Why is it so hard to become Catholic?

[allenirvan]

To give some background, I grew up as a Baptist, was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and spent many years very active and eager to serve God and the church any way I could. During college at some point I became somewhat distant from church. Recently, after a long bit of research, soul searching, and prayer my wife and I decided to visit our local parish and started going on Ash Wednesday. The priest is young and seems very busy, but he has a good heart. It is very evident that he loves his parish and loves the Lord. Here’s what we’re running into though: First, it is very obvious that Mass is not meant to be a social event as many Protestant services are. Honestly though, I would expect nothing less than a Catholic Mass from any service where Jesus Christ is really present, BUT I would at least expect a little more concern for those who are obviously seeking and curious about the Catholic Faith. We’ve been going for over a month now to Sunday Mass and a few during the week. The priest introduced us to a couple of people who really just gave the impression that they were too busy to talk to. We’ve been devouring the Luke E. Hart series offered by the Knights of Columbus, have been reading the Catechism, spending TONS of time in the Scriptures, read “Rome Sweet Home”, gave up birth control and started NFP, and have come to terms with most of the beliefs we weren’t taught as Protestants. We still have a long long way to go. I have not knelt during the Eucharist yet because it just doesn’t seem that it would be right for me to do so until I’m more confident and sure about what I’m doing. I have never said a Hail Mary and, until today, never prayed to a saint (we attended one of this year’s concluding RCIA classes on the Communion of Saints). Much of our lives have changed in the course of a few months but all this has come through our own personal study. We really expected to get some guidance from our parish. The attitude we seem to be getting is something like, “just wait until RCIA next year.” I have no problem whatsoever going through RCIA like everyone else and look forward to it, my issue is what do I do until then? We would like to get to know our priest, a sponsor, or something just to have someone to talk to and help us through the learning process. After a while of searching and learning on your own, you need a little motivation, edification, and fellowship from those around you, at least I do. We just feel like we don’t belong anywhere. I can’t just go back to the Protestant way, I’ve come to far and know that I have to follow this through wherever it might end up. I just need some advice. Its clear that the Catholic way of doing things is so different than what I’m used to but I know Jesus doesn’t want his own to feel shut out and separated from the Church just because the next class hasn’t started yet.

 

[PAboy57]

I’m sorry you are having this trouble. It shouldn’t be but it is in many places.

Please read the thread in Eastern Catholicism, Maybe I should stay Protesant. they are talking about what you are feeling right now.

I came back to the church and nothing happened. I had to start volunteering to help with things to get noticed. Now I help with RCIA and chair the church festival committee. But at least I got the priest’s attention. We don’t have anyone wanting to use RCIA so that is kind of not happening. Also Catholics don’t do this social thing very well (read the thread mentioned above).

Take the bull by the horns and get noticed is my best advice. Or find a Catholic parish that is really looking for new members. I’ll pray for you.

MEMORARE,
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen

 

[Crumpy]

The real answer might have to do with your particular circumstances, in your area.

But, I would like to off “an” answer that might help you.

As a lifelong Catholic, I have felt a distance from my parish, a social distance that I don’t really understand, even after all this time (I am 60). I have seen a lot of commotion, it seems that SOME people are getting individual attention, but I often wondered why I never qualified for some of that. There are a couple of reasons that I thought I deserved some attention.

I think this is a problem that has to do with the size of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and the few number of priests that are available. I’m not sure when RCIA began, but it was not all that many years ago. So, what this means is that folks like yourself are channeled, in really a benign way, to the next class. Previously, converts were handled on a case-by-case basis, but not now.

What to do

You might try to track down one of the lay ministers in your parish. Their names might be listed somewhere on the weekly bulletin. You might inquire about the process and explain that you are eager to get acquainted with the Church before that happens.

If this doesn’t pan out the way you want it, then you might look for your diocesan office and find out what resources are available there. They might be able to offer some assistance there or point you to a what you are looking for.

