***emergency Intervention***

[Isaiah 53]

Funny story;

My wife recently made her final decision to rejoin the Church As some may know we were very active in our former protestant church, she was a sunday school teacher, nursery worker, choir member, and director of the childrens choir. I made my decision and left a while ago while she decided to stay a bit longer. When she made her decison public she fearlessly told all that she was going to the Catholic Church...

Then she was bombarded by members of our former church trying to convince her to stay; when she answered all their questions she asked if they would like to come by for dinner and talk with both of us...

I honestly believe they see her as 'weaker' in her conviction and are trying to change her mind so she can get to me!! They decided they would come over next week for an EMERGENCY INTERVENTION!!!!

Has this ever happened to any of you? Why is it that these people feel the need to "save" us from the evil Catholic Church, but often refuse to speak to unbelievers about their faith? I love the challenge but my wife is dreading the confrontation...any advice would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Both of you should go to Adoration together (even just sitting in front of the tabernacle) for an hour in the afternoon before the dinner-- Jesus will fill your hearts and minds with whatever graces you will need-- just go boldly to that Throne of Grace!!

I'll pray!!!

 

[Veritas]

Kimber might be of help. She got quite an earful from her former pastor. I haven't had this experience, but I'm sure it's difficult. The only thing I would say is that you need to set the ground rules up front and not let things get out of hand. Of course, pray in advance and always respond in love no matter how offensive and angry they might get. I'll keep you and your wife in my prayers.

 

[Axion]

People feel the need to believe they are on the right path. Seeing someone leave, and take a different path, threatens that. If you were falling away into a life of sin and debauchery they could tut-tut and rest assured that they remain on the right path, but if you are going on to become a Catholic, that is a threat. Getting you back, or at least convincing you not to join the Catholic Church is something that would help them to feel complacently "right" again.

I'm a bit worried about this "Emergency Intervention". It sounds a bit drastic. What do they intend - a friendly chat - or some sort of spiritual warfare? It sounds as though some form of strong group/emotional pressure may be intended. Perhaps you should speak with a Catholic priest about this proposed event, and seek his advice. Remember, you can always cancel, or have friends present to even up the odds.

 

[bigsierra]

I will be praying. It will be a challenge with a large group there.

Are you back home again?

 

[Spotty]

They decided they would come over next week for an EMERGENCY INTERVENTION!!!!

Are they actually calling it an Emergency Intervention!?! Because that frankly cracks me up!

But in all seriousness, don't expect to change the minds, even slightly of those who are attending. Come with facts, come with documentation and probable rebuttals to likely questions.

But most of all, come to encourage your wife, however you may do that. That's your most important job right now!!! Be sure to do it.

-Spotty

 

[thereselittleflower]

You and your wife are brave!

I second the suggestion of Adoration . .a must if at all possible!

Have a nice dinner, have nice calming music playing, make it nice and inviting, and just be yourselves. Smile a lot, be disarming, enchanting. Have lots of little breaks planned . . special snacks, that get brought out at different times so that she can take a break gracefully and without seeming to be running away even if she feels like it. . . Don't let people stay too long, pre-set limits and stick to them.

Give them food to chew on for a while . .

They are going to be uncomfortable too . . but you both know you are in the fulness of faith . . just relax, be yourselves, don't try to convince anyone of anything . . get them to question what they beleive . .

I have taken approaches like, "I know protestantism teaches Sola Scritpura, but after I looked for it in the bible, I realized I couldn't find it . . if you can show me where it clearly teaches sola scriptura, then please show me."

Then, when they bring up the scriptures you are probably already well prepared for, then ask . . "where does it say "scripture only" in that verse? Help me with this because I can find it there."

If they try to turn it away to something else, keep bringing back, emphasising that this is such a fundamental issue of faith that unless she can be shown conclusively that the bible really does teach this, why should she accept it?

Once they admit it is an assumption, then you can ask, why should we base our faith on an assumption?

Then if you have time, you can go into the historial facts for the Catholic faith in the Early Church . . . then you will have an audience!

When they see that they can't prove their own essential doctrine, you might get some to start thinking . . "hey, she has a point . . " and you know where that can eventually lead

Isaiah, I am so happy for both you and your wife . . what a coming home!

Please give her a for me and tell her not to sweat it!


Peace in Him!

 

[seebs]

... Wow. An intervention.

That's... Do they have ANY idea how insulting that is?

Here's my idea. See if you can come up with a couple of good, solid, atheist debaters. And invite them to dinner too. And let your guests decide which of these people they feel they most need to witness to.

You have my sympathies. What makes me feel sick here is that, while I personally love theological debate, it bothers me that people would inflict this on someone (your wife) who clearly doesn't want the confrontation.

Wouldn't it matter a little what she wants? Are these people really showing her any love, or are they just trying to turn her into a jewel in their crowns in heaven? Maybe they should work on the crowns before they start counting the jewels, huh.

 

[thereselittleflower]

... Wow. An intervention.

That's... Do they have ANY idea how insulting that is?

Here's my idea. See if you can come up with a couple of good, solid, atheist debaters. And invite them to dinner too. And let your guests decide which of these people they feel they most need to witness to.

RFLOL!!

Seebs, I had to read your post twice to make sure I was reading you right!!

What a GREAT suggestion!!

If I could get the reputation thingy to work for me, I woud be sending a good number your way!



Peace in Him!

 

[Carlos Vigil]

Funny story;
... They decided they would come over next week for an EMERGENCY INTERVENTION!!!!

