You're danged if you do, danged if you don't!

[kayla]

Hi Paris,

I felt the same way a few years ago when I came back to the Catholic Church and went to RCIA just for a brush up on my faith…I was soooo excited, I felt like a little kid on the first day of school I wanted to run home and tell everyone how much I love the Church and how I finally figured out this WAS the TRUTH.
but one thing that really struck me is this: there were about 20 protestants that were comming into the Church and Father asked them to write down their reasons for comming today… and this was on some of the their lists.

1. They finally found the TRUE Church of Jesus Christ
2. They wanted the sacraments in their lives, espically the Eucharist (the body, blood, soul and divinity of the Lord)
3. They loved the Catholic Church for it’s treasure box of all the Saints, espically our Blessed Mother of God.
4. They wanted to learn and pray the Rosary
5. Some were tired of the smorgasboard style religion they were in.

And one man blew me away when he read his list, he started to weep and said…I always wanted to be Catholic in my heart, it just took me 20 years to finally admit it and now my heart in on fire for the Church.

 

[Ivornotion]

FightingFat:

I have to say that in my opinion, you can’t make people believe, you can only bear witness to the truth and pray.

It’s up to everyone to find their own spiritual path, that’s part of the whole thing in my opinion.

Yes agreed, Paris should pray and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit.
I myself say the prayer Jesus taught Saint Faustina for conversion, “Oh Blood and Water which poured forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of Mercy for us, I Trust in Thee”.

 

[Mimi]

Aquinas wrote, in part:

"Lastly, spend hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament adoring your King and asking him to reveal to your loved ones what you now see. This is probably the most effective apostolate we can all do. "

Then, when you’re parents ask you what you did yesterday, you can tell them, “I went to Adoration.” They will either ask, “What’s Adoration?” or not say anything. If either of them ask, then the door is open to witness to them about Jesus true presence in the Eucharist.

At some point they may ask you more about it. Also, you could wear a miraculous medal and/or crucifix necklace. On her birthday, send or give a card to your mom and tell her you’ve given her a spiritual bouquet of praying the rosary for her once a week (or whatever) for the next year. Your intention could be her conversion, but she doesn’t have to know that! Maybe you could even give her a rosary and a booklet on how to pray it, if you think she’d be open to that.

Just a few thoughts on how you can be sort of sneaky and not overt. Pray, pray, pray, and live your Faith well, and they will see how happy you are. That’s what all parents want for their children!

Peace,
Mimi
PS I’m trying to do the same as you are, only for my grown kids!

 

[st_ignatius110]

“Always preach the Gospel and when neccessary use words.”
~ Saint Francis of Assisi~

 

[Krasnaya_Kometa]

I always let my friends know that I am Catholic. I try and set a good example, while at the same time I try to gain their trust.

The problem is, if you just go out and start talking to people about the Church, then you’re probably just going to push them away. But if you become friends with them, then slowly you can lead by example.

For instance, a couple weeks ago I heard a sermon about forgiveness, and I realized that there were some things I needed to forgive my mother for. I realized that she certainly loved me, and did the best she could, and followed what she thought was the right course of action for me. At the same time, I realized that her own childhood set her up for it.

Coincidentally it was only a few days earlier when I had told a relatively new yet very dear friend of mine about my mother having died two years ago. I had told her about how I never felt like she treated me like an equal. After I’d heard the sermon, I decided to tell Kate about it. I didn’t go into much detail, all I basically said was “the sermon was very good this morning. It was about forgiveness, and it took me two times hearing it but I finally realized that there were some things I needed to forgive my mother for”. All she said was “aww, that sounds like it was a good sermon for you then ^^”, but I know that deep down, even though it was a simple thing, it can affect her, even if just in a small way.

Then there are people who enjoy debates. This is when you can really argue your position, in a nice way of course. Writing editorials is nice as well. I have a blog with probably close to 20 editorials in it.

And never stop praying. Ultimately it is God, not man, who calls people’s souls into the Catholic faith. He does work through us, but our human weaknesses will never interfere with God’s plan.

 

[Paris_Blues]

The funny part is, my mom ENCOURAGES me to start praying the Rosary because I told her I haven’t been praying it and she said, “well you should because it’s part of your religion!” Hmmm…sounds like she cares!