May I reassure you that the Catholic Church is the place to be.

I have been looking for Catholic scripture studies, but I have been underwhelmed for the last 25 years, in a couple places that I have lived. So, I have the time and opportunity to shop for commentaries and read them at home. I am very satisfied.

If you have access to the Catholic television network (on cable) I strongly suggest that you watch the program that discusses conversion to the Catholic Church, called The Journey Home. It is on at 8 p.m. eastern time on Monday nights and is re-broadcast at other various times. Check the EWTN.com website.

The Catholic Church in the U.S. is a complex organization. There are very opinionated people, and you can hear different viewpoints about just anything. Some Catholics don’t feel at home in their own parish, sometimes.

When you talk about Marian devotions, these are encouraged and have historical roots many centuries back in the Church. These go back more than a millenium before the printing press was invented, so the history can be difficult to trace. On the other hand, many Catholics don’t practice Marian devotion – there are no laws about this, that I am aware of. You can take a look at it when it is comfortable for you to do so. It seems that some people are SO overwhelmed with devotion to Mary, it may be hard to find the rest of Catholicism in them. I think I have deep psychological reasons for not being very Marian in my prayer life, but I don’t reject it.

You might want to do a text search on this website, to find out about various topics; but these “threads” can be very non-systematic.

You might want to check out the ENCYCLOPEDIA tab way up on the web page. There are some very exhaustive essays on various subjects.

As you did here, you might start a thread with a question that you have, and see what happens. Or, if you decide, you write a question to one of the apologists, who can answer questions about the faith and the Church.

As an alternative, you might send a private message to me or to someone else on the website, who you think might help you with a question.

The internet gives you a ‘virtual’ community of Catholics to interact with.

If you can watch EWTN on cable, then you might also write a letter to a priest at EWTN to ask a question or get general advice.

LIke a priest on EWTN said this evening, the RC Church is the church that was founded by Jesus Christ. This is the place. The bread and wine at Mass are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, as He said, as scripture says. If you have to wait, it is worth the wait.

 

[JaredR]

From one converting soul to another, let me say that I understand your disappointment. The Catholic experience is rich in so many ways, but in others it can seem lacking. What I try to remind myself is that I can’t allow the temporal reality of the Church (this imperfect family of sinners on Earth) to draw me away from the eternal reality of the Church (God’s sacramental family throughout the ages and perfected in heaven).

God bless your journey.

 

[Pug]

I’m sorry you are feeling so disconnected! In our parish, some members of the RCIA team would be happy to have you over for coffee now and then and answer questions for you. Does your parish have a team like that? Are you sure the couple of people your priest introduced you to are not available like that? Maybe they just seemed busy because people like that are often busy while at the parish itself, but they would seem more at leisure once out for coffee or something. I know I almost always have something I have to do at the parish when I am there.

I know people are often reluctant to “impose” on volunteers. I have offered to answer people’s questions on phone or email or anything convenient to them, but they rarely take me up on the offer. I know it is not because I look intimidating. I am an obviously harmless individual. I look like an elementary school teacher.

Does your parish have anything like a group pilgrimage to a local shrine or a bible study? You just might meet someone you hit it off with doing that, and have opportunity for fellowship and questions.

And ask anything you want here on CAF, of course!

 

[Catholic1954]

My husband was in the same situation, when he converted 10 years ago. At that time, the RCIA was not year round and he had to wait to be confirmed from Dec 97 to April 99! That gave plenty of time for reading, watching good Catholic movies (no EWTN in our area back then!) discussion and prayer. We attended every function and event that the parish and diocese had to offer. By enrollment time, he was READY. The big bonus for waiting however was his most excellent and awesome class. The deacon was the usual instructor for the RICA classes, but in September, when the class first met, he was on a sabatical and the associate pastor took over. The deacon is excellent, but the associate pastor was studying to be a cannon lawyer, was the bishop’s secretary and his knowledge, insight and patience made the class well worth the wait. Be patient, keep reading and studying; does your parish offer Friday night dinner and the Stations of the Cross during Lent or coffee and donuts after Mass on Sunday morning? A small group could be more approachable, but, you might have to go several times before you feel comfortable. Remember, you are just starting your faith journey, a journey that will last for the rest of your life. Welcome Home!!

