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PerpetualJourney
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | PJ | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 02:51 pm |
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Hi all! I am the wife of a protestant minister.
I have always known in my heart that the Catholic Church was THE Church and that all others were off-shoots somewhere in history, but I was taught as a child that the RCC had become corrupt which was why Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation.
I converted to a very "different" protestant denomination, the Church of Christ, later on in life. They claim that they are not protestant and not a denomination, but rather they are THE church that Christ established and has always been around since AD 30. This appealed to me at first, but I could never get it out of my head that they are so anti-Catholic and claim that the Catholic church has nothing to do with "true Church" history. I can't accept that.
Also during my years of studying scriptures and the early church fathers, I am extremely drawn to the RCC because of the teaching of the real presence in the eucharist. I feel an extreme emptiness when I partake of the communion at my church. I hunger for a deeper relationship with Christ that I don't seem to have.
Then there's Mary, the blessed mother. I cringe at the way people say she was "just a woman" that God chose for a task - just as he chooses any of us to do His will. I'm sorry, but the word says, "all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:48).
I could go on and on about the things that are drawing me to the RCC, but I'd be typing all day. I do have some huge obstacles, however. First, I am the wife of a minister. He would lose his job if I converted. I also do not want this type of strain on my marriage. I have many medical problems and this would exasperate the situation. Second, I have done a lot of things in my past that I am not proud of, as has my husband. Neither one of us are in our first marraiges. In our denomnation, our marriage is recognized as valid because our former spouses committed adultery. In the RCC, our marriage would not be recognized. So, even if I journeyed to mass to be closer to my Savior, I would never be able to commune fully with Him. This is something that deeply saddens me.
I'll end up writing a novel, so I'll end this for now. I'm not sure what I'll gain from being here, but I have enjoyed reading some conversion stories and other information on this site.
Thanks for listening.
PJ
____________________
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5348 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:22 pm |
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PerpetualJourney wrote: I'll end up writing a novel, so I'll end this for now.
We like novels!
I'm not sure what I'll gain from being here
If nothing else, hopefully you'll gain some new friends, including many who can sympathize with your plight. I know you had to jump through a couple of extra hoops to join, so let me be the first to welcome you. Once again, welcome to CHNI. We're glad to have you with us.
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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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BodRod
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
| Posts: | 812 |
| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:22 pm |
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PerpetualJourney wrote: In the RCC, our marriage would not be recognized. So, even if I journeyed to mass to be closer to my Savior, I would never be able to commune fully with Him. This is something that deeply saddens me.
This perspective is NOT the way I understand it. I help out in our local RCIA and I have never seen a marriage situation that could not be worked out, on the couple's way to being accepted into the Church. Sometimes it takes a little time and it always takes some paperwork but they have all been eventually worked out.
Wishing you all the best on your Journey. 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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PerpetualJourney
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | PJ | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:28 pm |
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Thank you for the welcome, Rick, and assisting with my forum activation.
BodRod - I suppose my concern is that I would not dare ask for the cooperation (at this point in time) of my husband, nor would I want previous spouses notified of any of this. It could cause huge turmoil in my family and in the lives of my children. I suppose talking to a priest about options would be a good first step, which I have never done.
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"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1223 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:33 pm |
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PerpetualJourney wrote:
Hi all! I am the wife of a protestant minister.
I have always known in my heart that the Catholic Church was THE Church and that all others were off-shoots somewhere in history, but I was taught as a child that the RCC had become corrupt which was why Martin Luther began the Protestant Reformation.
I converted to a very "different" protestant denomination, the Church of Christ, later on in life. They claim that they are not protestant and not a denomination, but rather they are THE church that Christ established and has always been around since AD 30. This appealed to me at first, but I could never get it out of my head that they are so anti-Catholic and claim that the Catholic church has nothing to do with "true Church" history. I can't accept that.
Also during my years of studying scriptures and the early church fathers, I am extremely drawn to the RCC because of the teaching of the real presence in the eucharist. I feel an extreme emptiness when I partake of the communion at my church. I hunger for a deeper relationship with Christ that I don't seem to have.
