Why is it so hard to leave Mormon church?

[pabloSD]

My wife and I were baptized last year into the Mormon church. We tried to start from scratch, and give our children a faith-filled life, something we didn’t have growing up as “Catholics.” But I’ve decided to leave the Mormon church, because I don’t agree with many, many of their beliefs and doctrines.

We haven’t been to the “chapel” in four weeks, and although I’m trying to become a devout Catholic now, and to reclaim my Catholic roots, it is very difficult to give up on the Mormon church. And I don’t mean literally leaving it behind, because I could just write a letter, send it to my bishop, and have my name removed from their records. But I feel that I’m going to miss the “brotherhood” and the social component. I’m also going to miss that we all as a family used to go to church every Sunday, and then my little daughter would go to her classes, and my wife and I to our classes, all at the same time.

I’m afraid we might not be as committed in the Catholic Church.
If you used to be a Mormon, and then became a Catholic, how did you do it?
En Cristo,
Pablo

 

[nickybr38]

My wife and I were baptized last year into the Mormon church. We tried to start from scratch, and give our children a faith-filled life, something we didn’t have growing up as “Catholics.” But I’ve decided to leave the Mormon church, because I don’t agree with many, many of their beliefs and doctrines.

We haven’t been to the “chapel” in four weeks, and although I’m trying to become a devout Catholic now, and to reclaim my Catholic roots, it is very difficult to give up on the Mormon church. And I don’t mean literally leaving it behind, because I could just write a letter, send it to my bishop, and have my name removed from their records. But I feel that I’m going to miss the “brotherhood” and the social component. I’m also going to miss that we all as a family used to go to church every Sunday, and then my little daughter would go to her classes, and my wife and I to our classes, all at the same time.

I’m afraid we might not be as committed in the Catholic Church.
If you used to be a Mormon, and then became a Catholic, how did you do it?
En Cristo,
Pablo

I’m not entirely sure what to tell you but I will say that my roommate (who was just baptized and confirmed Catholic this April) was Mormon. Missionaries used to visit her once a week. I, personally, declined to ever talk to them. Probably not the most Christian response but at the time I just had no desire to discuss religion with anyone, let alone those I saw as spreading falsehood and lies.

Anyway, one day she blew up at them. They kept sharing ‘baby food’ doctrine with her and it made her angry. She told them, straight up, that she was sick of their visits and told them in no uncertain terms that they were not welcome back. There were other reasons she was frustrated with them (the congregation was unwelcoming when she moved to town, the missionaries treated her like an idiot who knew nothing about basic Christianity, and several times they told her things that she found offensive - like we choose what will happen to us in life… she was abused as a child and she refused to believe she had chosen that path) but it all kind of boiled over into one grand kicking out.

The Mormon church has completely left her alone since then. No phone calls. No Missionaries. Just dead silence. The Catholic Church had no problem bringing her in and the parish here has treated her with more love and concern then the Mormon church ever did.

Here’s the thing, no matter what denomination you frequent the ‘fellowship’ and welcoming you receive is going to be different. You had a wonderful experience in the Mormon church, but she was treated like a leper. She had a wonderful experience at the Catholic Church but you might not. This isn’t where our focus should be. This isn’t the judge of a ‘good’ church.

My advice to you is to get involved in ministries with your church as soon as you can. Help out wherever you can. The more involved you get with your parish the more people you’ll meet and the more welcomed and loved you will feel.

Sorry about all the personal anecdata… have you been attending Mass? Have you been feeling unwelcome? Are there other parishes in your area?

Don’t give up the good fight just in the pursuit of human approval and acceptance.

 

[SonCatcher]

My experience is that you find the level of fellowship that you look for. Many parishes have a fellowship time right after Mass. Some have a series of fish or soup dinners during Lent. Many have bible studies, adoration and ministries reaching out to people in various walks of life.

You can check with the parish office to find out what opportunities there are for fellowship. Also, check with other parishes in your area. I’m sure you won’t find any shortage of opportunities for fellowship or things to do.

 

[lynnettejane]

It is hard to leave, but can you honestly stand up and give your testimony that you believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the LDS church is the only true church on earth, given the fact that you do not believe many of their doctrines? When you first join the mormon church you are love bombed in, but I bet when you come out there will be a serious lack of love bombing, that’s what you have fallen for.
I am sorry that you did not have the faith life you wished for as Catholics and it is very commendable that you wanted this for your children.
Don’t be afraid to really embrace the faith, put your trust in God alone. Ask him to help you, he will, don’t worry that you will not measure up as Catholics, you will, because without God’s grace and help none of us are up to much. As has been suggested get involved with whatever groups are available , talk to your priest, see if there is a way back programme.
I love my catholic faith, I love the way God is at it’s centre, its beautiful liturgies, adorations and devotions TO GOD. Not to an organisation, a business, that needs constant brain washing testimonies, to keep its congregations.
Be still and know that I am God, that is what is required, that kernal of faith and trust, see where He leads.
I will pray for you and your family, God bless you all

 

[lynnettejane]

