What if its against my conscience to be Catholic?

[Larry1700]

Coming in late here, but I have perused the previous posts, so I don’t think I’ll repeating someone else. (If so…oops!)

A short background about me…

Born and raised Southern Baptist

“Converted” to Catholic to marry my wife in 1981. At that time, I was unaware of any study materials besides the Bible. After prayer, and a little scripture reading, I decided that there was enough agreement not to prevent me from becoming Catholic.

Had great difficulty (mental blocks?) talking to my kids about religion, and often made remarks to my wife about the Rosary, confessions to priests, etc. (the usual stuff for Protestants )

My 40th birthday (in 1999) had me thinking the “what have I done with my life” sort of thing, and I considered various goals I wanted to accomplish (quite a wide variety of ideas). I finally decided I’d read the Bible cover to cover, using a commentary and maps, and it would be a good foundation for the second half of my life. Since many of the OT books were BORING, I tried to break it up by reading spiritually-oriented things between each book. Eventually I discovered apologists such as Scott Hahn, Patrick Madrid, and David Currie. They were an IMMENSE help.

Anyway, what I’m saying is, I struggled with the typical things Protestants struggle with. Tackling them one by one was working okay, but there was something that finally knocked down the brick wall, and put everything else in perspective. As a former Baptist, everything had to be Biblically based, and it was. Forgive my paraphrasing – I don’t have a Bible in front of me, but it’s all in there – for me it had to be.

Jesus said, you are Peter (rock) and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

Jesus said, “Whomsoever’s sins you forgive, are forgiven, and whomsoever’s sins you retain, are retained.”.

Jesus said, “Whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven.”

Jesus said, “He who accepts you, accepts Me, and he who rejects you, rejects Me, and Him who sent Me.”

I cannot turn my back on what Jesus established.

Now, it is absolutely true that many (including me) don’t live out our Christian faith as we should. But don’t forget that thousands throughout history have done much better. I’ve never been in a Mennonite church, but I would find it hard to believe that every Mennonite is virtually spotless. They are humans, just like Cathlolics and Baptists. There are some who live their faith better than others.

There are many things that disappoint me about some of the people in the Catholic Church. See, as a former Baptist, I became so excited about the wonderful treasures of the Catholic Church. Two thousand years of writings, from a Tradition passed directly from Jesus Himself. Augustine, Aquinas, Kempis, and so many others. And the saints! Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, and now Padre Pio. The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Wow!

Then I saw Catholics BYPASSING the blood of Jesus during communion. So many would take the body, then walk right by the blood. Yes I’m aware that it is an established Church teaching that the fullness of Christ’s presence is in both species, but why would you not want both if they’re offered? And there are so many that simply disregard the teachings of the Magesterium! And others who, like you said in a previous post, make first communion a symbol of their last study about Jesus. So many riches left unexcavated by those born in the Catholic Church!

I think it’s like comparing someone who has always had hearty meals all their life (a cradle Catholic), to someone who, having only eaten soup all their life (non-Catholic) finally getting into the banquet hall (as a convert to Catholicism). The cradle Catholic sees the meat and potatoes on the table, it’s no big deal to him – he’s had it all the time. The convert, on the other hand, sees the wondrous food set out before him, and can’t wait to taste each and every thing he sees – and he savors every bite.

Stay in the Church, JTBC. But be the kind of Christian witness in the Catholic church that you admire in what you’ve seen in the Mennonites. You’ll be a good example for those around you.

 

[Cor_Jesu]

I am curious what the Catholic church teaches about conscience. I believe the Word of God (that we have in scripture) was not meant for learned men alone. I believe salvation should be obtainable, for simple ordinary man, through the Bible. I don’t believe that God has made salvation so complicated that we need to understand complex doctrines or go through rituals or sacraments…

If it goes against my conscience to continue to be Catholic because I simply can’t grasp and accept its practices and beliefs (albeit, possibly b/c of my own flawed capacity to understand it), should I remain Catholic anyway? What does the Catholic church teach about following one’s conscience? It’s not that I am uninformed either. I’ve studied and studied and continue to study, but regardless, I simply don’t see it in the Bible and I understand that I shouldn’t necessarily see it there, or at least, not explicitly so.

