Well..........

Tawny · Feb 25, 2005

I took a step today, I decided in my lunch hour to go into the Catholic church up town. I went in and sat down and started to pray. I was all alone in the church and it is amazing how it muffles the sound from outside completely.

I sat and prayed fro guidance as to which path to follow, and I am still so confused. I think it will take many more lunchtimes in the church until I find my answer.

This is the first time I have been inside any sort of church for 3 years and it was a very peaceful feeling I can tell you that.

Will keep you posted.

Another question for you. What are the candles for that people seem to have lit for?

Thanks again for your help and your prayers.

Nicky

Jesus'TroublesomeAngel · Feb 25, 2005

They're votive candles. At my church people have to make a coin donation for them and they are just switched on like a like-there are no facilities to actually light a candle.

They're a nice tradition. The candles at my church are right near the beautiful statues and Mother of Perpetual Help icon.

The St Joseph statue is right there and he looks almost human.

Miss Shelby · Feb 25, 2005

tawny said:
Another question for you. What are the candles for that people seem to have lit for?

Light is the symbol of Christ, it penetrates the darkness, therefore is a fitting symbol of God. There is also mention in revelation about the symbolism of prayers going up to Heaven, but someone else will have to help you out with that, as I cannot place it right now.

Michelle

Tawny · Feb 25, 2005

Thre was a statue behind the candles at St Josephs too, and HUGE crucifix in the middle of the church and a smallert one at the front.

Benedicta00 · Feb 25, 2005

We light a candle as a symbol of our hope. We say a prayer and light a candle and we never give up hope. As Michelle said, the candle is the light of Christ who is our only hope and who dispels all of the darkness in this dark world we live in.

It's a sign of hope.

DrBubbaLove · Feb 25, 2005

The candles, the incense, the pictures, the windows, those statues, all invoke our senses so that when we pray or worship, it helps bring all that we are into the experience. It can help people focus on why they came to the Church on that particular visit. Lighting a candle should become, with habit, a way of signaling the entire body that it is time to pray. Our minds are amazing and we have a tendency to form habits. It also tends to drift easily, so these things help us stay focused.

Watch an athlete prepare him or herself for a task. You will see them do things that have nothing to do with what they are about to, but they do it every time. It allows them to develop a habit that helps them focus mind and body for the task at hand. Very similar idea with lighting a candle and/or incense while focusing your mind, in many cases done while gazing on a depiction of Saint, the Blessed Mother or Jesus. These acts help one focus on the task at hand, prayer.

As to your path, may the Spirit guide you on your way and the light of the Church provide some illumination of that path. Remember all Christians are on the same path. Our Church believes it is a journey, one that is not over until this life is done. So much of what we do in our Church is designed to help one stay on that path to the end. The question really becomes which Church will best keep you on it. For a person already a Christian that is very personal evaluation and one that should not be taken lightly. For most of us, feelings often are not the best indicator for direction in our life. Most of us are often never 100% certain or at least do not consider what might be behind those feelings. So best not to act on them very often.

To be sure there is comfort in knowing one is on the right path, the one eventually leading to heaven. But that does not mean one automatically has all the answers or that life then becomes a bed of roses. Unfortunately bad things happen and often to good people. That is when those feelings we get can mislead us most. No matter what, we can take comfort in knowing that if we stay headed on this path we are on, this life and all it's troubles is so short, and literally nothing compared to what is an eternity in heaven and what has been prepared for us there.

Paul S · Feb 25, 2005

Another reason for the candles is that it symbolises our prayers remaining in the Church before God, even after we've physically left.

JeffreyLloyd · Feb 25, 2005

Thanks for keeping us updated tawny!

Filia Mariae · Feb 25, 2005

Thanks for the update Tawny. You're in my prayers. :prayer:

Carrye · Feb 25, 2005

Keep searching Tawny. And be confident in the fact that He knows exactly where you are - He keeps all of His little ones in His sight.

Preachers12 · Feb 25, 2005

tawny said:
I took a step today, I decided in my lunch hour to go into the Catholic church up town. I went in and sat down and started to pray. I was all alone in the church and it is amazing how it muffles the sound from outside completely.

I sat and prayed fro guidance as to which path to follow, and I am still so confused. I think it will take many more lunchtimes in the church until I find my answer.

This is the first time I have been inside any sort of church for 3 years and it was a very peaceful feeling I can tell you that.

Will keep you posted.

Another question for you. What are the candles for that people seem to have lit for?

Thanks again for your help and your prayers.

Nicky

Tawny, God give you Peace.

I don't get here often anymore, but when I drop in and see in action the loving call of our Father as He is calling you, my heart leaps for joy. You bless us all.

Peace and grace to you,
P12

Cat59 · Feb 26, 2005

This is the first time I have been inside any sort of church for 3 years and it was a very peaceful feeling I can tell you that.

It's a wonderful feeling.
Praying for you too, Nicky as you search for your answer.
Cat

ukok · Feb 26, 2005

I'm so pleased for you that you felt the peace of Our Lord when in His presence in Church. May this long continue as you 'listen' with your heart, as the Lord 'speaks' to you and leads you in to a deeper and more spiritually enriching relationship with Him.

God Bless.

nyj · Feb 27, 2005

Paul S said:
Another reason for the candles is that it symbolises our prayers remaining in the Church before God, even after we've physically left.

Exactly.

For me, this also serves as a reminder that the consequences of my actions remain long after I committed them. Lord have mercy.

KennySe · Feb 27, 2005

tawny said:
...it was a very peaceful feeling I can tell you that.

Amen.

Rest in the Lord.

Tawny · Feb 28, 2005

I will keep you updated, I am quite enjoying this curiosity, Thats why I say above I am searching but happy.

Another question for you..... What is Catechism?

Filia Mariae · Feb 28, 2005

tawny said:
I will keep you updated, I am quite enjoying this curiosity, Thats why I say above I am searching but happy.

Another question for you..... What is Catechism?

The catechism is a book that clearly lays out basic Catholic beliefs. You can browse it online here:

http://www.scborromeo.org/index2.htm

Tawny · Feb 28, 2005

Thankyou

Well..........

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