Witch or Catholic?

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AspiringToJoyfulness

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I’m struggling terribly with my spirituality; I’ve been a witch since the age of 12, not baptized and raised without religion. Being a witch has always fulfilled me, but I also have long felt an attraction to the Catholic Church. Becoming a Catholic would uproot my entire life. People accept me as a witch and always have; if I came out as Catholic the news would be received with disbelief and derision. I live with my fiance whom I love and who helps me with daily living (I am disabled); he however is a rabid antitheist with some Satanist leanings and would be terribly hurt if I became a Christian of any kind. He is adamantly against a church marriage and I don’t know if I could convince him otherwise. I don’t want to leave him. Becoming Catholic would also interfere with my interests: my love of Marilyn Manson and horror movies would probably clash with my faith. I have also always been politically liberal, particularly on social issues and I just don’t know how I would reconcile my social beliefs with the views of the Church. Is there something I should be doing to discern all this? Other than prayer, which is awkward for me because I have never been taught how to really do it. Are there portions of the Bible I should try reading? I admit it’s very hard for me to read the Bible and I certainly don’t know where to start. Thank you if you made it to the end of this ramble, I appreciate it!
 
I ask God to bless you with the graces and blessings truly finding Him.
Speak to him of everything in your heart and ask Him to help you on your path to him and to eternal joy and peace.
 
AspiringToJoyfulness said:
I’m struggling terribly with my spirituality; I’ve been a witch since the age of 12, not baptized and raised without religion. Being a witch has always fulfilled me, but I also have long felt an attraction to the Catholic Church. Becoming a Catholic would uproot my entire life. People accept me as a witch and always have; if I came out as Catholic the news would be received with disbelief and derision. I live with my fiance whom I love and who helps me with daily living (I am disabled); he however is a rabid antitheist with some Satanist leanings and would be terribly hurt if I became a Christian of any kind. He is adamantly against a church marriage and I don’t know if I could convince him otherwise. I don’t want to leave him. Becoming Catholic would also interfere with my interests: my love of Marilyn Manson and horror movies would probably clash with my faith. I have also always been politically liberal, particularly on social issues and I just don’t know how I would reconcile my social beliefs with the views of the Church. Is there something I should be doing to discern all this? Other than prayer, which is awkward for me because I have never been taught how to really do it. Are there portions of the Bible I should try reading? I admit it’s very hard for me to read the Bible and I certainly don’t know where to start. Thank you if you made it to the end of this ramble, I appreciate it!
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Identity
Fiance
Entertainment
Political views

Gospel of John 10
14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep[g] that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.[h] This command I have received from my Father.”

19 Again there was a division among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them said, “He is possessed and out of his mind; why listen to him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one possessed; surely a demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”
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Gospel of Mark 10
28 Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
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Hi AspiringToJoyfulness. Awesome name!

Your discernment process will take some time, soul searching and study. Let it take time. I think it may have to begin discreetly as well?

I think the key to begin as I read your post is in these words you wrote:
AspiringToJoyfulness said:
but I also have long felt an attraction to the Catholic Church.
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Do you know why you are attracted?

When did this attraction begin? What was it about the Catholic Church that attracted you in the beginning? What keeps it in your heart?

The Holy Spirit draws people to the Catholic Church. Ask The Holy Spirit of God to help you Aspire To Joyfulness.🙂

Oh, and:
Welcome to the forum!
I hope you enjoy it here. Stick around. Being a part of this community may be a good.
 
Also you can start threads about questions concerning the bible and catholic teachings you may have problems with. Lots of people want to help. I’ll keep an eye out for you in my forum life:blush:

I may even be some help with your questions.
 
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Hello AspringToJoyfulness!
Why be Catholic? Because Jesus loves you more in a single moment, than anyone on earth could love you in an entire lifetime. And because your soul is precious in the eyes of God who made you, and who longs for you to live with Him forever in Heaven. Look here to see just how much God loves you:
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The most beautiful love letter in the world Catholic Living
I was filled with so much joy when I read this. It’s very long, but you don’t even have to read the whole thing (though I think you should!) to feel just how much God loves us, His little children! My dear Child, I love you! (John 3:16) I created you in My image (Genesis 1:27) and I called you “very good” (Genesis 1:31). I knitted you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). I know the number of the hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30) and I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3).…
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These are all quotes taken from the Bible, and written from God’s point of view. If you like a sentence, google the bible verse! It could be an easy way for you to begin reading the bible!
How to pray? Simply kneel down somewhere quietly where you will not be disturbed, close your eyes if it helps you to concentrate, and imagine yourself face to face with Jesus, speaking the words to Him. If you struggle to do this, google a picture of Him, and print out one that you like! Like this one:
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
Then, make the sign of the cross. Do this by holding your left hand over your heart (and holding it there until the very end) and then with your right hand touch your forehead, (say aloud or in your mind: “In the name of the Father”) then touch below where your left hand is (say “And the Son”) then your left shoulder (say: “And the Holy”) then your right shoulder (say: “Spirit”). Then join both hands together in prayer and say: “Amen.” We make the sign of the Cross at the beginning and end of every prayer.
Then, talk to Jesus in your heart! You can tell him anything and everything, He is your best friend. Tell him your worries, your joys, tell him about your day, ask Him for something that you would like. Try saying this prayer every day, to help you come to know Jesus better:
O dear Jesus, help me to know Who You are. Forgive me for not speaking with You before now. Help me to find peace in this life and be shown the Truth of Eternal Life. Soothe my heart. Ease my worries. Give me peace. Open my heart now, so that You can fill my soul with Your Love.
Jesus, help me to accept the Love of God as it is being shown to me. Open my eyes, my mind, my heart and my soul so that I can be saved. Help me to believe by filling my heart with Your Love. Then hold me and save me from the torment of doubt.
Oh my precious Jesus embrace me in Your Arms and allow my head to rest upon Your Shoulders so that You can raise me up to Your Glorious Kingdom when the time is right. Allow Your Precious Blood to flow over my heart that we can be united as one. Amen.