Joytobe, salvation is indeed obtainable for the ordinary, common man. The beauty of Catholic teaching is that it is so vast and deep (like God Himself) that theologians can pore over it for eternity without totally comprehending it, yet is simple enough for simple peasant to grasp. One does not have to be able to explain or understand the mysteries of the Hypostatic Union, for example, to be saved, but only to believe and know that Jesus Christ is both God and Man. So yes, Catholic doctrine and sacraments are quite attainable and available for all classes of people, and have been for 2,000 years. It was the illiterate peasant Maiden of Orleans, St. Joan of Arc, who said, “About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they’re one thing, and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.”

You said that salvation should be attainable for the “simply ordinary man”, “through the Bible.” This is a contradiction in terms. Until the modern era, the great majority of people–simple, common people–not only were unable to read and write, but did not even have access to a Bible, especially before the invention of the printing press. If God wanted the simple person to be saved, why would he require them to be able to read and have a Bible??? It would as if He required a man to pass through the eye of a needle to be saved.

As for conscience, we are obligated to follow them–but we are also obligated to have an informed conscience. Something to keep in mind.

Hope this helps!
God bless.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

But there were no Protestants.

I’m sorry, but isn’t a heretic a pro-test-er; one who protested the orthodox church (which Catholics maintain is the Catholic church?)

Every time I’ve talked to a priest about my problem, they call the Mennonites heretics.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

Thank you, Bishopite, Larry 1700, and Cor Jesus. I have a lot to respond to in your posts, but I think I will be able to address it all without quoting you.

Last night I met with a woman from our parish. Very devout woman; a paraplygic (sp?) too. Incredible woman. We get together occasionally. Anyway… we discussed my doubts a little and ended up talking about the problems in the Catholic church with adults misunderstanding Catholic teaching, and the problems with media leading children into the culture of death and how our parish is trying to re-educate adults and lead children into the truth… She kept telling me stories of incredible people in the Catholic church she has met or has read about and using that as example for that the Catholic church must have something… (of course, I maintained that you can find like people anywhere…)

This morning I awoke with a deeper understanding of what is really going on here. I’m not sure what to make of it yet though…

I have read many books on the lives of the saints (Catholic) and read many of the writings of the saints. Over time I have formulated a view of the world, of how we ought to respond to it, of God and how we ought to respond to Him, of heroic virtue and how we ought to exercise it (through the grace of God), and I see all of these things in the lives of these people.

What started off as a “sola scriptura” thing for me, ended with a relationship with a community of people who portray the lives of the saints I had always read about. Keep in mind that many of the saints I have read were religious or wanted to be a religious (like Gemma Galgani - one of my favorites) - they were people who felt called to be separate from the world; they saw the world as sinful and vain and wanted to lives lives separated from it. Mennonites believe in separation. This group does not live as communal as, say, old order do. They work amongst the world and don’t live in such tight-knit communities. They are also very evangelistic. So, they don’t live entirely separate, however, they maintain a separate attitude. They refuse to let the mainstream influence them too much. They choose very carefully what they will permit in their lives and ban whatever they believe has a danger to harvest sin in their lives. I’ve never had a problem with any of these practices b/c the things they have banned are things I agree with (TV, radio, public entertainment like movies, fashion;they make their own dresses and such…) They do not “run in the same excess of riot” to quote Scripture. They are also very careful about avoiding every “appearance of evil” and choose to celebrate holy days in simplicity, and again, without the “excess of riot”. They avoid things that could be considered idolatrous or display of pride (expensive or lavish homes, cars, decor, apparel, toys, etc. as well as more obvious: xmas tree, statues, etc…). It’s not perfect, I know, b/c ultimately anything can become an idol for you and you can even be proud of your simplicity. But it’s an attempt. They raise their children in this simplicty and “watchfulness” of oneself also; teaching them self-denial and radical charity. I’ve never met such loving, respectful children in all my life.

