Why Should a Mormon Become Catholic?

[RebeccaJ]

I can agree with what Brandon Cal said. I viewed it similarly. I definitely expected the experience to connect to ancient Jewish temple rites, because that’s what the apologetics focus on: a relationship between the ancient Jewish temple(s) and the restored temple and its ordinances.

I can understand why someone who was raised LDS, taught these sort of things their whole lives, would accept what they are being taught, and expect certain things because of what they are being taught.

Why did you accept these teachings of the Mormons, re temples, to begin with?

 

[Becca3]

Just a quick background as this is my first post, I was raised LDS and have chosen to convert to Catholicism. This was the first thread I saw today, my first day back since I registered, and I had to laugh. How applicable to my situation! I know that the OP has already decided to revert to Catholicism, but I thought I’d share why this Mormon has chosen to become Catholic.

I was a history major at BYU. When I entered the history program we were guided to Boyd K. Packer’s talk “The Mantle is Far Greater than the Intellect” (link in case you’ve never read it: si.lds.org/bc/seminary/content/library/talks/ces-symposium-addresses/the-mantle-is-far-far-greater-than-the-intellect_eng.pdf) and informed in no uncertain terms that in complying with this talk we should not submit research papers on any church history topics, especially not Joseph Smith. This of course made me more curious than ever and I had to know what they didn’t want me to know.

After being completely devastated by the things I found about church history and Joseph Smith especially, I still couldn’t leave. I was raised in a very devout Mormon family, the descendant of Mormon pioneers on both sides, and everything I had was tied up in my identity as a Mormon. I tried desperately to make it work. I figured if I just tried hard enough and prayed hard enough these doubts would be made clear. During this time, I would take some breaks from Mormonism and investigate other churches. I was consistently drawn to Catholicism but I resisted. I know now that I had many misunderstandings about the doctrines of the Catholic faith, and partially because of these misunderstandings I choose to not attend a Mass, even though there was a strong urge to go. I attended many other denominations and though the services were generally fine, nothing compelled me to return. It wasn’t what I was looking for.

About a year ago I stopped going to LDS Church completely. I also gave up on finding any church to join. I continued to believe in Christ but I was so hurt by my experience in Mormonism and frustrated at my lack of finding another faith. Of course, the draw to Catholicism increased, but, being my stubborn self, I didn’t attend Mass. Finally, about three weeks ago I realized that this urge to attend Mass wouldn’t subside until I did it. So I researched Catholic parishes in my area and found the one closest to me.

During the Mass I tried to follow along in the book, but I admit it was a bit overwhelming. It was just so different than listening to talks and lessons for three hours like LDS church. I sort of gave up during the Eucharist. I put down the book and just started watching the priest bless the Eucharist. Then the priest held up the host and stated “Behold the Lamb of God” and thank heavens I was kneeling because I might have fallen over otherwise. I knew that Christ was there in the consecrated host. I knew He was there just as surely as I knew the priest was there. After Mass was over I left quickly and went home. I thought, I prayed, I cried. And then I knew the Catholic Church was the truth I had been looking for. The next day I called to make an appointment with the priest and inquire about RCIA classes. I start in September and I haven’t been this happy or at peace in years.

That’s why this Mormon is becoming Catholic.

I am new and converting to Catholicism, and I agree with you! It can be a bit overwhelming having to been to Mass the past three weeks. I tried to follow along with the book but it was confusing. So, I do what I do best. I learn by watching the others do the rituals. And like you, I feel right at home in the Church. Feeling so much peace that I haven’t had for a long, long time. Used to before when I was going to the LDS church, I would cry so much! I think it was cuz I was such a single woman and seeing all those ‘eternal families’ around had made me so lonely and left out. Now being in the Catholic Church, I feel none of that. I feel more at home amongst other fellow sinners like me instead with all those ‘eternal perfect families’.

