Catholic Answers Forums http://forums.catholic.com Largest Catholic Forum has Catholic discussions, Catholic answers to your faith questions, Catholic apologetics, Catholic Scripture study, Catholic Prayer groups, Jesus, Christian, evangelization, spirituality, sacraments, vocations, Mary, saints, liturgy, Holy Bible, Catholic book club, Church documents, Vatican news, newsletter, Christianity, Catholic Answers Store. Via www.catholic.com en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:32:55 GMT vBulletin 30 http://forums.catholic.com/images/misc_khaki/rss.jpg Catholic Answers Forums http://forums.catholic.com Friends singing at our wedding http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798217&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:29:51 GMT We have many friends singing in our wedding and participating in our wedding mass. We'd love to give them a gift. I feel as though a prayer book, rosary, etc is pretty standard even though they'd appreciate it. Any ideas? Thanks! ]]> Family Life Cheerios00 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798217 Future sister-in-law note http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798209&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:08:43 GMT Hi Catholic forums! I'm sending a wedding invitation to my future sister-in-law whom I have never met. She lives on the other side of the world, is married, and has children, but my fiance hardly speaks to her. It is difficult to keep in touch because of the distance. I thought I'd include a little note with our wedding invitation, but I don't know what to say. Any ideas? I won't meet her for another couple years. We know she can't make it to the wedding because it's too expensive. ]]> Family Life Cheerios00 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798209 I almost got killed today on the road in a near head-on collision http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798208&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:08:36 GMT I was driving to the store to get a few things. I was going about 35 MPH on a two-way road near my house when I came to a small hill. As I was reaching the top someone in a black Dodge Charger decided to pass another car heading toward me. He accelerated and was suddenly about to run into me head-on in my lane. I could hear his engine revving as he barely got around the other care before having the head-on with me. Judging how fast he had to go to pass the other car and my speed, I estimate that he got up to at least 55 to 60 MPH. So if he would have hit me, the head-on collision would have been the equivalent of slamming into an immovable wall at about 90 to 95MPH. I imagine that if it wouldn't have killed me it would at least have put me in the ICU. This is the second time this year that something like this has happened when I was on the road. The other time, someone in a big truck drifted into my lane while approaching me head-on. In both cases, there was only about one to two seconds of reaction time before the potential impact was to happen. And in both cases, the other vehicle went back into their lane just before running into me. So if I would have reacted I probably would have crashed. I want to thank Jesus for my life. ]]> Spirituality livingwordunity http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798208 reaching out to public school youth http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798206&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:02:57 GMT I've been trying to develop a middle school youth program at my parish. I'm a homeschooler. This week, I'm teaching a Bible study to middle school students to coincide with the vbs. I was disappointed to only have 7 students, four of which include volunteer's children. I also looked around today and realized that all seven either are being homeschooled or were previously homeschooled.

Last year, almost all of the kids that regularly showed up at our middle school meetings (usually about 15-25) were either homeschooled or parochial schooled.

So, how in the world to reach the public school kids?

Calls? special letters? special events? ]]> Evangelization leonie http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798206 Is redeemed humanity better than unfallen humanity would have been? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798205&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:59:00 GMT Every so often, I hear Christians (Catholics included) claim that God willed or at least passively allowed original sin because it allowed for Jesus to come and redeem us, and that redeemed humanity is actually far better than unfallen humanity would have been. This idea was brought to the forefront of my mind recently when I discovered That C.S. Lewis seems to tout this idea in his book Miricles. I have a great respect for Lewis, but I don't know how this view can be accepted. I thought that God can not will that we sin, even to bring out a greater good. Furthermore, I have a difficult time accepting that the greatest possible good came about because of human sin. Thoughts? ]]> Philosophy zro x http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798205 <![CDATA[My parish is having a fundraiser, and I thought I'd share.]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798204&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:44:19 GMT I'm doing this for my church, and for you if you want any.