Also, to my big amazement, I was telling my mother about praying to Mary and all and she even told me that she even prays to Mary during Christmas!! She told me that she just thanks Mary for bringing Christ in the world and all that. My mom had a best friend who was Catholic when she was in high school and she attended a few Masses here and there with her. My mom does like different religions but I wish she would find the TRUE one.

I’ll wait

 

[johnpaullover]

Paris Blues:

Hi guys,

I have a problem.

Yesterday I went to my mother’s house and she permed my hair (she did a heck of a good job! ). While she was putting the rods and rolling my hair, I was telling her about my journey towards Catholicism. I told her how I was drawn toward the Church and how our Lord wanted me to come in, etc. and she told me she was glad I found my “spiritual home” and all that.

This is where the hard part comes in. I know that I respect other people’s religion and yes, they have a right to choose their own religion. However, I’m deeply hurt in a way that all these other non-Catholics do NOT know the Real Truth! I told my mom about that and told her from my own witness from being Protestant to becoming Catholic that non-Catholics don’t have the FULLNESS of the Truth! I wasn’t telling her that to be mean or anything, I was telling her that because I want her to know the Fullness of the Truth! I also told her it’s not that I’m trying to convert her into Catholicism or anything, it’s just that we ALL need the FULLNESS of Truth!

Can you guys see the kind of “bubble” I’m in? I would LOVE to tell people the REAL TRUTH (CC) but on the other hand, I don’t want them to think I’m pushing my religion on them, yet I deeply desire all people to know it because like I said, IT’S THE TRUTH!

My mom said something like that it’s an insult to Protestantism and I told her no because the CC has the fullness of Truth. I asked my dad too earlier when we were leaving the convention center after the EWTN visit to Denver that how much Truth do you want? 100% or half? He said he wants the Truth. I didn’t say anything much because if I did, he would’ve gotten mad at me because I knew I would’ve said, well, it’s in the CC!!! And I’m not going to do that.

My question is, how can I calm myself down when I DESIRE to tell people the Truth? I feel sad for non-Catholics in a way because they are missing out on so much! But I can’t go tell people what to believe because I know I would get killed for that! But if I keep my yap shut, it’s like I don’t care enough to have people know the Truth or like we Catholics are keeping the whole Truth to ourselves. But on the other hand, people are anti-Catholic and would careless.

Does anyone see this struggle I have?

It’s like you’re danged if you do and danged if you don’t!

Lord, help me!

B.L.U.R.T it out. And By blurt it out, I mean, start small. When you agree, bring out heavier artillery. Finally, bring out the Pope and bring out your best possible arguements.

I know. I have this problem too.

 

[allhers]

Not only do I have the same problem , but…most people think I am a little, you know… :whacky: (whacky)…even some Catholic’s that I know, some have even called me “rabid” or other un-nice name’s. I have several members of my family that are still trying to get me out of this “whore of babylon”. (sigh) (They are praying for me.) LOL. Oh well, when I pray, I pray the Rosary daily, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, (I even read the Bible) .I go to Adoration and at Mass I pray and ask Jesus when I receive Holy Communion.
I mostly keep my mouth shut now, and pray, but when someone asks me, I speak the truth. They use to argue with me and try to point out my “wrong thinking.” Now they just listen when they ask something. We’re going through a dry spell right now where no one is asking, so I just keep praying.
God bless you, and don’t ever lose your enthusiam, just know that some will think you have lost your marbles, but hey, we all know you haven’t!! Fr. Corapi says it best when he says, “Just keep telling them the truth, eventually it’ll sink in.”

 

[Eileen_T]

Singinbeauty:

I didn’t say that is what you are saying… I said that is what we HEAR.

The way I see it is there is only ONE Truth that we must hold to. The Truth that Jesus is our Lord and Savior sent to free us from the binds of sin.

That may be TRUE but it is not the WHOLE TRUTH, which is what many posts have already pointed out. John 6:48-70 which is discussed here …<a href=“http://www.icubed.com/~rpoe/john6.htm"target=”_blank>Catholic Bible Study

Singinbeauty:

Within that Protestants and Catholics are all under the same Faith. We all believe this. In regards to the other practices and teachings… We all feel that there is a different way to worship God. Just like there are different styles of music there are different styles of worship. But in the end we are each showing that God is #1 in our lives.

