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jjoelness
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| Joined: | Sat Apr 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Pasadena, California USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
| First Name: | Joel | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19th, 2008 09:18 pm |
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I am a Protestant seminarian in Southern California. My wife is Roman Catholic. Even before we got married I was attracted to the Catholic Church. I did not convert eariler in life due to many practical reasons, which I don't want to go into detail here.
Since I got married, my wife and I have been attending our local Catholic Church exclusively. (I no longer attend a church of my denominational background - though I intend to enter the ministry there...) I have had a growing desire for the Eucharist, and I find myself at a boiling point.
I question "what is there left to protest?" I visited a Protestant church last week (I am considering doing my internship there), but just didnt feel at home. A worship leader refered to the Lord's Supper as "snack" and another called the congregation "the audience." God is the audience in worship! Or, at least he is supposed to be.
So, I am feeling a bit lost in the world. I don't feel like I can call up people from my home denomination because they wont understand. I believe I am called to the Catholic Church, but at the same time I believe I am called to the ordained ministry. Being married, the priesthood is not an option for me; being so young the diaconate is not an option for me. I am trully seeking God's truth, and I am trully seeking to fulfill his call.
I'm hoping to find some support in this forum, and hope to make some connections.
Thanks for reading my intro post.
____________________
I am struggling with which Church to call home
http://protestantcatholic.blogspot.com
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1213 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19th, 2008 10:03 pm |
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jjoelness wrote:
I am a Protestant seminarian in Southern California. My wife is Roman Catholic. Even before we got married I was attracted to the Catholic Church. I did not convert eariler in life due to many practical reasons, which I don't want to go into detail here.
Since I got married, my wife and I have been attending our local Catholic Church exclusively. (I no longer attend a church of my denominational background - though I intend to enter the ministry there...) I have had a growing desire for the Eucharist, and I find myself at a boiling point.
I question "what is there left to protest?" I visited a Protestant church last week (I am considering doing my internship there), but just didnt feel at home. A worship leader refered to the Lord's Supper as "snack" and another called the congregation "the audience." God is the audience in worship! Or, at least he is supposed to be.
So, I am feeling a bit lost in the world. I don't feel like I can call up people from my home denomination because they wont understand. I believe I am called to the Catholic Church, but at the same time I believe I am called to the ordained ministry. Being married, the priesthood is not an option for me; being so young the diaconate is not an option for me. I am trully seeking God's truth, and I am trully seeking to fulfill his call.
I'm hoping to find some support in this forum, and hope to make some connections.
Thanks for reading my intro post.
Joel, you have come to the perfect place.
There are folks here who will understand your situation and who can give you sound advice. I left the Baptist faith after fifty-eight years. My father, father-in-law, and husband were all ordained men--pastor, missionary, deacon. Some of the members here were Protestant pastors; others are currently in ministry but considering coming into the Church.
Joel, it was the Eucharist that drew me to the Church also.
I leave you, for now, with this simple but powerful prayer:
"Holy Spirit, lead me to the Truth and give me courage to follow as You reveal the Truth."
Grace and peace,
BeckyLast edited on Sat Apr 19th, 2008 10:05 pm by Intercessor
____________________
"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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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 832 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19th, 2008 11:46 pm |
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Joel I will pray for you. One thing that you may want to do is call the number on the home page- they might be able to help you with your soul searching. I know that you believe that you are called to the ministry but will you be happy in a Protestant denomination while you long for the Eucharist offered in the Catholic church?
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Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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Steven Barrett
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 902 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 12:34 am |
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Well my friend, I think either you, or the church you're scheduled to intern for, has already answered most of your questions: the inmates really are running that place! Of course, we have our share, but they've never gone so far as to start saying out loud that God's not in either the Tabernacle, the priest's hands, or in the Consecrated Host, and no self-respecting Catholic priest -- not even the hippiest-dips of the counter-cultural generational shift following Vatican II, who gave us "clown masses," etc. would even dare to think of Communion as a "snack" much less say so out loud. 
Do yourself a couple of huge favors if you're not ready to cross the Tiber. Keep attending your wife's parish. By all means. (You'll make her a lot happier with you and that'll make your life a lot easier for starters.) If you still haven't quite made up your mind, but still want to continue attending Mass with your wife, find a saner Protestant congregation either for just plain worshipping there on Sundays, interning or both. You don't have to internship in denominational and spiritual fruitcakery. And if your seminary still insists upon doing so -- start looking for a new seminary.
Awww heck, just stick your toe in the Tiber, it's warm and keep on walking across. Believe me, you'll leave the nuts behind and whatever they have won't impair your mind with a permanent bad case of spiritual schizophrenia!