Then there's Mary, the blessed mother. I cringe at the way people say she was "just a woman" that God chose for a task - just as he chooses any of us to do His will. I'm sorry, but the word says, "all generations will call me blessed" (Luke 1:48).
I could go on and on about the things that are drawing me to the RCC, but I'd be typing all day. I do have some huge obstacles, however. First, I am the wife of a minister. He would lose his job if I converted. I also do not want this type of strain on my marriage. I have many medical problems and this would exasperate the situation. Second, I have done a lot of things in my past that I am not proud of, as has my husband. Neither one of us are in our first marraiges. In our denomnation, our marriage is recognized as valid because our former spouses committed adultery. In the RCC, our marriage would not be recognized. So, even if I journeyed to mass to be closer to my Savior, I would never be able to commune fully with Him. This is something that deeply saddens me.
I'll end up writing a novel, so I'll end this for now. I'm not sure what I'll gain from being here, but I have enjoyed reading some conversion stories and other information on this site.
Thanks for listening.
PJ
Hello, PJ. Welcome to the CHNI forum.
Below you will find an url for videotaped Journey Home shows and a book by a former Church of Christ pastor (originally Baptist) named Bruce Sullivan. Perhaps you will want to order some of these. If you prefer to listen to them for free, you could do that for some of the shows on the EWTN library of audio files.
Click here for materials to order on Bruce Sullivan.
Click here for FREE audio files at EWTN- Bruce Sullivan.
You can use the SEARCH box on this EWTN audio file page--type in Bruce Sullivan to find the five available free audio files on Bruce Sullivan.
Yes, talking with a priest would be wise, PJ.
Stick around. Check out the older forums. Try to focus on what small act of obedience is appropriate for now. Allow God time to work out all the other details further down the road.
God bless,
Becky
____________________
"The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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PerpetualJourney
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | PJ | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:37 pm |
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Thank you, Becky. I have heard quite a bit about Bruce Sullivan, but have never viewed the shows or read his book. I appreciate the links.
PJ
____________________
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
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left coast mystic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 10th, 2008 |
| Location: | La Honda, California USA |
| Posts: | 131 |
| First Name: | Marcee | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nondenominational charismatic, Presbyterian, long-time lover of the RCC |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:38 pm |
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PerpetualJourney wrote: I'm not sure what I'll gain from being here, but I have enjoyed reading some conversion stories and other information on this site.
Thanks for listening.
PJ
Some of the things that you will gain from being part of this community are friendship with people who are deeply concerned for you, the realization that you're not alone in your feelings or your situation, continued prayers for God to lead you, nourishment from learning more of the wisdom and grace that God deposited in His church for us all, and an increased sense of purpose that arises from realizing that nothing prevents you from following God as closely as you can, even though that may not be as close as you'd like.
I have a dear friend who is the wife of a Presbyterian pastor, and she is a Benedictine oblate. Nobody in her congregation knows this; it is part of her personal spiritual disciplines. Somewhere in one of these forums there is a link to a protestant website all about praying the rosary from a protestant prospective. Again, something that you could find much comfort from without anyone else being aware. There is much to strengthen you here, and I hope that you will participate in our conversations as well as listening, because I'm sure you have much to share that would enrich us as well.
Marcee
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Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. (Isa. 30:15)
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PerpetualJourney
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | PJ | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 03:44 pm |
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left coast mystic wrote: Somewhere in one of these forums there is a link to a protestant website all about praying the rosary from a protestant prospective. Again, something that you could find much comfort from without anyone else being aware.
Marcee
Yes, I do find great comfort in praying the rosary already. Although, it does not yet feel "natural" to me. It seems like there is a lot to meditate on and recite all at once. I will search the forums for the link you suggested.
Thank you so much for your warm welcome. I look forward to being in a place where I am not "alone" in my journey. I pray that I can help others along the way as well.
____________________
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
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Pani Rose
Member
| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 544 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Fri Jul 4th, 2008 05:28 pm |
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Welcome to the forum!
One thought, you can find out if you have a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel in your area and spend time there.
We have a priest who did that. He was a Baptist minister then. NOW, he spends even more time before our Lord.
Ahh, one more thing, there are always the Eastern Catholic Churches 
Go with God!