 

[tinalewis]

Hi there - a couple of suggestions:

(1) Look up a perpetual adoration chapel in your area at www.masstimes.org and volunteer to take one of their holy hours. You can start by being on their “on call” list that regular adorers call when they need a replacement. Go to adoration at least every week. This is the single most important thing you can do while waiting to be welcomed into the church.

(2) If you’re at all musical, volunteer to play or sing in the choir and I guarantee that soon everyone will know who you are. It worked with my husband! For the first year we were at our current parish, he was known as my husband but now since he’s been in the choir people know him and I’m “his wife”.

Keep us posted!

 

[DavidW]

Your situation (and timing, right at the end of the RCIA season) is very similar to what happened for me.

I didn’t see in your post that you had contacted your local RCIA director. That’s the first step.

What you need in my opinion is a good sponsor. Someone with the time and inclination to talk to you and attend services with you. I was lucky in that regard and hit the jackpot with a great sponsor.

There’s no reason you shouldn’t be attending all remaining RCIA classes for this year. I did. After Easter there are about a month or so of classes. These aren’t quite the same as the start-up classes but still they give you an opportunity to meet people in your local RCIA program, and these are people that are interested enough in what’s going on to be volunteering several hours of their time on a weekly basis.

It was at one of these meetings that I met my sponsor and he helped me enormously over the next couple of months during the wait for the new RCIA class.

As far as what you are doing at Mass, don’t worry what anyone else thinks. Plenty of people attend Mass without partaking in communion for various reasons. There’s nothing wrong with kneeling during communion or the Liturgy of the Eucharist even if you aren’t Catholic, or not, it’s up to you.

Oh, and if you want to spend some time with your priest, call the church office and make an appointment! He’ll find some time to visit with you.

Good luck, I’ll keep you in my prayers!

 

[MrsHall]

I can totally understand your experience. In the Protestant churches I went to over for thirty years, from charismatic to Baptist and everything in between, we tended to jump on new people pretty quickly. But I found with this Catholic thing, there were two dynamics at work. First, Catholics for the most part do not think everyone has to become a Catholic. We were told that at RCIA so many times I wanted to say, “Okay, I get it. But I do!” So there is no major urgency to save you from hellfire, as the average Catholic would say you already are saved so no big deal. (Most do not understand the huge and life-changing thing it is to leave Protestantism behind for “The Church of Rome.” They cannot understand all the misunderstandings and so on that still exist regarding Catholicism, and I’m glad for that because some of it is really ugly.)

There is also the issue of lack of priests, etc. When there are fewer priests there are fewer parishes, so everyone has more parishioners to take care of. Our little country parish has over 800 people because it is really three parishes rolled into one. So the priest is caring for three flocks that he is trying to make one parish, except a lot of people (after several years) still don’t want to go along with it. The only thing he can do is delegate. You just have to find the person that the “inquiry” process has been delegated to.

This sounds harsh but as soon as we got this through our heads things got moving— No one is going to come after you. It is not like the Baptist churches that take homemade cookies to first time visitors and do “house calls.” You have to be proactive, call the church office, and make an appointment with the priest. We have had the best time getting to know our priest… he is just a wonderful person and we are blessed to have him as a friend and pastor. Just make that step.

You are right—you have reached “the point of no return.” We got to that place ourselves a couple years back and I remember the moment that I thought, “I can never be a Protestant again. I know too much.” It was actually scary, like having nowhere to go but over the side of a cliff. But I wouldn’t change a thing. We were received into the Church last May and I have never had even a moment that I was not overwhelmed with thanksgiving. God has done this great thing for us… He is so good.

