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NotCatholic
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| First Name: | NotCatholic | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Pentecostal,none |
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Posted: Fri Jul 6th, 2007 06:59 pm |
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Hello,
I have some question about the Catholic Church. I'm a Protestant at this time but I'm not sure the Protestant Church is right. I have a list of Church's I believe could be the true Church. Roman Catholic Church,Eastern Orthodox Church,Oriental Orthodox Church,Assyrian Church of the East I also have one Protestant Church on my list the Mar Thoma Church.
Here are the main things keeping from the Catholic Church.
1.The creeping in of Modernism
2.Abuse of the Catholic Liturgy
3.Lack of Respect for Liturgy
4.The growing Charismatic movement
Things I like about the Church.
1.The Church's stand on moral issues
2.The Pope
3.The Church's help of the poor and people in need.
I also have a question.
1.What is the power of a Bishop in his Diocese.
If I join the Church my Diocese would be the Wichita diocese.
God bless.
____________________
The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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Br_Carlo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Tyler, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 150 |
| First Name: | Br_Carlo (Vince Brach) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Episcopalian, CATHOLIC |
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Posted: Fri Jul 6th, 2007 09:05 pm |
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God's peace. I went through something similar to your situation, so let me offer you a little advice.
To me, the only really significant question boiled down to this: where is the authority? I came from the Episcopal Church, which is in free-fall right now because of its total inability to deal with apostasy and heresy. When I finally became a Catholic, I posted this (edited) letter to my friends in the conservative listserve White Horse Tavern. I hope it helps you on your journey. Blessings, ~Br_Carlo~
Goodbye, and God Speed!
God's peace. The time has finally come (is actually overdue) for my departure, as I and my wife were formally received into the Roman Catholic Church on July 8, 2004. We both shed many tears and prayed many long, hard hours over this conversion, but now that we have had time to "towel off" on the other side of the Tiber, we are both too busy with exciting new opportunities to cry any longer.
Some of you have followed the gradual shift in my point of view over my years in this listserve. I am grateful that only a few ever clamored for my ejection--and those privately, for the most part. Actually, the listserve has become a meeting-place for many perspectives, some openly stating that they are not Anglicans. The only viewpoints that are not welcome, it seems (especially from the recent purgatory discussion), are Roman. That's OK with me--we still have some right of association guaranteed us in this country, and I respect that.
But some of you may be curious about how things are over here, without wanting to swim the river yourselves. I will admit that becoming a Roman Catholic most certainly does NOT transport you into a trouble-free zone of orthodoxy! Just the other day I found myself alone, defending the Catholic Faith against a group of cradle Catholics. Rome is dealing with the "lavender Mafia" in its seminaries, with liberation theology in South America, with "feminazis," with universalism (a bigger issue than most will admit, in my opinion), with sexual corruption in the priesthood. . . well, you name it, we've got it. But--and this is a big difference from Protestantism--none of the aforementioned practices are part of official Church teaching, and never will be.
In a word, why did I convert? What Rome has, and the Episcopal Church and all other Protestant denominations don't, is GENUINE AUTHORITY. A blessed consequence of this is an authoritative Magisterium, and authoritative ANSWERS--volumes and volumes of them, stretching back for centuries. I don't pretend to understand the "Romish doctrine of Purgatory"--but I believe it, because the Church teaches it. If I want to study about purgatory, I need only look back through centuries of development of this doctrine, from its most primitive articulations to the present dogma as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Protestantism has nothing to compare on this or any other doctrine. It has only the well-reasoned writings of this or that Reformer, who, reasoning outside of the Church and her authority (usually with only a partial Bible and from a fallacious "sola scriptura" presuppositional stance), has not only become heretic but has founded a new sect! What is the latest count: 25,000 Protestant denominations? 30,000? How many new denominations will we have in this decade, just from the ECUSA? But as one RC bishop said, "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant."