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tedjenczewski
Member
| Joined: | Thu May 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | Richmond, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 263 |
| First Name: | Ted | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Presbyterian, revert Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 03:25 am |
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| God bless you PJ and may almighty God ease the concerns of your soul. I also encourage you to consider spending time in prayer before the blessed sacrament as a starting point to begin your journey.
____________________
"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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kersca
Member
| Joined: | Fri May 23rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 65 |
| First Name: | Adam | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lutheran-Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 11:56 am |
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PJ,
I sympathize with you. My wife is a member of Church of Christ and I attend with her every week. I know they have rules about whether one can be an elder if their adult chioldren are no longer members based on passages in 1st and 2nd Timothy. I suppose the same applies to the minister's wife eh? I am sorry, that definitely is a conundrum. I would suggest prayer. Also, he is your husband... you should discuss these things with him. Ask him to help you look into them. Secrets are no way to keep a marriage. He does have knowledge and training. If you can get him to search for answers rather than defend answers he already knows... Who knows. Try to get him to look into sources that don't necessarily agree with him. Of course, he will pull out his Bible and say...let's go. Maybe this isn't the best srtategy.
Also keep in mind that there are lots of similarities between Church of Christ ansd Catholicism. I have heard Baptists refer to the CofC as "too Catholic". When Campbell and Stone looked at the Bible as the only source, they came up with:
1. Baptismal regeneration
2. The Lords supper as a regular institution at the heart of the church.
3. A very Catholic understanding of sin and it's effect on the human soul.
Good luck and God Bless PJ
Adam
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jacki
Member
| Joined: | Sun Oct 7th, 2007 |
| Location: | Essex, England, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 73 |
| First Name: | jacki | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | baptised in the church of england (I am a brit) ... |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 12:41 pm |
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| you are never alone
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PerpetualJourney
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | PJ | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 02:05 pm |
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Adam,
The "rules" about elders children vary from congregation to congregaiton - and that's not quite accurate in most congregations about elder's children having to remain faithful. It usually only applies to "accountable" children that are still at home. As for the same rule applying to ministers - no, it doesn't. However, typically ministers are the ones that get the paycheck and stand up to preach, but the job is a "team effort." The congregation would never allow a Catholic to teach their women and children (much less even remain in fellowship with the congregation).
As for keeping secrets from my husband, I don't. He is aware of my studying/investigating the Catholic Church - he just wouldn't dream (nor would I at this point) that I would actually go through with RCIA or anything else beyond studying it through the internet and books. As a matter of fact, we had a discussion on infant baptism last night and I think it shook him up pretty bad. I found some tracts posted here on this forum and e-mailed them to him. He read them and we discussed them. He already knew that the "age of accountability" doctrine was something the church of Christ could never fully convince me of.
Yes, I have noticed the similarities between the coc and Catholic Church. I think that is how I ended up converting to the coc when I left mainline protestantism - it was so similar - and I really had no idea that what I was truly searching for was the Catholic Church.
God bless,
PJ
kersca wrote: PJ,
I sympathize with you. My wife is a member of Church of Christ and I attend with her every week. I know they have rules about whether one can be an elder if their adult chioldren are no longer members based on passages in 1st and 2nd Timothy. I suppose the same applies to the minister's wife eh? I am sorry, that definitely is a conundrum. I would suggest prayer. Also, he is your husband... you should discuss these things with him. Ask him to help you look into them. Secrets are no way to keep a marriage. He does have knowledge and training. If you can get him to search for answers rather than defend answers he already knows... Who knows. Try to get him to look into sources that don't necessarily agree with him. Of course, he will pull out his Bible and say...let's go. Maybe this isn't the best srtategy.
Also keep in mind that there are lots of similarities between Church of Christ ansd Catholicism. I have heard Baptists refer to the CofC as "too Catholic". When Campbell and Stone looked at the Bible as the only source, they came up with:
1. Baptismal regeneration
2. The Lords supper as a regular institution at the heart of the church.
3. A very Catholic understanding of sin and it's effect on the human soul.
Good luck and God Bless PJ
Adam
____________________
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1382 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 02:24 pm |
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PJ, welcome to the forum! You have found a place where friends will always listen and comfort. The advice here is sound and usually given after prayerful consideration.
