Why is it so hard to become Catholic?

[garyr]

. . . . I have wondered myself if this may be some sort of preparation for future service. . . .

EXACTLY!! Jn6:44 . . No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, . .

Perhaps our Lord has called you to him, because he has a plan for you . . .

 

[Elizabeth_C]

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!

Hmm… That should make a difference. It seems like the RCIA person should be able to help you. As for Bible study, it doesn’t seem to be a big thing in Catholicism. My parish had one in the morning the year my daughter had half-day (afternoon) kindergarten. I wouldn’t have had time to get her lunch and get her to school after. Then, when they were both in school all day, they started an evening study, but I couldn’t do that either. They do have a couple of prayer groups. You might want to check on that at your parish. I also liked what the person posted after me. Although, I haven’t actually interacted much with people during the “Donut Sundays”, you might be able to find someone. Our parish includes tables from the ministries and groups at the Donut Sunday, so that might be a start as well.

Good luck. And welcome. Please be patient and persevere. If you are attending Mass, you are learning Catholicism. You are getting a “Bible study” at every Mass. You are being taught. The Mass readings aren’t just a random pick by a pastor or minister.

 

[Mistyjazz]

I do understand where you are coming from. I enquired to a echuaristic minister about wanting to become Catholic. This almost 9 months or more until I started my RCIA class in August when they ran the Stage of Enquiry session for anyone wishing to seek and learn more about the Catholic Faith.

My husband was Baptised Catholic at birth and both my two young sons we Baptised Catholic aswell. I was no stranger at the Catholic Mass either because both my boys altar serve for our parish on their rostered days. With many misfortunes in my life finally I decided to leap and jump on what I have really wanted to do long ago.

At this present time after almost 9 months I am so close to becoming a full member of our Catholic church with celebrations of my sacraments in Baptisim, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation at this coming Easter Vigil 3rd April 2010. Sunday mass coming will be my final scrutiny where my other partner (who is also seeking full initiation into the catholic church) “the elect” will stand before the parish one final time to recieve prayers for us and minor exercisisms before our day of celebration.

It has been one long journey…I found I learnt alot also like yourselves studying RCIA books, reading all the gospels in the Catholic Bible and basically reading threads on this forum site. I consider everyone here my fellow brother and sisters in faith. I don’t feel alone doing this major step because I know others around the globe will be doing this with me…

Study up, continue going to Mass, learn from those around you who are willing to help and enjoy because the journey you will undertake will be so wonderful…I have never felt so close God as I do right now…It is amazing…He is welcoming me in such a huge way as well as some of my family members who have passed away…I know they are looking down gleaming with pride and supporting me as I continue through this wonderful journey…

My lenten journey has been full of discovery about myself and looking deeper into how I can improve things and myself. It is true that it can be a difficult time…bad energys I find do test you with temptation but resistance is greater…Good luck in your adventure…

Welcome to the Catholic family…( well I will be part of it in 2 1/2 weeks haha) Good luck you’ll get there…

 

[Brandon_Walker]

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.

I understand what you are saying. I’ve listened to so many different Catholic CD’s, and stuff, that I’ve learned and strengthened in my Catholic Faith, extremely! I recommend you to try to find someone who does “The Great Adventure: Catholic Bible Study,” by Jeff Cavins. That has helped tremendously with my Faith, and now, I am able to defend the Faith against Protestants and other faiths! That’s my advice, and also, yes, keep on praying to God, and you will eventually go down the right path!

 

[tinalewis]

Adoration, adoration, adoration.

The absolute best use of time and attention. Bar none.

 

[aspirant]

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.

I think most American Catholics tend to assume everyone attending Mass is either (1) already Catholic or (2) with someone who is already Catholic. I’m a convert with experience similar to yours and I make this assumption myself… because it’s almost always true.

So if you want to meet Catholics, you’re probably going to have to initiate the introductions, because they will not otherwise know that you’re not Catholic and that you’re looking for interaction. Do not assume that it’s “obvious” that you’re “seeking and curious.” Most “natives’” attention is focused elsewhere.

On behalf of those who have not said it, welcome!

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.

Sounds like you’re making good progress, though.

We really expected to get some guidance from our parish.

You will, when you enter the inquiry process.

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.

Your priest, if your part of the country is like most anywhere else, is probably extremely busy. Getting to know him will probably take some time. Please be patient with him.

In the meantime, contact the parish office and ask to make an appointment with the director of religious education (DRE) and/or the RCIA program. Ask the DRE or RCIA-leader what they think you should be doing in the meantime, and whether they can connect you with some knowledgeable Catholics who would be willing to talk about your questions and interests until the inquiry classes begin.

