need prayers finding a church (political triggers inside)

[Florian7051]

Glad it went well.

The Hallow app is good. I don't use it myself but it seems a smart way to go.

If you cannot get it for some reason they can do a 'conditional baptism' just to cover for it. sort of 'accepting your original baptism if only you had proof of it' while covering the possibility that it never actually happened as everybody remembered. Hopefully the baptismal certificate will turn up.

It's a long slow process, but it does cover a lot of things, and give you plenty of opportunity to consider whether this is for you.

We did make it complicated, didn't we.

I hope they did explain that at communion time you can go up and get a blessing. Pick a line with a priest or a deacon because they can actually give the blessing. You CAN switch lines. Walk up with your arms crossed over your chests so they know you are seeking a blessing and not yet seeking the Eucharist. They bless you. That's it.

They explained that I could, but preferred if I didn't. They also said I was encouraged to take part in confession prior to converting which is the opposite of what I thought but it's very possible I misunderstood my battalion chaplain when it was explained to me many years ago. I didn't think to ask if I should start confession immediately or if I'm supposed to wait for 1 of these 2 sets of classes, but I can always ask again when we go for our tour of the grounds or just send an email.

 

[chevyontheriver]

They explained that I could, but preferred if I didn't.

OK. Many places encourage it. Not receiving communion before you are in full communion, but just going up for a blessing.

They also said I was encouraged to take part in confession prior to converting which is the opposite of what I thought but it's very possible I misunderstood my battalion chaplain when it was explained to me many years ago. I didn't think to ask if I should start confession immediately or if I'm supposed to wait for 1 of these 2 sets of classes, but I can always ask again when we go for our tour of the grounds or just send an email.

As I understand it you can go meet with a priest in what to all outward appearances would otherwise be called a confession. Just explain that you are on the road to becoming Catholic. It wouldn't be sacramental confession but the priest could guide you through what is called a perfect act of contrition. At least that's how I understand it.

 

[Chris35]

Paul's prayers for the church.

7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you


And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.


We see a direct correlation to Paul's prayer, and the state of the church.

You say there is no love in the church and they are preaching the wrong things, and I absolutely agree with you.

However I would also say that probably the biggest problem is that Christians / church members start to see a decline in there church, and decide that this church is wrong, or lacking, and do not pray for these things for the church constantly, but walk away.

Paul gives us a strong example of what to pray for, if you see lacking in your church, start praying for those things.