I agree with Pani Rose that you should spend some time in a catholic church in front of the Blessed Sacrament, or in front of the tabernacle. There is simply no substitute for it. Being in the physical presence of our Lord as you turn your problems over in your head is the best way I have found to sort things out, prioritize and just think clearly. There are protestants who do this, maybe not many but some. I suggest you find a church that is convenient for you to get to, and just go in one afternoon when you can. Sit toward the front where you can see the tabernacle, kneel if you can, and tell the Lord your dilema.
I imagine it would be difficult for you to read catholic books at home. If you are able to visit your local library they should have the catechism and other good books to explain our faith and doctrines. You could go in and read a little at a time when you are able.
We will be here when you need a question answered, or if you need to vent a little steam! God bless you and your husband, and be with you as you travel this journey.
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PerpetualJourney
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jul 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 15 |
| First Name: | PJ | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Methodist, Church of Christ |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 08:17 pm |
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Credo Catholic wrote:
I imagine it would be difficult for you to read catholic books at home. If you are able to visit your local library they should have the catechism and other good books to explain our faith and doctrines. You could go in and read a little at a time when you are able.
Like I said in a previous post, I do not hide anything from my husband. We have an extremely good relationship. I have already read many Catholic books that he is aware of and even have a Catholic version of the bible sitting on my coffee table that I have been reading.
I want to make something clear that may have been unclear in my previous posts. I will not do anything behind my husband's back. It is my duty to honor Him. He is the spiritual leader of our household and loves the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, his job would be in jeopardy if anyone at our church knew I was considering the RCC, but I can talk to my husband about anything in the world behind closed doors. Any decision I make will be with his blessing and cooperation. He has just as much of an open mind as I do, but as a "cradle church of Christ" member, he looks through different glasses when he studies doctrinal matters. Even still, we have made some progress on some theological issues.
Personally, if I have to hide something, it's not right. I will not be ashamed of my faith in Jesus Christ and if that journey leads me to Rome, it will not be done in secret from the ones in this life that I love.
Thanks to all for your advice, suggestions and warm welcome.
God bless.
Last edited on Sun Jul 6th, 2008 08:18 pm by PerpetualJourney
____________________
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." -St. Francis of Assisi
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sewnsew
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 842 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sun Jul 6th, 2008 09:31 pm |
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| It is great that your husband will listen to you and is willing to discuss things with you. Sad to say there are some of us on the list that could not share with our spouses. I am one of the lucky ones who could- it was our extended family and church that we attended before I became Catholic who caused the most heart ache.
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kersca
Member
| Joined: | Fri May 23rd, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 65 |
| First Name: | Adam | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lutheran-Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jul 7th, 2008 12:13 pm |
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Pj,
It is very good that you are being honest with your husband. That must be very difficult. Myself, my wife is an active member of the local Church of Christ and even though we agree on a great many things... sometimes this makes religious discussions very difficult. I will pray for you this morning (and your husband).
Adam
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Coach America
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jun 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | St. Johns, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 33 |
| First Name: | Art | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | [churches of Christ /Christian Churches] Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jul 7th, 2008 01:05 pm |
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P.J.
I noticed on another post that you have attempted "First Contact" with the local parish priest, Good you you!!! It is also wonderful to hear of the relationship you and your husband have concerning this decision of yours to seriously inquire. Like your husband, I was also a "cradle church of Christ member" and served in ministry with the churches of Christ and Christian Churches. I must say , please be patient with your husband as he travels this road with you. If he is anything like me this will be the most emotionaly difficult decision that he will "EVER" make. Even when I knew what I must do I still came "kicking and screaming".
May the Lord bless you both as you seek His will.
Coach...
____________________
Lets coach our kids,coach our community,and coach America in the teachings of our Lord.
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1627 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 7th, 2008 05:58 pm |
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| A warm welcome to you, PJ. I think you can see already how wonderful our members on this forum are: such an outpouring of loving concern, empathy, and practical advice already! I hope this place can be a comfort to you in your difficult situation. In due course (who knows?) your husband may be led by the Spirit on the same journey. But if not, you aren't alone, and have found something that will allow you to fellowship with those in similar situations.
____________________
I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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