Pick up a copy of the parish bulletin. If there is more than one parish in your town, get bulletins from other parishes too. Start combing these for ministries, activities, or groups that might interest you, whether it’s a Bible study, basketball teams, Theology on Tap for young adults, a spiritual book club, volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen, a group that knits leprosy bandages, an Irish or polka dance troupe, a mission rosary-making group, or whatever. Lots of Catholics join larger communities like the Knights of Columbus, Communion & Liberation, or the Secular Franciscans. If you don’t find something right away, make more inquiries, perhaps with an eye to starting something.

When I first became Catholic, I didn’t know many Catholics beyond the folks who worked at the local Catholic bookstore. I ended up going to grad school for theology, and met a lot of great Catholic people that way.

I talked to the priest and asked if there were any bible studies or something similar… I guess that is not something all that normal for Catholics or perhaps the term “bible study” is just what protestants call it

As for Bible study, it doesn’t seem to be a big thing in Catholicism.

This just depends on where you are and what the local Catholics are doing. I know lots of Catholics involved in Bible studies like this.

I’ve been pretty quiet for the most part so far and tried not to stick out

If you want to meet folks, get out there.

 

[aspirant]

There’s a Catholic Bible study of the book of Acts going on an hour away from you. Not very convenient, I reckon.

 

[fdesales]

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.

I would suggest you speak to the RCIA Coordinator, whomever he/she is, TODAY, and ask if they can set you up with a sponsor NOW, with the intent of joining RCIA when it begins (in August there?). Tell the Coordinator “I want to be fed now, not wait until the end of summer. I want to get to know people and begin to make my walk within this parish community”. I feel, as an RCIA coordinator, that if asked, I would look for someone would could help someone NOT to fall between the cracks and perhaps not even come back because they were gaffed off and told to wait until August. That’s a long time from now. Get a sponsor and ask to be introduced to people in the parish.

You’ll be on your way, my friend.

Regards,

Fdesales

 

[AKD99]

This may sound cheesy, but “I know how you feel” I was in the same position that you are now in. I was raised Protestant; My grandpa was a Baptist minister and missionary, but I was raised as a Conservative Evangelical in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. I too was Baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit when I was 13 (I am 19 now). After attending my church for 16 years, I went through a “searching” phase, where I tried other churches and pretty much became an “agnostic.” Then that changed when I started attending a Jesuit college (Creighton University), I attended my first mass on the second Sunday of Advent in December and I knew I was home… I Inquired about R.C.I.A. and found out it didn’t start until September and a priest encouraged me to wait until next year… I now actually just passed the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming and am now a Candidate in this process It was very difficult for me to wait; I was literally counting down the days. My advice: 1. Read as much as you can about the Catholic Church 2. watch EWTN and listen to Spirit Catholic Radio 102.7 if you are in the Midwest 3. Just try different parishes in your area and see which one works best for you. I have attended atleast 10 different parishes since and they each offered me a new perspective. Note: different parishes start the R.C.I.A. process at different times but generally it is around August/September. 4. Pray for patience! God is good and will give you what you ask for in prayer! 5. Think about what it means to be “Catholic” and really study the church (2000 years of history can be quite overwhelming, haha)

I’d Recommend Reading: 1. Anything by Scott Hahn 2.Catholic for a Reason by archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Scott Hahn and Leon J. Suprenant 3. What Catholics really Believe and anything else by Karl Keating 4. The Catholic Verses by Dane Armstrong 5. Being Catholic Today (great book!) by Burt Ghezzi 6. Symbol and Sacrament by Michael G. Lawler 7. the Everything Catholicism book by Helen Keeler and Susan Grimbly 8. Catholic Customs and Traditions by Greg Dues 9. Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI 10. Theology for Beginners or Theology and Sanity by F.J. Sheed 11. The Spirit of the Liturgy by Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) 12. Catholicism for Dummies by John Trigilio, Kenneth Brighenti 13. Confessions of St. Augustine, The: Modern English Version by Augustine 14. Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David B. Currie 15. Why Do Catholics Do That? by Kevin Orlin Johnson 15. Common Sense 101: Lessons from G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist
I Hope this helps!

 

[Bob_Crowley]

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.

As an ex-Protestant myself, I know what you mean. You wonder where the welcome is, and the lack of evangelical concern. About all you can do in the meantime is go through the motions, undertake the RCIA program, and become Catholic. Then maybe you’ll be in a position to help make the church more evangelical.

I think some of the reasons for the Catholic church’s lack of evangelical enthusiasm stem from several factors -

1. Most Catholics are cradle to grave Catholics. They’ve been brought up in the church, were probablly educated in a Catholic school, and have a lot of friends in Catholic circles. Thus they don’t really feel the need to be evangelical.
2. The Church is a bit top heavy. You’ll find that a church is only as good as the bishop and priests, whereas in Protestants the lay people are a lot more pro-active. We depend a bit too much on the priests.
3. Third there’s a reticence about evangelisation in Catholic circles because they get fed up with all the garbage that is spewed at them by Protestant evangelists. For a long time in Protestant dominated societies they’ve had a trench warfare attitude - the church has dug in and merely defended itself.
4. There’s simply not enough emphasis on evangelisation from the pulpit. One of the church’s failings is the rather poor standard of homilies. When I compare the standard I got from my first protestant pastor (who was admittedly well above the average even for protestant pastors) with what I expect to get from Catholic priests, he was so far ahead it isn’t funny.

