Where Do I Belong

[Womanoffaith10]

I’m having a very hard time trying to figure out where I belong. I used to attend a Non-Denominational Church before I met my husband. I loved that church and the people in it. The only problem is that I could never commit to that lifestyle so I left. Then I met my husband who was born and raised Catholic. It was because of me he started going back to church because when we met he was not practicing. My husband is not at all spiritual or religious. I for the most part am. I converted to Catholicism in 2008 and thought I finally found my place. Then I looked around me…and saw people that seemed like they only wanted to be there because “they had to”. So I talked to my husband about perhaps going back to my old church(they miss me dearly) but he is dead set against going with me. He is 100% anti-anything but Catholic, again he’s not practicing. And I dont feel right going anywhere without him. I believe that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. I believe the Lord wishes that we come to know Him and have a loving relationship with Him and live for Him, but it’s easier said than done. Is this true Catholicism? Can I get to know God through His Word and His Word only?

 

[Kontrak]

Why are you considering leaving the Catholic faith because of what you perceive is the attitude of some parishioners? The church is a hospital for sinners. We are all sinners.

Christ is present in His church. He is really there in the tabernacle and in the Eucharist! I don’t think anyone can possibly grasp and appreciate that enough. But this is His church. There is only one. You are finally home and in the fullness of faith. So to answer your question you belong right where you are! Don’t focus on others or anything else. Focus on Him. God Bless you.

 

[Womanoffaith10]

Thank you. I guess I’m just tired of feeling alone in my own parish. And I am so sick of being called an idol worshipper! I have the utmost respect for other faiths and beliefs(as long as they do not harm another) and get very insulted. And I’m tired of people making fun of the sex abuse scandal, it’s not funny. It’s very sad that just a handful of priests have created a bad image for our church. Will it ever be right again? Will it just disappear?

 

[Julia_Mae]

Then I looked around me…and saw people that seemed like they only wanted to be there because “they had to”.

I’m not sure what this has to do with anything. I’m not sure why you converted. You did, right? You went through RCIA and everything?

This is where Jesus is. . ← note the period

I’m wondering if God is calling you to a deeper relationship with Him through this crisis. In any case, I’d suggest you stop looking around at the people whose hearts you cannot read. Just keep your eyes on the Lord.

 

[Womanoffaith10]

I converted because after careful and prayful consideration I felt that the Catholic church is where He meant for me to be. I just feel like I’m the only one who feels a real connection. Maybe I’m wrong. Perhaps my biggest issue is that not a lot of people my age(20s) attend church. I know a lot of Catholics my age and only a small handful I have talked to honestly care about the Church, or God for that matter. Many of them have left to join a bible believing church.

 

[fhansen]

I’m having a very hard time trying to figure out where I belong. I used to attend a Non-Denominational Church before I met my husband. I loved that church and the people in it. The only problem is that I could never commit to that lifestyle so I left. Then I met my husband who was born and raised Catholic. It was because of me he started going back to church because when we met he was not practicing. My husband is not at all spiritual or religious. I for the most part am. I converted to Catholicism in 2008 and thought I finally found my place. Then I looked around me…and saw people that seemed like they only wanted to be there because “they had to”. So I talked to my husband about perhaps going back to my old church(they miss me dearly) but he is dead set against going with me. He is 100% anti-anything but Catholic, again he’s not practicing. And I dont feel right going anywhere without him. I believe that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. I believe the Lord wishes that we come to know Him and have a loving relationship with Him and live for Him, but it’s easier said than done. Is this true Catholicism? Can I get to know God through His Word and His Word only?

It’s kinda weird that your husband is non-practicing but still defends the Church. Anyway, it matters not one single iota what the person in the pew next to you thinks or does-it only matters that there is no other Church that God established except that which can be traced back historically to the beginning. Without at least that connection, there’s no way to even begin to judge whether or not a church is practicing and teaching the gospel correctly.

 

[Margie9]

“Idol Worshipper”?!? I had no idea people were still that ignorant! Next time someone calls you that laugh in their face and say, “You poor thing, you’re confusing Catholicism with Hinduism.”

“Bible believing church” - excuse me but what do you think the Catholic Church is? In fact, we wrote the New Testament and preserved it by HAND for centuries. The Protestants jumped on the bandwagon about 1500 years after copyright.

Husband - he may not be religious, but there is some deep connection in him to Catholicism. He may be more spiritual as you get older, or if any crisis ever happened in your family. Then your common faith will be a very helpful bond between you.