Are there Catholics like this? Of course there are. Is the fact that I found non-Catholics like this proof that Catholicism is wrong? Of course not. Maybe it’s a coincidence. I personally have never met anyone like that in my life. I’ve only read about people like this, and they were one person amongs many in their lives that were very UNlike themselves. This is a whole community of people like St Therese, St Francis, St Gemma…

So, the problem is: Even though I see and can even agree with, Catholic doctrine, I still see and agree with my own, biblical conviction, and ON TOP OF THAT, I have this entire community of saintly people I feel the need to be with because they inspire me to be a saint, and ultimately, that’s what it’s all about for me. I can receive communion every day and do good, Catholic things, but that is never enough for me. Scripture is what motivates me the most. Maybe, Catholic-ly speaking, that is wrong, I don’t know. This is what I need to examine. And, am I ready to throw away my convictions for it? I would always wonder if I had done the right thing, b/c perhaps the fruit I saw in the Mennonite church was proof that they had something right.

I have seen thousands of people treat the Eucharist with indifference. Seen people receive every week and live like zombie; unaware of and indifferent to the teachings of their faith. If the mass is what the church says it is, why isn’t it transforming lives? I’ve seen the gospel change many lives. They have to be doing something right, and I don’t know if I believe, or will ever have deep enough faith in the Eucharist, to just go it alone in the Catholic church.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

Btw, someone mentioned contraception. The Mennonite church doesn’t believe in contraception either. (at least, not this one)

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

Are there Catholics like this? Of course there are. Is the fact that I found non-Catholics like this proof that Catholicism is wrong? Of course not. Maybe it’s a coincidence.

That didn’t come out right. What I mean is that it’s probably just a coincidence or luck that I had certain biblical convictions and happened to find a church that holds to those same convictions. I do find that hard to believe though.

Wouldn’t you agree that in the end it’s all about living a life of holiness? So far, I can’t read Scripture at all without seeing the doctrines I saw before, so, if I want to avoid temptation, I have to avoid reading Scripture altogether. I can’t have any communication with these people either b/c the priest told me I can’t, and b/c I can’t anyway without being drawn to go back.

So, if I am to continue being Catholic, I have to try to find someo other way to inspire me. So far, going to Mass as often as I can (about 3-4 times a week) hasn’t helped much. Maybe it will someday, I don’t know. I can’t go to adoration at all right now. Some day our parish will have an adoration chapel, but they haven’t even gotten all the funds to start building the parish center it will be in yet. Maybe adoration would help. Before all these doubts, I spent a great deal of time in adoration. I haven’t done that in years now…

 

[jemfinch]

I’m sorry, but isn’t a heretic a pro-test-er; one who protested the orthodox church (which Catholics maintain is the Catholic church?)

Every time I’ve talked to a priest about my problem, they call the Mennonites heretics.

Caveat: I haven’t read this thread in full.

Most Protestants today are material heretics: that is, they (in fact) deny dogmas of the faith. This is significantly different from the original Protestants, who were formal heretics: they were taught and believed the dogmas of the faith that they subsequently denied.

Mennonites, on the whole, hold to heresy “in good faith” – that is, because it’s what was taught to them as true. For my part, I try not to use the word “heretic” for someone who only materially believes heresy, and who hasn’t formally left the Church and denied beliefs they formerly accepted; not because it’s inapplicable (it is applicable, in a way) but because it’s simply not tactful.

(Apart from any other reasons, I could never be a Mennonite simply for the ahistoricity: that is, their doctrinal distinctives (as with many Protestants) have no basis in the early Church. Their strongest and only defense is one particular interpretation of the Scriptures, one which I have little or no reason to accept as authentic.)

Jeremy

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

Caveat: I haven’t read this thread in full.

Most Protestants today are material heretics: that is, they (in fact) deny dogmas of the faith. This is significantly different from the original Protestants, who were formal heretics: they were taught and believed the dogmas of the faith that they subsequently denied.