The answer is to join the church and then work from within to slowly bring the evangelical and more welcoming church you’d like it to be. But be warned - the RCC is a slow moving beast. I still remember my first Catholic priest commenting that it was easier for Protestants to “start things” than for Catholics to do so, due to less rigid controls.

 

[distracted]

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.

thanks for this… enjoy reading conversion stories

I could tell you some stories abuot Catholics & how… cold & uncaring they have been toward me… but i saw it as a way of the devil trying to tempt me to leave the Church. I have to admit after this one incident yrs ago, i seriously thought of it but then what popped into my head (not that i would have left anyway) was: The Mass, Confession, the teachings of the Church (official ex cathedra ones) & the Real Presence. Thoughts of leaving the Church disappeard & virtually have not returned.

Catholics are strange. I was o/side the Church for many years. Then when i came back, i did as you are doing: went to Mass… At first, i felt very uncomfortable because i could feel the holiness at Mass… I ignorantly thougth that the feeling of great holiness came from the people there, & almost left because i knew i was a sinner… felt they would never accept or understand me… etc…

NOw i have learned (thnaks to a good priest ) about the Real Presence. I have learned that all of Heaven participates @ the Mass… THAT is what i was sensing, not the people’s holiness… Strange how i almost left back then… this was b4 i was fully catechized, although i am a cradle Catholic. This story should show the improtance of teaching children the Faith… I know (learned the hard way) just what the Catholic faith could have saved me from… LOng, strange, unpleasant, scary story…

Anyway, another thing is that the devil attacks Catholics more than other Christians. You may not believe that but this is another thing I’ve learned the HARD way… I have had a “strange” life since i became truly Catholic

God bless…

(Oh, another thing: i think one reason Catholics appear to be aloof is because they tend to focus more on God [Jesus] than they do the “human world”…?])

 

[joandarc2008]

Welcome home!!!

It is awesome the steps you are already taking.

1. Look into volunteer opportunities like the Food Pantry or soup kitchen
2. Look into Bible Studies
3. Maybe you can get into choir or band or such

God bless both you and your wife.

 

[daniel82]

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.

Im sorry to hear your going through something like that that is sad i really don’t know what to say im not catholic so i don’t know if all of their churches are like that but if you have questions they should be answered they should make you wait i can under stand if their in the middle of service but in my church we have a welcome center for new people or if someone stops by and has a question but i would say if this keeps up look for another church i would recommend a Church of Christ but of course its up to you but i will keep u in my prayers because imean how could you the church your trying to attend keep u in the dark on things Jesus told us to teach his fathers word to the world but anyway hope everything turns around for you with finding a church Romans 16:16

 

[joandarc2008]

thanks for this… enjoy reading conversion stories

I could tell you some stories abuot Catholics & how… cold & uncaring they have been toward me… but i saw it as a way of the devil trying to tempt me to leave the Church. I have to admit after this one incident yrs ago, i seriously thought of it but then what popped into my head (not that i would have left anyway) was: The Mass, Confession, the teachings of the Church (official ex cathedra ones) & the Real Presence. Thoughts of leaving the Church disappeard & virtually have not returned.

Catholics are strange. I was o/side the Church for many years. Then when i came back, i did as you are doing: went to Mass… At first, i felt very uncomfortable because i could feel the holiness at Mass… I ignorantly thougth that the feeling of great holiness came from the people there, & almost left because i knew i was a sinner… felt they would never accept or understand me… etc…

NOw i have learned (thnaks to a good priest ) about the Real Presence. I have learned that all of Heaven participates @ the Mass… THAT is what i was sensing, not the people’s holiness… Strange how i almost left back then… this was b4 i was fully catechized, although i am a cradle Catholic. This story should show the improtance of teaching children the Faith… I know (learned the hard way) just what the Catholic faith could have saved me from… LOng, strange, unpleasant, scary story…

Anyway, another thing is that the devil attacks Catholics more than other Christians. You may not believe that but this is another thing I’ve learned the HARD way… I have had a “strange” life since i became truly Catholic

God bless…
**
(Oh, another thing: i think one reason Catholics appear to be aloof is because they tend to focus more on God [Jesus] than they do the “human world”…?])**

Bold is mine - it is nice to see you back - I am glad you are still with us. That last sentence really is amazing. Pax et Bonum