Meet and Greet # 88 - Page 30

grass · #**436** May 27, '12, 10:35 pm

Hey

Hi umm can someone help me understand how to reply. I'm new at this. I'm from Idaho. I was baptized this Easter. I feel really good about every thing. Please help me crys

Estevao · #**437** May 28, '12, 12:41 am

Hi everyone,

A little about my experience with Christianity:

Half of my family is Catholic (at least in name or moreso, as is typical of the Portuguese people) and I was baptized when I was 5. Although I'm sure my parents made the promise to raise me in the faith well, they were disfunctional at times so I was never catechized and only went to church rarely. Until maturity I was a lapsed catholic.

In my first year of university I was recruited by a bible only church which I joined, figuring that all churches were more or less the same and knowing that I wanted to become a churchgoer. This denomination had some cultish tendencies in its insularity and its dogmatism, much more than your typical evangelical Christian churches. When I finally got around to reading the New Testament and I saw how they twisted scripture to fit their view, I decided to leave. At the start of my second year of uni I began RCIA classes which finished at Easter this year. I decided not to be confirmed because I felt and still feel unsure that this was the right church for me. The good thing about the catholic way, unlike the church I first went to, is that they didn't pressure me into anything by threatening me with hell if I didn't join.

I'm working through deciding between the Catholic or Eastern Orthodox church, as I want to be in a church with apostolic succession. I'm attracted to the Catholic church due to cultural and familial ties, but the Orthodox church is also appealing due to the way it teaches the theosis.

I'm currently reading through the old testament to understand the context that produced the quiet man from Nazareth, and plan to follow that up with an amateur historical and theological study and make a decision.

Thanks for reading

Saul of Tarsus · #**438** May 28, '12, 1:12 am

Name. Acts 9 tells of a story about the greatest convert of history. The citizen of Rome born in the modern day Turkey area was strongly versed in the Jewish faith. He spent his time dragging Christians in for trial. On the road to Damascus, He met Jesus. Thereafter, he converted more souls to Christianity, more so even than St. Peter. Only St. Francis Xavier, to my knowledge, came close to the number of converts.

I was born a Catholic, and my parents told me that I was. CCD was spent making little cardboard cuts of how Jesus loves me. When I was old enough to drive, I decided to start going to church on my own, since no one else in the family decided it was a good idea. Since then, I've been on an ever increasing path of faith.

Before joining the Army my priest, Fr. Warren, gave me a New American Bible, which I still read today. The best thing that I like about it, is that Pope Pius XII wrote his Encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu in 1944 calling for bibles to be written in the common language of all nations, translated from the earliest known sources. Like a modern day St. Jerome. My Bible is battered and has more time in combat than much of today's army, but that doesn't stop me from reading it. Even though I have a digital one on my ereader, I still turn its damaged pages.

Until some months ago I used to live in grievous sin. Even though I studied the faith on my own, I had my own vices. A particular online apologetic group helped lead me deeper into the faith. I'll mention them later, if allowed. They broadcast a lot of material, which I rapidly absorbed. I thank God that they were there, because I feel firmly established in the Faith now.

In August I'll be leaving the Army to finish my degree in Pre-Med, and pursue medical school. Just to test the waters, I made a Catholic-dating-site profile to see if I could meet a young lady. Which I did! We've been talking via email and phone since 6 February, and I'm excited to have someone to share the faith with. Easy to remain chaste with someone from 6000 miles away, right? I hope that we can help each other grow deeper in the faith. "The fastest way to get to Heaven, is to grab someone by the hand and lead them there." - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. I want us to lead each other to Heaven. Where one stumbles, the other is there to help him up.

That's me in a nutshell. Knew the faith, and "converted" fuller in the faith. I look forward to a successful career, strong faith, and a bond between a man and a woman that is pleasing in the eyes of God. I've walked through hell, like Dante did. Now it's time to fix my eyes above to Heaven. May the peace, grace, and mercy of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit shine upon you. Especially after having read this long intro!

Nita Stokes · #**439** May 28, '12, 1:56 am

Hi. I'm a musician/organist interested in old and new hymns. I am often asked to help people find sheet music for different types of liturgical music so am looking forward to finding some like-minded people to discuss this with. I've been in this ministry for many years and really enjoying swapping music with others.

Estevao · #**440** May 28, '12, 2:07 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul of Tarsus

Name. Acts 9 tells of a story about the greatest convert of history. The citizen of Rome born in the modern day Turkey area was strongly versed in the Jewish faith. He spent his time dragging Christians in for trial. On the road to Damascus, He met Jesus. Thereafter, he converted more souls to Christianity, more so even than St. Peter. Only St. Francis Xavier, to my knowledge, came close to the number of converts.

