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Metaphysical
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Ryan | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Pentecostal, Baptist, Agnostic (not really a faith community) |
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Posted: Wed Oct 3rd, 2007 10:19 am |
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Hello,
This seemed to be the appropriate forum the post in, if not my applogies.
Let me tell you a little about myself. I was raised a Baptist but after around the age of 14 I became an atheist. During my time as an atheist I've read lots of atheistic & religious texts, you might would call me an atheist apologist. However, I'm 23 years old now and I have a wife and a 1 year old son. Over the past year or so I've been more open to religion and within the past couple of weeks no longer consider myself an atheist or an agnostic.
After researching I feel that Christianity and more specifically Catholicism is the correct religion. However, I have severe social phobia, in fact I cannot even order food at a fast food restaurant or talk to the teller at the bank because I will start to hyperventilate. I read the article at http://www.catholic.com/library/How_...a_Catholic.asp and there is absolutely no way I could stand up before people in church to do anything especially on a very busy day like the one before Easter, I would certainly pass out.
RCIA would be a stretch for me but I think I could force myself to be around a small group. Although I tried to contact the priest at a local church but can't get in touch with him. Am I simply doomed to never be in the Catholic/Christian faith? I have a lot of questions but this message is already lengthy enough.
Thank you for any advice you can give me.
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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 731 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Oct 3rd, 2007 10:41 am |
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You are a person with a disability and most if not all dioceses have policies about welcoming people with disabilities in to the Church. Rather than priest shopping, if you can talk on the telephone, call the Chancery of your diocese and talk to the secretary (I assure you they are very nice, they are paid to be nice to people on the phone) and give her the short story and ask her who to talk to.
Many blessings to you.  I was once in a similar position.
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5457 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Oct 3rd, 2007 02:46 pm |
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Metaphysical wrote: there is absolutely no way I could stand up before people in church to do anything especially on a very busy day like the one before Easter, I would certainly pass out.
One of the criticisms you'll read on this forum is how differently RCIA programs are conducted from parish to parish and diocese to diocese, but your case is exactly the reason there is so much flexibility. Essentially, a priest is free to modify the program according to the needs of each individual. There are amazing benefits to the full process, but sometimes it is just not possible for whatever reason, and any pastor may adjust the requirements for individual circumstances.
I agree that you should not "shop" for a priest, but I would start by calling the parish in which you live, or a nearby large parish, and ask to speak to the pastor or RCIA coordinator. Explain your situation and what accommodations might be necessary. I'm sure they'll be more than willing to work with you. If all else fails, call the diocesan offices, but I wouldn't start there. I'd start with my local parish, since sacramental preparation is primarily their responsibility.
Good luck on your journey, and I hope you'll consider us a resource as well as companions and prayer partners along your 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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Metaphysical
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Ryan | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Pentecostal, Baptist, Agnostic (not really a faith community) |
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Posted: Wed Oct 3rd, 2007 03:41 pm |
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CajunRick wrote: Metaphysical wrote: there is absolutely no way I could stand up before people in church to do anything especially on a very busy day like the one before Easter, I would certainly pass out.
One of the criticisms you'll read on this forum is how differently RCIA programs are conducted from parish to parish and diocese to diocese, but your case is exactly the reason there is so much flexibility. Essentially, a priest is free to modify the program according to the needs of each individual. There are amazing benefits to the full process, but sometimes it is just not possible for whatever reason, and any pastor may adjust the requirements for individual circumstances.
I agree that you should not "shop" for a priest, but I would start by calling the parish in which you live, or a nearby large parish, and ask to speak to the pastor or RCIA coordinator. Explain your situation and what accommodations might be necessary. I'm sure they'll be more than willing to work with you. If all else fails, call the diocesan offices, but I wouldn't start there. I'd start with my local parish, since sacramental preparation is primarily their responsibility.
Good luck on your journey, and I hope you'll consider us a resource as well as companions and prayer partners along your way.