You might be interested to know that while the Tyler ECUSA churches are graying, "sissifying," and running on dead men's money, the RC Diocese of Tyler, Texas is bursting at the seams with new converts--many of them young, with families. We have grown from a single cathedral church in Smith County to over a dozen parishes and even more missions. I was recruited immediately into lay catechism service, where I now teach Scripture to a huge class of sixth-graders on Wednesday evenings. During my confirmation service (and my wife's reception back into the Church) the Bishop of Tyler--a Jesuit--thanked God for all of my Protestant years, in which by God's grace I was taught about Jesus, the Bible, and good works--and gradually, by God's grace, brought home! He even encouraged me to remain with my Anglican Franciscan Order, the FODC (short of Communion, however). [NB: I am now a member of the original, Catholic Franciscan Third Order, the Secular Franciscan Order or SFO.]
In closing, I want to thank all of you, especially those who disagreed with me over the years and helped me to sharpen my understanding. My love of the Catholic elements of the Anglican church will always burn brightly, and my understanding of the Protestant elements will, I hope, make me ever more zealous to see that expression of Christianity in which the fullness of truth dwells--the Roman Catholic Church--presented "spotless and blameless" before God on that great day when we shall all stand before Him.
Last edited on Fri Jul 6th, 2007 10:44 pm by Br_Carlo
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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Jul 6th, 2007 09:23 pm |
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NotCatholic wrote: Hello,
Welcome to the Coming Home Network. We're glad to have you with us, and we'll do our best to answer your questions honestly and fairly, and to accurately reflect the teachings of the Catholic faith. Please feel free to jump right in and ask questions, participate in our discussions, and so on. There are many here who are not Catholic, but we all share a common interest in the Catholic faith and wish to learn more about it. I hope you'll find a friendly atmosphere, but like any family, we do have an occasional spat. Still, we are generally a friendly bunch. Please let us know if we can help on your faith journey in any way, wherever it might lead you.
I have some question about the Catholic Church. I'm a Protestant at this time but I'm not sure the Protestant Church is right. I have a list of Church's I believe could be the true Church. Roman Catholic Church,Eastern Orthodox Church,Oriental Orthodox Church,Assyrian Church of the East I also have one Protestant Church on my list the Mar Thoma Church.
I'm not sure what you mean by the "Mar Thoma Church" since I've never heard of it, but as Catholics we consider all of the other Churches you mention as facets of the true Church. Catholics recognize and accept their doctrine, ordination, and sacraments. The doctrinal differences between them and Catholics, especially Eastern Catholics, are extremely slight.
If by the "Mar Thoma Church" you are referring to the group known as St. Thomas Christians from India, they are in fact in full communion with the Catholic Church, as are Byzantine Catholics, Coptic Catholics, Syro-Malabar Catholics, Chaldean Catholics, Maronite Catholics, Ukrainian Catholics, and many others who maintain their own doctrine, liturgy, and traditions which are essentially equivalent to their Orthodox counterparts. The Assyrian Church of the East is very nearly in full communion with the Catholic Church and reunification with Rome.
Here are the main things keeping from the Catholic Church. 1.The creeping in of Modernism 2.Abuse of the Catholic Liturgy 3.Lack of Respect for Liturgy 4.The growing Charismatic movement
It's very hard to comment on these statements of yours. They are not questions but are stated as fact, and I respectfully disagree with them. You will find pockets of modernism, liturgical abuse, and disrespect for liturgy in every faith. However, they are not the norm in the Catholic Church. During the last 40 years the Catholic Church has reoriented itself and (in my opinion) is now stronger than ever. It is in fact the fastest growing Christian faith on earth, with well over a billioin members and growing.
As for the Charismatic movement, it is a vital part of the Catholic Church, as is the traditionalist movement that is calling for a return of the liturgy in Latin that was in use prior to 1967. Both movements are strong and growing. The Catholic Church is a very broad umbrella that permits and encourages all valid forms of worship including traditionalist, Charismatic, Byzantine, Chaldean, etc.
Things I like about the Church. 1.The Church's stand on moral issues 2.The Pope 3.The Church's help of the poor and people in need.
These are indeed among the best things about the Catholic faith, especially the third. In addition to all the other work for the poor, it was recently announced that an annual collection called "Peter's Pence" raised over $100 million to support charitable activities at the specific direction of the Holy Father. The Church worldwide spends billions on charitable activities, and billions more in voluteer services.
