Do I belong here?

[katesmom]

A little about myself:

I was baptized in the Catholic church when I was 5 mo old, so I guess that considers me a Catholic? I only have 2 of the 7 Catholic sacraments. I married in the Catholic Church two years ago. We baptized our 6 mo old daughter in the Catholic Church too.

I never really attended the Catholic church except for weddings, funerals, and ocassionaly at Christmas & Easter. When we were children, we werent expected to go to Church. I think this happened because my mother went to a Catholic school thru 8th grade. I think she just got burnt out? Thats just my thoughts.

I understand that the sacraments are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. I also understand that tradition tells us that all of the sacraments were instituted by Christ. Each has a real foundation in the life and ministry of Jesus.

I just feel like I dont fit in at the Catholic Church. Im 30 and Ive never been confirmed. I started the RCIA program in Fall 03, but quit when I found out I was pregnant. I know strange reason, but I would not have been able to participate in First Communion because I delivered at that time.

Can someone enlighten me. I want to figure this out soon. I want my daughter to be raised in a strong Christian household. I want to feel confident in my decisions.

 

[Y_Cathol]

Look... You are always welcome in the Catholic Church... My suggestion is finish RCIA, Go to Confession, Receive Holy Communion, and start attending Holy Mass Regularly... The Holy Catholic Church is a wonderful Church... and a Church Open to ALL.

Peace be with you!

 

[Dream]

First of all: do you belong here? Absolutely. There are a ton of very knowledgeable people here that can answer and help you with pretty much all of your religious questions/problems. If you mean do you belong in the Catholic Church, then once again the answer is absolutely.

It's clear to me that you really do have faith in the Catholic Church, but for whatever reason you are hesitant to fully embrace it. There are a lot of people like you that are 30 years old but not confirmed. There are actually quite a few people on this forum that are in the RCIA. You are not alone when it comes to this.

My advice to you is give the RCIA another chance. From what I read, you didn't seem very enthused over it. Maybe try going to a different church. (That's the great thing about being Catholic, there are Catholic Churches everywhere ).

You do have faith, and that is a huge step. It's something that I don't really have yet. So take advantage of your resources. Go to the RCIA and recieve as many sacraments as you can.

Jesus is waiting for you to make the next step.

 

[Miss Shelby]

time.

Can someone enlighten me. I want to figure this out soon. I want my daughter to be raised in a strong Christian household. I want to feel confident in my decisions.

Yes you belong here.

As far as figuring it out soon, give yourself time. Ask questions as they come to you and just hang with us. And pray, ask God to answer your questions. It will all fall into place.

Welcome.

Michelle

 

[geocajun]

Katesmom,
I really think you should re-enroll in RCIA and you should receive Communion and Confirmation.
The reason you do not feel like you belong, is that you have not completed your indoctrination and entrance into the mysteries of our ancient Church.

Everything will work out OK, no need to worry, and you are always welcome here
Jesus founded the Catholic Church has a universal Church, that is, its for everyone (Saints and sinners).

 

[Ampmonster]

welcome to OBOB Katesmom!

 

[katesmom]

Thank you for your replies. I called my church and am going to re-enroll in RCIA. I am going to have to wait until next fall 2005.

I watched Passion of the Christ last night. I am moved! I have read the gospels before, but never really embraced them. Watching this film has forever changed me.

Initially I was going to leave the Catholic church because I felt like the sacraments were "things I HAD TO DO" so to speak. I now understand that they are necessary for me to grow as a Christian. I am eager to participate in the sacraments now. I truely feel that I have a new understanding about this! Thanks again for your prompt replies. This is the first board that I have felt like everyone cares for one another. Its so nice to be here

 

[Skripper]

Katesmom,

Your story parallels mine to a large degree. If you don't belong . . . I don't belong. And I know I belong.

 

[geocajun]

Thank you for your replies. I called my church and am going to re-enroll in RCIA. I am going to have to wait until next fall 2005.

Katesmom, I would call a few other catholic churches near you, and see if they can get you in this year for RCIA.
Also, you can call your church back, and see if its possible to do a few 1-on-1 sessions with your pastor to make up for lost time so you can start this year.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Welcome katesmom!

 

[ZooMom]

Welcome, Katesmom. You are getting some very good advice here. Make sure that the parish you are trying to enroll in knows all of your circumstances. It should not be too late for you this year. You will be in my prayers.


Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[Aaron-Aggie]

Welcome

 

[thereselittleflower]

Welcome katesmom!

I add my voice to all those here . .. . you belong, most definitely!


Another thing to consider is calling your diocese and finding out if they can help you get into an RCIA class this year so you can receive communion this Easter Vigil service.

I and my family came in this last year. I was raised Eastern Orthodox, and when I spoke to the priest of ths Church I had been attending adoration at, he wanted me to wait and go through RCIA . . . . I had also called the Archdiocese and when they got back to me, they informed me that didn't have to wait, that I was considered a lapsed EO and could be admitted to the Catholic Church right then. The woman I spoke with told me she was more than happy to call my priest and help work it out with him.

By that point, I had made the decision to wait and go through the RCIA process anyway, so I didn't take her up on her offer.


So, if I were in your situation, and I wanted to explore the possibility of formally embracing the Catholic faith this Easter Vigil, I would give them a call and see what they say . . .


The other thing is even though you may decide to wait until next years cycle to formally embrace the Church, I would still ask about at least sitting in on RCIA now . . there is something about the process which is very helpful.

And, regardless of any of the above, I hope you will stick around and fellowship with us! Ask any questions you have. There ae so many here who are so knowledgable about the Catholic faith who can help you!


Welcome!


Peace in Him!

 

[Carrye]

Jesus founded the Catholic Church has a universal Church, that is, its for everyone (Saints and sinners).

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost (1 Tim 1:15).

You are most certainly welcome here on OBOB and in God's Holy Catholic Church. May the Lord richly bless your journey, Katesmom!

 

[Cat59]

Katesmom:
I can only add to what everyone has said, all are most welcome here and belong here and it's great to have you with us
and for you
Cat

 

[Michelina]

WELCOME, Katesmom!

You are a Catholic and will be becoming more Catholic every day. It will take time to digest more and more Catholic culture and imbibe more and more of the Catholic spirit and feel or things. But it is all yours already. It's your 'birthright', your heritage and your property.

Come and fellowship with us here at OBOB. We have a lot of fun and we learn a lot from one another. It's a place to vent, to joke around, to get advice and give advice, to share, and to relax with a bunch of nutty people (myself excluded, I am the only really sane person in OBOB).

 

[ZooMom]

...and to relax with a bunch of nutty people (myself excluded, I am the only really sane person in OBOB).

Oooooooo....yer gonna hafta confess thaaaaaaaaat!




*Zoomom sidles away from Michelina while watching the sky for lighting bolts...

 

[Carrye]

Oooooooo....yer gonna hafta confess thaaaaaaaaat!

LOL!

*Zoomom sidles away from Michelina while watching the sky for lighting bolts...

*Carrie does the same.

 

[Miss Shelby]

Do you guys know how to avoid lightening bolts? (serious question).

 

[ZooMom]

Do you guys know how to avoid lightening bolts? (serious question).

Ok, I know you said serious, but I just can't come up with anything except don't go out with your tin foil beanie on. I have heard that a car is the safest place during a lightening storm because of the rubber tires acting as 'grounders' or something?