a good Catholic??

[RedTulipMom]

Hi brothers and sisters,
How do you be a good Cathoic?? What kinds of things would you suggest?? I grew up Catholic but spent 12 years in various Protestant churches. Even though my dh and i came back to the Catholic church a yr and 9 mos ago i feel like i am not really being a good Catholic. Part of me still has the Protestant mindset. Part of me just doesnt know what to do or how to do it. I feel lost. I have been doubting my beliefs and faith lately. I just got my baby baptized in the Catholic church on Sunday and am very happy about that but i guess i miss the fellowship i had at the Protestant churches, bible study, 2 hour long sermons that spiritually filled me and told me how to live a good Christian life. Not that i could ever go back there again, it would be intellectual and mental suicide, i know too much now about the errors. So i feel blah!!! How do i start being CAtholic again??? should i start praying the rosary, get some Catholic medals and statues in my house? Go to confession weekly?? I just don't know!! I don't know if i am even making sense or not! Sorry. Please pray for me! thanks.
karen

 

[RedTulipMom]

ok..i have more to add now that i am thinking about it. I feel like a Protestant who belongs to the Catholic church! Does that make sense?? I read my bible and pray..just like I always did..but thats mostly it!! Although i have spent some time reading the Catechism, which i really love and get a lot out of. My mind set is still so "Protestantized". I am still thinking bible study is all i need..lol. My Catholic friends go to adoration and confession all the time, some go to daily Mass. They have statues and pictures of saints in their homes. Or Holy Water at their doorway. if you walk into my house i do have a medium sized Crucifix on the entrance wall. And i do have a picture of Jesus with all the little children on my living room wall...besides that..no signs of me being Catholic. Why am i so concerned about this all of a sudden. Am i just being silly?

karen

 

[Dream]

ok..i have more to add now that i am thinking about it. I feel like a Protestant who belongs to the Catholic church! Does that make sense?? I read my bible and pray..just like I always did..but thats mostly it!! Although i have spent some time reading the Catechism, which i really love and get a lot out of. My mind set is still so "Protestantized". I am still thinking bible study is all i need..lol. My Catholic friends go to adoration and confession all the time, some go to daily Mass. They have statues and pictures of saints in their homes. Or Holy Water at their doorway. if you walk into my house i do have a medium sized Crucifix on the entrance wall. And i do have a picture of Jesus with all the little children on my living room wall...besides that..no signs of me being Catholic. Why am i so concerned about this all of a sudden. Am i just being silly?

karen

Being Catholic isn't about the number of Catholic items that you have in your house.

Karen, all I can recommend is to continue to educate yourself. Continue reading all that you can and go to Mass as often as possible. The more that you learn, the more you'll learn to accept Jesus Christ and His Church.

 

[Mystery5]

Yes, I think the things you mention are very good ideas. They are part of the plethora of tools the Church has given us. There are so many things available to us as Catholics. It's much more contemplative than the Protestant sects.

Maybe work into it gradually, and find what helps you most. Try saying the Rosary and getting more and more comfortable with it. Also, read some books written by saints. Talk about powerful inspiration! They aren't just a preacher with a gift for giving sermons, but they are outstanding Saints who are proven entities, canonized by the Church!

Try starting to examine your concience regularly and going to confession. You don't have to go every week, but start making a habit of it. It's really a great tool for self improvement! It gives graces and helps your humility! It's a great practise!

Also, if you can, try making it to mid-week Mass. It really gives you a boost and makes the Eucharist more a part of you daily life.

 

[RedTulipMom]

any suggestions on good books of the saints to read..not a bad idea. And i really should try to go to mass more often and confession too. We have an adoration chapel one parish over that is open 9am to 9pm. Its kinda hard to get out though cuz i have a 7 mos old baby. But i guess i just need to start acting Catholic..its hard to remember how..last time i was Catholic i was 20 years old..i only know my childhood Catholic faith. I want to put my all into following Christ within his church and gaining the graces available to me. I feel like i am lost in some ways. Like i need to be deprogrammed.
thanks for the replies.
karen

 

[ZooMom]

Karen, 'looking' Catholic is not the same as 'being' Catholic. Having the symbols and visual reminders of your faith around you is fine, but it's not essential. What is essential is simply living your faith. I think you already know how to do that. I'll be praying for you. God bless and keep you!


Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[Mystery5]

Dear Karen,

I think time will be your friend in this. Some of these things are cultural and take time to acclimate to. I converted 12 years ago. I was never involved in Protestant sects, but had to simply get used to being religious at all. Going the church seemed like a chore, I had no habits of prayer, etc. I was rather lukewarm until a couple of years ago when a series of amazing events thrust me into a more devout life and closer relationship with our Lord.

You have the advantage of having been close to God already. There's no reason why you can't keep up with the practises that you already have, but the Catholic Church has so much more! It's richer in devotional tools to suit every temperment.

The saint I've gotten into is St Theresa of Avila. I have a contemplative bent, so she suits me. Maybe some others will have some good suggestions...

 

[Truth and Reconciliation]

Karen,

I feel the same way - a Protestant but with very strong leanings to Catholicism. I believe that reading the Bible is essential for every Christian - Protestant and Catholic alike. It's God's Word. I'm sure you can still go to Bible studies and even contemporary praise and worship if your parish offers it. (When I attended Catholic high school, we had "dancing nuns" with their guitars and just led the entire crowd in contemporary praise and worship. It wasn't during church, but it made me feel as if I was in a Protestant church.)

As mentioned before, acting Catholic is not living a Catholic life. Being any Christian is to bring honor to God and completely surrender to Him (live by faith and not by sight) and doesn't lie within how many times you adore the Sacred Heart or the Holy Eucharist. But do go to Mass and see if you can talk to your parish priest. I'd do that if I ever take my seat in the True and Apostolic Church.

Pax Dei,

Vincent

 

[RedTulipMom]

Karen, 'looking' Catholic is not the same as 'being' Catholic. Having the symbols and visual reminders of your faith around you is fine, but it's not essential. What is essential is simply living your faith. I think you already know how to do that. I'll be praying for you. God bless and keep you!

Sandy,
I guess thats the problem..i am not sure how to do that within a Catholic mindset! I do understand what your saying totally. i don't want to look CAtholic..i want to BE Catholic and am havin a hard time figuring out HOW. Maybe i am caught up too much in the externals..i don't know. Because there are so many different things available in the CAtholic church that werent available to me in the Protestant churches..i can't figure out how to make use of those things though. Where to start?? Its so overwhelming! i want to be wholly devoted to God and i can't even seem to take the first step back into his presence. I used to be soooo close to him!! Now i feel so distant in alot of ways.

karen

 

[Truth and Reconciliation]

Karen,

Just say a prayer of your own making to God and declaring that you want His presence. Declare that you want to know Him more. Just let yourself go and praise Him for all He is. I will pray for you.

Draw closer to God and He will draw closer to you.

Pax Dei,

Vincent

 

[Mystery5]

Dear Karen,

For one thing, the Protestant churches do a better job at fellowship. But, unfortunately it sometimes blurs the line between it being a social club and worshiping God.

Secondly, if you've been pregnant and have a new baby, your life has radically changed in the past 2 years anyways. You've been totally absorbed in this new experience, hormone changes, and maybe a touch of post-partum depression.

It's utterly life-changing to have a baby. It's stressful and rather isolating in many ways. You are dealing with sleep deprivation and being responsible for a totally demanding little self-absorbed being.

Just a few thoughts...

 

[ZooMom]

Well, think about what differentiates the Catholic Church from protestant churches. The whole heirarchy, Magesterium, history, and all that, sure. But as far as day to day living, it's the Sacraments and the Communion of Saints. We are given these incredible avenues of Grace to enrich and enhance our relationship with God. Acts of charity, service, and prayer are not new to you, but these things are still. It sounds as if you are overwhelming yourself with the sheer volume of the richness of your faith. You don't have to do *everything*.

First, the Sacraments. Immerse yourself in them. You have already begun if you are going to Mass every week, meeting Christ in the Eucharist. Focus on Him. Try to go to Adoration. Just set one day for it, don't try to put yourself on a schedule for going right away. Just pick one day soon, and go.