Also, you know you are obligated to rear the children Catholic? Much easier to do if you are practicing it.

SACRAMENTS. Seven, count 'em. Nowhere else are you gonna get 'em.

Maybe try another Catholic parish for a fresh perspective, you can go to any Mass and sometimes there is wide variety in the music, ambiance, etc, that makes a nice change.

God bless.

 

[Jcnava15]

I’m having a very hard time trying to figure out where I belong. I used to attend a Non-Denominational Church before I met my husband. I loved that church and the people in it. The only problem is that I could never commit to that lifestyle so I left. Then I met my husband who was born and raised Catholic. It was because of me he started going back to church because when we met he was not practicing. My husband is not at all spiritual or religious. I for the most part am. I converted to Catholicism in 2008 and thought I finally found my place. Then I looked around me…and saw people that seemed like they only wanted to be there because “they had to”. So I talked to my husband about perhaps going back to my old church(they miss me dearly) but he is dead set against going with me. He is 100% anti-anything but Catholic, again he’s not practicing. And I dont feel right going anywhere without him. I believe that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. I believe the Lord wishes that we come to know Him and have a loving relationship with Him and live for Him, but it’s easier said than done. Is this true Catholicism? Can I get to know God through His Word and His Word only?

I’d be careful that you are not trying to justify you’re inability or fear of committing to things. I would pray about it, pray deeply.

I know that the local Catholic Church that I go to for communion doesn’t feel like my home so to say. I don’t feel like I belong there. However I visited another Catholic Church about 30 minutes from my home, and as soon as I stepped in there I just felt right at home. My body even jumped a little when I dipped my fingers in the holy water to do the sign of the cross…lol.

Pray, and have God lead you to your home.

 

[BigFellaMick]

I’m 23 and fervently speak out against anti catholic behavior and propaganda. You confuse me though miss. You say many of them left to go join a bible believing Church? Do you mean as in the protestants who “only” believe in “just” the Bible? If you study the history of the Church you will learn that, guided by the Holy Spirit (this being the most important fact) the Catholic Church compiled the Bible. The Bible these protestants cling too wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for God’s one true church. Anyways, God Bless! If you want someone closer to your own age to talk too about spiritual matters I’m always available though I by no means pretend to understand the faith in its entirety. I’m still very new to the whole concept of being Catholic, haven’t even officially started RCIA yet, but thanks to these forums and wonderful posters, I’m able to be informed on a great many of things going into it (God Bless to everyone in advance). And God Bless to you as well Miss. The Lord keep you strong on your journey!

 

[Julia_Mae]

I converted because after careful and prayful consideration

I’m sorry, I’m just trying to make sure of something: did you go through RCIA? Were you confirmed?

I felt that the Catholic church is where He meant for me to be. I just feel like I’m the only one who feels a real connection. Maybe I’m wrong. Perhaps my biggest issue is that not a lot of people my age(20s) attend church. I know a lot of Catholics my age and only a small handful I have talked to honestly care about the Church, or God for that matter. Many of them have left to join a bible believing church.

Most have them have left for the entertainment and excitement and rockmusic and all the bells and whistles these churches put on to stimulate emotion in the place of having anything of substance to offer. I guarantee you, the most intense spiritual experience, is the silent one.

Are you under the impression that the Church is not “Bible believing?” We did write the NT, you know, it is our Book, be odd if we didn’t believe it.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

“Idol Worshipper”?!? I had no idea people were still that ignorant! Next time someone calls you that laugh in their face and say, “You poor thing, you’re confusing Catholicism with Hinduism.”

Honestly, I think there are too many Catholics that are, in some ways, idol worshipers – and that priests can unwittingly reinforce that. I don’t want to get into the details at this point, but see my next answer below …

“Bible believing church” - excuse me but what do you think the Catholic Church is? In fact, we wrote the New Testament and preserved it by HAND for centuries. The Protestants jumped on the bandwagon about 1500 years after copyright.

The Church is like my family. I can say things about my family, but when outsiders say stuff about us … especially after our predecessors gave their lives so the Protestants could have the Bible to beat us up with, then IMO they have some explaining, and maybe some apologizing, to do.

Even if you feel alone in the Church, why not believe the Holy Spirit has led you to where you are, and it’s OK? I see nothing wrong with visiting your old church once in a while (although I know others would beg to differ – but that’s OK; I don’t wish to argue it at this point) to visit friends and enjoy sharing a little love. Either way, if you feel alone among people unlike you, why not be their shining light? That is a greater spiritual challenge than being with people who are already on fire.