C'mon over and welcome in! -- Steven
PS: And to you Kim, that's a nice new quilt!
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For anybody interested in reading commentary from a Catholic's socially conservative/fiscally liberal viewpoint, go to my new blog at http://www.politicsramble.com/ .
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 832 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 01:00 am |
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Thanks Steven- about the only useful thing that I have done today NOw back on topic
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Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5312 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 01:33 am |
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Joel, we're happy to have you here with us, and we'll do our best to support you and answer any questions you might have. We do have several former pastors of various denominations around, some of whom have become Catholic and some of whom have not. Certainly it would be a joy for us to welcome you into the Church, but no pressure. We will share your faith journey as best we can wherever it might lead you.
Perhaps it might be good time for you to find a Catholic spiritual director, maybe at a local Catholic seminary or monastery. They can help you discern where God is calling you to be, and help you evaluate opportunities within the Catholic Church for ministry and employment. Certainly you must consider the financial well-being of your family before making any life-changing decisions.
I would encourage you to call CHN at 800-664-5110. There is an extensive helper's network around the country including many like yourself who have pursued Protestant ministry and found themselves drawn to the Catholic faith. Rob, Jim, and many of the others on staff have been where you are in faith if not in ministry, as have many of our members.
Please let us know how we can help.
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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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Faith Admirer
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 29th, 2007 |
| Location: | Florida USA |
| Posts: | 19 |
| First Name: | Ryan | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Non-denominational Christian convert to Catholicism |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 02:00 am |
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Joel,
I enjoyed checking out your blog. One thought comes to mind: you could possibly join an Eastern Church that is in communion with Rome. They allowed for married priests. Just a thought.
Ryan
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abbycat
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| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
| Location: | Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 138 |
| First Name: | abby | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Non-Denomational Charismatic, Lutheran |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 02:06 am |
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I am also a Protestant at this point, and I think you already know the answer to your question. From the way I see it, there's no way you can do an internship and enter the pastorate in a protestant church .... you will either do it and be miserable, or attempt to push God and His Call out. Dear friend ... I, too, struggle with just what I am to do with this ever-increasing interest and drawing to the RC Church. But, unlike your situation, I am merely a lay person. I realize that for you this is especially difficult. I will pray for you ... please keep posting here ...
abby
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EMarshallBuckles
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 616 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 03:25 am |
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| Hi Joel! Welcome to the CHNI Forums. Although a layperson, I have Christian Church background and have an uncle and acquaintances who have served as Christian Church ministers. As the good CajunRick suggested above, I, too, would urge you to call the CHNI number to talk with them and would urge you to talk with the Bishop or his appropriate staff in the Catholic Diocese in which you live. At some point, thereafter, it would probably be wise to go talk with the officials of your seminary as well, however, I would suggest that you wait until after this term is over and you have completed your work. From what I read of your statements, it would probably be wise for you to try to quietly finish up whatever work you are doing now, finish out your current term successfully, then spend the summer determining, with God's help, what you should do. One additional thing I would suggest to you is that probably, with your wife being as involved with the Catholic Church as she is, many Christian Churches, both in the Disciples of Christ branch and in the independent branch, would likely not be happy about that and there probably would be pressure upon you two for her to be baptized, in the Christian Church manner, and be regular in attendance, exclusively, with the Christian Church you would be serving if you were to go into the Christian Church ministery. I have known of that sort of thing happening in that denomination and in the Baptist denomination as well. I don't support it, however, it does happen, sad to say. Were I still a Christian Church member, I personally would have no objection to your wife being a Catholic, however, sad to say, many members of that denomination WILL have negative feelings about it, very likely, and you could have problems finding churches to serve. Things might be a little different out there in California, however, if you go to the southern states, some midwestern states, etc., they likley will NOT understand about that. Just a "heads up", not judging you! I pray for God's blessings upon and provision for and guidance for your and your wife! I admire you for wishing to serve the Lord in the ministry and hope and pray that He will find a way for you to do that in some capacity! It is better that you come to grips with this now instead of waiting until you are already graduated and looking for a job! Again, may God bless and guide you and your wife!
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Howard the Pilgrim
Member
| Joined: | Sun Dec 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | Lamar, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 59 |
| First Name: | Howard | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | United Presbyterian, non-denom, American Baptist, non-denom, Conservative Baptist, United Methodist ... |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 03:54 am |
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Hello,
I am currently an evangelical Methodist who was in the local pastor process. I have decided to put the brakes on it since I have this "thing" for the Catholic Church so I can identify with you.  Also the Lord has recently given me peace in my current profession after a 30 year struggle. He has delivered me from my fears in that regard. Praise the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!