It's not just any fundraiser, though. It's one given by Omaha Steaks. They're selling some different packages at very good prices, and at least some of the proceeds go to St. Thomas More in Omaha, NE.

I posted the link to the fundraiser at the concierge desk, here:
http://forums.catholic.com/showthrea...2#post10860302

Omaha Steaks is a good company, in my personal experience. The product's good, and so is the service. And, again, it goes to Saint Thomas More Church in Omaha.

If you want to take part, I'd much appreciate it. :thumbsup: ]]> Back Fence TarkanAttila http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798204 usa Honduras http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798203&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:42:34 GMT Time for game 6 of nba finals and is a must seen one. USA Vs Honduras Live Stream (http://voices.yahoo.com/skin-diseases-treatments-12194567.html) NBA Finals 2013 Live Stream (http://voices.yahoo.com/going-miami-12194590.html) Miami Heat Vs San Antonio Spurs Live Stream (http://voices.yahoo.com/blow-horn-tata-12194611.html) San Antonio Spurs Vs Miami Heat Live Stream (http://voices.yahoo.com/best-things-world-12194578.html) Time for game 6 of nba finals and is a must seen one.

USA Vs Honduras Live Stream
NBA Finals 2013 Live Stream
Miami Heat Vs San Antonio Spurs Live Stream
San Antonio Spurs Vs Miami Heat Live Stream ]]> Sacred Scripture maharanaprata http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798203 personal intention http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798202&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:41:41 GMT please pray for a personal intention! Thanks please pray for a personal intention!
Thanks ]]> Prayer Intentions TomD123 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798202 70s Song question! http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798201&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:39:32 GMT Anyone know the song "Love Grows where my rosemary goes" ?
Anyone know any good covers?
Its a great song
Tom ]]> The Clubhouse TomD123 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798201 Florida blocks cities, counties from voting on sick pay laws http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798200&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:37:21 GMT Another GOP governor looking out for big business at the expense of the worker. Typical.

He said "The law is business friendly and supports job creation."

I'll give him that!! It sure is "business friendly"!!:thumbsup:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/18/us/flo...ick-leave-law/ ]]> World News ringil http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798200 <![CDATA[Help me with a discussion about "the black pope" with a co-worker]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798199&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:37:08 GMT A very nice and well meaning co-worker asked me about the "black pope" that he's seen in every picture with the current (and past (?)) Pope that supposedly really makes the rules. I tried to answer, but I started with apostolic succession and then wasn't quite able to verbally explain my point. This is a friendly conversation in which this person is seeking information. So, please help me with succinct and cogent points that I may offer. Thank you in advance. :) ]]> Evangelization grasscutter http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798199 Healing Power of a Near Death Experience http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798198&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:33:56 GMT I recently had open heart surgery (aortic valve replacement). At my age, 72, this can be risky business. Never in my whole life have I felt closer to God, It is a great existential moment in life, during which all the unimportant things in life that seemed so important suddenly get ignored ... and the only important thing in life, the fate of one's immortal soul, goes front and center.

I was able to be deeply comforted by my faith and the prayers of fellow faithful Catholics.

Now in recovery, there are changes in my life that are going to take place. Every day now will be for me a gift with ever so many reasons to give thanks.

I do not know how people who never think in real terms about death come to deal with it when it steals upon them and takes them by surprise. I do not know how the atheist deals with death other than by pure resignation as opposed to hope.