Has this ever happened to any of you? Why is it that these people feel the need to "save" us from the evil Catholic Church, but often refuse to speak to unbelievers about their faith? I love the challenge but my wife is dreading the confrontation...any advice would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance!

I second the "Adoration together"...and after that , relax, enjoy, Be open to whatever The Holy Spirit may prompt in your heart......
and receive them as if you were "third graders " receiving friends from an old neighborhood....

You are in my
"We lift up our hearts to The Lord... "

Carlos

 

[Maggie893]

Here's my suggestion:

Shortly after I returned to the Church I bought a beautiful Pieta statue. Ever since I placed that in my home, anyone who has no problem confronting me outside these walls, seems to be silenced inside them when they see that statue. Mary has a way of throwing them off balance. The Pieta says so much about Love.

You also have a new and very powerful tool in your "acceptable" arsenal now as well that your wife can take comfort in.....Call on the Saints!

Trust me if you put the Litany of the Saints to good use I can guarantee you will both feel peace and your old church friends will not be able to stand before the power of Mary, Michael, Peter, Paul, ..... add in all your favorites as well. I call on the Saints constantly and they never fail me!

I will be praying for you as well!

Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Mother of God. Pray for us. Saint Michael, Pray for us. Holy angels of God, Pray for us. Saint Joseph, Pray for us. Saint John the Baptist, Pray for us. Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Pray for us. Saint Andrew, Pray for us. Saint John, Pray for us. Saint Mary Magdalene, Pray for us. Saint Stephen, Pray for us. Saint Ignatius, Pray for us. Saint Lawrence, Pray for us. Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity, Pray for us. Saint Agnes, Pray for us. Saint Gregory, Pray for us. Saint Augustine, Pray for us. Saint Athanasius, Pray for us. Saint Basil, Pray for us. Saint Martin, Pray for us. Saint Benedict, Pray for us. Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, Pray for us. Saint Francis Xavier, Pray for us. Saint John Vianney, Pray for us. Saint Catherine, Pray for us. Saint Theresa, Pray for us. All you saints of God, Pray for us.

Lord, be merciful, Lord, save us. From all harm, Lord, save us. From every sin, Lord, save us. From all temptations, Lord, save us. From everlasting death, Lord, save us. By Your coming among us, Lord, save us. By Your death and rising to new life, Lord, save us. By Your gift of the Holy Spirit, Lord, save us.

Be merciful to us sinners, Lord, hear our prayer. Guide and protect Your Holy Church, Lord, hear our prayer. Keep our Pope and all the clergy in faithful service to Your Church. Lord, hear our prayer. Bring all people together in trust and peace. Lord, hear our prayer. Strengthen us in Your service. Lord, hear our prayer.

Amen.

 

[Benedicta00]

Are they actually calling it an Emergency Intervention!?! Because that frankly cracks me up!

But in all seriousness, don't expect to change the minds, even slightly of those who are attending. Come with facts, come with documentation and probable rebuttals to likely questions.

But most of all, come to encourage your wife, however you may do that. That's your most important job right now!!! Be sure to do it.

-Spotty

It makes me laugh to because if you can’t lose your salvation then what is the hurray, where's the emergency?

 

[Abba]

It makes me laugh to because if you can’t lose your salvation then what is the hurray, where's the emergency?

You should tell them that, that they shouldnt be worried because she cant lose her salvation!

 

[Thursday]

Its funny how so many Protestants will say its fine and dandy to go from a Baptist church to non-denom to Presbyterian to Reformed Evangelical to "wherever the Lord is leading you" .... then you say you are called to the Catholic Church, and all of a sudden thats not acceptable....
Isaiah I think you should invite all of OBOB over to "moderate" this meeting

 

[Thursday]

It makes me laugh to because if you can’t lose your salvation then what is the hurry, where's the emergency?

Thats too funny!

 

[CHECK MY PROFILE]

The Catholic Church is the Church.

 

[geocajun]

Well, great news about your wife coming home to the Catholic Church!!! Thanks be to God!

Also, I really like seebs suggestion about inviting some atheists over, just to watch this in action.. maybe even some Jewish friends if you have any
If you cannot do that, then just smile at them, nod your head, and tell them that God called you to a deeper communion with Him through the Catholic Church. Keep the theme that you are doing God's will, following Him above all else.

 

[Carrye]

I agree with Geo and Therese. You will likely not convince them of the truth of your beliefs, as these are the questions of the ages. You will show them much more through your Christian charity than through your Catholic apologetics. But I know I'm preaching to the choir, Isaiah!

God bless you and your wife.

 

[ZiSunka]

I don't see anything wrong with a church sitting down to talk to people who have long been active in their congregation to discuss why they are leaving and what would make them stay. I wish more churches, of all persuasions would do this. Most of the time churches act like they are thinking, "so leave already."

When I left the catholic church, they held a special mass and sent two married couples to tell me how I was dooming my soul to leave because I was rejecting the one true church. How is that any different than what these folks are doing??

 

[geocajun]

I don't see anything wrong with a church sitting down to talk to people who have long been active in their congregation to discuss why they are leaving and what would make them stay. I wish more churches, of all persuasions would do this. Most of the time churches act like they are thinking, "so leave already."

When I left the catholic church, they held a special mass and sent two married couples to tell me how I was dooming my soul to leave because I was rejecting the one true church. How is that any different than what these folks are doing??

so you are happy with your experience?

also, fwiw your experience was very extraordinary.