I seem to see 2 things in your post.
1) It sounds to me like you are pretty much a goner as far as the Catholic Church goes.  I hope you don't mind me saying that.
2) It also sounds like you have a call to ministry which you can fulfill in the Catholic Church, just not as a priest. The Lord can open all kinds of doors as He has for quite a few former pastors who have been guests on the Journey Home. It often takes awhile but since you are a seminarian it might be time to make the change in direction. It doesn't sound like you will be satisfied being in the ministry in your denomination.
You and your wife will be in my prayers.
Howard
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Intercessor
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| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1213 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 04:12 am |
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Howard the Pilgrim wrote:
1) It sounds to me like you are pretty much a goner as far as the Catholic Church goes.
Priceless. Just priceless.
Ah, but what a way to go!
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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Howard the Pilgrim
Member
| Joined: | Sun Dec 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | Lamar, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 59 |
| First Name: | Howard | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | United Presbyterian, non-denom, American Baptist, non-denom, Conservative Baptist, United Methodist ... |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 04:37 am |
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Intercessor wrote: Ah, but what a way to go!
LOL! I agree!
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jjoelness
Member
| Joined: | Sat Apr 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Pasadena, California USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
| First Name: | Joel | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 03:14 pm |
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EMarshallBuckles wrote: Hi Joel! Welcome to the CHNI Forums. Although a layperson, I have Christian Church background and have an uncle and acquaintances who have served as Christian Church ministers. As the good CajunRick suggested above, I, too, would urge you to call the CHNI number to talk with them and would urge you to talk with the Bishop or his appropriate staff in the Catholic Diocese in which you live. At some point, thereafter, it would probably be wise to go talk with the officials of your seminary as well, however, I would suggest that you wait until after this term is over and you have completed your work. From what I read of your statements, it would probably be wise for you to try to quietly finish up whatever work you are doing now, finish out your current term successfully, then spend the summer determining, with God's help, what you should do. One additional thing I would suggest to you is that probably, with your wife being as involved with the Catholic Church as she is, many Christian Churches, both in the Disciples of Christ branch and in the independent branch, would likely not be happy about that and there probably would be pressure upon you two for her to be baptized, in the Christian Church manner, and be regular in attendance, exclusively, with the Christian Church you would be serving if you were to go into the Christian Church ministery. I have known of that sort of thing happening in that denomination and in the Baptist denomination as well. I don't support it, however, it does happen, sad to say. Were I still a Christian Church member, I personally would have no objection to your wife being a Catholic, however, sad to say, many members of that denomination WILL have negative feelings about it, very likely, and you could have problems finding churches to serve. Things might be a little different out there in California, however, if you go to the southern states, some midwestern states, etc., they likley will NOT understand about that. Just a "heads up", not judging you! I pray for God's blessings upon and provision for and guidance for your and your wife! I admire you for wishing to serve the Lord in the ministry and hope and pray that He will find a way for you to do that in some capacity! It is better that you come to grips with this now instead of waiting until you are already graduated and looking for a job! Again, may God bless and guide you and your wife!
Nice to see someone else from my tradition here. You are absolutely right about finding work. I'm not originally from California, I'm from the East coast (Mid-Atlantic). Both locations have been very accepting of my wife. She has even sat in on a few of my ordination interviews, and her Catholic faith was not an issue.
But...many protestant congregations almost expect the minister's wife to be some "free labor." We have talked about this, and I have made it clear that - if I continue on the path I am on - she will be part of my church on her own terms. She will not interview with me, and they will not tell her what to do. Well they can try, but I've been know to stand up to oppressive employers.
Thanks for your reply.
____________________
I am struggling with which Church to call home
http://protestantcatholic.blogspot.com
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jjoelness
Member
| Joined: | Sat Apr 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Pasadena, California USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
| First Name: | Joel | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 03:24 pm |
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Howard the Pilgrim wrote: 1) It sounds to me like you are pretty much a goner as far as the Catholic Church goes. I hope you don't mind me saying that.
2) It also sounds like you have a call to ministry which you can fulfill in the Catholic Church, just not as a priest. The Lord can open all kinds of doors as He has for quite a few former pastors who have been guests on the Journey Home. It often takes awhile but since you are a seminarian it might be time to make the change in direction. It doesn't sound like you will be satisfied being in the ministry in your denomination.
You and your wife will be in my prayers.
Howard
1)Yes, I think that is fair. Actually, I'm going to attend another local church this morning to see if this one might be a good fit for the internship. --Ahh, I sorta cringe thinking about that statement. For one, its not at all guranteed that any protestant church will "get it right" about worship. And, I HATE church shopping.
