in an office of a small parish and you would be surprised how many people come in and get upset because they cannot be godparents for a baptism when they are only civilly married or not married at all.

Add that to your list.

Show me that one in the Canon Law, Even a divorced person, can become a Godparent, as long as he has not remarried outside the Church.

Civil Marriages: The Church recognizes the commitment the two parties have made to each other… but hopes and prays they come to Christ and Marry in the Church.

Single man or women? Not acceptable as God parents? Due to age? What is the rule for that?

I know of a guy, who wanted two Men, [One his brother, the other his good friend], to be the God Parents… My Church Pastor, refused to allow it. So they went to a Pastor who use to serve our Parish several towns away… He allowed it.

I guess Our Pastor did not want to open the door for anything un-Traditional, whereas the other pastor thought it okay.

God bless,
John

 

[John_oxios]

Jim and others:
I mean look at the precepts of the church like

1. Attending Mass every Sunday and holy days
2. recieving the Eucharists at least once a year during Easter Sunday
3. donating materially and spiritually to your local church
4. confessing sins with reconciliation once a year minimuminally
5. performing fast and absinence at least Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all fridays during Lent?
   . Then again my priest was talking about how some people don’t deserve to be in church but are allowed by the love and grace of God. Ah, I sin as well but not in the name of catholicism and take on personal responsability of my own faults. This is the danger of the church today in my opinion along with radical left wing fringe groups.

Thanks for the reminder… there are minimum Catholics as well as gret big huge Catholics… hopefully I remain in between!

God bless,
John

 

[Nicea325]

1. Catholics who complain all the time about other Catholics.
   

Complaints? I do not consider factual-issues as complaints.