Why am I catholic?

[JRKH]

Hi James,

Unholy thoughts come and go all the time.

I don’t have a blessed rosary atm I keep losing them…

I don’t have any holy water at the house. What would it be used for ?

I would suggest that you acquire another rosary if you can and have it blessed. If you have a favorite piece of jewelry - necklace etc, something you wear most of the time, you might want to get that blessed as well.
Holy water can have many uses in the home. Sprinkle a few drops on your bed at night. Bless yourself in the morning and at night as well as when you are coming in or going out.
These things might help you to “bind up” the evil spirit that has be been attacking you.

The unholy thoughts that come and go… may be the key here. Talk to your priest about these things what sorts they are etc. It might give him a clue as to what sorts of things, prayers, devotions etc. might be helpful for you.

I have been talking today with the priest attached to my catholic school where I work. I had reconciliation with him during my lunch time. So I have now been into the church building but i didn’t bough, I didn’t sign myself on entry. I was literally scared the whole time I was there. I spoke but couldn’t remember any of the things I was suppose to say for confession … I stumbled my way through with the priest then left quickly. I thought it might have made me feel better but it didn’t. I looked at the church again today longing to go in but again cried at the thought of it.
First of all - congratulations on getting to confession. I’m quite proud of you. That took a great deal of courage and it has weakened the enemy. Even though you do not feel better (yet), know that you have done something wonderful for yourself and your soul. I hope that you will continue to talk with this priest and and/or possibly with a good spiritual councilor.

I’d like to touch a moment on some things you mentioned in an earlier post…

cant remember why I converted. I use to find Mass a place of peace in my busy busy world but now I cant even enter a church building.

Do you recall what it was about the mass that gave you this peaceful feeling?
Can you watch the mass on television or on-line??

I have only found out recently that the catholic church believes it is the church that Jesus has established.

Does this idea upset you in some way? Did you find this out before or after this problem with church buildings started?

I don’t get the whole Eucharist , several people in recent weeks have told me how wonderful the Eucharist is but I don’t understand . I have read several books on the subject but still I don’t get it. I know that before my not going to Mass period, I was attending without receiving the Eucharist and the first couple of times upset me then I just didn’t receive it and it didn’t really bother me.

Again - I wonder about the timeline here…did you stop receiving before this or was it after you realized that you didn’t understand that you stopped receiving?

And just to be clear nobody really “understands” how the whole “transubstantiation” thing works. Yes - volumes have been written on the subject, and yet it remains a mystery. So you shouldn’t feel bad or less of a Catholic because you haven’t been able to get a handle on it.

I know that we will be unable to be of much help to you here on the open forums, but perhaps by probing some of these questions and ideas we can prompt some things that you might explore more fully with your spiritual councilor/confessor.

May God keep you firmly under his protection.

Keep praying…

Peace
James

 

[constantconvert]

I have been talking today with the priest attached to my catholic school where I work. I had reconciliation with him during my lunch time. So I have now been into the church building but i didnt bough, I didnt sign myself on entry. I was literally scared the whole time I was there. I spoke but couldnt remember any of the things I was suppose to say for confession … I stumbled my way through with the priest then left quickly. I thought it might have made me feel better but it didnt. I looked at the church again today longing to go in but again cried at the thought of it.

Well, hey, at least you’re longing to go in. I’m wondering if James may have hit on something here, ie demonic pestering. Why were you scared to go in?

Another thing I think may be happening is you weren’t properly catechised. Do you have a copy of the Catechism? I would read at least a paragraph or two each day. In your first post you said you might be thinking of leaving the Church, I don’t know how serious a consideration that is, but please find out what the church teaches before you go anywhere.

God is with you no matter what you are feeling or thinking. And don’t worry, I never feel better after reconciliation either. Feelings often don’t have any grounding in reality-- especially fear.

 

[JRKH]

Well, hey, at least you’re longing to go in. I’m wondering if James may have hit on something here, ie demonic pestering. Why were you scared to go in?

Another thing I think may be happening is you weren’t properly catechised. Do you have a copy of the Catechism? I would read at least a paragraph or two each day. In your first post you said you might be thinking of leaving the Church, I don’t know how serious a consideration that is, but please find out what the church teaches before you go anywhere.

