Wishing to be Protestant again...

[Martyr225]

I think part of it is cultural. Protestants see no disparity between meeting friends, asking how the kids are doing, talking about work, setting down in the pew and singing the first hymn. To them, this is all one thing. Worship and friendship go hand in hand.

This is not the mindset I’ve seen in Catholicism. A Catholic reverently enters the hallowed sanctuary, kneels, silently prays and prepares themselves for mass. Any talk of earthly things would be frowned upon as distracting from God’s presence. This is not a criticism, just an observation and I don’t think Catholics would disagree with that sentiment?

Same with leaving. No Protestant would think of leaving without saying hi to everyone else, it would be considered rude unless the kids were screaming, etc. Catholics on the other hand, leave with the same reverence they came with. There may be some socialization, but not much more than a hello.

So, if your a Catholic and you want to meet other Catholics, don’t think Mass is going to fill that void. You have to find other venues, such as K of C, and any other groups that may be out there. You may have to even start it yourself and see what happens.

Fair assessment?

 

[T_More]

so why do you want to be Catholic?

**I had no other choice I could make in good conscience.

I am a former cradle JW. When I finally decided it was time for me to re-examine my spirituality, and not burdened with the shackles of the Watchtower and being afraid to examine other religions, I dove in with both feet and studied all I could about the very beginnings of early Christianity. This was a hugely jarring experience to say the least and quite thrilling! When I realized that the CC was THE Church founded by Christ on Peter, I can’t count how many hours of sleep I lost at night, my mind racing with questions, “What about this”, or “What about that”. The answers came, one after the other. I prayed like I’ve never prayed before, and I kept getting pulled to the CC. I was already a voracious reader, but I have read non stop over the last 6-8 months a tremendous amount of books, from Keating, Currie, Howard, Hahn, Kreeft, etc. I must have 30 books that I’ve bought and I just keep buying more. I’m slowly but surely making my way through the Catechism, and it’s so enlightening. Also verses in Scripture I never noticed before now jump out at me, and ones that I knew but struggled with now make sense. It’s been incredible. Although I have yet to enter the Church, I consider myself Catholic in my beliefs. This is a very condensed version of my story.

**

what are you now?

**I haven’t entered the Church yet. I hope to enter RCIA this year, but I want to make this journey with my wife, and she’s not quite ready yet. I know the Holy Spirit will show me the right time and I pray that I remain patient. It will happen eventually. **

just curious… love converson stories…

I do too! It’s helped me with my own journey!

 

[Loboto-Me]

As a “Cradle Catholic” conversion stories always convert me again and again because those who weren’t blessed to be born Catholic always have insights that I don’t have because they can appreciate the faith from a different angle… and sometimes I feel that those converts are more blessed than I was because of where they came from.

 

[Catholicnow]

Hope I’m not offending anyone. It does look like I’ll have to roll up my sleeves and try to make something happen in my parish. But beyond that, as I said before, I don’t want to be the only person rolling a rock up the hill. Am what I’m saying make sense to anyone? Culturally, are Catholics more docile than their Protestant brethren? Or is there something in the Catholic culture that does not foster fellowship and should be looked at?

Thanks

When I converted many years ago now, that is one thing that struck me more than any other. Catholics seemed more docile add to that that when I first went to Mass to check it out no one greeted me or said Hi. It was only when I was brought into the Church officially that people said Hi to me. I remember telling Fr. where were the people when I first visited? Next Sunday he told people that after Mass if they see someone they haven’t seen before to go say Hi.

But back to your post. I see a big difference in the Catholic Culture as opposed to the Protestant culture. In the Catholic Culture faith seems to be more personal and in the Protestant culture it seems personal and corporate, as my late Dad said they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and like they care. One thing that has always stuck out to me was that in Catholic culture everything seems to cost, but in Protestant most things are free. This is from some of my observations and being in both camps.