I appreciate your reply! I wasn't actually shopping for a priest since there is literally only one within an hour drive from here. However, I finally got in touch with him a few minutes ago from the time I post this and it couldn't have went worse. He is from India and I could barely understand a word he said & he couldn't understand anything I said. However, from what I decipher RCIA already started and they only have it once a year in August. I attempted to ask were it was held because I was just going to sit in on a few classes but he couldn't explain it to me but it's apparently not inside the church.
Hrm, well it is at 7pm tonight so I'm going to drive there and see what's up. Maybe God will see how hard i'm trying and help me out a little bit. They have it once a week and it started August 12th, would they cut me some slack?
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1479 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Oct 3rd, 2007 04:41 pm |
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| Ryan, I understand what you are experiencing. I was diagnosed once upon a time with sociophobia. It was very much like what you go through, I couldn't go grocery shopping at times, I couldn't sign the voter registration book at election time, it was awful. I am almost completely over it now, but still have an episode from time to time. I agree with what the others have advised you to do, but I also suggest an E-mail or letter with a brief explanation of your circumstances. The priest may understand that better, or someone in the parish office should. As Rick says, RCIA differs from parish to parish, but ours accepts people after September. I didn't start attending until the first week of October when I went into it. Part of the reason? I couldn't get up the nerve to call! God bless you on your journey!
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TotusTuus
Member
| Joined: | Tue Oct 31st, 2006 |
| Location: | Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 126 |
| First Name: | Mark | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic (thanks Mom and Dad!) |
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Posted: Thu Oct 4th, 2007 10:21 pm |
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Ryan,
Congratulations on your growing awareness of God's presence in your life. He is always with us although we are not always *with* him. Be patient with the Church. Your formal acceptance will come in God's time. In the meantime, however, nourish your faith with prayer, Scripture (God's word), and study of Catholic doctrine. Also, please do not neglect your health. If you are suffering from social phobia, seek professional help.
As you reach out for God's help, recognize that God ordinarily sends us intermediaries like health professionals to mediate our healing and salvation. Remember how the paralytic depended upon his friends to lower him through the thatched roof into the room where Jesus was waiting to heal him.
Blessings and Prayers,
Mark
____________________
TTM!
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Metaphysical
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Ryan | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Pentecostal, Baptist, Agnostic (not really a faith community) |
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Posted: Thu Oct 4th, 2007 11:53 pm |
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TotusTuus wrote: Ryan,
Congratulations on your growing awareness of God's presence in your life. He is always with us although we are not always *with* him. Be patient with the Church. Your formal acceptance will come in God's time. In the meantime, however, nourish your faith with prayer, Scripture (God's word), and study of Catholic doctrine. Also, please do not neglect your health. If you are suffering from social phobia, seek professional help.
As you reach out for God's help, recognize that God ordinarily sends us intermediaries like health professionals to mediate our healing and salvation. Remember how the paralytic depended upon his friends to lower him through the thatched roof into the room where Jesus was waiting to heal him.
Blessings and Prayers,
Mark
I actually went to RCIA and I love it. Most of the people at the RCIA are nice but im one of 2 people out of the 10 or 12 there and I had to tell them I was an atheist when they asked. I'm not sure they trust my sincerity but believe me I am sincere in wanting to become a christian. I found out though they do baptism on Easter vigil.
I do go to therapy and a psyciatrist for it. I don't want people to think I'm crazy or anything I just inherited painful shyness from my dad.
Thank you all for you're advice and support :-) I have another question but I'll ask it in a different thread.
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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 731 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Oct 5th, 2007 10:40 am |
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Metaphysical wrote: I found out though they do baptism on Easter vigil.
Don't worry about that. Do the "one day at a time" thing. It really helps me to do that. Jesus said each day's trouble is sufficient.
Maybe by Easter you will be so comfortable and happy with your new RCIA friends having the other Church people there won't matter any more.
____________________
Annie
Ora et labora
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Annie
Banned
| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 731 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Oct 5th, 2007 11:21 am |
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If somebody looks askance at anybody in RCIA if they are an agnostic or atheist or something, remind them of the story of Cornelius and its sequel in Acts chapters 10-11.