I also have a question. 1.What is the power of a Bishop in his Diocese.
As the successor of the apostles, the bishop in charge of the diocese has practically absolute power. He is, of course, subject to the doctrines and rules of the universal Church. Within his own diocese he can be replaced but he cannot be overruled, even by the pope. He is the shepherd of his flock.
But the bishop is also called to account to the universal Church for his diocese, and is required to make a report to the pope every five years. My bishop once told me the Holy Father asked him specific questions about priests and parishes (by name), catechetics, and finances. The Holy Father had done his homework and knew a lot about our diocese, and my bishop was astonished (and a bit embarrassed) at the questions he found himself unable to answer. When he next met with the pope five years later, he had a much better grasp of his own diocese. Shortly thereafter, he was "promoted" and named bishop of a much larger diocese, where he is stationed today.
We will do our best to answer any questions you may have, and once again, let me welcome you to the Coming Home Network.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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NotCatholic
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Posted: Fri Jul 6th, 2007 11:14 pm |
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Thanks for the replys
The Malankara Mar Thoma syrian Church is a Reformed Church.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malankara_MarThoma_Syrian_Church
http://www.marthomasyrianchurch.org/
As for the Charismatic movement, it is a vital part of the Catholic Church
This worrys me alot my background is Pentecostal and I don't want anything to do with the Charismatic movement.
We will do our best to answer any questions you may have, and once again, let me welcome you to the Coming Home Network.
Thank you.
____________________
The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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sewnsew
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| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 12:27 am |
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| Somehow I do not think that Charismatic is the same in the Catholic church as the pentecostal so don't let that become a stumbling block to you journey across the tiber. We have a traditional church here ( mine) and a charismatic church and so far from what I have seen is that the other church offers both the Bread and the Wine and our church offers only the Bread- I thought that after being a cradle Anglican I would miss receiving the wine but in all honesty I don't- I do miss kneeling at the altar but oh well. As far as any other charismatic stuff I have seen at the other church- they were the first to offer modern music at some of their Masses vs the traditional hymns.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 12:34 am |
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NotCatholic wrote: As for the Charismatic movement, it is a vital part of the Catholic Church
This worrys me alot my background is Pentecostal and I don't want anything to do with the Charismatic movement.
The fact that it is a vital part of the Church does not need to affect you. I am not Charismatic. I am comfortable in a Charismatic environment, but I choose not to participate. It's not the way I prefer to express my faith. You may choose to avoid them entirely, and still fully accept the Catholic faith.
One of the things I love most about the Catholic Church is that it is not at all unusual in my parish to see an active Charismatic sitting next to a traditionalist little old lady at mass. He is lifting Holy Hands to the Lord, and she is saying her rosary, and they are both fully Catholic and praising God in their own way. And both faith expressions are valid and welcome under the wide umbrella of the Church founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
And that's why our Church is called "Catholic," which means "universal". It is truly the Church for everyone who wishes to love and serve the Lord.
As Catholics, we are free to attend mass anywhere as long as that church is in full communion with the Catholic Church. Whether the particular parish is Anglican Use, Roman Catholic, Byzantine Catholic, traditionalist, or Charismatic in its worship, it still is in union with Rome and possesses the most precious object on earth, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. So if one parish doesn't worship in a manner that appeals to you, you can simply attend a neighboring parish. God accepts many forms of worship. All God expects is that we will love God with our entire heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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sewnsew
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 12:44 am |
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| Hey Rick you and Dave always say things about a million times better than I do!
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 12:55 am |
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Welcome to the forum, NotCatholic.
You list modernism as something keeping you from becoming Catholic. For the record, modernism is a heresy, not a doctrine of the Catholic Church. From time to time various ideologies become popular and have to be scrutinized and isolated so that people know what they are and why they should be avoided; these ideologies are called heresies.