I did ask about RCIA, nobody knows when and if they will have it this Fall, cuz there aren’t that many new people interested. I don’t know what to do cuz I don’t want to be the only one the parish priest teaches! I will find out soon enough.

 

[Becca3]

Oh and yes, Sacrament Meeting is very different from the Mass. One of the things I missed was actual worship (and yes, I recognize that things like service and prayer are ways to worship God). Not even the temple provided that (not sure if you’re Endowed). Catholicism provides many liturgies and devotionals aimed at worshipping God. With Catholicism I feel like I’m connected to the ancient Jewish temple that we read about in the Bible (there are indeed books and scholarly articles written on that very topic), more so than I did going to the LDS temples, despite reading LDS apologetics on that topic.

That is another reason I am attracted to the Catholic Church, cuz they have so many ways to learn like from the liturgies and homilies. In the LDS church, they always teach the same lessons over and over every year even tho they would present a different cover every year on the books. I got bored out of my mind! It got to the point where I wasn’t getting anything out of the lessons.

 

[Becca3]

You know, I hesitated so long to go to my first Mass because I didn’t want to be “Love Bombed”. I wanted a way to be a fly on the wall and just observe without hoards of Catholics coming up to me to shake my hand and pretend to be my friend (much as is the case in Mormon wards). Once I finally went I was surprised to find not a single person approach me. At worst I got a couple smiles from people if we made eye contact, but that was it.

Then I eventually saw the fliers for RCIA (and the announcements for it during the Dismissal of Mass) and I thought “Aha! That’s how those sneaky Catholics get ya! They won’t bother you if you just drop by for Mass, but dare you to get into more intimate contact with them they’ll get your email address, phone number, address, and before you know it Nuns will be showing up at your doorstep unannounced!”

As you can see I still have a lot of Mormon baggage to deal with

This last year’s RCIA class had its first Mormon in over 10 years (or something like that), and he was sort of paraded around like some trophy convert. I know it was done without malevolence; indeed, most of the members of the parish see Mormonism as some arcane, elusive faith so when a Mormon does come around everyone’s interest is piqued. He seems to be doing very well in the parish now, and is very active. I think I may approach him for some advice.

I had the same experience as well. My first time going to Mass, I thought people would come up and greet me. Not a one did. I was surprised cuz I was in the LDS church where they do that all time. I was used to it and wanted them to come greet me. See, I am also a very social person and love talking to people so I was sort of let down. lol. I figured maybe that was the Catholic Church’s way of doing things. So, now I am getting used to their way of having privacy. Plus, it is their way of preparing for worship and having that quiet time to focus. To me, that is being reverent. I like it.

 

[Becca3]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I was raised LDS as well, and lived the constant build up to know the sacred secrets that no one will talk about. Which, didn’t give me the desire to participate. I never did the endowment.

LW7 was a convert to Mormonism, from Catholicism, and now has reverted. I just wonder what he expected.

Rebecca>I never did my endowment either cuz I wasn’t too comfortable about the topic of wearing garments under my clothes since I am very hot-natured and also the subject was so secret too.

 

[Marie5890]

Just curious, what you were expecting from the LDS temple experience? Since there are no books on what happens there, with theological discussions, were you expecting the experience to connect to ancient Jewish temple activity, beliefs or rites?

Rebecca, just gonna put in my .02 here as I too had been thru the temple.

I found it a BIG LET DOWN, and just odd. Especially the penalties, which were in place when I went thru.

After I went thru, my first thoughts were, “that’s the big deal? really?”

 

[Becca3]

Rebecca, just gonna put in my .02 here as I too had been thru the temple.

I found it a BIG LET DOWN, and just odd. Especially the penalties, which were in place when I went thru.

After I went thru, my first thoughts were, “that’s the big deal? really?”

What penalties?? Why would they punish people?

 

[CarolNoel]

Just a quick background as this is my first post, I was raised LDS and have chosen to convert to Catholicism. This was the first thread I saw today, my first day back since I registered, and I had to laugh. How applicable to my situation! I know that the OP has already decided to revert to Catholicism, but I thought I’d share why this Mormon has chosen to become Catholic.