 

[YADA]

I amm sorry that you don’t want to be reminded that you can be an agent of change - especially if you want some socialization that you are not receicing … perhaps you have selcted parishes that are populated with people like you - all of whom want to re the recipients of ‘socila entertainment’ but don’t want to have to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and do the heavy lifting … or perhaps your fellow parishioners do not put emough funds inthe collection late to fund these ‘activities’ …

I can only speak for my parish … approx 2000 families … We have Lenten small faith sharing groups where people open their homes to groups of 6 - 10 poeple to study scripture and share their faith … we have a parish picnic every fall - BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers, lemonade, beer, wine and water … ice - cream and cotten candy - pony rides, inflatable slides, rock wall climb … all the kids stuff is FREE - comes with BBQ … and I am surpirsed ever yer how few of my fellow parishioners will make the effort to come … in fact we had to move it from July to September [and combine it with the parish school’s "back to School BBQ] to make the cost and effort a break even deal … our Knights of Columbus actually fund, set - up, cook, serve and clean up for the parish … and all they ask is to break even r just not loose too much …

We have a family Advent Festival and a Mardi Gras Party every year. The KOC used to have a Sweethearts dinner and Dance each year in February but had to cancel it for lack of attnedance … but they do sponsor a Men’s Retreat each year …

We have a WINGS group [Women in God’s Spirit] for parish ladies and DOGS - Disciples of Gods Spirit group for men [both wonderful groups that support each other, study scripture, have guest speakers and provide social out reach … in fact our DOGs group recently spent 6 weeks helping the wife of a member care for him in the final stages of his life - round the clock - two were present reading Psalm 23 when he passed away ]

We have an active St VIncent de Paul group, a Respect Life Group, Salt and Light - Social Justice and many others …

My parish has three councils [School, Financial and Pastoral] … We have a funeral luncheon ministry and many parish support groups the people who man the phones suring parish staff meetings, stuff the weekly bulletin, fund raising, religious Education Catchists, etc …

I just can’t believe that your Catholic Parish has ZERO opportunities to meet, socialize beinvolved, discuss your faith and study the scriptures … perhaps they just don’t have it served up on a platter for our consumption but the opportunities are there … if they truly are not THEN perhpas God is calling on you to create them - thats the Holy Spirit whispering in your ear …

 

[tweetymom]

When I converted many years ago now, that is one thing that struck me more than any other. Catholics seemed more docile add to that that when I first went to Mass to check it out no one greeted me or said Hi. It was only when I was brought into the Church officially that people said Hi to me. I remember telling Fr. where were the people when I first visited? Next Sunday he told people that after Mass if they see someone they haven’t seen before to go say Hi.

But back to your post. I see a big difference in the Catholic Culture as opposed to the Protestant culture. In the Catholic Culture faith seems to be more personal and in the Protestant culture it seems personal and corporate, as my late Dad said they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and like they care. One thing that has always stuck out to me was that in Catholic culture everything seems to cost, but in Protestant most things are free. This is from some of my observations and being in both camps.

I’ve been in both too and long for my Protestant days:thumbsup:

 

[humble_maid]

Peace be with you all,

I can attest to what the OP is feeling with regards to the CC and the lack of fellowship. I am presently attending an old church that belonged to a french community and now has been taken over by the italian community due to lack of participants in the french mass. Here we are divided by language and it is a sad affair. I am very disappointed with the overall response from the community. Instead of working together the french administration did everything to thwart the new community; and the new community of believers are very complacent. The priest works diligently to oversee the parish’s needs and is always trying to organize gatherings that would included the whole family to participate. He even started a bible studies which only a handful of people showed up; mostly comprised of older persons.

Overall the new church is gathering more of the faithful but it is very slow indeed. I even tried to start a Rosary Group at my house to get people to deepen their faith. I even made it to include a bible study and conclude it with cake and coffee. Believe it or not at first several people came and were enthusiastic but it dwindled down to only four. Many work and do not want to commit to anything else. They even find going to church a chore. I continually try to invigorate their faith and set an example. It seems to work for some.

All I know is that I cannot give up; I approached the Priest to include some other groups and he is interested in looking into it. I learned not to feel defeated but to do something about it. If you want something badly enough then pray to the Lord and ask for guidance; talk to others and see if anyone would be interested. I hope this helps.