Has anyone else here, from Catholics to atheists, had a profound life change experience as a result of a near death moment? ]]> Philosophy Charlemagne II http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798198 <![CDATA["Unpacking the First Cause Argument for God" (an article providing a famous argument for the existence of God)]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798196&goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:03:59 GMT see www.strangenotions.com/unpacking-first-cause/ see www.strangenotions.com/unpacking-first-cause/ ]]> Back Fence mdgspencer http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798196 <![CDATA[Minnesota Family Endures Dying Son's Suffering with Help from Mary (a news report)]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798195&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:57:26 GMT Her son is near death, in the final stages of bone cancer. To his mother the image of Mary is clear: standing helplessly, silently at the foot of the cross, watching her son die. This shows her how to face her son's dying.
see http://www.catholicreview.org/articl...help-from-mary ]]> Spirituality mdgspencer http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798195 <![CDATA[Walkers' 100-Mile Trek Calls Attention to U.S. Healthcare Mandate, Religious Freedom]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798193&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:45:28 GMT Some people will go to great lengths to protect their religious freedom. For these people that distance was a hundred miles, walking to the District of Columbia's National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in opposition to the healthcare mandate. They are concerned because the healthcare mandate requires Americans, including Catholics without regard for their religious beliefs, to pay for sterilizations, abortion-causing drugs, and contraception.
see http://www.catholicreview.org/articl...igious-freedom ]]> World News mdgspencer http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798193 Does it matter? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798188&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:24:35 GMT I already started a thread about my Miraculous Medal, and yes i finally got it shiny and sparkly!! With crest baking soda whitening toothpaste!!! :D so now its all shiny (it looked really bad before) but the chain was really bad too. Not silver anymore on the bottom. Its a super thick chain and the way it is makes it hard to clean. :( The medal and the chain were blessed at the same time (the medal was on the chain) so can i take the medal off this chain and put in on another unblessed chain?? This migjt be scrupulous but i heard (on this forum) not to take a Rosary apart if it was blessed, but could i change a medal to another chain? Thanks!!! . I already started a thread about my Miraculous Medal, and yes i finally got it shiny and sparkly!! With crest baking soda whitening toothpaste!!! :D so now its all shiny (it looked really bad before) but the chain was really bad too. Not silver anymore on the bottom. Its a super thick chain and the way it is makes it hard to clean. :(

The medal and the chain were blessed at the same time (the medal was on the chain) so can i take the medal off this chain and put in on another unblessed chain?? This migjt be scrupulous but i heard (on this forum) not to take a Rosary apart if it was blessed, but could i change a medal to another chain? Thanks!!! . ]]> Back Fence MaeganFlinchum1 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798188 PBS TV: The American Experience: John D. Rockefeller: 6/18--8:00PM EST http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798187&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:22:53 GMT PBS TV: The American Experience: John D. Rockefeller: 6/18--8:00PM EST The American Experience: John D. Rockefeller Tuesday, June 18 -- 8:00pm WCMU PBS TV: The American Experience: John D. Rockefeller: 6/18--8:00PM EST


The American Experience: John D. Rockefeller

Tuesday, June 18 -- 8:00pm

WCMU

Quote:
A profile of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937), the world's first billionaire. At the height of his success, his companies owned 90 percent of the world's oil refineries and a third of all oil wells.

I saw this a few months ago.


You ought to see the Liberal College History Professors' jaws drop and spout out complaints when it is related that John D. Rockefeller and his wife demanded a pious Calvinist Christian upbringing for their children and household and that the first billionaire didn't spoil his rich children rotten and let them do whatever they wanted to and argue for having extreme wealth without any duty to God.


I think John D. Rockefeller Junior (they talk about him too) also gave his a pious Calvinist Christian upbringing during the 1920s but John D.'s grandchildren just wanted the money and didn't want to acknowledge they their religious duties.

Again, the Liberal College History Professors' mouths go off.