Keep studying and make that appointment. God bless you.

 

[JRKH]

To give some background, I grew up as a Baptist, was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and spent many years very active and eager to serve God and the church any way I could. During college at some point I became somewhat distant from church. Recently, after a long bit of research, soul searching, and prayer my wife and I decided to visit our local parish and started going on Ash Wednesday.

Wonderful - Wonderful - Welcome Home!!

The priest is young and seems very busy, but he has a good heart. It is very evident that he loves his parish and loves the Lord. Here’s what we’re running into though: First, it is very obvious that Mass is not meant to be a social event as many Protestant services are. Honestly though, I would expect nothing less than a Catholic Mass from any service where Jesus Christ is really present, BUT I would at least expect a little more concern for those who are obviously seeking and curious about the Catholic Faith. We’ve been going for over a month now to Sunday Mass and a few during the week. The priest introduced us to a couple of people who really just gave the impression that they were too busy to talk to.

First let me say that I think it is not uncommon that you would be introduced to a couple who are “busy”. There is an old saying that if you want something done, give it to a busy person.
Second let me apologize that we, as catholics, tend not to be as open as we aught to be to those coming into The Chruch.
It does sound though like it is a pretty good parish overall, and in that you are blessed.

Also, now that you have found CAF, you should be able to get even more support.

We’ve been devouring the Luke E. Hart series offered by the Knights of Columbus, have been reading the Catechism, spending TONS of time in the Scriptures, read “Rome Sweet Home”, gave up birth control and started NFP, and have come to terms with most of the beliefs we weren’t taught as Protestants. We still have a long long way to go. I have not knelt during the Eucharist yet because it just doesn’t seem that it would be right for me to do so until I’m more confident and sure about what I’m doing. I have never said a Hail Mary and, until today, never prayed to a saint (we attended one of this year’s concluding RCIA classes on the Communion of Saints). Much of our lives have changed in the course of a few months but all this has come through our own personal study.

Sounds like you are doing great!!! Keep it up.
Don’t worry if you are not "getting it’ all right away.

We really expected to get some guidance from our parish. The attitude we seem to be getting is something like, “just wait until RCIA next year.” I have no problem whatsoever going through RCIA like everyone else and look forward to it, my issue is what do I do until then? We would like to get to know our priest, a sponsor, or something just to have someone to talk to and help us through the learning process. After a while of searching and learning on your own, you need a little motivation, edification, and fellowship from those around you, at least I do. We just feel like we don’t belong anywhere. I can’t just go back to the Protestant way, I’ve come to far and know that I have to follow this through wherever it might end up. I just need some advice. Its clear that the Catholic way of doing things is so different than what I’m used to but I know Jesus doesn’t want his own to feel shut out and separated from the Church just because the next class hasn’t started yet.

The only advice I can give you is to “Hang in there”. Needle your priest a bit, and maybe the deacon if there is one. Let them know that the couple you met are maybe not the best fit for you. Perhaps they can suggest another couple. Have you looked to see if there are any bible studies here or at a neighboring parish? Seeking out a sponsor is a good and necessary item, so do pursue this.
Finally - Rely on us. We will help you in every way we can. come here often and post questions concerns etc. We may not be as good as personal guide, but we will try our best.

Peace
James

 

[samovila]

Just chiming in to add my congratulations and let you know that I find it inspiring that you have taken so many steps on your own. Whenever I need my priest’s attention for anything that takes more than a 30 second conversation, I schedule an appointment. They can get quite busy between masses and don’t have much time to chat then. The couple he introduced you to, were they just busy on a single day or did you try to contact them several times with no response? Maybe you just need to touch base with them again and explain your situation? Or ask the priest to suggest another couple? And as always, you are welcome here in the CAF for support in your journey. I know I connect more with these forums than I do with most people at my own parish.