God Bless.

 

[simspt]

For me it was the opposite. The casualness of the services and the lack of reverance I experienced at the Protestant Church i was at became a problem. This was at a Church that had very charismatic pastors and many “Groups” you could get into. Mostly younger demographics also.

 

[humble_maid]

For me it was the opposite. The casualness of the services and the lack of reverance I experienced at the Protestant Church i was at became a problem. This was at a Church that had very charismatic pastors and many “Groups” you could get into. Mostly younger demographics also.

Peace be with you,

TBH I never went to a protestant church except for a Mormon mass, and some meetings at JW’s. Do you attend any other church now?

 

[simspt]

Peace be with you,

TBH I never went to a protestant church except for a Mormon mass, and some meetings at JW’s. Do you attend any other church now?

Last Protestant sermon I was at was 2004 at rose bowl with Billy Graham. Since then its been all Catholic.

 

[Cat]

First a suggestion to the OP–find a church that offers 24/7 Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

When I first became Catholic, I signed up for the 5:00 A.M. hour, thinking that no one else would be there. Was I ever wrong! There were at least 12 other people who came to adore the Lord Jesus at that hour! Funny thing–even though we never spoke to each other during our Hour of Adoration, we all grew close to each other and became friends. It was like being part of a miniature congregation within a congregation! I could literally sense the Holy Spirit moving among us and making us one!

A second suggestion to the OP–after my husband and I became Catholic, we started doing something that we had never, ever done as Protestants–we started making friends with people OUTSIDE of church. I’m serious–before Catholicism, we had never really associated much with people outside of our church, except for our kids’ friends at the ice skating rink. But after Catholicism, we started getting out there!

My husband has a nice group of adult ice skaters that he regularly goes out with; they attend competitions together and have a lot of fun together. I come along when I can and enjoy being around the skaters. Meanwhile, I have gotten involved in two music groups in the community and have a lot of fun with these people.

We don’t see any problem with this. In fact, it seems more like what Jesus had in mind when He said, “Be a city on a hill, be the light of the world.” We’re not supposed to be sequestered in our little church group associating only with like-minded people. We are ambassadors for Jesus in our various social groups. In my husband’s skating group, he is the one who corrals all the Catholics and finds a parish near the skating rink so that they can all attend Mass together–no one ever says no to him–he’s such a sweetie! And in my music groups, I often mention various Catholic practices and beliefs as they apply to the music, and many of the Protestants are learning that a Catholic loves Jesus, too!

Finally, a few comments that I know will upset some of you, but I think it’s worth bringing up. I don’t know which variety of Protestants the OP was affiliated with. I came from the evangelical Protestant churches, where no one drank alcohol. For me, this was the most difficult thing about becoming Catholic–accepting that Christians drink alcohol.

It’s been six years now, and I still have a very hard time with this. I don’t like being around people who are drinking alcohol, and for this reason, I tend to avoid the “fellowships” offered at my parish. One of the posters above listed several parties and socials done at their parish–I’m guessing that many of them included beer. Yucko.

I totally do not fit in with the culture that drinks alcohol. I feel like a grape in bowl of marbles. It’s never been part of my life, ever, and I don’t understand why anyone, especially Christians, feels the need to drink. For 47 years, I had a rollicking great time and didn’t need alcohol to have that great time. THAT’S what I miss about Protestantism–socials where we all laughed and played and worked together and told jokes and stories and ate food and had a perfectly marvelous, memorable, loving, heartwarming time together drinking water, Kool Aid, soda pop, and occasionally, a punch with a fizzy drink and sherbet and a ring of colored ice floating in the bowl. I MISS that sooooo much!

Yes, I accept intellectually that there is no sin in the drinking of alcohol, but I don’t believe that I will ever accept it in my heart. Even as I typed that sentence, I didn’t believe it and I still don’t really believe it. I believe in my heart that drinking alcohol is a sin. I still find it shocking and upsetting to see Christians drinking alcohol.