I was a history major at BYU. When I entered the history program we were guided to Boyd K. Packer’s talk “The Mantle is Far Greater than the Intellect” (link in case you’ve never read it: si.lds.org/bc/seminary/content/library/talks/ces-symposium-addresses/the-mantle-is-far-far-greater-than-the-intellect_eng.pdf) and informed in no uncertain terms that in complying with this talk we should not submit research papers on any church history topics, especially not Joseph Smith. This of course made me more curious than ever and I had to know what they didn’t want me to know.

After being completely devastated by the things I found about church history and Joseph Smith especially, I still couldn’t leave. I was raised in a very devout Mormon family, the descendant of Mormon pioneers on both sides, and everything I had was tied up in my identity as a Mormon. I tried desperately to make it work. I figured if I just tried hard enough and prayed hard enough these doubts would be made clear. During this time, I would take some breaks from Mormonism and investigate other churches. I was consistently drawn to Catholicism but I resisted. I know now that I had many misunderstandings about the doctrines of the Catholic faith, and partially because of these misunderstandings I choose to not attend a Mass, even though there was a strong urge to go. I attended many other denominations and though the services were generally fine, nothing compelled me to return. It wasn’t what I was looking for.

About a year ago I stopped going to LDS Church completely. I also gave up on finding any church to join. I continued to believe in Christ but I was so hurt by my experience in Mormonism and frustrated at my lack of finding another faith. Of course, the draw to Catholicism increased, but, being my stubborn self, I didn’t attend Mass. Finally, about three weeks ago I realized that this urge to attend Mass wouldn’t subside until I did it. So I researched Catholic parishes in my area and found the one closest to me.

During the Mass I tried to follow along in the book, but I admit it was a bit overwhelming. It was just so different than listening to talks and lessons for three hours like LDS church. I sort of gave up during the Eucharist. I put down the book and just started watching the priest bless the Eucharist. Then the priest held up the host and stated “Behold the Lamb of God” and thank heavens I was kneeling because I might have fallen over otherwise. I knew that Christ was there in the consecrated host. I knew He was there just as surely as I knew the priest was there. After Mass was over I left quickly and went home. I thought, I prayed, I cried. And then I knew the Catholic Church was the truth I had been looking for. The next day I called to make an appointment with the priest and inquire about RCIA classes. I start in September and I haven’t been this happy or at peace in years.

That’s why this Mormon is becoming Catholic.

Your post brought tears to my eyes. Good Luck and may God be with you on your journey.

 

[Marie5890]

What penalties?? Why would they punish people?

Becca, in the temple rites there were penalties attached to each sign if they were revealed.

 

[LivingWaters7]

Why did you accept these teachings of the Mormons, re temples, to begin with?

As mentioned, this falls in line with the common LDS apologetic refrain of “how could Joseph Smith have known??”, in relation to an alleged restoration of ancient Jewish and Christian esoteric rituals (noting as I did that I did not realize until later the problems with these apologetic efforts, especially when things like Cyril’s anointing ritual, referred to as an evidence for the LDS Initiatory by apologists such as Nibley, are still practiced today, and were never lost, i.e. Chrismation/Confirmation), which I came to believe.

Going through the Endowment, as mentioned, although it didn’t match my expectations of a restoration of said rites referred to in apologetic works, I didn’t find it weird (outside of the actual video presentation format), and appreciated the progressive nature of it, culminating in the entrance into the presence of God. Did I think that the ancient Jews and Christians did similar things, had “tokens”? Outside of the Initiatory (I think I mentioned that there’s an explicit reference within the Initiatory to a practice in Exodus that makes one feel that this really is a restored ritual), no.

 

[twopekinguys]

So, LW7,

Did you go to Mass today? Did you receive the Eucharist?

Can you share your experience?