 

[Elizabeth_C]

First, I am sorry you are having this difficulty. But, please put this in perspective.

Easter is April 4. This is the culmination of the RCIA process. The RCIA director has A LOT on his or her plate! The final weekly “scrutiny” days during the last half of Mass as well as the practices for the Easter Vigil. There were at least 30 people (catechumans and candidates) in my RCIA class, plus she had an RCIC class (for children). That was 4 years ago. This year, it appears she has even more than that.

I’m sorry, but I think at this time of year, you could give them a break. Call them after Easter and see what they can do for you. In the mean time, keep studying. I would suggest also the EWTN cable network and it’s computer site. (You can also get the shows streamed on the computer as well.) And, of course, Catholic Answers and these forums.

Keep going to Mass. Kneel during the Eucharist and pray. You can’t take communion, but you can participate from your seat. By the time you get to RCIA you may find it too simple, but enjoy the time and the fellowship. I loved that time in my life.

 

[lutherlic]

Welcome! I read your story more with excitement than anything else. It is wonderful that you are working so hard to learn about the faith. I was just confirmed and loved RCIA, but I also learned a whole lot more studying on my own as you and your wife have.

One thought that I have after reading your story is that in a certain sense, you may be Catholic now (in your hearts). Confirmation is an important sacrament, a milestone and brings you into full communion with the Church. However, of itself it is not a magical point in time where you have a conversion of heart. It sounds like that may have already happened (or will soon happen) for you guys and that is a great joy when you realize it. Remember this - you are not outsiders and we are truly happy that you are here.

You may and should participate fully in parish life, other than receiving communion (at Mass receive the blessing). If your parish has Eucharistic Adoration - by all means do that. Connect with people - if after-Mass activities like “Donut Sunday” are offered then go (personal observation: Catholics are big on donuts and coffee ). If you have Fish Fry dinners during Lent, go there too. These are just some of the large group activities.

Most valuable in connecting will be through small group activities. Find out what classes are available or will start soon (ask the director of religious education). I highly recommend Mens Fellowship and/or Womens Guild if your parish has those.

Ask your RCIA coordinator if any of the sponsor volunteers would be willing to be assigned to you early. I don’t know if this is ever done but is worth a shot!

Finally, consider that your current experiences may be preparing you for service. How might you help welcome and involve future candidates in a similar situation?

 

[allenirvan]

I truly appreciate all of your replies. You don’t know how encouraging it has been to read them. lutherlic, I have wondered myself if this may be some sort of preparation for future service. The other day I prayed that someday I would have the opportunity to help someone through this time. Elizabeth, I may be wrong but I really don’t think anyone is all that busy with RCIA students this year, there’s only one getting confirmed plus about 6 Catholics in the class for educational purposes. I talked to the priest and asked if there were any bible studies or something similar; I thought his reaction was pretty humorous, I could just see the wheels turning and him thinking, “I never thought about that”. I guess that is not something all that normal for Catholics or perhaps the term “bible study” is just what protestants call it, but he mentioned it to the RCIA class and said that he might start something after lent. I’ve been pretty quiet for the most part so far and tried not to stick out so maybe I just need to try and make some friends. Thanks so much!

 

[JRKH]

I truly appreciate all of your replies. You don’t know how encouraging it has been to read them. lutherlic, I have wondered myself if this may be some sort of preparation for future service. The other day I prayed that someday I would have the opportunity to help someone through this time. Elizabeth, I may be wrong but I really don’t think anyone is all that busy with RCIA students this year, there’s only one getting confirmed plus about 6 Catholics in the class for educational purposes. I talked to the priest and asked if there were any bible studies or something similar; I thought his reaction was pretty humorous, I could just see the wheels turning and him thinking, “I never thought about that”. I guess that is not something all that normal for Catholics or perhaps the term “bible study” is just what protestants call it, but he mentioned it to the RCIA class and said that he might start something after lent.