You can try to dissuade me from my opinion, but I don’t want to see this topic de-railed, and believe me, many on CAF have tried over the years, and ALL have failed to change my mind. In fact, when I read what others post about the joys of alcohol on this forum, I find myself even more disgusted with the practice of drinking alcohol and even more turned off and I feel even more of a misfit in a strange, strange culture. It makes me sad. I wish that more non-drinking Protestants would become Catholic so that we could outnumber the drinking Catholics and I would feel more at home at socials. But it’s not all about me.

Perhaps the OP did not come from a Protestant church where the drinking of alcohol was forbidden. But for those of us who did, alcohol is a very big barrier to finding fellowship in the Catholic Church. I just thought I would bring that up, even though nothing will change and I accept that. I don’t like it, but I accept it. It’s not all about me. It’s all about Jesus, isn’t it? Yes, I know–Jesus drank alcohol. But back in his time, people didn’t drink and drive and kill people.

And yet in spite of this major stumbling block, I have found fellowship in my parish and in other parishes, as long as I stick with Bible studies and musical activities. I avoid the socials, parties, dances, etc. in which alcohol will be a factor. And I have discovered that there are a few Catholics who do not drink, usually for health reasons or because they are recovering alcoholics.

 

[Hiskid1973]

Perhaps the OP did not come from a Protestant church where the drinking of alcohol was forbidden. But for those of us who did, alcohol is a very big barrier to finding fellowship in the Catholic Church. I just thought I would bring that up, even though nothing will change and I accept that. I don’t like it, but I accept it. It’s not all about me. It’s all about Jesus, isn’t it? Yes, I know–Jesus drank alcohol. But back in his time, people didn’t drink and drive and kill people.

And yet in spite of this major stumbling block, I have found fellowship in my parish and in other parishes, as long as I stick with Bible studies and musical activities. I avoid the socials, parties, dances, etc. in which alcohol will be a factor. And I have discovered that there are a few Catholics who do not drink, usually for health reasons or because they are recovering alcoholics.

It’s all about Jesus…Jesus wants us to be Hot not a lukewarm faith or in the cold hearted unbelief…I see the same passion for Jesus here among my Catholic brethren…The hot, cold and lukewarm are among us all…The closer we get the more we long for His appearing and to be released fro this mortal shell…I understand your passion at adoration…I know how you understand His presence, but I understand His presence when we gather also…A town I lived in had 24 hr prayer and I was in a 3 am slot where we worshiped and pressed in to the Lord with intercessory prayer…I was with 2-3 other women and Gods presence was palatable… He meets us out a passion to be close to Him…Even when my wife and I gather for our evening devotions, we relish in His presence and our closeness together as we go before Him with pure hearts…

I understand your alcohol aversion also. Even before I committed my life to Christ alcohol was a bane as experiencing my uncle dying from chirrocios of the liver and a hurt Aunt from his cheating…And as a teen someone trying to put alcohol in a coke that made me sick…Other instances of people medicating just to deal with life…If you had Catholic coworkers getting smashed on the weekends and saying they just had to confess and they received Jesus every Sunday and then it was party hearty the rest of the week…I couldn’t, as a new believer understand the reasoning behind it…Even the Catholic bizarre’s had where even the priest’s got drunk with the parishioners…I would read in the scriptures where we aren’t even to keep the company of those who are called believers yet continue to get drunk or continue in licentious behavior…Guess living in an Italian Catholic area can expose you to all types…Anyway, I am ok with the fruit of the vine without the alcohol…

As I said before, whether catholic, protestant or orthodox, He knows our hearts an our passion for Him and meets us there…When we gather together before Him to receive our rewards or lack of them for our works we done as unto Him…It won’t be about the church we came from , but about how we followed His will for our lives…We have a choice whether to live for Him or ourselves…The more flesh that dies the more He is revealed through us…

Before I finish , I just want to share a prayer request as I did in another thread…My DIL and grand baby were in a bad car wreck…He has head trauma and she is in critical condition over night…She is a fellow believer…Thanks…Grace and peace to you…K

 

[Monica4316]

I’m a former Protestant… and I know what you mean… but I wouldn’t trade the Eucharist for any amount of fellowship

that being said, maybe you could get more involved in your parish, or go on some retreats, etc, and meet people there? But I really think that Church is to grow closer to God, and the Catholic Church does this better than any other, imho you really can’t get closer to Him than the Eucharist.

