On the brink of joining the Church, but. . .

[lenuyl12]

I hope this is the appropriate place for this post. Since my topic does deal with traditionalism to some extent, I will post it here.

I have been a Christian for most of my life (with the exception of a few "lost years" while I was in the military), and have for several years now been on a collision course with Catholicism. I LOVE the reverence of the liturgy and the fullness of the Eucharistic worship of the Church. I have been ready for several months now to begin the process of joining the Church. My wife (a cradle Catholic) and I began attending Mass together looking for a good conservative parish where we felt comfortable. Most (indeed, all, it seems) of the individual churches in our area (and there are many) are quite liberal theologically. The parish we tried today had the crucifix hidden off in a little corner and took me quite some time to locate. (Never did find the tabernacle.) The front wall had an empty cross at the top and the rest of the wall covered by a HUGE mirror. Sorry guys, but I go to church to look to Christ, my Savior, not to stare at myself (good thing--I'm not that pleasing to the eye anyway!) The homily was okay, but nothing special. The celebrant rushed through the Eucharistic prayers like he had someplace WAY more important to be. The whole thing left me feeling crushed and arid like the Sahara.

There is an SSPX parish near us (a bit of hike, but small price to pay, right?). I have two concerns about the Society, however.
1) I don't want to emerge from protestant schism and find myself in the lap of another one. This is especially disconcerting given that the Society went ahead with the "illicit" ordinations this past week.
2) And this is a minor one. I find the Latin Mass quite intimidating. Although I am quite competent as a linguist, I don't want to just show up at an SSPX parish, screw up everything during the mass and offend people.

I'm almost afraid to ask for catechesis at one of these parishes that seems to view the Eucharist as an obstacle to getting to the Sizzler in time to keep the Baptists out of the good booths. I want to be obedient to HH, otherwise why join the Church at all, but I don't know what to do. Please help!!

In conclusion, I would ask that any responses be the "truth in charity". I have no desire to get into a flame war with anyone. If anything I have said above gives offense to ANYONE, please understand that it was done out my own ignorance and not with malicious intent. Thank you all for taking the time to read this and help out a poor brother feeling stranded on the banks of the Tiber with neither a boat nor the ability to swim on my own.

[thunderballs75]

Originally Posted by lenuyl12

I'm almost afraid to ask for catechesis at one of these parishes that seems to view the Eucharist as an obstacle to getting to the Sizzler in time to keep the Baptists out of the good booths. I want to be obedient to HH, otherwise why join the Church at all, but I don't know what to do. Please help!!

Ahahahaha! Yes, I have this same problem, especially where I live. Only one reverent Mass to be found in a 100-mile radius! Do look for a place that offers a licit Latin Mass in your area. Even if you don't necessarily want to always go to a Latin Mass, these places usually also have an orthodox OF Mass. Check here:

http://www.ecclesiadei.org/masses.cfm

If you can't find one, and you can't take the new age Masses, go to an SSPX but don't receive communion. As long as you aren't doing it in spite of Rome, but only because of your love for Jesus in the Eucharist, I think you're alright. That's what the cardinal said anyways.

Use these websites to learn the Latin Mass. By the way, you only really need to learn the prayers of the "Mass of the Catechumens" not including the propers. The "Mass of the Faithful" is really almost completely said silently by the priest.

http://sanctamissa.org/ (Check out the videos where it says "online tutorial for priests.")
http://www.fisheaters.com/TLMinstructions.html

And allow me to welcome you home brother! God bless.

[lenuyl12]

Thanks for the info TB. Very helpful. I especially like the web site that walks you through the order of Mass. It does help allay some of my nervousness.

That being said, my primary problem of catechesis and joining the Church still remains. As of now, I'm STILL not Catholic and can't receive Holy Communion anywhere This is ripping me apart inside!!

[Shin]

Yes, that is the anticipation and agony before the first confession and communion. It's a priceless time..

Ah it's priceless. I remember it well.

At the time of course, it's agony, but.. It's also something to always remember.