Difficulty entering a Parish for the first time - Page 2

TreeOfLife123 · #16 Jun 12, '12, 9:01 am

It could also have been my shoes. Old sneakers...I think the whole attire is important. And makes a huge difference.

TreeOfLife123 · #17 Jun 12, '12, 11:01 am

I think there is more than one reason why it is so much for me now and felt too powerful.

It's up to God. But I am convinced that I need Christ and I also want Christ

SusansChoice · #18 Jun 12, '12, 11:04 am

What you are feeling is the "Real Presence" of God. This is because Christ is alive in the Holy Eucharist. You will not find this in a protestant church. That feeling is what first brought me to Catholicism. I then spent several years of study before finally converting. It was difficult because I did not know any other Catholics and did not understand all of the traditions. I continue to learn.
I still weep at every Mass I attend. I am so overwhelmed and grateful to be in the presence of God.

As for your attire, God loves all, regardless of thier dress, but, you would probably feel better about yourself if you dress more appropriately. After all you are attending an audience with The King of Kings.

Have a Blessed Journey

TreeOfLife123 · #19 Jun 12, '12, 11:23 am

It's not a question of whether God loves me or not. I know He does. I believe that certain attire is inappropriate for a Parish. And I believe attire is one way to please or displease God. I believe God wants us to dress appropriately in a Parish or temple or whatever religious setting. Actually I think He wants us to dress appropriately in general.

Also consider that how we dress affects others. How they feel and how they think of us. Dress is of significance not only in religious settings but all settings. In the book of Sirach it says that a man is know by his appearance. Even if people don't think clothing is influencing their view of you IT DOES.

But I do think there is more to it than that. I just don't yet know what it is.

TreeOfLife123 · #20 Jun 12, '12, 12:17 pm

I guess part of what I felt also was "HOOOOOLY God this is the Catholic Church"! as I approached the large doors. Something like that when I went to the entrance and felt such powerful things.

One way to look at it is that perhaps it was just an initial thing and gradually over time I will work my way more into the Catholic Church? And perhaps now is not the right time to convert and over time things will get better.

However there were good things from trying to go. Certain types of healing and health benefits. But that was after the fact.

You know I really have to give this more thought. I think it's not always so easy to know the REAL REASON(S) why things happen.

TreeOfLife123 · #21 Jun 12, '12, 12:30 pm

I figured out what it was or a big part of it. It has to do with my "mental illness" and the power of the Church. When I get better I will be able to go to a parish I believe. It makes sense now. I see it better. I believe the issue with attire is part of the mental illness. It will take more time to get better. I know that God can heal me and I will then be able to attend mass and convert

TreeOfLife123 · #22 Jun 12, '12, 1:00 pm

I think I figured more of it out. Part of why I felt the power too much...Too much meditations...

TheRealJuliane · #23 Jun 12, '12, 8:35 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeOfLife123

I figured out what it was or a big part of it. It has to do with my "mental illness" and the power of the Church. When I get better I will be able to go to a parish I believe. It makes sense now. I see it better. I believe the issue with attire is part of the mental illness. It will take more time to get better. I know that God can heal me and I will then be able to attend mass and convert

I wish you the best in your journey back to full health and toward the Church!