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cubagirl
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 8th, 2008 |
| Location: | Chattanooga, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 3 |
| First Name: | Jeanne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Atheist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, Baptist, Methodist, considering Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jul 8th, 2008 05:57 pm |
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Hello -- just a quick note to introduce myself as a new member of this group, and just on the verge of reconciling to Catholicism from Methodism. I have been a member of several 'religions' but was never satisfied that they were respectul of the sacraments. After attending one or two 'contemporary' worship services in our church, I was appalled at the casualness among worshippers -- loud rock music, children running in and out of the sanctuary, people bringing in their coffee and donuts. I just don't believe we should bring God down to our level -- that we should draw near to Him and aspire to be more like Him. I just knew there was something missing in my worship experience, so I began researching. At the same time, I discovered by accident EWTN and was amazed at how 'Biblical' Father Corapi was, and when I saw his lecture series on the Catechism, I was in. It was what I had been looking for all my life and now I've found it. Unfortunately, my husband of 30 years is 'not interested' in doing anything different, and refuses to go somewhere they 'worship Mary and confess to men', so I have my work cut out for me. I am prepared for the ridicule and shunning I may encounter, but I'm ready. Have read the entire United States Catechism for Adults (what a great book!), Born Fundamentalist, Born-Again Catholic by David Currie, Exploring the Catholic Church by M. D'Ambrosio. I have been in a catholic church only 4 times in my life, two of which were weddings, many years ago. Not sure what my next steps will be. There is much prejudice against Catholics out here, believe me.
Thanks for your group. Looking for a little support and prayer in my decision and forward movement.
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5345 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Tue Jul 8th, 2008 06:01 pm |
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Welcome, Jeanne. We're glad to have you here with us. Welcome to CHNI and to the Catholic faith!
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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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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: Tue Jul 8th, 2008 07:02 pm |
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cubagirl wrote:
Hello -- just a quick note to introduce myself as a new member of this group, and just on the verge of reconciling to Catholicism from Methodism. I have been a member of several 'religions' but was never satisfied that they were respectul of the sacraments. . .
Unfortunately, my husband of 30 years is 'not interested' in doing anything different, and refuses to go somewhere they 'worship Mary and confess to men', so I have my work cut out for me. I am prepared for the ridicule and shunning I may encounter, but I'm ready. Have read the entire United States Catechism for Adults (what a great book!), Born Fundamentalist, Born-Again Catholic by David Currie, Exploring the Catholic Church by M. D'Ambrosio. I have been in a catholic church only 4 times in my life, two of which were weddings, many years ago. Not sure what my next steps will be. There is much prejudice against Catholics out here, believe me.
Thanks for your group. Looking for a little support and prayer in my decision and forward movement.
Hi, Jeanne. Welcome to the CHNI Forum. 
I have fond memories of visiting Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga where my uncle's family worshipped. What child could forget the long tunnel in Chattanooga? Of course, we always sang "She'll Be Driving Six White Horses When She Comes!" as we negotiated the old, treacherous roads around the mountains leading into the city. Makes me miss my daddy to think of it.
Jeanne, you're going to meet some fabulous folks here who will support you with prayers, kindness, and information. You're off to an excellent beginning and will, I'm sure, make some fine contributions yourself.
Glad you're here with us now,
Becky
Last edited on Tue Jul 8th, 2008 07:15 pm by Intercessor
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"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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Ave_Girl
Moderator
| Joined: | Wed Nov 7th, 2007 |
| Location: | Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 172 |
| First Name: | Mary Clare | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jul 8th, 2008 07:03 pm |
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| It's good to have you here Jeanne! Welcome to the forum!
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~Mary Clare Piecynski~
Coming Home Network Staff
740-450-1175 ext 105
maryp@chnetwork.org
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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: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 05:15 pm |
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| A warm welcome to you, Jeanne. You'll find plenty of support and answers to your questions here. God bless you!
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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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JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 765 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 07:39 pm |
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Dittoes, dittoes, dittoes! I don't know why it's so hard to enter the Catholic Church as opposed to other "churches," but it is. (Well, maybe I DO know why...) My long-distance sponsor was a huge encouragement, but so was this forum and both continue to be so. It's not easy to be Catholic, especially when it MATTERS to you a lot and you want to do it the right way, not your own way.
So, make yourself at home here. Advice, encouragement, information, and prayer are always at the ready!
Blessings!