Mennonites, on the whole, hold to heresy “in good faith” – that is, because it’s what was taught to them as true. For my part, I try not to use the word “heretic” for someone who only materially believes heresy, and who hasn’t formally left the Church and denied beliefs they formerly accepted; not because it’s inapplicable (it is applicable, in a way) but because it’s simply not tactful.

(Apart from any other reasons, I could never be a Mennonite simply for the ahistoricity: that is, their doctrinal distinctives (as with many Protestants) have no basis in the early Church. Their strongest and only defense is one particular interpretation of the Scriptures, one which I have little or no reason to accept as authentic.)

Jeremy

Ok, I see the distinction. Thanks for the clarification. I was thinking that, since most, if not all, non-Caths I’ve ever met were aware of the high claims of the CC and reject them, in that sense they “protest” in a way by their refusal to accept those high claims. In the Catholic point of view, that would be “protesting” the truth/being a Protestant.

In any case, its a technicality I may have been insensitive to. I didn’t mean to offend anyone by my use or misuse of the word.

Menno Simons was a Catholic priest who protested the Catholic teachings. Perhaps many Mennonites today are simply raised in the faith, but most, if not all, grow up discovering the roots of their faith. The fact that they originate from Menno Simons doesn’t mean their beliefs originate there. There were anabaptists before his time. When he rejected the CC he sought those groups out. Most Mennonites, although they acknowledge their origins from Menno Simons, believe that there have always been anabaptist groups throughout history. The historicity of the CC isn’t enough to convince them of the claims of the CC b/c they maintain that geneologies (like succession) aren’t proof of continuance in the truth, nor is popularity, visibility or prominence. “Strait is the gate…few there be that find it”.

 

[Larry1700]

I believe I understand now why you’re drawn to the Mennonites. You see it as a community of people who resemble the simple, detached life that Jesus, the Apostles, and many of the saints led. I can understand that, because I’m drawn to the Quaker society for the same reason. I’m tired of being bombarded by the sexual images, greed, etc., that are rampant in our society. I have to admit that sometimes I think it would be easier to be a priest than a parent. (Forgive me priests! I haven’t walked in your shoes!)

However, aren’t most of us called to be saints where we live? I mean, if you have children, God wants you to be the best parent you can be. If there’s someone in your neighborhood who is needy, you should help them. While some are indeed called to a life of solitude and prayer, others are called to be witnesses in the secular world, being a beacon showing others the way to Christ.

I guess the thing is, that the Catholic Church being the one established by Christ makes it theologically correct to be Catholic. It is then up to each individual to live the faith as fully as possible. I still say you should stay in the Church and show others what it means to live a Christian life. Join (or start) an effort in your church to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, etc.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

I believe I understand now why you’re drawn to the Mennonites. You see it as a community of people who resemble the simple, detached life that Jesus, the Apostles, and many of the saints led. I can understand that, because I’m drawn to the Quaker society for the same reason. I’m tired of being bombarded by the sexual images, greed, etc., that are rampant in our society. I have to admit that sometimes I think it would be easier to be a priest than a parent. (Forgive me priests! I haven’t walked in your shoes!)

However, aren’t most of us called to be saints where we live? I mean, if you have children, God wants you to be the best parent you can be. If there’s someone in your neighborhood who is needy, you should help them. While some are indeed called to a life of solitude and prayer, others are called to be witnesses in the secular world, being a beacon showing others the way to Christ.

I guess the thing is, that the Catholic Church being the one established by Christ makes it theologically correct to be Catholic. It is then up to each individual to live the faith as fully as possible. I still say you should stay in the Church and show others what it means to live a Christian life. Join (or start) an effort in your church to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, etc.