You actually have an advantage in that you are not bringing with you a bunch of baggage that people from other faith traditions may bring.
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Annie
Ora et labora
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Metaphysical
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 1st, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Ryan | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Pentecostal, Baptist, Agnostic (not really a faith community) |
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Posted: Fri Oct 5th, 2007 03:39 pm |
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Annie wrote: If somebody looks askance at anybody in RCIA if they are an agnostic or atheist or something, remind them of the story of Cornelius and its sequel in Acts chapters 10-11.
You actually have an advantage in that you are not bringing with you a bunch of baggage that people from other faith traditions may bring.
You might be correct about that, I already feel a bit more comfortable. I'm going to a Saturday evening service tomorrow and probably some of the early services next week. The priest is a very nice man from what I can tell, I made him laugh and everyone else laugh a lot (humor is how i deal with being uncomfortable.)
My family & my mother in particular are very against me being a Catholic, they equate it with atheism or worse (maybe even pagan idoltry.) That makes me sad, but it is something else I need to work through.
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JasPax
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 257 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Oct 5th, 2007 04:30 pm |
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Metaphysical wrote: My family & my mother in particular are very against me being a Catholic, they equate it with atheism or worse (maybe even pagan idoltry.) That makes me sad, but it is something else I need to work through.
Hello Ryan:
This is not at all unusual. It comes from a lack of understanding and reliance on what they have been "told" about the CC by someone else who did not understant. Be patient and hold your peace. When you have greater knowledge you will be able to explain the truth to them. In addition to RCIA, continue to read on your own. There is plenty of good material. Watch EWTN and particularly the Journey Home program.
God's Blessings,
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
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Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1479 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Oct 6th, 2007 12:18 pm |
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Ryan, our pastor, Father Newman, is a former atheist. He was raised in a protestant home, but became an atheist as an adolescent. Later in college, he had a conversion of heart and began his spiritual journey, which led him to eventually become a catholic priest. The catholic church is full of people who have come from circumstances such as yours! You are in good company, the people around you weren't born saints! They may want to look like they were. The longer your journey takes and the harder it is to get there, the greater your reward will be. 
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Michelle1982
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 6th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 23 |
| First Name: | Michelle | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | protestant services at military chapels, Bible, Baptist, Berean, Calvary Chapel, ... |
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Posted: Wed Nov 14th, 2007 03:48 am |
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I just wanted to say that I also think it is great that you are wanting to get into the Christian/Catholic religion. I am converting myself from protestantism. I am already a Christian and have been one for many years, but I finally found the correct docrine and the church that Christ founded.
I just wanted to say a couple things though. This is probably my evangelistic protestant side coming out. I am still having trouble talking like a "Catholic."
But you said:
"RCIA would be a stretch for me but I think I could force myself to be around a small group. Although I tried to contact the priest at a local church but can't get in touch with him. Am I simply doomed to never be in the Catholic/Christian faith? I have a lot of questions but this message is already lengthy enough."
First of all, you cannot be doomed to never be in the Catholic Christian faith. I mean, if God brought you that far, don't you think He will bring you the rest of the way home. But aside that from that, "believing in Jesus Christ so you shall be be saved." I mean that is the first step. Having a faith in Jesus Christ is ultimately the most important thing. And of course, since you discovered the church that Christ founded, you will be able to have the fullness of the faith.
But, in regards to the priest, keep on trying to get ahold of him. I know that for me, I used to go up to an abbey and talk to a monk once a week. That was very helpful for me. You can also call Catholic apologists on the phone at Catholic Answers.
I am not sure if I have said anything helpful.
But, I will be praying for you.
Also, remember this. I can honestly say, that when I was first looking into the Catholic church, the first Catholic book that I bought was the Catholic Answer Bible. I used to compare it to my protestant one. But, I can honestly say that I learned a lot. If you are seeking truth, God will show you.
Michelle
"Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through Him."
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"..............From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." Luke 12:48
"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." J
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