John D. made the first billion but God created the world and made his personal wealth a possibility. ]]> Popular Media Dwyer http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798187 Staying married leading to depression and faith frustrarion http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798186&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:00:16 GMT Hello
and peace to all.
Im in an unhappy marriage where my spouse severed her tubes two years into our union ( we've been married 15 years ).
I told her I didn't approve and that it was between her and God if she went ahead with it.
I didn't divorce her because the Church says I cant and I loved her, meant my Christian vows and we both stated that if children became too big an issue to overcome , we would discuss it then.
I told her point blank , before proposing , that to marry I wanted children and she agreed.
Now , years later.
my wife is in poor health and much of my time,energy and finances are spent taking care of her.
I resent her taking the option of children away from me and I don't even want them with her based on her actions.
I see no reason to be with her if there are no kids and feel I've been used and am being made a fool of all because I've chosen to be a good Catholic.
I'm 42 , see my happiness drifting away and can't fathom years and years more of just sitting around looking at my wife watch television , while I feel nothing.
So let me get this straight and if anyone can help me - please do.
In order to remain in good standing with God and The Church , I just have to stay joyless for the rest of my life ?
That only by her death , am I to ever have choices in my life's happiness again?
That just can't be
. . .
and yes I've prayed

HELP ]]> Family Life Sweet Lord http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798186 My Questions on Rev 12 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798185&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:54:18 GMT Question 1. Rev 12:3 mentions a " great red dragon". My question is how was a dragon identified as from the Early Christians and apostles themselves? I know for a fact it is the devil, but is it the same dragon common in the Chinese culture, with a very long body that breaths fire and has wings? Or is it something else?

Question 2. Rev 12:6 talks about Mary going into the wilderness, what does it mean by this? It also mentions she has a placed prepared by God where the child of the Woman (Mary) will be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. Is this in anyway symbolic to the flight to Egypt?

God Bless,
BVMFatima ]]> Apologetics BVMFatima http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798185 how do I do the right thing? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798184&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:51:34 GMT I've been brought up non practicing protestant and my partner is a lapsed Catholic..I have promised that I will help raise his children in the Catholic Church but how do I do that when their Dad isn't following the Church. I don't want to undermine my partner but to a. Point I feel like I'm more willing than he is. ]]> Family Life Loobyloo0209 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798184 <![CDATA[Aetna will exit California's individual health insurance market]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798183&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:50:00 GMT From the LA Times:
Aetna Inc. said it would stop selling individual health insurance policies in California next month, and nearly 50,000 existing policyholders will have to find new coverage by January.
The company's announcement Monday comes a month after it opted not to participate in California's new state-run insurance market for consumers, a key component of the new federal healthcare law.
I think the Attorney General of California should immediately sue Aetna and require them to participate in Obamacare.


(/sarc) ]]> World News markomalley http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798183 <![CDATA["With Blessed Joseph, Her Spouse"]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798182&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:49:43 GMT "With Blessed Joseph, Her Spouse"

By Jimmy Akin

The Catholic interwebs are abuzz with the news that there is a change being made to the Eucharistic prayers we hear at Mass.

It’s a small but significant change: A specific mention of St. Joseph is being inserted into Eucharistic Prayers II, III, and IV.

(Thanks to Fr. Z for pointing this out and making the decree available online!)

A reference to him was inserted into the traditional Roman canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) by Pope John XXIII, several decades ago.

By now inserting mention of him into Eucharistic Prayers II-IV, he will be mentioned in all of the standard Eucharistic Prayers used at Mass....

Read more. ]]> Catholic Answers Blog Therese Martin http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798182 What Does the Church Teach about Tattoos? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798180&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:47:29 GMT What Does the Church Teach about Tattoos?

By Matt Fradd

I was recently asked:
Could you please explain to me rationally without using [complex] words, and yet using theology, and convince me why I shouldn’t get a tattoo? There’s too much mumbo jumbo on the internet and I would truly appreciate finding something concrete and understandable.
I’m afraid that I cannot explain—either with simple, or complex words—why you shouldn’t get a tattoo.

The reason being that, in principle, the Church does not oppose tattoos.

Ceremonial Law vs. Moral Law

Sometimes people point to the passage in Leviticus which says, ”Do not . . . put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord” (19:28).

But this verse is not binding upon Christians for the same reason that the verse, “nor shall there come upon you a garment of cloth made of two kinds of stuff” (Lev. 19:19), is not binding upon Christians. Namely, it is a part of the ceremonial law which was binding upon the Jewish people, but which is not binding upon Christians(except for when it coincides with the moral law)....