I am praying for you! God bless ❤️
 
Hey there, I’d advise you to just take it easy and one step at a time.

To read I’d advise you the gospels from the bible of course.
And great books that are easy to read are Story of a Soul by therese of lisieux and the imitation of christ by thomas a kempis.

Don’t worry about political views, your favourite music and things like that. Just get to know Jesus first. You can open your heart to Him just by praying and attending mass.
 
Deep breath, and just take it day by day–try not to project too much into the future.
Start by reading the Gospels, and simply ask God to lead you.
:pray:t2::pray:t2::pray:t2: for you, your friends and your family!
 
@AspiringToJoyfulness

Welcome to the forum. Do you own a black cat? 😮 😁

The Bible has a lot of books in it. I would open the Book of Psalms and start reading it on a daily basis. The Four Gospels are the pinnacle of scripture. I recommend the Gospel of Luke but you can pick any of them.

Also - and this is important - make a call or visit with a parish and set up an appointment to talk to a priest and explain to him frankly what you’ve just explained to all of us. He will then take you down the next steps in sorting out these questions deep in your heart and soul. I know this probably sounds very difficult but I almost guarantee that you’ll feel better afterward. Also, I almost guarantee you aren’t going to shock or overwhelm the priest. Part of a priest’s vocation in life is social work related and he deals with all sorts of people who were absent from the faith for a long time or who were never a part of it, including criminals and what have you.

God loves you. You’ll be okay as long as you don’t close the door on him. Keep praying.

“Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving of friends.”
  • St Liguori
 
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TK421 said:
Keep praying.
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She said she doesn’t know how to pray.
AspiringToJoyfulness said:
Other than prayer, which is awkward for me because I have never been taught how to really do it.
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I don’t know if I am religiously correct here, but if you want to pray without bringing any Christian objects to your house that might upset your fiancee, I think you can just use the computer. Google “Jesus Christ icon” and open the one you like the best, kneel in front of it if you can (if you are disabled and you can’t kneel it God won’t mind) and read or say Our Father (the most basic prayer)

Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

This was told by Jesus himself in the New Testament, this is how we must pray to God. We say it daily or whenever we have to or feel like we need His help. “Amen” means “so be it”. It is the Latin form of the ancient Hebrew form that can be spelled “Amin”.

And at the end you make the sign of the cross like @anon68864946 said.
And you ask Jesus what is troubling and upsetting you or ask for help. I pray you receive it.
And you can mention your boyfriend too to God, so He can warm up his heart to at least not get mad at you for trying to find out what is the Christian Church.

May God bless you! 💮💮💮
 
AspiringToJoyfulness said:
Becoming Catholic would also interfere with my interests: my love of Marilyn Manson and horror movies would probably clash with my faith.
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I doubt this is a big problem, as long as you do not embrace blasphemy (to the extent it’s present in either of those mediums), decide to act out the murderous scenes in the movies, or generally take your “entertainment” too seriously. Marilyn Manson and horror movies are entertainment. I’ve listened to Marilyn (though I can’t say I’m a big fan, he just seemed like an updated Alice Cooper to me and I prefer the Coop) and watched horror movies and never felt a big conflict with my faith over it. Horror movies often also contain a very strong Christian moral element.
I have also always been politically liberal, particularly on social issues and I just don’t know how I would reconcile my social beliefs with the views of the Church.
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You’re not saying exactly what your “social beliefs” are, so it’s hard to respond to this. There are a large number of “liberal” issues including human rights issues, civil rights issues, and abolishment of the death penalty where the Church hierarchy is actually in agreement with the liberal position. The Church is strongly opposed to abortion because it involves the killing of innocent babies in the womb, and the Church is not going to say gay marriage is okay any time soon either. Catholics are also not permitted to use artificial means of birth control under pain of sin.