Also… my old non denom church was really into fellowship… and they made us sign our names every Sunday, to keep in touch with us… but when I stopped going, no one contacted me. Some of my old acquaintances stopped talking to me once I became Catholic. I don’t know, but I think all this fellowship is mostly on the surface level and doesn’t progress to real friendship.

 

[Monica4316]

First a suggestion to the OP–find a church that offers 24/7 Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

When I first became Catholic, I signed up for the 5:00 A.M. hour, thinking that no one else would be there. Was I ever wrong! There were at least 12 other people who came to adore the Lord Jesus at that hour! Funny thing–even though we never spoke to each other during our Hour of Adoration, we all grew close to each other and became friends. It was like being part of a miniature congregation within a congregation! I could literally sense the Holy Spirit moving among us and making us one!

A second suggestion to the OP–after my husband and I became Catholic, we started doing something that we had never, ever done as Protestants–we started making friends with people OUTSIDE of church. I’m serious–before Catholicism, we had never really associated much with people outside of our church, except for our kids’ friends at the ice skating rink. But after Catholicism, we started getting out there!

My husband has a nice group of adult ice skaters that he regularly goes out with; they attend competitions together and have a lot of fun together. I come along when I can and enjoy being around the skaters. Meanwhile, I have gotten involved in two music groups in the community and have a lot of fun with these people.

We don’t see any problem with this. In fact, it seems more like what Jesus had in mind when He said, “Be a city on a hill, be the light of the world.” We’re not supposed to be sequestered in our little church group associating only with like-minded people. We are ambassadors for Jesus in our various social groups. In my husband’s skating group, he is the one who corrals all the Catholics and finds a parish near the skating rink so that they can all attend Mass together–no one ever says no to him–he’s such a sweetie! And in my music groups, I often mention various Catholic practices and beliefs as they apply to the music, and many of the Protestants are learning that a Catholic loves Jesus, too!

Finally, a few comments that I know will upset some of you, but I think it’s worth bringing up. I don’t know which variety of Protestants the OP was affiliated with. I came from the evangelical Protestant churches, where no one drank alcohol. For me, this was the most difficult thing about becoming Catholic–accepting that Christians drink alcohol.

It’s been six years now, and I still have a very hard time with this. I don’t like being around people who are drinking alcohol, and for this reason, I tend to avoid the “fellowships” offered at my parish. One of the posters above listed several parties and socials done at their parish–I’m guessing that many of them included beer. Yucko.

I totally do not fit in with the culture that drinks alcohol. I feel like a grape in bowl of marbles. It’s never been part of my life, ever, and I don’t understand why anyone, especially Christians, feels the need to drink. For 47 years, I had a rollicking great time and didn’t need alcohol to have that great time. THAT’S what I miss about Protestantism–socials where we all laughed and played and worked together and told jokes and stories and ate food and had a perfectly marvelous, memorable, loving, heartwarming time together drinking water, Kool Aid, soda pop, and occasionally, a punch with a fizzy drink and sherbet and a ring of colored ice floating in the bowl. I MISS that sooooo much!

Yes, I accept intellectually that there is no sin in the drinking of alcohol, but I don’t believe that I will ever accept it in my heart. Even as I typed that sentence, I didn’t believe it and I still don’t really believe it. I believe in my heart that drinking alcohol is a sin. I still find it shocking and upsetting to see Christians drinking alcohol.

You can try to dissuade me from my opinion, but I don’t want to see this topic de-railed, and believe me, many on CAF have tried over the years, and ALL have failed to change my mind. In fact, when I read what others post about the joys of alcohol on this forum, I find myself even more disgusted with the practice of drinking alcohol and even more turned off and I feel even more of a misfit in a strange, strange culture. It makes me sad. I wish that more non-drinking Protestants would become Catholic so that we could outnumber the drinking Catholics and I would feel more at home at socials. But it’s not all about me.