Try to go to Confession more often than you have your oil changed in your car. Soul maintenence is much more vital, and more often neglected.

Pick a prayer devotion and make it a daily routine. The Rosary is an incredible meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord. Meditative prayer is also an excellent way to *discipline*, or train, your mind to prayer. It is a powerful tool for bringing us closer to God.

Most importantly, be at peace! You are doing fine. Just your obvious desire to draw closer to God, and please Him, is so lovely and perfect. He knows what's in your heart.


Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[tjboie2001]

My thought on how to be a good Catholic. JUst believe in yourself and have Faith. And I know that I am a fine one to talk.

 

[RedTulipMom]

I feel soo much better! I feel like a big weight is being lifted off me. I am feeling clarity i havent felt!! I thank you all soooo much for praying for me and encouraging me! I see the light!
karen

 

[tjboie2001]

I feel soo much better! I feel like a big weight is being lifted off me. I am feeling clarity i havent felt!! I thank you all soooo much for praying for me and encouraging me! I see the light!
karen

You are welcome.

 

[RedTulipMom]

It sounds as if you are overwhelming yourself with the sheer volume of the richness of your faith. You don't have to do *everything*.

First, the Sacraments. Immerse yourself in them. You have already begun if you are going to Mass every week, meeting Christ in the Eucharist. Focus on Him. Try to go to Adoration. Just set one day for it, don't try to put yourself on a schedule for going right away. Just pick one day soon, and go.

Try to go to Confession more often than you have your oil changed in your car. Soul maintenence is much more vital, and more often neglected.

Pick a prayer devotion and make it a daily routine. The Rosary is an incredible meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord. Meditative prayer is also an excellent way to *discipline*, or train, your mind to prayer. It is a powerful tool for bringing us closer to God.

Most importantly, be at peace! You are doing fine. Just your obvious desire to draw closer to God, and please Him, is so lovely and perfect. He knows what's in your heart.

You are so right! One of the things that i will admit to which is a big problem is that i havent been going to mass every week. I say i came back to the Catholic church a year and nine months ago but in a way thats not completely true and i was finally able to admit that to myself last night! I left the Protestant church a year and nine months ago and i have CALLED myself Catholic since then...but i havent done the things i should have been doing. I've barely made it to mass. I went to confession when i first "came back" and then haven't gone since. About the only Catholic thing i have been doing is reading the Catechism. I am spiritually dry right now...hungering for some spiritual food. I am committed to going to mass this weekend! I need to start taking some baby steps..1) by committing to attend Mass EVERY week 2) by saying a rosary sometime this next week 3) by gettting to the adoration chapel sometime in the next week. 4) by getting to confession this week. Those are the 4 things i feel convicted to commit to! They are steps TOWARDS starting to live my Catholic faith. Theres lots more i want to DO and need to CHANGE, but for now i need to put my 2 feet forward and start somewhere! I need a clean slate to start with and until i get to confession ..i don't have one!! No point in putting new wine into old wineskins. I am gonna try my best to get to confession today since i know my church is open for confession on Saturdays. Pray that i can make it there even though we had a massive snow storm last night!! Thanks.
karen

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Karen-- go to Mass as often as you can, go to Adoration and confession on a regular basis. A 7 month old can just go with you! You needn't stay long at Adoration- you don't even need to do anything while your there except sit and listen and look at and adore our Lord... much like parents do every now and then when their children have fallen asleep. I have 4 children- 7, 4, 2, and 1 month old- and I have developed the habit of daily Mass, weekly Adoration and confession... that's not to say that's what you should do, but merely to demonstrate that when we give even a small "Yes!" to God-- He provides the grace to work wonders in our lives.

I wish I could talk more stay at home mom's into going to daily Mass- think how that would change the world if all stay at home parents went and took their children to Mass every day.