God is with you no matter what you are feeling or thinking. And don’t worry, I never feel better after reconciliation either. Feelings often don’t have any grounding in reality-- especially fear.

Reading the Catechism is a great idea, but I wonder if perhaps some “conversion” story books might not be equally beneficial at this time…Perhaps "Rome sweet Home by Scott Hahn.
Conversion stories can be great reminders as well as great inspirations to learn more.

You can read a lot of conversion stories HERE

Peace
James

 

[Oblaidon]

Before I became Catholic, I was Methodist, Baptist, Evangelical and just a non-church going Christian.

It is hard to refute Protestant religions as a whole because each denomination believes something a little different.

You have solo scriptora (bible alone), solo fide (faith alone), and once saved always saved.

If you believe in any of the former, research them. Are there holes in these ideas?

The Catholic Church claims to have been founded by Christ. Can any other Christian church make that claim?

Yes, Google Scott Hann. His testimony helped me to convert. I also listen to Catholic Answer on the radio.

The Catholic Church is the narrow gate. It strives for perfection.

I would like to say in general about Christianity (both Catholic and non-Catholic); faith is a gift from God. You cannot reason faith. Something has to move you from inside. Some people don’t have that gift, but they can still attend church and strive for it.

It is important to always seek the truth and not let your will and worldly wants get in the way of your religion.

 

[chinamoon]

Sometime I think Im the dumbest catholic that ever lived… Can someone tell me about demonic attacks ???

 

[JRKH]

Sometime I think I’m the dumbest catholic that ever lived… Can someone tell me about demonic attacks ???

A demonic attack is, quite frankly, just what it says. A concentrated attack by a demon with the intent of drawing the soul away from Love, away from God and into the realm of despair and darkness. These things are more than just “temptations to sin”. They get into highly emotional and seriously distressing doubts and even despair. many great saints speak of these attacks and how serious they can be.
The Bible even records Jesus undergoing demonic attack in the desert. Of course in this case we are told that Jesus went looking for the battle (Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil…(Mt 4:1))

Demonic attacks can take many forms but they will seek first to try to separate the soul from regular communication with God. Prayer becomes more difficult. Likewise attending Church and - especially - the demon wants to keep the person from the sacraments of communion and confession.
The demon often accomplishes this by planting seeds of doubt, or exploiting small seeds of doubt that we have. In your case it appears that the demon has been exploiting your concerns over certain church teachings. He is trying to block your understanding these better and is exploiting your concerns to keep you from entering Church to be near to Christ in the Eucharist. You do not desire to be thus separated and this is the cause of your great distress.

The demon - now that he has you emotionally blocked from entering the church building, and receiving the sacraments - will then work on causing you to further despair. A common ploy is to make the person think that they are too big a sinner to be forgiven. Another is to try to get the person to outright and pridefully reject rather certain Church teachings than to accept and seek to understand them in humility.

Combating such attacks requires great courage and great trust in our Lord.
First and foremost call on the name of Jesus as your Lord and King to protect you and to bind up this evil spirit. Do this from morning to night - in all your waking hours.
The sacramentals that I mentioned earlier - blessed items, Holy water, etc. can also be powerful defenses against these attacks. I would suggest getting either a miraculous medal or a “four way”, (examples)have it blessed and wear it at all times. You can hold it in your hand when things are particularly difficult.
I would also suggest sprinkling a bit of holy water on your bed at night - just a few drops is plenty.

Pray constantly - keep it simple but heartfelt. Small ejaculatory prayers during the day to ward off attacks and to reenforce your commitment to Christ are best. Things as simple as “Begone Satan” and “I Love you Lord” are fine. One of my favorites is in my signature.

Of course, praying the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet is also highly advisable.

Beyond these few things, it is best - even imperative - that you have a regular confessor/advisor to help you through this. If you are still having trouble going into the church building, make a regular appointment to make confession in his office or wherever. Also to discuss these various issues of doubts etc…Knowing how troubled you are, he may even permit you to receive communion at these meetings even though you are unable to attend mass…

And speaking of mass…If you cannot attend in person…try watching the mass on television or on your computer…

If you ARE under demonic attack (and it sounds like you may be) the best defense is to immerse yourself in Christ. Immerse yourself in Love.