Read more. ]]> Catholic Answers Blog Therese Martin http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798180 Catholic Answers Radio http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798179&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:46:56 GMT Apparently my dad just called into a local Catholic radio station that had a Catholic Answers show, and asked them about a concern I had been having about my mom's death I had recently talked to him about. I was wondering where I could hear it, if it had already been aired. ]]> Back Fence Kevin12 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798179 Prayers needed for my vocation http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798177&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:41:47 GMT All:

I have sent an e-mail to the Visitation monastery in Tyringham. Hopefully they will get it; their website seems to have been hacked. Please pray for my vocation! I do not know if it will be at Tyringham, but I am trying to follow the Holy Spirit's inspiration. Also, please pray for these and all our cloistered prayer warriors. Thank God for their help! ]]> Prayer Intentions classica87 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798177 Why Louisiana State Senator Guillory Republican http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798170&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:09:43 GMT I found this interesting and inspiring:

Click on www.elbertguillory.com and then click on "Why I am a Republican".

Peace,
John ]]> World News JohnMPhilomena http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798170 Private Message Scam alert http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798168&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:07:10 GMT Today I received a private message from a new member with no posts. The message stated this person was widowed, in hospital, soon to die and about to inherit a very large amount of money. The messenger requested I send personal details so I could be contacted about how to receive the money to start an orphanage. I would guess most here are Internet savvy enough to recognize a scam when they see it, but I thought it was worth a warning to post this. Today I received a private message from a new member with no posts. The message stated this person was widowed, in hospital, soon to die and about to inherit a very large amount of money. The messenger requested I send personal details so I could be contacted about how to receive the money to start an orphanage.

I would guess most here are Internet savvy enough to recognize a scam when they see it, but I thought it was worth a warning to post this. ]]> Back Fence Jenny35 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798168 Is it a sin to not stop an arousal from coming? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798167&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:57:41 GMT Sometimes I get aroused (maybe) by the way I'm moving or touching myself. Not that I'm masturbating or doing it on purpose, but when I don't immediately stop the feeling or the way I'm moving or touching, I feel like I've committed a mortal sin. And sometimes I'm just doing normal everyday things when they happen. Like eating. I can't just stop eating. And the more I worry the more they come. What do I do? ]]> Moral Theology Nickname Sam http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798167 Prayers for Rosabelle http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798166&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:55:57 GMT I realize that this might seem frivolous to some, but I'm going to ask for prayers anyway.

I have a foster dog Rosabelle who has "issues." We are having so much trouble finding her a forever home because she takes a while to warm up to people and to get comfortable. Once she does, she is an absolutely great dog; but getting people to give her that chance is proving difficult.

Please ask St. Francis to intervene for my little Rosabelle so we can find the best placement for her.

Thanks!!! ]]> Prayer Intentions Aggie414 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798166 When is arousal a sin? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798165&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:51:40 GMT Is it a sin, and if so, a mortal sin, to let yourself be aroused if you're not actually thinking of sex or objectifying anyone? ]]> Moral Theology Nickname Sam http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798165 How do we know we are correct? http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798164&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:50:57 GMT Hello Everyone. I'm not sure if this thread is in the correct category, but I have a question that could somehow fit into the "spirituality" category. I better start out by giving a little background information on me. I have grown up and still continue to grow in an extremely conservative Catholic environment. I fully embrace all of thee values. I am currently discerning a vocation to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Anyways, I was watching a TV show regarding polygamy. I am completely against their religious values, but I respect them as human beings entitled to their own opinion. That was just an example. Now take Lutherans, Muslims, Methodists, etc. How do we know that our Catholic religion is the right religion? I know that that is a pretty broad question but how do we know our Catholic philosophy is right and not "correct" like we consider other religions philosophies to be? Thanks. ]]> Spirituality brycehecht http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798164 <![CDATA[Michael Matt responds to the Episode " Radical Traditionalism " from Tim Staples]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798163&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:41:47 GMT Below I will post a link on the video of Michael Matt:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyTT...e_gdata_player