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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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: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 11:29 pm |
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cubagirl wrote: Unfortunately, my husband of 30 years is 'not interested' in doing anything different, and refuses to go somewhere they 'worship Mary and confess to men', so I have my work cut out for me. I for one, and there are others on here who have been or are going through something similar or the same thing. This is a GOOD place to get support when you need it. Not sure what my next steps will be. I realize this was not a question but I'll offer a suggestion anyway. I think you might enjoy and find it enlightening to become involved in an RCIA group. This is a study group that is provided FREE and without obligation, by most Catholic parishes around the country. The groups start in the Fall and you can get into one by calling your local parish office.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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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: Thu Jul 10th, 2008 01:02 am |
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| Welcome to the forum Jeanne, and may God bless you as you commence your journey. Your husband will have to be educated regarding Catholic veneration of Mary as the most honored among the communion of saints. We request her and all the saints to pray for and intercede for us just as we ask fellow believers in this life to intercede and pray for us. You might also suggest he read some of the very early church fathers, particularly Pope St. Clement, Bishop St. Ignatius, St. Justin the martyr and Bishop St. Ireneous. Their work, along with all the early church fathers, can be found at the New Advent web site: http://www.newadvent.org. He will come to see that the early church was indeed Catholic. Last edited on Thu Jul 10th, 2008 01:03 am by tedjenczewski
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"...the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth." 1Tim 3, 15
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cubagirl
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 8th, 2008 |
| Location: | Chattanooga, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 3 |
| First Name: | Jeanne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Atheist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, Baptist, Methodist, considering Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jul 10th, 2008 02:42 pm |
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Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me to the forum. A great suggestion for me to join a class. I will do that. How long does it take before I can go to a Mass? I've never really been to one, except with a catholic friend long ago. Am I allowed to just attend by myself before I'm reconciled? Sorry--I don't have any catholic friends at this time in my life. Being around Protestants for 25 years where most anything goes, I want to do everything the right way from the beginning. I know God is particular when it comes to his worship, and I want to respect that.
Those of you who grew up in the catholic faith, attended mass regularly or went to catholic schools are so blessed to have that history. I grew up in a home where God was not mentioned, we didn't go to church at all, and when I was baptized at 18, (I was attending church with a wonderful friend), my parents ridiculed me for 'fantasy belief' when I came home one evening with wet hair. Needless to say, I moved out soon after that and never went back. I knew I couldn't be there anymore. My dad has since died and I still visit my mom in Florida every two months, but she is highly prejudiced against all churches, especially the catholic church and anyone associated with it. She's 90 and still in good health. I am sad that she is basically doomed and refuses to even talk about God. Maybe God will move in her life, perhaps through me. I suppose it's possible!
Thank you all again for your support.
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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: Thu Jul 10th, 2008 03:47 pm |
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A great suggestion for me to join a class. I will do that. How long does it take before I can go to a Mass? I started attending Mass before I started attending class. You can not receive however, in some churches, you can go forward and get a blessing. If you see someone going forward with their arms crossed and the person serving holds their hand over the head of the person going forward and asking God to bless that person, you too can go forward and get a blessing.
I've never really been to one, except with a catholic friend long ago. When I started attending Mass, I sat in the same area of the same row during the same Mass (my parish has 5 Masses every weekend) every Sunday. After a couple of weeks, the people around me warmed and I felt I was among friends. It helps a lot when we all participate in wishing all those around us "The peace of the Lord". That process requires shaking the person’s hand and smiling. As you can see, that is a great way to "break the ice."
Am I allowed to just attend by myself before I'm reconciled? Not only are you allowed, you are encouraged to attend. Also, after you start the class (RCIA) you will be expected to attend. In my parish, the class attends together and then goes out, after receiving a blessing from the attendees and priest, and studies the teachings of the Church. It may sound confusing now but it will all be explained in the class.
Those of you who grew up in the catholic faith, attended mass regularly or went to catholic schools are so blessed to have that history. On the other hand, I, and some other converts I know locally, have an excitement from converting, being forgiven for one’s sins and feeling the support of the Church that some of the cradle Catholic don’t seem to have. My guess is that it is a personal thing.
Wishing you all the best in your Journey.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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cubagirl
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 8th, 2008 |
| Location: | Chattanooga, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 3 |
| First Name: | Jeanne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Atheist, Baptist, 7th Day Adventist, Baptist, Methodist, considering Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jul 10th, 2008 04:15 pm |
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Thanks, Cliff, for your answers! There are 4 churches in the city. One is close to the Methodist church of which I am a member. I will make an appointment with the pastor (priest?) there to talk with him.
Thank you again for your help.
Jeanne
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Michael2
Member
| Joined: | Thu Aug 7th, 2008 |
| Location: | South Shore, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | former Episcopalian -wife former Baptist-Episcopalian now both Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 8th, 2008 02:43 pm |
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Yes he is the "pastor"....and you can address him that way if you please...Stop by the church office, and get to know the priest..They are as excited about new converts as you are about converting.....During Mass sit wher he can see you...Ask if you may come forward to receive a blessing, and then just do it !!!!
I'm new to this site also, and have found it to be so wonderful, being around others who have come into the Church...
Michael
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"sic transit gloria mundi"
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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: Fri Aug 8th, 2008 03:06 pm |
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| Welcome to you, Michael, if I haven't greeted you already. I hope you like it here.
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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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Michael2
Member
| Joined: | Thu Aug 7th, 2008 |
| Location: | South Shore, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| First Name: | Michael | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | former Episcopalian -wife former Baptist-Episcopalian now both Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Aug 8th, 2008 03:55 pm |
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| Thank you David...This is a great site and I hope to add to the blogging here...
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"sic transit gloria mundi"
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