Well, our parish does do those things through organizations like St. Vincent de Paul and such. Our parish is generous in that respect too. It’s not that we don’t do all of those things in some way. I guess I just don’t witness it on a personal level. It’s easy to throw money in a basket and have someone else give it to the poor… I’m sure many people do what they can in their own way. I’m not saying there aren’t saintly people just b/c I don’t witness their personal lives. I just haven’t met anyone that inspires me (and I need some inspiration! )

Part of it is the overall spirtual-mindedness of the Mennonites vs the busy, selfish, lukewarmness of mainstream society. I see passion for God in the Menns, I see radical charity towards others in and outside of their community, I see an incredible devotion to teaching their children how to be saints. I’ll never forget the first time I went to their church; witnessing their participation in the Bible study they were doing, and the depth of the answers they each gave. It was clear that these are people who ponder God’s Word continually. And you can see it in their lives. I’ve spent a lot of time with them, in their homes, in their everyday lives. They weigh everything in life according to the gospel. All their decisions are based on it (yes, I’m sure they aren’t perfect, but the effort definately shows) I’ve never seen this kind of holiness in action except in religious. They aren’t caught up in the whirlwind of activity in the world - they won’t let it.

Anyway, that’s the community part, and certainly I am drawn to it, because when it comes right down to it, I need what is going to teach me and feed ME to become a better Christian.

Besides this, it’s a doctrinal issue too, not just a community issue. I don’t think the church teaches many of the things I believe about separation, nonresistance, etc… But more importantly, I’ve got issues with the big stuff the church teaches, like the sacraments, the mass, etc.

The main thing about community to me is that on one hand I’ve this really commited group living the gospel and they get thier inspiration from the Bible (their interpretation of it…) and on the other hand I have this group of lukewarm and indifferent people who don’t seem to have any inspiration. Why would I doubt that using the Bible (from a Mennonite interpretation) works better? Btw, I’m not silly enough to believe that the Mennonites have the corner market on the Bible.

A quick and interesting story though: Several of the Menns are missionaries all over the world, but this congregation works primarily in Guatamala. Anyway, they discovered a very large (for them; about 1000 members) congregation that was started there by a few locals who had a Bible. They had no contact with Mennonites or any such group. They were a part of some other denomination that had started a church there in a missionary effort. Anyway, this couple didn’t believe the church was following the Bible so they, you guessed it, started their own church using the Bible as their guide. Now, it just so happens that this congregation is almost identical to the Mennonite faith. Using the Bible, and within the context of their own culture (things obviously looked different), they formed a church that could easily be recognized as Mennonite (or other like churches). I don’t think that’s coincidence. You will never find a Catholic-like church pop up in some remote village b/c it has “evolved” over time. My question is: should it have? I’ve seen the bare minimum (scripture alone) work.

 

[Jedinovice]

If I may venture in, your problem I suspect is not with the Catholic Church - it is with God. I don’t mean that in a nasty way, I just mean in terms of where the issue of your doubt comes from - not a moral problem!!

I suggest for a while stop trying to understand the Catholic Church. Instead, walk in relationship. Pray, do things that bring you close to God, things that are easy for you to handle. Just be in relationship with God. Over time, he will warm your heart and explain things to you. You don’t have to mangle your conscience to understand and belief. Instead go where you can, say to God, “I can’t go here yet - lead me when it’s time.” Then let him work with you.

It takes years but it works!!

Don’t stop attending mass, don’t stop going to confession but balance what is hard with what is easy. I confess, even as a catholic, I find Marian devotion difficult. I accept it but I’m just not Marian. So I’ve go to god and said, “Look, I’m me. Help me walk in faith with you in ways that fit me easily and you can lead me gently over time.” I find invoking the intercession of St Joseph easier than Mary myself. I like to talk “Man to Man!”

My fiancé likes to pray on her knees before statues of Mary and Jesus. She was stunned to see me pray spread out over the sofa, feet up, Bible beside me. “Is that how you pray?” She gasped.
“Yup.” I said. “It’s not the best form of prayer but it’s kept me going 22 years.”

Be you before and let God work with you over time. Don’t rush it. The path to wisdom is slow with much prayer and listening. I will say, however, don’t drop out of the Catholic Church. So many, too many of my friends become impatient with the Catholic Church and left for Protestant denominations. They tried to pull me with them but I refused - even though I was heterodox at the time (from sheer ignorance I hasten to add!) I went through hard times but my friends have ended up hopping from denomination to denomination looking for the next ‘wave of the spirit’ with no roots, little direction and always restless.

