Why I'm Not Catholic - Page 2

Em_in_FL · #16 Oct 23, '06, 7:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValiantDomain

Thanks to all who have so far responded. There have been a lot of good replies here. I have been told before that this is a test of faith, and it's an answer which I, in the past, haven't much cared for simply because I never understood why I should be tested when I knew that I wished to become Catholic! But the story of Job teaches us much about life's difficulties, and I believe it is a story I've overlooked.

I also plan on speaking to the priest soon. I will keep after him.

Thanks again to those who have so far responded for all your kind words.

Think of it in this way...
Maybe it's not God that's keeping you from being Catholic...
Satan is real, and he does whatever is in his power in this broken world to keep us from Christ.
FIGHT for your right to be one with Christ in the Eucharist. Get pushy with that priest (in a nice way of course!

) and have him make special arrangements for you! Don't give up!

God bless! You WILL make a great Catholic!

Michael C · #17 Oct 23, '06, 9:56 am

i never realized how fortunate I was to have a monsignor that gave me private instruction according to my schedule. I may have had a similar experience if not for him.

inhisglory · #18 Oct 25, '06, 11:10 am

I too am sorry you've had to be put aside and I know that can lead to frustration when you want something so bad but are having to wait for the process. All of the these challenges before you allow us to strengthen our resolve. We must always remember is "thy will be done" and only at time will He see to you and your needs. Be patient in the Lord. I am sure that through everything that you have explained God will bring you through.

jonfan · #19 Oct 25, '06, 6:47 pm

Valiant,
I am sure by the time this is all through you are going to be a Catholic with a deeper appreciation of what the Eucharist is then some who have taken it for granted.

God bless,
Jon

decn2b · #20 Oct 25, '06, 6:57 pm

Valient part of the reason for you to be challenged in your faith..is the fact that you came here and told us your story. It was for me heartwarming and faith bolstering for me so I guess that you trials are for a reason, part of which is to bolster our faith as well. See you are being used by god for other Catholics right here and today> Thank you for coming to this board and sharing with me. It has made me a better person and Christian.

ValiantDomain · #21 Oct 25, '06, 7:20 pm

Thanks again to all. I plan on talking to my priest about my dilemma soon.

ValiantDomain · #22 Oct 26, '06, 9:10 am

I've been thinking a lot about this issue between last night and today and am starting to feel frustrated again...despite how much I try trusting in God.

Sometimes I want to give up and just become Episcopalian, but when I love the Church so much, I know I never could allow myself to do such. This is hard.

Pray for me.

vince2paul · #23 Oct 26, '06, 9:23 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ValiantDomain

I've been thinking a lot about this issue between last night and today and am starting to feel frustrated again...despite how much I try trusting in God.

Sometimes I want to give up and just become Episcopalian, but when I love the Church so much, I know I never could allow myself to do such. This is hard.

Pray for me.

I will pray for you. Don't give up, there is something good waiting for you at the end of this suffering. Btw, how about praying novena to St. Jude since tomorrow is his feast day.

blessedstar · #24 Oct 26, '06, 3:49 pm

Be patient, persevere and I will offer my Eucharist for you, your circumstances and your intentions.

ValiantDomain · #25 Oct 30, '06, 10:58 am

update

Well, it seems I'll get to attend RCIA sooner than expected! In fact, I should begin my first session this coming Wednesday night!

A lot has happened in the past few days, but I truly believe the Spirit is guiding me in making these pivotal decisions for my life. You see, one thing which I didn't mention in my original post was that I have been questioning whether or not an MBA is something I truly want to be cracking away at. While an MBA does not necessarily mean I'd get stuck doing business/office work for a living, it does seem that most MBA graduates wind up doing something along those lines. While my original intent for pursuing an MBA was for me to grab an executive position in a top corporation and make lots of money, I realize now that "making money" is the wrong reason to do anything. This is evidenced by the fact that my heart has not been into my studies. While I make As and Bs and am doing well in my studies, I attribute this more to the fact that the Lord has given me the smarts to tackle any obstacle I put my mind towards. And so, having said that, I'm pulling out while I can.