I would say overall, your biggest issue is that the relationships with the antitheist/ Satanic boyfriend and with your friends who don’t like Catholicism are probably going to have to go if you join the Church. These people are not good influences to have around you if you’re serious about being a Catholic. This to me is a lot bigger deal than Marilyn Manson, horror movies, or being “liberal”.
 
This can be a time of great grace for you. Conversions is one of the most beautiful things a persona can experience. At least it was for me. But it is not without some purification. and that can seem challenging. may God bless you and help you draw closer.
 
The gospels is an easy place to start. It’s a lot more interesting and it’s easier to read too.
 
To answer your title question: Catholic.
You say being a witch has always fulfilled you, but why would you seriously be considering another Faith if this were actually true? Catholicism is completely fulfilling. Best of all, it has historical credence and is actually true.
Follow Jesus’ advice and pray with your door closed in your room, apart from your fiancé.
How to pray? Praying is asking something of someone, such as “pray tell me, love, what’s your number?”
But to pray to the saints and angels is to ask them to pray for you.
To pray to God is to talk with Him.
You don’t have to kneel or anything. You can pray anywhere. Simply, you talk to Him. You can even talk mentally, without speaking, to Him. Perhaps take it slow and get into the mood, knowing you are speaking to your Maker. Be wrapped in His Love.

Perhaps pray the Our Father as already placed here. It’s the ideal prayer.

Know that Jesus said you’d have to hate your mother and father to follow Him. You don’t actually have to hate them, but simply following Him is more important than family relations, including such friendships.
In all likelihood, however, you may just be able to change your fiancé’s mind with how much you are made better and changed in Christ.

There shouldn’t be anything actually wrong with most horror movies, but you will want to build up to where you would be willing to give them up (not that you have to, just that you would if you needed to and God wanted you to).

Against some of the advice here, I say don’t start reading the Bible yet. It can be a hard book without knowing what’s going on and context, etc. Instead, I’d say try to speak with a priest and start praying the Rosary.
God bless
 
On the subject of your significant other, bring a Christian object into your home. It can be small and unnoticeable. Bring another after a few weeks to assimilate him into your interests. He’ll understand after a few times.
 
You don’t have to worry about how you’ll clean up your life. The Holy Spirit does that on His own. I know the Holy Spirit will do the same for you. I’m not the same man I used to be.
 
Praying for your conversion and that God brings people into your life that surround you with His healing grace and peace .
Praying for your fiance too.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits that roam around the world seeking the ruin of souls, Amen 🙏
 
I think you should talk to an RCIA program director and let us know how it goes. A confession from someone who has a lot of experience on that side of things would be a great addition to our requests for mercy. I look forward to your conversion!
 
Oh the whole Neopeganism stuff. Let me tell you a secret, I’m super embarrassed about this but *blush I was into it too. And I mean pretty into it. And I thought I was happy and alright. Then life happened. Bitter things and change and a bit of death and at some point I realized that the world is big and in a much more complex emotional state than I could comprehend. And that wasn’t what changed my mind. It was the realization of the need for love that is intrinsic to every human heart.

Do me a favor. Ok this is gonna be a bit of a hard document to read. Look up the cathecism of the Catholic Church. Did you find it? Start reading. Start from the beginning. I mean do it. Seriously do it. Pause now, stop reading through this form and read a couple chapters of the cathecism. Now, realize 1 thing. If you get ANY sign or calling from what Catholicism believes to be God than anything else you got from anywhere else is invalid. How? Simple if “we” are right than all other spiritual experiences are from the wrong side. Simply put if “we” have any sort of valid experience that invalidates all Neo-Pagan expereinces. There was a parable in the Bible (forgot where) about a wedding feast. All those invited made excuses for coming latter and at the end the king simply didn’t let any of them come.

Now God is not monster, he doesn’t ask impossible things of us. When you start to love Jesus just a tiny imperfect bit that love grows and all should be inferior to it. It is hard to say in words and message me on it if you want to aks anything or talk but whatever attracts you to Catholicism is nothing compared to what will keep you in Catholicism. Your boy and this and that will seem trivial and manageable.

Who taught you how to love? Who loved you first? Who loves you the most? What does that love mean? Can you give it time to grow?

Your attraction to Catholicism will soon be something you’ll remember as the greatest thing to ever happen to you. I imagine the angels (as ourselves) are waiting to celebrate the news of your conversion. Please don’t delay our feast, we’re hungry 🙂

*you can like horror movies and be Catholic btw+ I admit I don’t know the Bible as well as I’d like but 2 people have told me to start with the gospel of John and I did that and it worked for me. Praying… start simple. Just talk to God. It doesn’t need to be too much at first, He’ll teach you.

🙂 <3
 
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