Modernism actually began back in the late 18th century as a movement among German Protestant scholars who were working on a new approach to analyzing the bible, called the historical-critical method. As this school of thought developed, the methodology and a number of its radically anti-traditional conclusions began to be adopted by certain Catholic scholars as well. These scholars eventually began to undermine the faith of the multitudes, and so it came to the attention of the leaders of the Catholic Church; that is, to the pope and the bishops. Around the beginning of the 20th century, Pope Pius X issued a warning about this ideology and condemned a list of propositions found in books written by this group of scholars, who had by this time become known as “modernists.” The document is called The Syllabus of Errors. Modernism was more specifically condemned by Pope Benedict XV in the 1920s.
After lying dormant for several decades, modernism was revived in the early 1960s and reached the height of its popularity in the 1970s and 80s. Pope John Paul II began to crack down on dissidents at that time; proponents of several heresies were relieved of their influential posts. Today one can still find a few modernists around, as well as people who have been influenced by them, but they are no longer a major player in the Catholic scene. The generation most affected by modernism seems to have been my own, and I am now an old man. Suffice it to say that I believe this heresy will soon die away entirely.
Now to address your complaints about the liturgy, specifically lack of respect and actual abuse.
I do grant you that there has been some of both. Again, however, from what I can see, these problems (and they are indeed problems!) are on the decline. Some of the influences holding them in place are polarization of the faithful with regard to “new versus old” and “social or horizontal dimension versus religious or vertical dimension”; the lack of clarity and understanding about what liturgy is and what its role in Christian life ought to be; the lack of clarity and understanding about church law regarding the liturgy: what is specifically permitted, what is specifically prohibited, what is optional seems at times to be “up in the air”; and finally, the question of established custom and the “rights of the faithful” with regard to having what they want (or what they deem acceptable) established as officially permitted or even required.
The Vatican, including the pope himself, has been working hard on this whole muddy affair for a couple of decades now, trying to get things sorted out and refit into a livable paradigm so that the liturgy will once again emerge as a meaningful part of Christian life. Part of the problem is that the polarization of the laity has been tugging at them from different directions, leaving officials no option but to rethink the whole matter and begin again with some “top down” decisions. One of these, the much anticipated motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI, is scheduled to be released tomorrow (Saturday, July 7). It is said to be a reinstatement of the “Mass of 1962” (the older Latin-only liturgy) as an official part of the Latin Rite, as an incentive for breakaway traditionalist groups (some of which have become officially schismatic) to return to full union with the Catholic Church.
In addition to this move, the English version of the Mass (the newer liturgy, known as the Mass of Paul VI) is in process of being thoroughly retranslated according to strict norms issued by the Vatican in 1999. “Genderless” language will be curtailed, and close adherence to the original Latin text will be required.
It remains to be seen what will be done about the appalling state of liturgical music. The Church moves, as one commentator recently put it, like a tectonic plate, imperceptibly but effectively.
Thirdly, you are worried about the charismatic movement. Since you come from a Pentecostal background, this is understandable.
There is no compulsion in the Catholic Church for one to follow a charismatic agenda. In any case, whether one is “charismatic” or not, the Church maintains the same standard of faith and morals for all. Officially, the Church defines the word “charism” to be a gift or influence of the Holy Spirit for the benefit and building up of the whole Church. Thus one’s vocation to participate in parish life in a certain manner or to dedicate his life to working on behalf of the poor or unwed mothers or the persecuted is considered a charism. The divine call for a person to be a teacher or a laborer in a factory is another type of charism, for it is within such defined circumstances that God brings each member of the Church individually to holiness and eventually to the glory of heaven, and collectively those under the influence of these individuals.
So the idea that “charismatic” must mean manifestation of “phenomena” such as speaking in tongues or being slain in the Spirit is simply false. Prophecy does exist in these days as in former times, but there is nothing extraordinary about it; it is not a “phenomenon” at any rate, but a seldom recognized presence of God in our midst. True prophets, you know, are seldom accepted in their own time and among their own people. So if you see people pointing to someone as a prophet with a marvellous message to impart to mankind, you can be pretty sure it is not true.
This does not, however, prevent a person from being enthusiastic about his faith. Expressing that faith among others of like mind is one way of maintaining solidarity and moral rectitude. This is what is behind the Hispanic acceptance of the “charismatic style.” I have lived in the midst of Hispanics for over 30 years, and this enthusiasm is what I see, not the experimentation with unhealthy methods of spirituality that may be evident in fringe groups.