We are here for you…

Peace
James

 

[constantconvert]

Sometime I think Im the dumbest catholic that ever lived… Can someone tell me about demonic attacks ???

You are not dumb, you are new! Besides that, there is a huge amount to know about Catholicism. We all come here to learn more about our faith-- I feel like I only know a drop in the bucket. Even the very educated on this forum don’t know everything.

Anyway, no one really knows a lot about demonic activity, the same way we really don’t know a lot about angelic activity. The church doesn’t teach a whole lot and there are few priests who are well versed in it. But it’s pretty simple-- JRKH explained it very well

But don’t go off panicking about if this is a demonic attack, focusing on them instead of God (another tactic they use to draw us away). All you need to concern yourself with is continuing to meet with your priest, arming yourself with prayer, sacramentals (like holy water, a blessed rosary or scapular) and most important-- receiving the sacraments. Try to receive the **sacraments **as often as you can, regardless of your feelings. But don’t beat yourself up if you can’t.

 

[chinamoon]

Thank you for telling me about demon attacks. I had heard a little from a seminarian I chatted to a few months ago. I have been meeting with the priest from my school and he is going to meet with me every afternoon and help me to learn to pray the divine mercy … I have bought some new rosary beads and he blessed them this afternoon. then we prayed the consecration to the Holy Spirit and he laid his hands on my head and prayed something else. It seems a bit much but I just have to trust that he knows what he is doing. I want to ask him questions but Im too afraid as i find him lovely,yet intimidating at the same time.

I have many of Scott Hanhs books, my priest where I attend sunday mass leant me some I loved them so much I bought then but I have never read Rome sweet Rome so I shall buy it soon …
I cried again today as I stared at the cross with Jesus looking down at me. I feel so unworthy of his love and forgiveness. I feel so torn between what I want in life and what is required of us as catholics , I know what St Augustine spoke of when he said about a divided heart.

 

[JRKH]

Thank you for telling me about demon attacks. I had heard a little from a seminarian I chatted to a few months ago. I have been meeting with the priest from my school and he is going to meet with me every afternoon and help me to learn to pray the divine mercy … I have bought some new rosary beads and he blessed them this afternoon. then we prayed the consecration to the Holy Spirit and he laid his hands on my head and prayed something else. It seems a bit much but I just have to trust that he knows what he is doing. I want to ask him questions but Im too afraid as i find him lovely,yet intimidating at the same time.

I have many of Scott Hahns books, my priest where I attend Sunday mass lent me some I loved them so much I bought then but I have never read Rome sweet Rome so I shall buy it soon …
I cried again today as I stared at the cross with Jesus looking down at me. I feel so unworthy of his love and forgiveness. I feel so torn between what I want in life and what is required of us as Catholics , I know what St Augustine spoke of when he said about a divided heart.

This is all wonderful stuff. I am so glad that you have such a good priest working with you. And Yes - I know that the prayers and blessings and such can seem a bit overwhelming but in some cases they are necessary things. This is a battle for you soul after all…:knight2::angel1:
And remember - we are here for you…

Peace
James

 

[chinamoon]

This is all wonderful stuff. I am so glad that you have such a good priest working with you. And Yes - I know that the prayers and blessings and such can seem a bit overwhelming but in some cases they are necessary things. This is a battle for you soul after all…:knight2::angel1:
And remember - we are here for you…

Peace
James

Can I question what prayers he is saying ? (after he has said them of course not in the middle of them )

I didnt think demons were real till now … What is a blessing really ? Isnt it just a prayer that only a priest can say ??

 

[JRKH]

Can I question what prayers he is saying ? (after he has said them of course not in the middle of them )

I didnt think demons were real till now … What is a blessing really ? Isnt it just a prayer that only a priest can say ??

These are most certainly questions you can ask him - and I believe you should ask them.

Peace
James

 

[constantconvert]

Thank you for telling me about demon attacks. I had heard a little from a seminarian I chatted to a few months ago. I have been meeting with the priest from my school and he is going to meet with me every afternoon and help me to learn to pray the divine mercy … I have bought some new rosary beads and he blessed them this afternoon. then we prayed the consecration to the Holy Spirit and he laid his hands on my head and prayed something else. It seems a bit much but I just have to trust that he knows what he is doing. I want to ask him questions but Im too afraid as i find him lovely,yet intimidating at the same time.