2)You are right, I find some of their (my protestant tradition) teachings a bit strange, and I'm certain that I would be going against the grain there. I think I heard once that "Sensible men conform to the world. fools try to conform the world to themselves. So, we need fools for the world to advance."
On another note. Did I mention Im in the National Guard as a chaplain candidate? I wonder that CHNI has anyone who has been there. It is a assumed that chaplain candidates will become ordained, which is not a path open to me in the Catholic Church. "Quiting" the army is an equally difficult task on par with leaving one's particular tradition - I'm afraid I might have to do both.
____________________
I am struggling with which Church to call home
http://protestantcatholic.blogspot.com
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Kim M.
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | Georgia USA |
| Posts: | 437 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Assembly of God, Church of God, Assembly again, PCA, ... |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 04:39 pm |
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Hi Joel!  Welcome to this wonderful forum. You will feel right at home here, for sure. We're a motley crew of believers, I'd say!
I can't tell you how many times I've heard a former Protestant minister who has converted to Catholicism say that he was afraid he would never get to use his calling now that he was in the Catholic Church. Come to find out that God had just the perfect place for him in it! So fear not. Your training has a purpose. Just be open to God's leading and watch with amazement at what He does with you! 
____________________
"A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 754 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 04:40 pm |
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jjoelness wrote: I'm afraid I might have to do both.
As the blessed John Paul II said, and I have taken this to heart in my journey to the Catholic Church, "BE NOT AFRAID!!!"
You are on an incredible journey, Joel. Surprises await you, a bursting forth of joy from your heart as God's mysteries unfold and come into focus. Look forward to this journey with great expectations and keep your eyes open!
God bless you as He unfolds His plan for your and your wife's lives.
Jill
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"I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are our works! My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret." Ps 139
"Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men." Ps 140
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True Image
Member
| Joined: | Mon Apr 7th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 70 |
| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Lifelong devout cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 04:58 pm |
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Joel,
Welcome to CHNI!
I will pray for you as you discern God's will for you.
Anne
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5312 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 06:10 pm |
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jjoelness wrote: Did I mention Im in the National Guard as a chaplain candidate? …It is a assumed that chaplain candidates will become ordained, which is not a path open to me in the Catholic Church.
Actually, it might well be.
There are Catholic Churches (other than Roman Catholic) which permit a married priesthood. Check out ByzCath for links to the Byzantine Catholic tradition, as well as the other Catholic Churches in union with Rome. They are fully Catholic, just not "Roman Catholic" (or more correctly, not Latin Rite Catholic).
There is the Pastoral Provision by which ministers of some faiths have been permitted to pursue ordination to the priesthood in the Latin Rite even though they are married. Pope John Paul II created this provision specifically for Anglican/Episcopal priests, but it was broadened to apply to ministers of other faiths as well. The process is rigorous and requires the support of your local bishopand a ruling from Rome, so it's not an easy path but it is possible. Check out the Pastoral Provision web site.
Third, married men may be ordained as deacons in the Latin Rite. Deacons are ordained clergy but are not permitted to celebrate mass or hear confession. However, they are permitted to function as chaplains in many areas.
And finally, certification is available to lay people through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
So never say never. If God is truly calling you (to ministry and to the Catholic faith), God will provide a way.
____________________
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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EMarshallBuckles
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 616 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 09:31 pm |
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jjoelness wrote: Nice to see someone else from my tradition here. You are absolutely right about finding work. I'm not originally from California, I'm from the East coast (Mid-Atlantic). Both locations have been very accepting of my wife. She has even sat in on a few of my ordination interviews, and her Catholic faith was not an issue.
But...many protestant congregations almost expect the minister's wife to be some "free labor." We have talked about this, and I have made it clear that - if I continue on the path I am on - she will be part of my church on her own terms. She will not interview with me, and they will not tell her what to do. Well they can try, but I've been know to stand up to oppressive employers.
Thanks for your reply.
Oh yes, of course, I am sure that some of the Disciples of Christ Churches and perhaps some more liberal Christian Churches may be accepting of your wife's religious views and I, personally, would agree with that supporting them in that. On the other hand, as you know, some of the more conservative Disciples of Christ churches and independent Christian Churches would probably expect the wife to be "free labor", as you mention, and would expect her to uphold the Christian Church or Disciples of Christ church views (I have known of some Christian Church people who think that everybody is going to hell except for Christian Church people - I think that they will be very surprised when - and if, ha, ha - they get to heaven). I have known of Baptist churches like that, too, sadly. By the way, in my mid 20s, due to some concerns I had about my local Christian Church in which I was raised, I left it and, later, spent some time in an Episcopal Church. My Rector (the head Priest) was a former Baptist and the Associate Rector, who later became the Rector when the then Rector resigned to go into education, was, like me, raised in the Christian Church denomination. When he joined the Episcopal Church, his father disowned him and, when he would see him on the street in their hometown, his father would cross the street to avoid talking to him. The Senior Minister Emeritus, who was Senior Minister in my Christian Church when I was growing up, is very anti-Catholic. He would not be mean to anyone, however, he is in total disagreement with the Catholic faith and says so, sad to say.