I bolded this part because -
One - A number of parishes around here have bible studies from time to time. I guess no one in your parish has brought it up before.
Two - Could be that this is why God is putting you here. I would think a good “bible trained” baptist convert could be quite a good bible class leader.

I’ve been pretty quiet for the most part so far and tried not to stick out so maybe I just need to try and make some friends. Thanks so much!

Excellent Idea. I truly think the more you reach out in the community the more welcome you will feel.

Peace
James

 

[rog51]

I suppose in some areas it is but the most important thing is faith…Also for reference some books like catholism for dummies is good for when you have a question,use the appendix,it also tells about the myths surrounding the catholic faith…May God always be with you and may our Blessed Mother lead you to her son,Jesus…

 

[CathoCostal]

I normally don’t reply on here, but I couldn’t resist on this one. I too am a recent convert to the Holy Catholic Church (comin’ up on my one year anniversary! woo hoo!). I was very fortunate to come into the church in a VERY socially active parish, but I still encountered the situation that you have described. I’ve come to the conclusion that “fellowship” is just a different concept in the Catholic Church.

Here’s what I did. I’m not saying you haven’t done this, but I’m just saying what worked for me. On my way to Mass one Saturday evening last summer I cried out to the Lord and asked him to send me some fellowship! Most of my friends from my old church were not speaking to me at that time, and I was STARVING for some catholic friendships! I said that prayer, and that very night after Mass, a couple of guys came up and invited me to a cook out at their house! There, I met people and made some new friends and it has been uphill from there. I know it seems simple, but I truly believe that God answers the prayers of His children! Its worth a shot if you haven’t tried it yet!

Finally, let me encourage you to stay on the road to Rome! Truly, there is nothing more beautiful and fulfilling than to be a part of the Church that Christ Himself founded! Even if you spent the rest of your life with no Catholic friends (which I’m sure will not happen) it would still be worth every minute to be able to appproach and receive the most Holy Body and Precious Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! There’s nothing like it!

May the Lord be with you!
Roger

onehappycatholic.blogspot.com
www.luke181.com

 

[maraia]

To give some background, I grew up as a Baptist, was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and spent many years very active and eager to serve God and the church any way I could. During college at some point I became somewhat distant from church. Recently, after a long bit of research, soul searching, and prayer my wife and I decided to visit our local parish and started going on Ash Wednesday. The priest is young and seems very busy, but he has a good heart. It is very evident that he loves his parish and loves the Lord. Here’s what we’re running into though: First, it is very obvious that Mass is not meant to be a social event as many Protestant services are. Honestly though, I would expect nothing less than a Catholic Mass from any service where Jesus Christ is really present, BUT I would at least expect a little more concern for those who are obviously seeking and curious about the Catholic Faith. We’ve been going for over a month now to Sunday Mass and a few during the week. The priest introduced us to a couple of people who really just gave the impression that they were too busy to talk to. We’ve been devouring the Luke E. Hart series offered by the Knights of Columbus, have been reading the Catechism, spending TONS of time in the Scriptures, read “Rome Sweet Home”, gave up birth control and started NFP, and have come to terms with most of the beliefs we weren’t taught as Protestants. We still have a long long way to go. I have not knelt during the Eucharist yet because it just doesn’t seem that it would be right for me to do so until I’m more confident and sure about what I’m doing. I have never said a Hail Mary and, until today, never prayed to a saint (we attended one of this year’s concluding RCIA classes on the Communion of Saints). Much of our lives have changed in the course of a few months but all this has come through our own personal study. We really expected to get some guidance from our parish. The attitude we seem to be getting is something like, “just wait until RCIA next year.” I have no problem whatsoever going through RCIA like everyone else and look forward to it, my issue is what do I do until then? We would like to get to know our priest, a sponsor, or something just to have someone to talk to and help us through the learning process. After a while of searching and learning on your own, you need a little motivation, edification, and fellowship from those around you, at least I do. We just feel like we don’t belong anywhere. I can’t just go back to the Protestant way, I’ve come to far and know that I have to follow this through wherever it might end up. I just need some advice. Its clear that the Catholic way of doing things is so different than what I’m used to but I know Jesus doesn’t want his own to feel shut out and separated from the Church just because the next class hasn’t started yet.