For Catholics the HIGHEST form of worship is The Mass. I have heard Protestants say that they prefer a more personal relationship with Jesus. Catholics have more than a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the Eucharist we have an**intimate/B/ relationship with Him when we eat His flesh and drink His Blood, His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity enters our bodies and our bloodstream.

That is why we worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. If He wasn’t truly present we would be worshipping a piece of food, not God. That would make us idolaters, which is the view of some Protestants. That is the fullness of the TRUTH which has been recognised by Scott Hahn and other Protestant Ministers who converted to Catholicism. **

 

[rickAnthony]

Paris, I feel your pain and share 4 similar situations (my children and their non-Catholic spouses). I am convinced the best path to follow is to make your Catholic Faith present to them unceasingly, and to do it very gently – YOU are the best advertisement for the faith, and only if you deliberately choose to demonstrate (little talk, much do) the faith in your life and relationships will they “see” it and “get” what you will have opportunities to talk about. In fact, others may happen to do the talking and your example confirm what your kin believe about Catholicism as a result. Per the OT – an upright person is a reproach to the wicked, and your folks should see you and give praise to God.

 

[Singinbeauty]

Eileen T:

That may be TRUE but it is not the WHOLE TRUTH, which is what many posts have already pointed out. John 6:48-70 which is discussed here …<a href=“http://www.icubed.com/~rpoe/john6.htm"target=”_blank>Catholic Bible Study

For Catholics the HIGHEST form of worship is The Mass. I have heard Protestants say that they prefer a more personal relationship with Jesus. Catholics have more than a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the Eucharist we have anintimate

And I am glad you feel this way… That you KNOW that this is the TRUTH. But that is not the path that God has led me down. And that’s ok. You may feel that you have an intimate relationship with Jesus because of your practice but then so do I because of mine. We worship the same God differently. But we worship God and show our deep reverence and praise. If He cared He would have set direct strict rules that were clear knowing how we humans like to screw everything up.

What protestants and catholics have to realize is that everyone’s faith is personal and very real to them. By going in with guns-o-blazin’ telling someone that their faith is wrong is only going to put them on the defensive and make them not want to listen to you. Disrespecting what they believe is not going to help. And you disrespect what they believe when you go in telling them that they do not have the WHOLE truth and that everything they believe is wrong. The ONLY way you are going to get someone’s attention is by showing them how your’s is right for you. It will then get them thinking about whether or not it’s right for THEM.

 

[scylla]

She wasn’t saying you were wrong or that protestants were wrong. She was just saying that she wants to share more with you.

An example

Jesus is Lord! yes that is true I believe it too.

The Bible is true 100% yes I believe it too.

The Catholic Church complied the Bible in order to know what was appropriate to be used at Mass for worship.
We believe it some people reject that and we want to share that truth.

You though Singin are a lot farther along in cordiality and openess in agreeing that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, which is beautiful. There is truth in all Christian denominations, yet there is not such a thing as conflicting truth.

That is what we should search for it isn’t a perception. You have to be willing to follow Jesus no matter where it might lead you. Even if it leads to being Jehovah’s Witness, if they had the fullness of the truth then we should go there. Not because we like their Bible Studies or that is where I came into a good relationship with Christ or I was saved and get my spiritual needs met by this particular church but what does God want from me. Not what do I want from God.

And it might be that God doesn’t have it in His plan for you to be Catholic, (keep with me here Catholics) He desires it, but some people never have the chance to.

I believe some people like C.S. Lewis never became Catholic to be sort of a bridge. My non-catholic brother and wife wouldn’t touch or read anything Catholic. (they wouldn’t even watch the Sound of Music) yet they just bought the Chronicles of Narnia, and maybe I can get them to read some C.S. Lewis books to help them open up.

Many people have gone through a lot just to be converted to Christ we just want to share more with them, but many are resistant as they think they have to leave behind what they have, but they really don’t.

God Bless
Scylla

God Bless
Scylla

 

[E.E.N.S]

Singinbeauty:

And I am glad you feel this way… That you KNOW that this is the TRUTH. But that is not the path that God has led me down. And that’s ok. You may feel that you have an intimate relationship with Jesus because of your practice but then so do I because of mine. We worship the same God differently. But we worship God and show our deep reverence and praise. If He cared He would have set direct strict rules that were clear knowing how we humans like to screw everything up.