I took the advice and began making intercessional prayers to St. Jude, and I, of course, have been steeped in prayer concerning all of this, and sometime Saturday, it struck me (for the third and final time) that I'm unhappy pursuing this MBA and would rather be devoting my time and money elsewhere. I'm fairly certain that I've not reached the end of the road of education, and while I do see some advantages of completing the MBA, the road appears to be far too long and expensive for me to remain sane.

The more I pray on this matter, the more certain I feel - the more assured I am that the Spirit is guiding me.

Soon after realizing this fact, I also realized I could begin RCIA, which thoroughly delighted my soul! I've contacted the necessary people, and should be hearing back from them soon - but one nice lady was able to tell that I shouldn't have any difficulty beginning right away!

Thank you all for your prayers. I'll keep you updated on further developments!

blessedstar · #26 Oct 30, '06, 2:34 pm

That's wonderful, I am so very pleased for you.

Thank you Jesus and Mary.

Kevin42 · #27 Oct 30, '06, 2:39 pm

Glad to hear that you are starting RCIA soon! There's nothing better at making a day good than hearing someone else is coming home

! I'll also pray that you find what God is leading you to do as far as education and profession go. Peace be with you, and keep us updated on anything new going on!

Jlcastagna · #28 Oct 31, '06, 3:43 am

Valiant,
Great glad to hear the good news. Keep us posted and know we will gladly assist you with any problems you might encounter, just ask for help.

May God bless and protect us,
JLC

lumbeerunner · #29 Nov 11, '07, 2:07 pm

Valiant...

Your words and passion for the Church reminded me of myself just over 4 years ago. I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and over time I knew there was more...then I met my wife and she help me find my way "home." Please keep the desire and the passion...the Church needs it.

Now I am going to say something and I don't want you to take offense...because it was something I needed to hear 5 years ago.

It's not about you. At the beginning of your discourse you wrote about wanting to find a church where the beliefs "fit yours." While I understand your feeling I also think you need to realize the beliefs and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church were not invented to "fit" anyones belief...we were designed by God instead to "fit" into the Church's eternal truth. I know you weren't expressing arrogance by your statement but I would also warn you against a common ex-Protestant problem..."New Catholic snobbism." I know because I had this for a while and sometimes still do. I truly believes it comes from a desire to want other to see, experience, hear, smell, and taste all that our Loving Father has done for us...especially what is given to us through the Church. As a result, we tend to gain an "I'm a better Catholic than the next guy" mentality but I assure you I don't think it is of malicious intent. When you become a Catholic...and it will happen...pour your passionate heart into helping others (Catholics and non-Catholics alike) to learn about their faith. Get involved with RCIA and help make adjustments from "within." You have come home...and you are knocking on the door. God hears you...but he opens the door on His time...not our own. It can be frustrating, even maddening, but know that if you firmly believe what you believe then keep knocking. Attend mass and confront the Eucharist with longing in your heart. Don't take it as saying you are not good enough...as you have probably learned in your studies...Jesus established the church and the sacraments must follow the prescribed way...it was his will and that of his father.

Finally, I adamently agree with another post about the boundary rule being obsolete. There are many who still feel this is the case but it is not. I know this from experience. When I began attending RCIA I was in my last year of medical school. My schedule was inflexible at times so I had to set up two options for attending the necessary classes. On available Sundays I would drive 2 hours to a Parish where my future wife was living to attend classes after mass. I would then stay for the next mass and drive back (two more hours). Occasionally would make a local parish RCIA on Thursday nights. You may be encountering folks who are being dogmatic for the wrong (and misinformed reasons). But in the end...if you get "put off" again...don't sit out another round. As hard as it may seem...you may need to put off educational plans for a semester or two, make up the classes later. You said you need to finish Grad school...but truth be told, you need to become Catholic. School will be there on the other side.

You are an inspiring testament to the power of Christ in the modern day. God be with you.

Aaron

bpbasilphx · #30 Nov 12, '07, 1:05 pm

<<
My story is one of continually searching for the one faith and religion which gives me a sense of comfort, sustenance, etc. and one which fits my own faith and beliefs like a glove. >>

It's interesting how TRUTH doesn't fit into your spiritual search at all, merely your own preferences.

In other words, you want your tummy patted and your ears tickled.

1 Timotny 2:3-4

3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.