I was born a Catholic, and my parents told me that I was. CCD was spent making little cardboard cuts of how Jesus loves me. When I was old enough to drive, I decided to start going to church on my own, since no one else in the family decided it was a good idea. Since then, I've been on an ever increasing path of faith.

Before joining the Army my priest, Fr. Warren, gave me a New American Bible, which I still read today. The best thing that I like about it, is that Pope Pius XII wrote his Encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu in 1944 calling for bibles to be written in the common language of all nations, translated from the earliest known sources. Like a modern day St. Jerome. My Bible is battered and has more time in combat than much of today's army, but that doesn't stop me from reading it. Even though I have a digital one on my ereader, I still turn its damaged pages.

Until some months ago I used to live in grievous sin. Even though I studied the faith on my own, I had my own vices. A particular online apologetic group helped lead me deeper into the faith. I'll mention them later, if allowed. They broadcast a lot of material, which I rapidly absorbed. I thank God that they were there, because I feel firmly established in the Faith now.

In August I'll be leaving the Army to finish my degree in Pre-Med, and pursue medical school. Just to test the waters, I made a Catholic-dating-site profile to see if I could meet a young lady. Which I did! We've been talking via email and phone since 6 February, and I'm excited to have someone to share the faith with. Easy to remain chaste with someone from 6000 miles away, right? I hope that we can help each other grow deeper in the faith. "The fastest way to get to Heaven, is to grab someone by the hand and lead them there." - Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. I want us to lead each other to Heaven. Where one stumbles, the other is there to help him up.

That's me in a nutshell. Knew the faith, and "converted" fuller in the faith. I look forward to a successful career, strong faith, and a bond between a man and a woman that is pleasing in the eyes of God. I've walked through hell, like Dante did. Now it's time to fix my eyes above to Heaven. May the peace, grace, and mercy of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit shine upon you. Especially after having read this long intro!

Hey Saul of Tarsus. Inspiring story, and cool name you got! Welcome!

**Catherine S.** · #**441** May 28, '12, 5:00 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nita Stokes

Hi. I'm a musician/organist interested in old and new hymns. I am often asked to help people find sheet music for different types of liturgical music so am looking forward to finding some like-minded people to discuss this with. I've been in this ministry for many years and really enjoying swapping music with others.

Hello Nita Stokes!!
Welcome !!
Looking forward to having you with us!!
Where would we be without all the wonderful musicians/organists out there and their talents !
If you post a message in the Liturgy and Sacraments Forums you may find others who also like swapping their music........
http://forums.catholic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=15
Another option would be to have a look in the Groups!! Just click on Groups at the top of your page and when it opens, click on Search Groups,
if you do not locate one for music, you can always begin one, Nita!
Looking forward to your participation!
Enjoy the site !!
God Bless You.
Catherine

**Catherine S.** · #**442** May 28, '12, 6:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by grass

Hey

Hi umm can someone help me understand how to reply. I'm new at this. I'm from Idaho. I was baptized this Easter. I feel really good about every thing. Please help me crys

Hello grass!!
Nice to have you with us!!
If you click on the latest home page here at Catholic Answers....
http://www.catholic.com/
navigating the website may become a little clearer to you!
To check out the many Forums, click on DISCUSS and a list of all the Forums will come up, click on one that is of interest to you, when it comes up, read the Threads in that Forum and if you want to respond to any of these, click on the one you want to respond to, when it comes up, locate, Quote at the bottom of that message, a page will come up, write your message and send it.
To begin a Thread of your own in any of the many Forums, just click on it, when it comes up, click on New Thread, a page will come up, give it a title (your question or inquiry) write your message and send it, this will now appear in the Forum that you placed it and others will respond.
To read articles or documents, just click on READ. To listen to Catholic Answers Radio, click on LISTEN and a calender of radio shows will come up, click on the one you want to listen to. Looking forward to your participation grass!!
Enjoy the site !!
God Bless You.
Catherine

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**Catherine S.** · #**443** May 28, '12, 6:41 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by roncalde

Hi Everyone! i am Ron from the Philippines. I recently discovered this wonderful online community that so inspiring and at the same time profoundly helping in my spiritual nourishment. I pray that this community could touch more and more Catholics and non-Catholics into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ!

God bless to everyone!