So are you saying that God will lead people to different truths? If that is the case, why? If God is Truth, how can there be two (or more) truths that contradict each other?
No, I propose that there should be only one Faith, as Christ intended and prayed for. There have been people in the Church who have made some bad decisions, but that gives us no right to “protest” against the Church to the point of breaking away from the Bride of Christ, the Church. Unity is much more important than the general populus acknowledges.

Singinbeauty:

What protestants and catholics have to realize is that everyone’s faith is personal and very real to them. By going in with guns-o-blazin’ telling someone that their faith is wrong is only going to put them on the defensive and make them not want to listen to you. Disrespecting what they believe is not going to help. And you disrespect what they believe when you go in telling them that they do not have the WHOLE truth and that everything they believe is wrong. The ONLY way you are going to get someone’s attention is by showing them how your’s is right for you. It will then get them thinking about whether or not it’s right for THEM.

I agree with you 99.9%

 

[Manphibian]

I can appreciate your probem Paris, however, I beleive you’re a little gung-ho on the whole “fullness of the truth” thing. It’s a coined phrase just like “born again”. I’ve just completed a very long and exspensive journey into Catholicism and in the end there was just so much that is non-biblical, you’d call it extra-biblical, for me to accept. I’ve heard all of the arguments, bought all the books, went to Mass, bought the CD’s, and in the end, it would just too difficult to find Christ with all of the other stuff standing in the way. I’m sure Mary’s in heaven feeling a little ashamed that she’s getting so much attention rightly due to her Son, and her God. Anyway, I’m not trying to start a debate or anything, just my two cents, and a prayer.

Manphibian

 

[allhers]

Manphibian:

I can appreciate your probem Paris, however, I beleive you’re a little gung-ho on the whole “fullness of the truth” thing. It’s a coined phrase just like “born again”. I’ve just completed a very long and exspensive journey into Catholicism and in the end there was just so much that is non-biblical, you’d call it extra-biblical, for me to accept. I’ve heard all of the arguments, bought all the books, went to Mass, bought the CD’s, and in the end, it would just too difficult to find Christ with all of the other stuff standing in the way. I’m sure Mary’s in heaven feeling a little ashamed that she’s getting so much attention rightly due to her Son, and her God. Anyway, I’m not trying to start a debate or anything, just my two cents, and a prayer.

Manphibian

Wow, I am so sorry you feel this way. There is nothing in the Catholic Church that is unBiblical, the Catholic Church compiled the Bible as a matter of fact. You can go online to this site at the main home page and read for free, you can read for free on the Apoligetics threads and on all of this site, (of course you have to pay your internet provider.)
However, today at Mass, (it is the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary), and it was Jesus standing right there in front of me at Holy Communion, sorry you missed Him.
By the way, I am sure that in heaven there is NO shame, least of all by His Blessed Mother, that God Himself choose and sent the Holy Spirit to.
You can also read at this site, (post questions as you can here)
www.ewtn.com
and
you can read away at this site too
www.vatican.va
that’s the official site of the Catholic Church. Other than paying your internet provider, not one of these site’s charges you a dime.
When I next pray the Rosary and go to Holy Communion at Mass, I will say a prayer for you. God bless you on your journey.

 

[volzcpa]

Paris Blues:

Hi guys,

I have a problem.

Yesterday I went to my mother’s house and she permed my hair (she did a heck of a good job! ). While she was putting the rods and rolling my hair, I was telling her about my journey towards Catholicism. I told her how I was drawn toward the Church and how our Lord wanted me to come in, etc. and she told me she was glad I found my “spiritual home” and all that.

This is where the hard part comes in. I know that I respect other people’s religion and yes, they have a right to choose their own religion. However, I’m deeply hurt in a way that all these other non-Catholics do NOT know the Real Truth! I told my mom about that and told her from my own witness from being Protestant to becoming Catholic that non-Catholics don’t have the FULLNESS of the Truth! I wasn’t telling her that to be mean or anything, I was telling her that because I want her to know the Fullness of the Truth! I also told her it’s not that I’m trying to convert her into Catholicism or anything, it’s just that we ALL need the FULLNESS of Truth!

Can you guys see the kind of “bubble” I’m in? I would LOVE to tell people the REAL TRUTH (CC) but on the other hand, I don’t want them to think I’m pushing my religion on them, yet I deeply desire all people to know it because like I said, IT’S THE TRUTH!