Well, anyway, I do wish you and your wife well and pray for God's blessings upon you two. I would kindly, respectfully urge you to consider CajunRick's advice. You all may do well to consider one of the denominations which are closely connected with the Catholic Church particularly if you are considering National Guard service. May God bless and guide you.
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BD
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| Joined: | Wed Mar 26th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 46 |
| First Name: | Brett | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Non-denominational evangelical, Mennonite (Anabaptist), now Evangelical-Anabapti-catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 02:05 pm |
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My wife grew up Catholic and we chose the Mennonite Church when we were living in Pasadena while I attended Fuller Seminary. I wonder if our stories overlap in this way: same seminary? same tradition for our wives?
If so, the difference between us is that you have had the wisdom to attend Mass with your wife, while we chose a new church together. Now I'm the one trying to woo her back home.
I encourage you to stop pursuing ordained ministry at this point. Continue studying, if God so leads you. It was through my Protestant theological studies that I discovered a path to the Church (a path I am still tip-toing along). But I am not sure it is fair to future churches for you to continue seeking ordination and gain ministry positions while undergoing this intense spiritual formation that, I believe, is calling you into a new direction.
Speaking from personal experience, I teach theology at a Protestant liberal arts college. I think I am a good teacher. But I am not what I could be precisely because I have been wrestling with a calling away from the denomination that runs the college. To the degree that I am turned inwards and focused mostly on my own spiritual discernment, I have not been fully free to give of myself and equip my students to serve the church. I wonder if something similar would happen if you pursued ordained Protestant ministry...would you be able to shepherd?
Brett
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Non abbiate paura!
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jjoelness
Member
| Joined: | Sat Apr 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Pasadena, California USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
| First Name: | Joel | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 02:20 pm |
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What a small world. You dont happen to be in Pasadena still are you?
I appreciate your response, but as I wrestle with this discernment process I can't fathom being anything other than an ordained minister - which is the primary struggle on this path.
If the Roman Rite allowed a married clergy I would start the process to enter into full communion today. Sure, lay ministries are very worthy, but God is leading me to the ordainined ministry (in whatever church he happens to be leading me).
I wonder that my call to the Catholic Church is larger than me as an individual. I do not believe that the ecumenism of return is the path to Christian unity. (The belief that Christian unity will only occur when all Protestants hang their head down and rejoin, individually or as churches, the Roman Catholic Church) Whatever decision I make will not make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.
Perhaps my individual struggle will be a catalyst for me to work toward a unity that is larger than myself.
____________________
I am struggling with which Church to call home
http://protestantcatholic.blogspot.com
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EMarshallBuckles
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 19th, 2007 |
| Location: | Rockville (Near Richmond), Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 616 |
| First Name: | Marshall | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Christian Church,Episcopal Church,Baptist denomination,learning about RCC |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 02:43 pm |
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| Joel, I strongly support your right to believe as you choose and so forth. Even so, my experience with a number of protestant denominations is that they are - not all yet many of them, especially many Christian Churches -very likley to expect you to be "down with", that is, to be totally supportive of their theology and policies. While supporting your right to believe as you choose and in sympathy with you in various ways, even so, and kindly yet frankly speaking, if you continue on a path leading to Christian Church ordination, I will sadly predict that you are going to be in for a lot of frustration and disappointment if you regard youself as a person of Roman Catholic belief. Not trying to be rude, not trying to be hurtful, AM hoping to save you some disappointment and frustration. If you have not already done so, if I were you, I would strongly consider contacting Marcus and his staff at the Coming Home Network and see what can be worked out to help you possibly (not sure if it is possible, at this point, but wouldn't hurt to try) become a Roman Catholic Priest although married, or at least a Deacon. I wish you well, I pray for God's blessings upon you and your good wife, yet, even so, if I were you, given your beliefs, I would start my path out of the protestant churches and into the Roman Catholic Church. Best wishes to you. Last edited on Tue Apr 29th, 2008 02:44 pm by EMarshallBuckles
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Steven Barrett
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 902 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Apr 29th, 2008 03:00 pm | | |