Perhaps the OP did not come from a Protestant church where the drinking of alcohol was forbidden. But for those of us who did, alcohol is a very big barrier to finding fellowship in the Catholic Church. I just thought I would bring that up, even though nothing will change and I accept that. I don’t like it, but I accept it. It’s not all about me. It’s all about Jesus, isn’t it? Yes, I know–Jesus drank alcohol. But back in his time, people didn’t drink and drive and kill people.

And yet in spite of this major stumbling block, I have found fellowship in my parish and in other parishes, as long as I stick with Bible studies and musical activities. I avoid the socials, parties, dances, etc. in which alcohol will be a factor. And I have discovered that there are a few Catholics who do not drink, usually for health reasons or because they are recovering alcoholics.

Cat, if it helps, I also don’t drink alcohol. Many of my friends do… including my evangelical Protestant friends. I also feel like the odd one out sometimes.

 

[mariyka]

Perhaps the difference in culture is historical. Before the Reformation, the Church was the only Church and a parish was strictly geographical. The people in the village/parish were already a cohesive community, with their church regarded as a place of worship and source of sacraments. Protestants had to develop their own religious community, so the congregation itself was much more socially cohesive.

Any other evidence regarding this theory?

 

[mikeledes]

Peace be with you all,

I can attest to what the OP is feeling with regards to the CC and the lack of fellowship. I am presently attending an old church that belonged to a french community and now has been taken over by the italian community due to lack of participants in the french mass. Here we are divided by language and it is a sad affair. I am very disappointed with the overall response from the community. Instead of working together the french administration did everything to thwart the new community; and the new community of believers are very complacent. The priest works diligently to oversee the parish’s needs and is always trying to organize gatherings that would included the whole family to participate. He even started a bible studies which only a handful of people showed up; mostly comprised of older persons.

Overall the new church is gathering more of the faithful but it is very slow indeed. I even tried to start a Rosary Group at my house to get people to deepen their faith. I even made it to include a bible study and conclude it with cake and coffee. Believe it or not at first several people came and were enthusiastic but it dwindled down to only four. Many work and do not want to commit to anything else. They even find going to church a chore. I continually try to invigorate their faith and set an example. It seems to work for some.

All I know is that I cannot give up; I approached the Priest to include some other groups and he is interested in looking into it. I learned not to feel defeated but to do something about it. If you want something badly enough then pray to the Lord and ask for guidance; talk to others and see if anyone would be interested. I hope this helps.

God Bless.

Don’t give up and continue to pray!

God Bless,
Michael

 

[mikeledes]

First a suggestion to the OP–find a church that offers 24/7 Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

When I first became Catholic, I signed up for the 5:00 A.M. hour, thinking that no one else would be there. Was I ever wrong! There were at least 12 other people who came to adore the Lord Jesus at that hour! Funny thing–even though we never spoke to each other during our Hour of Adoration, we all grew close to each other and became friends. It was like being part of a miniature congregation within a congregation! I could literally sense the Holy Spirit moving among us and making us one!

A second suggestion to the OP–after my husband and I became Catholic, we started doing something that we had never, ever done as Protestants–we started making friends with people OUTSIDE of church. I’m serious–before Catholicism, we had never really associated much with people outside of our church, except for our kids’ friends at the ice skating rink. But after Catholicism, we started getting out there!

My husband has a nice group of adult ice skaters that he regularly goes out with; they attend competitions together and have a lot of fun together. I come along when I can and enjoy being around the skaters. Meanwhile, I have gotten involved in two music groups in the community and have a lot of fun with these people.

We don’t see any problem with this. In fact, it seems more like what Jesus had in mind when He said, “Be a city on a hill, be the light of the world.” We’re not supposed to be sequestered in our little church group associating only with like-minded people. We are ambassadors for Jesus in our various social groups. In my husband’s skating group, he is the one who corrals all the Catholics and finds a parish near the skating rink so that they can all attend Mass together–no one ever says no to him–he’s such a sweetie! And in my music groups, I often mention various Catholic practices and beliefs as they apply to the music, and many of the Protestants are learning that a Catholic loves Jesus, too!