What is your opinion on this topic? I thought I should let Catholic answers know another sister Catholic organization's opinion. ]]> Traditional Catholicism BVMFatima http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798163 How to clean my Miraculous medal? (pewter) http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798162&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:40:38 GMT I have had a Miraculous Medal since last July. Over time (with nearly continuous wearing and getting it wet over and over) it looks awful and so does the chain its on. The chain is just a cheap little chain and i dont know the medal but i want to clean it too. The medal almost had a dark/cloudy/yellowy look to it. Also its blessed if that makes any difference (doubt it does). Thanks!! :D :) I have had a Miraculous Medal since last July. Over time (with nearly continuous wearing and getting it wet over and over) it looks awful and so does the chain its on. The chain is just a cheap little chain and i dont know the medal but i want to clean it too. The medal almost had a dark/cloudy/yellowy look to it. Also its blessed if that makes any difference (doubt it does). Thanks!! :D :) ]]> Back Fence MaeganFlinchum1 http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798162 Trouble With Writing Annulment Paper http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798160&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:29:04 GMT I am currently seeking an annulment and am having a terrible time writing my report. Does anyone know of any services that can do this work for me through collaboration? I have ADD and Bipolar Disorder and find it very hard to not ramble on about irrelevant things. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, aimless_aimes P.S. I also am unemployed so I am not able to have this done through the services advertised on the web. :shrug: I am currently seeking an annulment and am having a terrible time writing my report. Does anyone know of any services that can do this work for me through collaboration? I have ADD and Bipolar Disorder and find it very hard to not ramble on about irrelevant things.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
aimless_aimes

P.S. I also am unemployed so I am not able to have this done through the services advertised on the web. :shrug: ]]> Family Life aimless_aimes http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798160 <![CDATA[What is the best way to handle family who think you are too religious? Are there any saints who had to go against their family's wishes (and wrote about their family struggle)?]]> http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798159&goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:28:04 GMT I'm a convert and my family is evangelical protestant and some non-religious. My protestant family members do not understand certain aspects of Catholicism (celibate life being good and holy, monasteries, cloistered religious, teachings on suffering, obedience to the Church, confession, etc. etc.) and they think I'm too into the faith. It scares them, and I want to be able to help them understand that I haven't joined some cult or evil oppressive religion, but anything good I say is labelled as coming from brainwashing or something. The only thing they can liken monasteries to are Jonestown and Amish communities, which are obviously very different from the various Catholic communities of celibate people. Evangelicals just don't have an equivalent to this lifestyle and vocation. Also, "strange" Catholic teachings on sex and contraception also makes this particular subject a little touchy, as well as the child abuse scandals and non acceptance of gay marriage.

My family wants me to be healthy and happy, and to them that means going out to bars like normal people my age, and becoming a doctor or some other successful professional, while applying Christian morality to my life in a moderate way. But that's not my calling and that's not how I want to live. I know I have a vocation to some sort of celibate life, and because I'm looking into specific communities now, my family is becoming more uncomfortable. Their own daughter/sister/cousin/niece becoming a sister or lay apostolate? They can't believe it. Going off to live away from my family, without a husband or career? It is so... not protestant. I love my family very much and want especially my mother to be at least comfortable with the direction my life is going. But if they can't accept who God is shaping me to be, and I believe religious life is where God truly wants me to be then I'll go join a community regardless of what my family thinks.

But how can I help them understand? What is the best way to handle the situation? Is there a saint who has writings or something about how his family didn't want him to live in a radically different way? I'm just looking for some advice and an example on how to move forward with my vocation while respecting my family and trying to make this easier for them. I don't want to cut them off and I don't want them to feel cut off. But at the same time, I gotta do what I gotta do. ]]> Vocations LilyPearls http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=798159