 

[Marie5890]

Those of us who have actually LIVED and BELIEVED the LDS folklore, and moved beyond it, have something of great value to share.

Not sure if others, LDS in name only, or known others of LDS association, can completely appreciate it.

Hard to put into words. But if LDS dogma never flowed thru your veins, not sure you can appreciate the journey, or the destination, in the same way we can…

In that manner, Im grateful for my LDS background. I truly can compare one from the other, or other from the other, cause I LIVED IT. I BELIEVE IT. AND that gives an element of credibility to my journey that others, jack-Mormons or less, may have.

God has been truly beyond gracious to me, a broken servant.

 

[Marie5890]

As mentioned, this falls in line with the common LDS apologetic refrain of “how could Joseph Smith have known??”, in relation to an alleged restoration of ancient Jewish and Christian esoteric rituals (noting as I did that I did not realize until later the problems with these apologetic efforts, especially when things like Cyril’s anointing ritual, referred to as an evidence for the LDS Initiatory by apologists such as Nibley, are still practiced today, and were never lost, i.e. Chrismation/Confirmation), which I came to believe.

Going through the Endowment, as mentioned, although it didn’t match my expectations of a restoration of said rites referred to in apologetic works, I didn’t find it weird (outside of the actual video presentation format), and appreciated the progressive nature of it, culminating in the entrance into the presence of God. Did I think that the ancient Jews and Christians did similar things, had “tokens”? Outside of the Initiatory (I think I mentioned that there’s an explicit reference within the Initiatory to a practice in Exodus that makes one feel that this really is a restored ritual), no.

Welcome home, LW. I get what you have been thru. Cause I have been there for myself. No "jack Mormon"here…or “had family members who were LDS”.

Lived it, breathed it, believe it, questioned it, moved beyond it…

Not everyone here, even on CAF, can say that.
I,however, can.

God Bless.

 

[Marie5890]

What penalties?? Why would they punish people?

Becca, Im guessing you dont know much about LDS history?

Have you studied it much?

 

[LivingWaters7]

So, LW7,

Did you go to Mass today? Did you receive the Eucharist?

Can you share your experience?

Yes, I did receive the Eucharist, for the first time in years. What a wonderful experience. Since I have attended Mass a few times after my conversion to the LDS Church (mostly because my family wanted me to come for a special holy day, like Easter or Christmas or my brother’s Confirmation), including during Holy Week, I was more of a spectator, but today I was a full participant. I felt like I went through a mini-RCIA, where I’ve been doing my own independent reading and study, was cleansed of my sins, and received Christ in the Eucharist. I knew that this is what (or who) I’ve been missing these years. Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament wasn’t the same, and the temple didn’t fill what I was missing. I’m sure a few tears slipped out (against my will!) as I knelt after receiving the Eucharist. I also had a “why did I walk away from all of this? :doh2:” moment.

Now, it’s still a work in progress, I’m still mentally getting back to being Catholic (I think I need to start some sort of daily devotional/prayer routine, as I’m still waking up, folding my arms, and saying “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful day…please bless that we’ll be safe as we go about our day…” (I’m sure the LDS and ex-LDS know what I’m talking about )).

 

[twopekinguys]

Yes, I did receive the Eucharist, for the first time in years. What a wonderful experience. Since I have attended Mass a few times after my conversion to the LDS Church (mostly because my family wanted me to come for a special holy day, like Easter or Christmas or my brother’s Confirmation), including during Holy Week, I was more of a spectator, but today I was a full participant. I felt like I went through a mini-RCIA, where I’ve been doing my own independent reading and study, was cleansed of my sins, and received Christ in the Eucharist. I knew that this is what (or who) I’ve been missing these years. Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament wasn’t the same, and the temple didn’t fill what I was missing. I’m sure a few tears slipped out (against my will!) as I knelt after receiving the Eucharist. I also had a “why did I walk away from all of this? :doh2:” moment.