It takes time to grow roots. If your having trouble with theology and conscience, start with relationship. Work with the faith you have. But don’t leave the Church. Wait, pray and God will water you and grow roots and you will understand. That’s what happened to me.

Also, confusion and listlessness can come from depression. If you’re not happy with yourself you will find no peace. If something is bothering you emotionally and/or morally this is going to disrupt your theological understanding. I held onto a confused theology for 18 years but a lot of that was spent going through personal level at many levels. When life calmed down and I calmed down, I began to be able to think clearly. I kept telling God “I’ll work out my theology one day but I’m tackling crises right now!” When the crises stopped god did (gently) poke me to sort things out.

To my surprise I became 100% Catholic.

If you’re restless and depressed it indicates a dis-satisfaction in yourself. There is something emotionally unresolved. Find that, deal with it (it takes time) and then you will see clearly. If you don’t, you risk the roller coaster of Church hopping. I’ve seen it 100 times before!

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

If you’re restless and depressed it indicates a dis-satisfaction in yourself. There is something emotionally unresolved. Find that, deal with it (it takes time) and then you will see clearly. If you don’t, you risk the roller coaster of Church hopping. I’ve seen it 100 times before

I’m not sure I’d call this church hopping. I’m certainly not “satisfied” with myself, but I never expect to be. If I were, I’d have no need of God afterall - I’d be pretty puffed-up, no?

Thanks for your advice. I see what you mean.

I just want to do God’s will, that’s all. I trust He’ll lead me where He wants me. If it’s Catholic, that’s ok too, but it just doesn’t seem to me like that is where He is leading me. Since I came back I feel very uneasy about my decision.

 

[vluvski]

The Catholic Church can one-up the authority of any other truth-seeking or allegedly truth-holding denomination: Apostolic Succession, and the entire conference of bishops.

Jesus lays out very nicely the plan to institute Peter as the head of His Church, and the rest of the Apostles as the bishops. It is within this group that it is decided who will replace Judas among the 12, thus setting precedence for ordination and the Apostolic Succession. Each time a topic came up in which there was conflict, the group met and reached an agreement beforee proclaiming a matter of doctrine or morality, thus setting precedence for the conference of bishops under the authority of the Pope.

Each and every other denomination has, in some way, strayed from this Biblical formulation regarding how to authoritatively establish the Church and resond to new, contemporary challenges.

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

The Catholic Church can one-up the authority of any other truth-seeking or allegedly truth-holding denomination: Apostolic Succession, and the entire conference of bishops.

qTim1 “…Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies”.
Matt3:9"And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham"

Jesus lays out very nicely the plan to institute Peter as the head of His Church, and the rest of the Apostles as the bishops.

Jesus gave the Apostles’ authority. No where does He mention that the men following would be faithful. The Apostles had supernatural gifts also; continuing the ministry of Jesus and bearing witness to the authenticity of their claims. Jesus says the gates of hell will not prevail in His church, but He does not say in what manner (apostolic succession vs faithfulness to the gospel)

It is within this group that it is decided who will replace Judas among the 12, thus setting precedence for ordination and the Apostolic Succession.

You had to be an eyewitness of Jesus to be an Apostle. No one who succeeded these men are eyewitness and can’t be placed on the same level of authority with the Apostles.

Peace

 

[MariaG]

One BIG thing strikes me as I read this thread.

You talk about how good things were when you spent time in Eucharistic adoration. And how now you don’t spend time and have serious doubts.

That seems like a pretty straight forward fix. Find the time to spend with Christ, real and present as can only be found in the Catholic Church.

In conjunction with the above, (but never in place of the above!) If your church does not have hands on works of mercy, work to get them started in your church. If they do, you need to get involved and do more than just put money in the collection basket. The lack is withering your soul.