I am not myself a charismatic; I have never felt an attraction to that approach to God. But I also do not condemn it outright because it has kept many a Christian from going wrong in the byways of sin and irreligion. I do not see the charismatic movement, which literally came out of nowhere in 1968, as essential to the Catholic Church, and I expect that somewhere down the road it will dwindle and be replaced by something more in keeping with the times. But while it lasted, as a “spirit of reactionism” it held millions to the path of righteousness for a number of decades. It served its purpose and saved souls.
In Christ,
David
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 03:01 am |
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NotCatholic wrote: Hello,
I have some question about the Catholic Church. I'm a Protestant at this time but I'm not sure the Protestant Church is right.
God bless.
Hello NotCatholic
It's nice to have you here with us. The rest of the guys/gals can answer your questions & concerns better than I. but I wanted to say hello & Welcome to the Forum.
God Bless you on your search for Truth!
Betty
____________________
Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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Br_Carlo
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 09:31 am |
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God's peace. NotCatholic said: "This worrys me alot my background is Pentecostal and I don't want anything to do with the Charismatic movement."
Rest assured that the "charismatic movement" that has swept through Protestantism is exactly that: a movement. In the Catholic Church, charismatic expressions of faith are not a "movement," but a part of the historic Faith which has never been lost since the Holy Spirit gave it to the Church 'way back in Acts.
You sound to me like someone who has been badly burned by excesses within your faith community. If so, I know exactly how you feel, and so do many other converts on this site! While there is never any total protection against the excesses of individuals--even within the Catholic Church--what matters is finding the Church which is 1) ONE (not 1 of 35,000 denominations, but a united ONE, set apart by Christ); 2) HOLY (set apart by God, not men, to do God's will); 3) CATHOLIC (this means the same everywhere, both in space and in time); and 4) APOSTOLIC (teaching the doctrines taught by the Apostles).
All of us here are glad you have come and are asking questions. We'll help you in any way we can. Blessings, ~Br_Carlo~
Last edited on Sat Jul 7th, 2007 03:10 pm by Br_Carlo
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BodRod
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 03:00 pm |
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kimdyuma wrote: Hey Rick you and Dave always say things about a million times better than I do!
That's why they get the BIG BUCKS !!! 
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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NotCatholic
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 07:41 pm |
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Well everyone I just got back from my first Mass and it was great. I went to a very small mission parish it was not even close to Charismatic. The Priest was very Orthodox and very nice I think he was korean. The music was just to guy's and two women the men played guitars.
I will be going back
Last edited on Sat Jul 7th, 2007 07:43 pm by NotCatholic
____________________
The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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BodRod
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 07:53 pm |
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Good for you !!!
That takes me back to my first Mass. I was excited and relieved. The barrier (in my mind) was down and I have never stopped going. I find it refreshing and supportive.
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sat Jul 7th, 2007 08:18 pm |
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NotCatholic wrote: I will be going back
That's great to hear. If you should encounter mass in a parish where you are uncomfortable, remember that one of the greatest gifts of our Catholic faith is the ability to worship anywhere in the world and still be fully united with the Catholic faith.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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NotCatholic
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Posted: Sun Jul 8th, 2007 01:36 am |
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You may choose to avoid them entirely, and still fully accept the Catholic faith.
Cajunrick after going to holy Mass today day I uderstand this better and I find this to be good its great that the Catholic Church has a place for everyone. I like a non Charismatic Mass but its good that other people who like more Charismatic Mass also has a place to go.
I loved the Mass and had a great time I do wish the Parish had a Choir but its small so I understand. You could see the respect and love the Priest had for God and the Mass and this why I am going to keep go to this Parish.
What would be the next step if wanted to convert to the Church?
Also my mother who is a life long Pentecostal told me she would be willing to go to Mass with me some time!
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The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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NotCatholic
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Posted: Sun Jul 8th, 2007 01:49 am |
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Good for you !!!