My mom said something like that it’s an insult to Protestantism and I told her no because the CC has the fullness of Truth. I asked my dad too earlier when we were leaving the convention center after the EWTN visit to Denver that how much Truth do you want? 100% or half? He said he wants the Truth. I didn’t say anything much because if I did, he would’ve gotten mad at me because I knew I would’ve said, well, it’s in the CC!!! And I’m not going to do that.

My question is, how can I calm myself down when I DESIRE to tell people the Truth? I feel sad for non-Catholics in a way because they are missing out on so much! But I can’t go tell people what to believe because I know I would get killed for that! But if I keep my yap shut, it’s like I don’t care enough to have people know the Truth or like we Catholics are keeping the whole Truth to ourselves. But on the other hand, people are anti-Catholic and would careless.

Does anyone see this struggle I have?

It’s like you’re danged if you do and danged if you don’t!

Lord, help me!

It may help yo to read Vatican IIs Decree on Ecumenism. The gist of it is to begin sharing our faith by first finding common ground and to slowly build up to sharing how specific “truths” of the Catholic faith help you in your own journey. Then you can answer their questions about a particular truth. It is not a quick process, we must have patience and prayer and always charity.

 

[Paris_Blues]

Manphibian:

I can appreciate your probem Paris, however, I beleive you’re a little gung-ho on the whole “fullness of the truth” thing. It’s a coined phrase just like “born again”. I’ve just completed a very long and exspensive journey into Catholicism and in the end there was just so much that is non-biblical, you’d call it extra-biblical, for me to accept. I’ve heard all of the arguments, bought all the books, went to Mass, bought the CD’s, and in the end, it would just too difficult to find Christ with all of the other stuff standing in the way. I’m sure Mary’s in heaven feeling a little ashamed that she’s getting so much attention rightly due to her Son, and her God. Anyway, I’m not trying to start a debate or anything, just my two cents, and a prayer.

Manphibian

I’m not trying to sound rude or anything but you sound like one of those people who could lose one’s entusiasism to the Faith! Not that you are or anything but you just sound like one of them.

 

[Subrosa]

Paris Blues:

Hi guys,

I have a problem.

Yesterday I went to my mother’s house and she permed my hair (she did a heck of a good job! ). While she was putting the rods and rolling my hair, I was telling her about my journey towards Catholicism. I told her how I was drawn toward the Church and how our Lord wanted me to come in, etc. and she told me she was glad I found my “spiritual home” and all that.

This is where the hard part comes in. I know that I respect other people’s religion and yes, they have a right to choose their own religion. However, I’m deeply hurt in a way that all these other non-Catholics do NOT know the Real Truth! I told my mom about that and told her from my own witness from being Protestant to becoming Catholic that non-Catholics don’t have the FULLNESS of the Truth! I wasn’t telling her that to be mean or anything, I was telling her that because I want her to know the Fullness of the Truth! I also told her it’s not that I’m trying to convert her into Catholicism or anything, it’s just that we ALL need the FULLNESS of Truth!

Can you guys see the kind of “bubble” I’m in? I would LOVE to tell people the REAL TRUTH (CC) but on the other hand, I don’t want them to think I’m pushing my religion on them, yet I deeply desire all people to know it because like I said, IT’S THE TRUTH!

My mom said something like that it’s an insult to Protestantism and I told her no because the CC has the fullness of Truth. I asked my dad too earlier when we were leaving the convention center after the EWTN visit to Denver that how much Truth do you want? 100% or half? He said he wants the Truth. I didn’t say anything much because if I did, he would’ve gotten mad at me because I knew I would’ve said, well, it’s in the CC!!! And I’m not going to do that.

My question is, how can I calm myself down when I DESIRE to tell people the Truth? I feel sad for non-Catholics in a way because they are missing out on so much! But I can’t go tell people what to believe because I know I would get killed for that! But if I keep my yap shut, it’s like I don’t care enough to have people know the Truth or like we Catholics are keeping the whole Truth to ourselves. But on the other hand, people are anti-Catholic and would careless.

Does anyone see this struggle I have?

It’s like you’re danged if you do and danged if you don’t!

Lord, help me!

Sing out loud, Paris, sing out loud!

Subrosa

 

[Paris_Blues]

Subrosa:

Sing out loud, Paris, sing out loud!

Subrosa

I can’t sing worth garbage!