God Bless,
Maria

 

[MariaG]

Oh, and maybe this will help with your bible reading. Read a subject in the Catechism, and look up all the bible verses quoted in the explanation. Stick with that and see if it helps with your doubts.

May God bless you and keep you safe.
Maria

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

One BIG thing strikes me as I read this thread.

You talk about how good things were when you spent time in Eucharistic adoration. And how now you don’t spend time and have serious doubts.

That seems like a pretty straight forward fix. Find the time to spend with Christ, real and present as can only be found in the Catholic Church.

In conjunction with the above, (but never in place of the above!) If your church does not have hands on works of mercy, work to get them started in your church. If they do, you need to get involved and do more than just put money in the collection basket. The lack is withering your soul.

God Bless,
Maria

Thanks Maria. One thing I often wonder is, I don’t know if I can attribute those years I was able to attend adoration to the actual Eucharist or just having more time to be contemplative. The challenge to raise a family has increased my responsibilities over the years and disabled me from having that kind of time. Besides, there is no adoration locally that I can attend.

 

[MariaG]

Thanks Maria. One thing I often wonder is, I don’t know if I can attribute those years I was able to attend adoration to the actual Eucharist or just having more time to be contemplative. The challenge to raise a family has increased my responsibilities over the years and disabled me from having that kind of time. Besides, there is no adoration locally that I can attend.

I am sorry to hear that.

You may wish to read, if you haven’t already, a book by St. Francis De Sales, Introduction to a Devout LifeI found an old copy in my parish library.

It helps us with contemplative prayer and how to accomplish this through our everyday life and responsibilities of being a wife and mother, laborer, anything.

It may help. It is not apologetic, just trys to help one get deeper into their prayer life.

God Bless,
Maria

 

[JoyToBeCatholic]

I am sorry to hear that.

You may wish to read, if you haven’t already, a book by St. Francis De Sales, Introduction to a Devout LifeI found an old copy in my parish library.

It helps us with contemplative prayer and how to accomplish this through our everyday life and responsibilities of being a wife and mother, laborer, anything.

It may help. It is not apologetic, just trys to help one get deeper into their prayer life.

God Bless,
Maria

Thanks, I do have that book. Haven’t read it in a while though. But completive prayer in the midst of ones activities is different than time set alone without any distractions (at least it is for me).

Thanks for the advice. If adoration becomes available to me I will take advantage…

 

[Jedinovice]

I’m not sure I’d call this church hopping. I’m certainly not “satisfied” with myself, but I never expect to be. If I were, I’d have no need of God afterall - I’d be pretty puffed-up, no?

Thanks for your advice. I see what you mean.

I just want to do God’s will, that’s all. I trust He’ll lead me where He wants me. If it’s Catholic, that’s ok too, but it just doesn’t seem to me like that is where He is leading me. Since I came back I feel very uneasy about my decision.

If you are sincerely searching you’ll find it. At this stage it’s OK to have a foot in two camps I reckon but keep one foot in the Church. Leave it and, from my experience, you’ll find yourself wandering and wandering. You ain’t Church hopping yet but it happens with souls who are restless and Protestantism leands itself to such.

If it’s any consolation I nearly left the Catholic Church twice - the second time I was nearly kicked out! Some doctrines really gave me grief and, like you, I had to work through it. Eventually I rolled up my sleeve and read Dave Armstrong. That helped change things a lot! But take it one issue at a time. You may also find solace in a Charasmatic Catholic group - if you can find one. The Charismatic Renewal has helped me loads. But I know on these kinds of forums fairly strict Traditionalism reins but the Chrasmatic movement is largely approved by the Church. I belong to a Charismatic community that has permanent recognition by the Vatican. That might give you more familiar territory to work from too.

Of course, you wanna avoid the wackos but that goes without saying.

Don’t rush man. Slow, listen, wait. Find peace in prayer and He’ll lead you. I swear. It may take a few years but wait on Him and you’ll see Him answer. God may be doing a deeper work in you than you recognise. Wait on him whatever else you do!