Welcome roncalde in the Philippines !!
Nice having you with us!
Presently there are 339,921 Members here at Catholic Answers (not to mention vistors) and this is growing each day!
Praise the Lord !!
We look forward to your participation in the many Forums (9,544,108 posts to date )!!
Thank you for your prayer, roncalde!!
Make yourself at home !!
God Bless You.
Catherine

**Catherine S.** · #**444** May 28, '12, 8:08 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursuladei

Hello everybody
I joined CAF to keep updated in everything Catholic. I am a Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic. My interests include Divine Mercy, the Rosary, prolife, and Catholic biomedical ethics. I am a physical therapist who works with babies and toddlers ages zero to three in their homes with their families (ie early intervention). This has me also involved with areas of concern such as infant mental health, childhood trauma and abuse, language and cognitive development, and development of early literacy skills. (I hope someday to obtain a degree in linguistics or library infomatics.)
Christ is risen!
Robin

Hello ursuladei!!
Very nice to have you with us!
I think you will fine the many Forums, Catholic Answers Radio, the Magazines, and the Library
to be informative, educational, and inspirational and we look forward to your participation !!
What a wonderful service you are providing for families and their
babies and toddlers! May God richly bless your work .
Make yourself at home Robin !!
Shalom,
Catherine

IconLover · #**445** May 28, '12, 8:09 am

Hello! I'm a 36 year old father of 4 from PA. I'm a former Catholic who converted to Orthodoxy about three years ago. I look forward to future discussions with everyone!

**Catherine S.** · #**446** May 28, '12, 8:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClemsonCatholic

Hello,
My name is Justin and I am a Clemson University student. I am hoping to do a mission trip from August 11-18. Does anyone know of any Catholic churches that are going at that time?

Thanks!!!

Welcome Clemson Catholic!!
Great to have you with us!
Perhaps you can post a thread in the Catholic Living Forum to
see if others respond with information for you, Justin! Your can
also check the Catholic Archdiocese Offices for your area as
they may have information posted on their website or can give you some direction on Mission Trips.
You can also work from the list of Religious Orders that are usually on their websites as well.
Looking forward to your participation here at Catholic Answers!
Enjoy the site Justin !!
God Bless You.
Catherine

bobinrochester · #**447** May 28, '12, 8:48 am

How do I ask a question

brotherson · #**448** May 28, '12, 9:15 am

Hello everyone how is the memorial holiday going. God Bless

Henrietta Netta · #**449** May 28, '12, 9:20 am

Good Morning everyone:
I am new here at catholic Form. I think its a great site, and nice to know your belong into a great community of friends. I like to read everyone's post and then maybe I can do a blog on a speacific subject that we all can share. It will be nice to do.

I live in St. Cloud Florida which will be a year in July that my husband moved here. I loveit, but my husband cannot take the heat. Presently its cloudy, windy, and rainning. We are expecting a Hurricane at the moment. I hope we don't get it, but you just never know. It will be my first experience.

I belong to St. Thomas Acquanis Catholic Church here in St. Cloud. Beautiful parish. I am in the Choir, and we are thankful that we have Mark Schmidt who is a wonderful choir director. He is such a good teacher too. He has to be for he is a professional Opera Singer. Just love the way he sings. God has blessed him with a beautiful voice. Our parish is packed at each Mass and many new parishers from afar come to the 10 am Mass at St. Thomas to hear us just to sing. You can google Marks name on U-Tube and listen to him sing. You will enjoy!

I am a grandmother to two beautiful children. I have 3 children altogether. They are all on thier own, living up North...

For my spear time, I have joined the crocheting class here in St. Cloud, and we have our meetings on Wednesday afternoons. I have been crocheting for years and I make granny blankets...of many colors. I also designed Wedding and Baby Pillows with matching photo albums to match. Its a fun designer.

For my spiritual life, I meditate on the mysteries, and enjoy reading contemplatvie prayers. I am hoping I can start a prayer group in my home soon. I normally go to Holy Redemer Parish for Bible STudy and Spirituality classes in tuesdays.

I am hoping to travel to places in Florida so I can get to know the area well. Many highways, speedy drivers.....I try to drive the speed limit but could never go at 70 m.p.h. like most do here on the highways....too many accidents too. Its nerve wrecking.

I am on Facebook, and my family is too. Drop by and visit ....will be happy to have you on my Friends List.

Have a great day all, and May God Bless each and everyone of you...and May He cast down a Smile on you today!

Henrietta

James567 · #**450** May 28, '12, 9:39 am

Hi,
My name is Jim. I love the Catholic Answers Show. I'm 55 single and live in Seattle WA.