Finally, a few comments that I know will upset some of you, but I think it’s worth bringing up. I don’t know which variety of Protestants the OP was affiliated with. I came from the evangelical Protestant churches, where no one drank alcohol. For me, this was the most difficult thing about becoming Catholic–accepting that Christians drink alcohol.

It’s been six years now, and I still have a very hard time with this. I don’t like being around people who are drinking alcohol, and for this reason, I tend to avoid the “fellowships” offered at my parish. One of the posters above listed several parties and socials done at their parish–I’m guessing that many of them included beer. Yucko.

I totally do not fit in with the culture that drinks alcohol. I feel like a grape in bowl of marbles. It’s never been part of my life, ever, and I don’t understand why anyone, especially Christians, feels the need to drink. For 47 years, I had a rollicking great time and didn’t need alcohol to have that great time. THAT’S what I miss about Protestantism–socials where we all laughed and played and worked together and told jokes and stories and ate food and had a perfectly marvelous, memorable, loving, heartwarming time together drinking water, Kool Aid, soda pop, and occasionally, a punch with a fizzy drink and sherbet and a ring of colored ice floating in the bowl. I MISS that sooooo much!

Yes, I accept intellectually that there is no sin in the drinking of alcohol, but I don’t believe that I will ever accept it in my heart. Even as I typed that sentence, I didn’t believe it and I still don’t really believe it. I believe in my heart that drinking alcohol is a sin. I still find it shocking and upsetting to see Christians drinking alcohol.

You can try to dissuade me from my opinion, but I don’t want to see this topic de-railed, and believe me, many on CAF have tried over the years, and ALL have failed to change my mind. In fact, when I read what others post about the joys of alcohol on this forum, I find myself even more disgusted with the practice of drinking alcohol and even more turned off and I feel even more of a misfit in a strange, strange culture. It makes me sad. I wish that more non-drinking Protestants would become Catholic so that we could outnumber the drinking Catholics and I would feel more at home at socials. But it’s not all about me.

Perhaps the OP did not come from a Protestant church where the drinking of alcohol was forbidden. But for those of us who did, alcohol is a very big barrier to finding fellowship in the Catholic Church. I just thought I would bring that up, even though nothing will change and I accept that. I don’t like it, but I accept it. It’s not all about me. It’s all about Jesus, isn’t it? Yes, I know–Jesus drank alcohol. But back in his time, people didn’t drink and drive and kill people.

And yet in spite of this major stumbling block, I have found fellowship in my parish and in other parishes, as long as I stick with Bible studies and musical activities. I avoid the socials, parties, dances, etc. in which alcohol will be a factor. And I have discovered that there are a few Catholics who do not drink, usually for health reasons or because they are recovering alcoholics.

I don’t drink alcohol… a personal choice… and I’ve never been Protestant. I understand. But remember Christ’s first miracle, turning water into wine. If drinking alcohol is sinful, the Christ was promoting sin.

God Bless,
Michael

 

[crazzeto]

@Martyr,

I really don’t know what to say… Honestly going to church isn’t supposed to be about being entertained… It’s not about fellowshipping, it’s about worshiping the Lord as a community. This environment should rightly focus on the Lord, which is why the Catholic mass is as it is. That said, I honestly don’t see how you find it boring, at least certainly not if you really internalize what is happening, you’re literally participating in the Heavenly Liturgy (I will direct you now to a read of Revelation)… What you’re participating in is Heavenly warfare, I’m not sure how that’s boring.

Can I ask this, what ministries are available at your parish? And how many of those are your family involved in? I would suggest picking out some interesting ministries and giving them a shot, personally I like teaching Catechism… Not only will you find that you’re going to learn a lot more about the faith, you’ll also feel more connected. Also praying the Rosary helped me personally, at the risk of recommending more long, involved “boring stuff”. Again, it shouldn’t be boring, paritcularly if you see the Rosary for what it truely is. It should also draw you in.

God bless you on your journey.