Hello brother allenirvan, Knowing well how difficult it is to get rid of the past impressions, I give you this humble suggestion: don’t hesitate to go to an Eucharist Adoration Chapel, you needn’t bow or kneel, sit in a corner, go on simply looking at the Blessed Host in the monsrance,read John 6:51-61 again and again.You may not see Him there but He recognises You.Wish You may have the wonderful experience I had 10 years ago.All your misgivings and grudges will disappear.

 

[kage_ar]

Since most Parishes don’t have the resources to run a separate program for the Christian convert, they will lump us in with RCIA. It is not a bad thing to wait.

I’d advise you to get involved with Catholic life, you will be practicing the Faith until your profession of Faith at the Vigil.

You may want to try a different Parish, looks like you have more than a dozen within 15 miles of you as well as a Cathedral! The Parish in Owasso offers morning prayer during the week - you are really blessed.

masstimes.org/dotnet/showchurches.aspx?type=CITYSTATERADIUS&q=&country=United+States+of+America&city=Collinsville&countrycode=US&statecode=OK

 

[PJM]

=allenirvan;6400184]To give some background, I grew up as a Baptist, was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and spent many years very active and eager to serve God and the church any way I could. During college at some point I became somewhat distant from church. Recently, after a long bit of research, soul searching, and prayer my wife and I decided to visit our local parish and started going on Ash Wednesday. The priest is young and seems very busy, but he has a good heart. It is very evident that he loves his parish and loves the Lord. Here’s what we’re running into though: First, it is very obvious that Mass is not meant to be a social event as many Protestant services are. Honestly though, I would expect nothing less than a Catholic Mass from any service where Jesus Christ is really present, BUT I would at least expect a little more concern for those who are obviously seeking and curious about the Catholic Faith. We’ve been going for over a month now to Sunday Mass and a few during the week. The priest introduced us to a couple of people who really just gave the impression that they were too busy to talk to. We’ve been devouring the Luke E. Hart series offered by the Knights of Columbus, have been reading the Catechism, spending TONS of time in the Scriptures, read “Rome Sweet Home”, gave up birth control and started NFP, and have come to terms with most of the beliefs we weren’t taught as Protestants. We still have a long long way to go. I have not knelt during the Eucharist yet because it just doesn’t seem that it would be right for me to do so until I’m more confident and sure about what I’m doing. I have never said a Hail Mary and, until today, never prayed to a saint (we attended one of this year’s concluding RCIA classes on the Communion of Saints). Much of our lives have changed in the course of a few months but all this has come through our own personal study. We really expected to get some guidance from our parish. The attitude we seem to be getting is something like, “just wait until RCIA next year.” I have no problem whatsoever going through RCIA like everyone else and look forward to it, my issue is what do I do until then? We would like to get to know our priest, a sponsor, or something just to have someone to talk to and help us through the learning process. After a while of searching and learning on your own, you need a little motivation, edification, and fellowship from those around you, at least I do. We just feel like we don’t belong anywhere. I can’t just go back to the Protestant way, I’ve come to far and know that I have to follow this through wherever it might end up. I just need some advice. Its clear that the Catholic way of doing things is so different than what I’m used to but I know Jesus doesn’t want his own to feel shut out and separated from the Church just because the next class hasn’t started yet.

Wht an awesome wittness! THAK YOU!

I’m a lifelong Catholic trained, tested and certified to teach our Catholic Faith.

Because of the length of your post, I have little room for responce. Please send me a PM and I’ll provide some insight to your excellent questions. [PJM]

I can be of help while your waiting.

Love and prayers my friend;
Pat

PJM