Alan

 

[Womanoffaith10]

I know that everything we do is based on biblical truth. What I meant by bible believing is that they do not claim to be of any kind of denomination. Where I’m from it’s what those particular churches are called lol, my apologies for the confusion. I have repeated explained that the Catholic church can trace it’s roots to the very beginning, but they(non-denominational) don’t understand that. There is another parish in my town and I’ve been looking at their website and see a lot of nice activities they have. My husband and I have been thinking of going there. Thank you everyone for your help. You’re all very right. My concern shouldn’t be everyone else, it should be me and the Lord and I’ll just let the rest follow.

 

[SecretGarden]

Coming from a Pentecostal background, I understand what you mean by missing your congregation. I miss my old church the people are awesome and it is just different from the Catholic church. I think as Catholics we need to be ambassadors for the denomination. When an ignorant person says something negative about our denomination, instead of getting angry, come with a teaching heart. We need to be willing to first learn our Catholic material, live by God’s teaching and then be willing to share and teach others about what we believe. I don’t believe we need to necessarily try to convert people to our denomination but we need to have and maintain a teaching heart. I believe as Catholics, we live inside the denomination that is the most under fire by other Christian denominations as well as the world in general.

I think you need to pray to God and ask him for guidance. He will help you and I think if you are missing your old church, you should try to return every now and then. If they talk bad about your choice to become Catholic, come to them with a loving heart and teach what Catholicism is really about. The Catholic church hasn’t been innocent either. Although the media has had a field day with a variety of events that we hear about every now and then. We also need to teach that the church is also run by humans who as much as they try to follow the word of God, they also falter and make mistakes, some the size of the pacific ocean.

Some of the worst things, converts can do, is leave their former denominations all together. If we are going to come together in the word of God, we need to begin by opening communication and leave the attitude: “I am right and you are wrong.” at the door.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I don’t believe we need to necessarily try to convert people to our denomination but we need to have and maintain a teaching heart.

Blasphemy! (just kidding)

Sometimes it takes an outsider coming in, to fully appreciate what the Church looks like from both inside and out, and to know what strategy to take when dealing with non-Catholics. Welcome to our family.

I do think we need to let them know we are Christians by our love before we even put on our badge of “authoritay,” to be true fishers of men. If they are led by the Spirit to join us in Catholicism, that’s icing on the cake.

Some of the worst things, converts can do, is leave their former denominations all together. If we are going to come together in the word of God, we need to begin by opening communication and leave the attitude: “I am right and you are wrong.” at the door.

… and … … and …

 

[Julia_Mae]

Some of the worst things, converts can do, is leave their former denominations all together. If we are going to come together in the word of God, we need to begin by opening communication and leave the attitude: “I am right and you are wrong.” at the door.

I have no idea what this means. We don’t leave our friends, if they were our friends. But we leave the churches behind because they are in serious error and we have chosen our path.

We don’t go to Mass to be entertained, we go to worship and receive the Sacrament and to be with Jesus Christ in the only place we can still be with Him physically. Yes, we leave our old churches behind. Because our old churches were about people, and the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church is about God.

 

[kesto4]

You are never going to avoid being made fun and such by others. We are christians, and always will be persecuted for our beliefs, especially in the coming times. The reason the Catholic Church doesn’t have as good of a reputation as other branches is because it is God’s true church, the church people try to take down. Nobody wastes their time bashing Protestant sects, you take down a tree at the base, not by picking off leaves. Everything the Catholic religion believes is from the bible; celibate priests, purgatory, sacraments, etc. you name it. The Holy Spirit gave us the whole bible to guide us in our faith, not to pick and choose what to believe from like some people have done.

 

[jmcrae]

I know that everything we do is based on biblical truth. What I meant by bible believing is that they do not claim to be of any kind of denomination. Where I’m from it’s what those particular churches are called lol, my apologies for the confusion. I have repeated explained that the Catholic church can trace it’s roots to the very beginning, but they(non-denominational) don’t understand that.

Surely that’s their own problem? You are not required to make them understand. You are only required to be faithful to what you know is the truth.

I like your idea of trying a different parish. It may be a better fit for you. Even if it isn’t, just remember, your good friend Jesus is in the Tabernacle, and you can speak with Him face to face in any Catholic Church.