Why I'm Shying Away~

[CheerfulTabby22]

Whoooo~ it’s a beautiful, (but cold, eek!) day, here in Ohio.

I think I’m one of those silly peeps who finally gets a day off and what do I do? I’m here at the coffee shop where I work! Sitting here with my laptop, thinking about this Catholic stuff.

How I wish I was part of your world.

-Is the main thought in my mind. Part of the beautiful ritual, the comraderie.
Catholicism seems magical and wonderful to me! The masses and sacraments sound like some kind of sacred dance between this world and Heaven, a conversation with God, and I feel a great deal of respect and wonder for the Catholic Church. (^__^)

…sometimes I wish I could just be brave.
-Just contact the church, look into the RCIA, etc.

But (And golly, this is going to sound so silly, 'specially since I’ve gotten so many kind invitations) -I’m afraid of not being…accepted.

Not sure why I feel his way, though! But gosh, you guys, I do. Instead of being twenty-two, I feel like a scared little ten year old, holding out my arms for a hug, and scared I won’t get one back.

I think a lot of silly things- such as- you know how you guys have communion? I think- what if I become Catholic, but then I go up for communion and accidentally BITE THE PRIEST?
Blushes

Buut- I know that stuff like that is really silly! And despite these thoughts I’m definitely gonna go for it! Cheers I think it’s just a matter of ignoring that fretting little voice inside and just making the move to join The Church!

 

[TheLittleLady]

Speaking of biting the priest, I had been Catholic for a few years and I felt that I wanted to begin receiving on the tongue.

Let me back up with two facts, I have an unmistakable physical characteristic, it is impossible to disguise or hide so only on line can I be anonymous. No chance of “oh, they will not remember your foible” in my world. Second, I work for the Catholic Church, so, when I make a faux pas I am going to run into that person again and again and again.

So, I’d been practicing in the mirror at home “open your mouth and stick out your tongue” and I’d repeat that mantra in my brain when I approached. All ready, plan in place.

Then, the Mass when I have decided to finally receive on the tongue - - - the Bishop shows up to celebrate! Of course I am in his line.

I keep saying “open your mouth and stick out your tongue, open your mouth and stick out your tongue” over and over in my mind.

Approach his Excellency, mantra running in my mind. See a glimmer or recognition in his eyes, yep, he remembers me from the other times I’ve met him.

Open my mouth and stick out my tongue.

He holds up the Host and says “Body of Christ”

To which I reply “MayMen” because I kept my tongue sticking out when I responded.

Yeah, that happened.

Go by your Parish office on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (because Monday and Friday can be crazy!). Introduce yourself to the secretary and people in the office, just talk to them. That is the very best part of my job as a parish worker, meeting people.

So, read Matthew 14 and start around vs 22. All you have to do is have the courage to get out of the boat and keep your eyes on Christ.

 

[joeybaggz]

But (And golly, this is going to sound so silly, 'specially since I’ve gotten so many kind invitations) -I’m afraid of not being…accepted.

I offer you this. If you choose to make to journey to Catholicism, you can one day, hold in your hand, He who made you and everything around you. HE accepts you; everything and everyone else is “gravy”. And remember, HE who you hold in your hand, (and consume to be with you) was not accepted by the leaders and most of the people of his time. That is what the crucifix adorning the altar tells us.

One good thing about receiving the Eucharist, the body and blood soul and divinity, of Jesus Christ in your hand (which is permitted) is that you won’t “bite” the priest.

 

[CheerfulTabby22]

Thank you for your words of wisdom! And I didn’t know that people could receive in the hand; that thought comforts me.

 

[CheerfulTabby22]

Aww!! That totally sounds like something I would end up doing- the truth is though, I bet stuff like that happens all the time, and I bet they don’t think anything of it~ :hugs: Thank you for the advice and kind words; definitely feeling a bit more relaxed, now!

 

[Irishmom2]

Please, don’t think that inquiring commits you to becoming Catholic. You can look into RCIA, even go to classes without ever becoming Catholic. Come on, you are most welcome, have no fear.