I have many of Scott Hanhs books, my priest where I attend sunday mass leant me some I loved them so much I bought then but I have never read Rome sweet Rome so I shall buy it soon …
I cried again today as I stared at the cross with Jesus looking down at me. I feel so unworthy of his love and forgiveness. I feel so torn between what I want in life and what is required of us as catholics , I know what St Augustine spoke of when he said about a divided heart.

Sounds like you’re on the right path. I know what you mean about being intimidated, yet inspired by priests. I had to meet with a priest at the diocese yesterday, and I felt like a complete idiot.

As to feeling unworthy-- well, you are! This is actually great news because then you can just kind of rest in God, since there’s no way you can guide yourself, or figure it all out, you can just let that be God’s job! Jesus, let us never be separated form you!

 

[finisterra]

I have been thinking alot about my faith and in recent weeks the lack of faith. I have been questioning why I , 3 years ago became catholic and why am I catholic today. I have spoken with my priest and he suggested I search for the answer. I was wondering if anyone here would mind sharing with me why they became catholic from another denomination ?

Cause right now I dont know and if I dont know I may not stay.

I am Catholic because Jesus Christ is the Lord.

 

[chinamoon]

These are most certainly questions you can ask him - and I believe you should ask them.

Peace
James

I have so many questions to ask the priest but i dont want to feel like he is judging me … Wish he didnt scare me so much .

 

[chinamoon]

Sounds like you’re on the right path. I know what you mean about being intimidated, yet inspired by priests. I had to meet with a priest at the diocese yesterday, and I felt like a complete idiot.

As to feeling unworthy-- well, you are! This is actually great news because then you can just kind of rest in God, since there’s no way you can guide yourself, or figure it all out, you can just let that be God’s job! Jesus, let us never be separated form you!

**
I feel like an idiot . I tried to talk to him and he didnt understand … so i left and now i think i have hurt his feelings I**:sad_yes:****
Iam unworthy of God which is why i feel like satan is leading me around at the moment …****

 

[JRKH]

I have so many questions to ask the priest but i dont want to feel like he is judging me … Wish he didnt scare me so much .

The most critical thing to remember is that the priest is going to do his best to help you within his capacity to do so. What does this mean? It means that while we should honor and respect our priests we should not put them on such a pedestal that we become “incapacitated” by them.
A really good priestly adviser will not “give you answers” so much as he will try to guide your thinking so that you arrive at the proper answer through your own thought process. In this way you will not simply “know the answer” you will “understand” the answer.

I would suggest maybe writing down your questions and presenting them to father. This will minimize your nervousness in asking the questions and allow you to present them as clearly as you can, thus minimizing his confusion.
Let him look them over and ask him what the best way would be to proceed to answering them. He might be able to “zero in” on the critical questions, or even see within them a more central and critical question. In other words, he might be able to see “where you are coming from” and set you on the best track to learning what you need to know.

Hope this helps.

Peace
James

 

[chinamoon]

Thank you for your reply.

I think I have been wanting him to GIVE me the answers to my questions. I will write down some questions and see if this helps both of us to communicate.

God bless you .

 

[chinamoon]

Thank you all for trying to help me but now I see the only way is to leave the catholic church and go back where I belong …

 

[JRKH]

Thank you all for trying to help me but now I see the only way is to leave the catholic church and go back where I belong …

I am so sorry to hear this.
Just remember that, by virtue of your baptism you remain Catholic no matter where you go.
Perhaps someday, after God has taught you what you need to know in another place, He will bring you back home to our Catholic faith.

May God bless you on your journey into the wilderness -

and remember that we are always here, ready to try to help.

Peace
James

 

[chinamoon]

I am so sorry to hear this.
Just remember that, by virtue of your baptism you remain Catholic no matter where you go.
Perhaps someday, after God has taught you what you need to know in another place, He will bring you back home to our Catholic faith.

May God bless you on your journey into the wilderness -

and remember that we are always here, ready to try to help.

Peace
James

I was baptised presbyterian and maybe that is part of the problem… i dont feel worthy to be a catholic…

My priest told me i am a lost cause so what else am i to believe …[SIGN][/SIGN]