I was a mormon convert, but not from any particular denomination, but my mother was raised catholic. I had worked with catholic nursing nuns and felt very comfortable around catholics but being a teenager I did not take any steps to convert.
When I was about 19 my friend and I met mormon missionaries, went through the initial 6 discussions which led to our baptism into the mormon church.
I wasn’t a particularly good mormon, but I did believe it was true. Years went by, marriage, divorce, remarriage children. I met Christian friends through my present husband who simply showed me the true message of the gospel. Many doubts started to crowd my mind, I started reading the bible, not just bits and pieces but real bible study. I found Christian ex mormons and their publications and became more and more shocked as the real meat of mormon doctrine began to unfold, the doubts could not be ignored, eventually I officially left the chuch after stating my reasons for my disbelief. You know no-one tried to change my mind, no-one tried to love me back in, thankfully and cheerfully I left.
I attended many Christian churches and groups, all of this was formative and I continued to learn but none of these really moved me, so I suppose I drifted. Then in stepped my gg aunt Mary, who incidentally is in heaven, I know this because she was a devoted catholic nun who I am convinced was praying for me. When I read her story and learned more of my family’s catholic history, I felt unmitakedly drawn to the church. When I went into the church that my mother had attended as a child I knew I had come home. I started RCIA, and this Easter was received into the church. I love my faith, I love God for his patience, especally as this has taken a lifetime, and for his saving work. I love the fact that he is absolutly central in the church and that in the Eucharist is the Real Presence of our Lord. What a priviledge to be in that presence, it’s mind blowing. That simply is my story. Put God back at your centre, ask the Holy Spirit for his help ask him to clear out the dross and false teachings and to bring you back where you belong.
God bless

 

[Bluegoat]

It can be hard to give up any community where you have developed personal connections, especially when leaving means you may lose friends. That is true with leaving a church, a club, or whatever.

However, it does seem that the Mormons work hard to have these kinds of connections in the congregation, while sometimes Catholic parishes fall down on that.

I would make a real effort to get involved, and if possible, look for a really active parish to join. Usually it is best, and expected, that you join your most local parish, but at times there can be good reason to look elsewhere. Maybe you can get recommendations from friends or family for a really active parish in your area. Or look at websites for local parishes.

 

[RebeccaJ]

My wife and I were baptized last year into the Mormon church. We tried to start from scratch, and give our children a faith-filled life, something we didn’t have growing up as “Catholics.” But I’ve decided to leave the Mormon church, because I don’t agree with many, many of their beliefs and doctrines.

We haven’t been to the “chapel” in four weeks, and although I’m trying to become a devout Catholic now, and to reclaim my Catholic roots, it is very difficult to give up on the Mormon church. And I don’t mean literally leaving it behind, because I could just write a letter, send it to my bishop, and have my name removed from their records. But I feel that I’m going to miss the “brotherhood” and the social component. I’m also going to miss that we all as a family used to go to church every Sunday, and then my little daughter would go to her classes, and my wife and I to our classes, all at the same time.

I’m afraid we might not be as committed in the Catholic Church.
If you used to be a Mormon, and then became a Catholic, how did you do it?
En Cristo,
Pablo

PabloSD - I was raised LDS, but converted to Catholicism from atheism. I live in UT, and know many converts from Mormonism.

You have, as a Catholic, the freedom to be involved where you want to be involved, at the level that you want to be involved. Pray for to God lead you to where He needs you. Look for opportunities to serve. Lead your family in service to God. Going to Mass, of course, but also look for ways to involve your children. Altar servers, serving in soup kitchens, consider Catholic school, which involve children in many ways.

Volunteer, whenever you can. This is a good way to get to know people, and a good way for people to get to know you. Keep rooted in service, and the social aspect will be a grace of the Parish you are serving in.

Every Parish has its own charism, and you’ll come to love the graces that come from this. Of course, we’re people. So be on your toes, pray for patience, and be liberal in forgiveness.

 

[valentino]

My wife and I were baptized last year into the Mormon church. We tried to start from scratch, and give our children a faith-filled life, something we didn’t have growing up as “Catholics.” But I’ve decided to leave the Mormon church, because I don’t agree with many, many of their beliefs and doctrines.

We haven’t been to the “chapel” in four weeks, and although I’m trying to become a devout Catholic now, and to reclaim my Catholic roots, it is very difficult to give up on the Mormon church. And I don’t mean literally leaving it behind, because I could just write a letter, send it to my bishop, and have my name removed from their records. But I feel that I’m going to miss the “brotherhood” and the social component. I’m also going to miss that we all as a family used to go to church every Sunday, and then my little daughter would go to her classes, and my wife and I to our classes, all at the same time.

I’m afraid we might not be as committed in the Catholic Church.
If you used to be a Mormon, and then became a Catholic, how did you do it?
En Cristo,
Pablo

You answered your question.its hard because you’ll miss the social component.Take your whole family to church.Some Church have classes for young children too but that’s in just some churches.i believe most Catholic churches have some classes or meetings but they may not be on Sundays.