 

[Carlan]

Finally, a few comments that I know will upset some of you, but I think it’s worth bringing up. I don’t know which variety of Protestants the OP was affiliated with. I came from the evangelical Protestant churches, where no one drank alcohol. For me, this was the most difficult thing about becoming Catholic–accepting that Christians drink alcohol.

It’s been six years now, and I still have a very hard time with this. I don’t like being around people who are drinking alcohol, and for this reason, I tend to avoid the “fellowships” offered at my parish. One of the posters above listed several parties and socials done at their parish–I’m guessing that many of them included beer. Yucko.

I totally do not fit in with the culture that drinks alcohol. I feel like a grape in bowl of marbles. It’s never been part of my life, ever, and I don’t understand why anyone, especially Christians, feels the need to drink. For 47 years, I had a rollicking great time and didn’t need alcohol to have that great time. THAT’S what I miss about Protestantism–socials where we all laughed and played and worked together and told jokes and stories and ate food and had a perfectly marvelous, memorable, loving, heartwarming time together drinking water, Kool Aid, soda pop, and occasionally, a punch with a fizzy drink and sherbet and a ring of colored ice floating in the bowl. I MISS that sooooo much!

Yes, I accept intellectually that there is no sin in the drinking of alcohol, but I don’t believe that I will ever accept it in my heart. Even as I typed that sentence, I didn’t believe it and I still don’t really believe it. I believe in my heart that drinking alcohol is a sin. I still find it shocking and upsetting to see Christians drinking alcohol.

You can try to dissuade me from my opinion, but I don’t want to see this topic de-railed, and believe me, many on CAF have tried over the years, and ALL have failed to change my mind. In fact, when I read what others post about the joys of alcohol on this forum, I find myself even more disgusted with the practice of drinking alcohol and even more turned off and I feel even more of a misfit in a strange, strange culture. It makes me sad. I wish that more non-drinking Protestants would become Catholic so that we could outnumber the drinking Catholics and I would feel more at home at socials. But it’s not all about me.

Perhaps the OP did not come from a Protestant church where the drinking of alcohol was forbidden. But for those of us who did, alcohol is a very big barrier to finding fellowship in the Catholic Church. I just thought I would bring that up, even though nothing will change and I accept that. I don’t like it, but I accept it. It’s not all about me. It’s all about Jesus, isn’t it? Yes, I know–Jesus drank alcohol. But back in his time, people didn’t drink and drive and kill people.

And yet in spite of this major stumbling block, I have found fellowship in my parish and in other parishes, as long as I stick with Bible studies and musical activities. I avoid the socials, parties, dances, etc. in which alcohol will be a factor. And I have discovered that there are a few Catholics who do not drink, usually for health reasons or because they are recovering alcoholics.

Personally I believe such an aversion to alcohol, as you and I suffer, comes from experiencing it in such a negative way in your life as a young person growing up,such as addicted family members and seeing the harm and unhappiness it causes in family life.

I can also see where being taught the evils of it through a Church indoctrination can also cause unhealthy aversions, such as in your experience and your view of it as being all sin.

However, we must realize that healthy celebration isn’t sinful, and can add to the joy, Don’t forget Jesus and the wedding celebration at Cana! Peace, Carlan

 

[Lady_Mariegrace]

I can totally agree Martyr225 first post!

i miss many of the things and having raised three teenage daughters in the Protestant church with all those supports and fellowships who have went on to have vibrant faithfilled adult lives and now trying to raise two teenage sons without that support group in the Catholic church i feel constantly as if am scrambling to make the failth real to them. They dont’ care about the truth of the Church. They love God but they want some day to day activities and peer relationships that are good clean fun but Christian and having not been converted to Catholicism right in adolescence they really dont’ want to start a new youth group even if it were active which it hasn’t been up til now. in fact i forced them to go initally and they said all the kids were either/ and snobs or they were hypocrites as far as how they lived the so-called Christian lives. It is an ongoing problem for me and though they call themselves Catholic i believe they will walk straight to a Protestant church the moment they are not in my roof to get the things they miss.
i cannot go into more detail and make this more coherent at this time due to having to go to work but i may elucidate more experiences if time permits.