I also recommend a great magazine called Faith and Family-- it's a great place to get ideas! Here's the link: www.faithandfamilymag.com

 

[Carrye]

I guess thats the problem..i am not sure how to do that within a Catholic mindset! I do understand what your saying totally. i don't want to look CAtholic..i want to BE Catholic and am havin a hard time figuring out HOW. Maybe i am caught up too much in the externals..i don't know. Because there are so many different things available in the CAtholic church that werent available to me in the Protestant churches..i can't figure out how to make use of those things though. Where to start?? Its so overwhelming!

Sandy's right Karen, looking Catholic is not the same as being Catholic. And yet I would that trying to look Catholic (if you're not doing it to be prideful) will help you to be Catholic. Aristotle says that "action follows being", and he's absolutely right. But in certain cases, the converse is also true.

Aristotle's also big on habits. And you build a habit by doing it time after time. So start using those "Catholic things". Begin with one. Few people are able to use all of the resources available to them. As you said, where to begin? Start small, and be faithful to what you choose.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Peace be with you Karen!
I am so happy that you are reaching out to us here and telling us about this.
Have you contacted your Parish ooffice to inquire about what Bible study classes they might have? Most likely they will also have a Womens League, Legion of Mary, etc that you can become involved with, as well as many family programs that you and your husband can participate in together.
I know it can be a hard adjustment from going to a "open group" to a more "meek" style, it can be a different mindset, but please don't mistake that for lack of fellowship.
Even is your particular Parish doesn't have some of these groups, they can direct you to women who are in charge of them in your area! If your Parish is newer, and they don't have one, might I suggest that you think about starting one yourself? You could talk to your Priest about announcing this to the congregation, he can ask for volunteers to help you out... You might just be surprised
Might I also suggest that you read up on the lives of the Saints? They are such a great inspiration of how to lead a good life, and they truly do bring you closer to the Lord!
I will keep you in my prayers as well.

 

[Victrixa]

Hi karenmarie

Wow, your story resembles mine. As a matter of fact, your posts look like posts I would have written (except for having a baby)!

I was brought up Catholic, then, at 17, became Protestant and was Protestant for 15 years before reverting back to the Catholic Church. I was lead by the Holy Spirit back to the Church.

It's been a wonderful, yet, not so easy return. I too, had that Protestant mindset clinging to me. I still have some of that mindset but it's slowly converting to the Catholic (apostolic) mindset. I felt like a Protestant in the Catholic Church. I have doubted the faith during the last 4 1/2 years too. Been tested and tried and tempted to go back to Protestantism.

I tend to be radical (was a Protestant Evangelical Fundamentalist) and think I will always be. The Catholics around here aren't so radical, or not enough. With me, it's all of nothing.

Now I feel called to apologetics. I know I have firmness in my character to defend the Catholic faith, as I had to defend Christianity as a Fundamentalist.

I still am working on attending Mass more often. I still have to get used to get myself to adoration and to do my daily/weekly devotions. And confession is another story.

Being Catholic is hard. So much harder than being a Protestant. It demands strict discipline. If you read Church history you will notice how being a Christian was not easy. There was no Once Saved Always Saved doctrine. There was the Liturgy of the Hours every three hours, i.e. at midnight, at 3 A.M., at 6 A.M., at 9 A.M., at noon, at 3 P.M., at 6 P.M., at 9 P.M. etc.

Sticking to devotions demands much discipline and I am not disciplined in my nature!

Ask the Lord to lead you. He may ask you to choose a specific devotion (i.e. devotion to the Sacred Heart), to pray a daily Rosary, to pray the Angelus, to do your morning, noon and evening prayers, to sign yourself with Holy Water throughout the day, to go to Mass during the week, to ask the intercession of a certain saint, etc. Ask the Lord what He wants and He'll show you.

I was very confused and now, after a 4 1/2 year reversion, I am just getting used to the Catholic way of life. It takes time. It takes prayer and seeking God's face.

As for fellowship, that was quite an issue for me as I feel much lonelier as a Catholic then I did as a Protestant. But God is leading me, slowly but surely, towards Catholic brothers and sisters. There's a reason why it's taking so long.

Don't worry, just let the Lord guide you and you'll be fine!

Dominus vobiscum.