Now, it’s still a work in progress, I’m still mentally getting back to being Catholic (I think I need to start some sort of daily devotional/prayer routine, as I’m still waking up, folding my arms, and saying “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful day…please bless that we’ll be safe as we go about our day…” (I’m sure the LDS and ex-LDS know what I’m talking about )).

I’m so happy for you!!!

 

[Becca3]

Becca, Im guessing you dont know much about LDS history?

Have you studied it much?

I came into the LDS back in 1992 and just accepted what they taught me. I didn’t even think of studying or researching the doctrines and such at that time. And some others here have mentioned they did that too. I am not the only one. So now, I am researching and studying the Catholic doctrines. I know this time, I will take my time and learn so much more. That is why I am glad they have RCIA for this reason. I can’t wait to take the class!

 

[RebeccaJ]

Those of us who have actually LIVED and BELIEVED the LDS folklore, and moved beyond it, have something of great value to share.

Not sure if others, LDS in name only, or known others of LDS association, can completely appreciate it.

Hard to put into words. But if LDS dogma never flowed thru your veins, not sure you can appreciate the journey, or the destination, in the same way we can…

In that manner, Im grateful for my LDS background. I truly can compare one from the other, or other from the other, cause I LIVED IT. I BELIEVE IT. AND that gives an element of credibility to my journey that others, jack-Mormons or less, may have.

God has been truly beyond gracious to me, a broken servant.

ummm, what does it mean, “jack-Mormons or less”? You’re cracking me up!

 

[RebeccaJ]

As mentioned, this falls in line with the common LDS apologetic refrain of “how could Joseph Smith have known??”, in relation to an alleged restoration of ancient Jewish and Christian esoteric rituals (noting as I did that I did not realize until later the problems with these apologetic efforts, especially when things like Cyril’s anointing ritual, referred to as an evidence for the LDS Initiatory by apologists such as Nibley, are still practiced today, and were never lost, i.e. Chrismation/Confirmation), which I came to believe.

Going through the Endowment, as mentioned, although it didn’t match my expectations of a restoration of said rites referred to in apologetic works, I didn’t find it weird (outside of the actual video presentation format), and appreciated the progressive nature of it, culminating in the entrance into the presence of God. Did I think that the ancient Jews and Christians did similar things, had “tokens”? Outside of the Initiatory (I think I mentioned that there’s an explicit reference within the Initiatory to a practice in Exodus that makes one feel that this really is a restored ritual), no.

Thanks, but what I’m asking is, did you have this expectation as a Catholic, before your conversion to Mormonism? Or was it FAIR and other LDS apologetic material that got you to thinking that Mormonism had something in their temple rites/ordinances, that was not in Catholicism?

 

[RebeccaJ]

Yes, I did receive the Eucharist, for the first time in years. What a wonderful experience. Since I have attended Mass a few times after my conversion to the LDS Church (mostly because my family wanted me to come for a special holy day, like Easter or Christmas or my brother’s Confirmation), including during Holy Week, I was more of a spectator, but today I was a full participant. I felt like I went through a mini-RCIA, where I’ve been doing my own independent reading and study, was cleansed of my sins, and received Christ in the Eucharist. I knew that this is what (or who) I’ve been missing these years. Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament wasn’t the same, and the temple didn’t fill what I was missing. I’m sure a few tears slipped out (against my will!) as I knelt after receiving the Eucharist. I also had a “why did I walk away from all of this? :doh2:” moment.

Now, it’s still a work in progress, I’m still mentally getting back to being Catholic (I think I need to start some sort of daily devotional/prayer routine, as I’m still waking up, folding my arms, and saying “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful day…please bless that we’ll be safe as we go about our day…” (I’m sure the LDS and ex-LDS know what I’m talking about )).

Wonderful!

I don’t think there is anything wrong with your morning prayer, as long as you understand which Heavenly Father you are praying to. If changing your morning prayer helps to “get the Mormon out”, I understand.