That takes me back to my first Mass. I was excited and relieved. The barrier (in my mind) was down and I have never stopped going. I find it refreshing and supportive.
I feel the same way I feel very relieved and happy I think everything is going to be good.
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The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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BodRod
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Posted: Sun Jul 8th, 2007 09:21 am |
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I found the following site very helpful when I started attending Mass:
http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/catholic_mass_full_text.htm
____________________
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sun Jul 8th, 2007 11:06 am |
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NotCatholic wrote: What would be the next step if wanted to convert to the Church?
Unlike many Protestant churches, we do not accept a simple expression of faith that may be given on a momentary impulse with no real faith and knowledge behind it, so there is a process of preparation known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
If you have been baptized, you are already a Christian, so you would be known as a Candidate for Full Communion with the Catholic Church. Your process is similar. In most places, the group begins meeting in August or September. No commitment is asked or expected, and you are free to drop out at any time. Some people will be attending simply to learn more about the Catholic faith with no intention of becoming Catholic.
The group will meet on a regular schedule until the Easter Vigil celebration on Holy Saturday. At that time, if you have decided to become Catholic, the unbaptized among your group will be baptized and you will all receive the remaining sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Those already baptized are not required to participate in RCIA, and some parishes have separate groups, but most put them together. Your parish may handle the process either way.
So the next step is to contact the parish priest or office and let them know you are interested. Each parish and diocese has its own processes. Sometimes a priest or deacon conducts the meetings, and sometimes it is a qualified lay person. Frankly, sometimes it's a volunteer who is little more than a warm body, or worse, a Catholic who does not fully accept Church teaching. We will be happy to supplement the program in any way we can.
Best wishes to you on your faith journey, wherever it might lead you. We look forward to welcoming you home when you're ready to cross the Tiber.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Annie
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Posted: Mon Jul 9th, 2007 01:12 pm |
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Dear NotCatholic,
The list of things you have in your post looks familiar.
Despite what some would say, I would be very careful about the charismatic movement. I have friends who are in this movement and it is definitely not what someone interested in strict orthodoxy would desire, for obvious reasons. Remember the Church teaches that the true sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit is the performance of the rites of the Church themselves, not an overwhelming emotional experience. Be especially careful when people start talking about the "baptism of the Spirit." We Catholics get this at confirmation. Being "slain in the spirit" is another problem. A book a charismatic friend gave me describes a "healing service" which involves what sounds very much like abuse of the Eucharist. But then, I am more in quiet Benedictine mode.
As for the rest of your list, lack of reverence is everywhere these days unfortunately, but in the Catholic Church we have the communion of saints to help us. So ignore the soccer moms cutting you off in the parking lot after Mass, showing they don't get it. Show that you do get it and go to Mass and try to see how long you can keep in that mode when you leave the building.
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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NotCatholic
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Posted: Mon Jul 9th, 2007 09:29 pm |
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Despite what some would say, I would be very careful about the charismatic movement. I have friends who are in this movement and it is definitely not what someone interested in strict orthodoxy would desire, for obvious reasons.
Yes I agree with you like I said I don't want anything to do with the Charismatic movement but if others do I will not stand in their way.
As for the rest of your list, lack of reverence is everywhere these days unfortunately, but in the Catholic Church we have the communion of saints to help us. So ignore the soccer moms cutting you off in the parking lot after Mass, showing they don't get it. Show that you do get it and go to Mass and try to see how long you can keep in that mode when you leave the building.
Well I'm glad my first Mass went so well the Church I went to was very small the Priest was very Orthodox and very nice.
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The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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NotCatholic
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Posted: Mon Jul 9th, 2007 09:34 pm |
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Unlike many Protestant churches, we do not accept a simple expression of faith that may be given on a momentary impulse with no real faith and knowledge behind it, so there is a process of preparation known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
This is a very good thing.
Best wishes to you on your faith journey, wherever it might lead you. We look forward to welcoming you home when you're ready to cross the Tiber.
Thank you
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The attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view, I think. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves-Willem De Kooning
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BettyBoopToo
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Posted: Mon Jul 9th, 2007 10:04 pm |
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