Treating those in transition carefully

[Dominus Fidelis]

It has come to my attention that some of those seeking answers from us in an attempt to join the faith are being confused and even treated badly at times. Sometimes this is even leading to doubts about the Church.

I exhort all of us to be more careful in how we deal with these new Catholics. They are like infants and we need to treat them gently and feed them milk, not meat, so to speak.

Just something to think about because I would hate to be the cause of someone not joining the Church. I couldn't explain that to God very well.

 

[KC Catholic]

Amen and Amen!

Let's make sure we nuture all those who are showing an interest or in the process of converting. We have to remember that there is an invisible audience of folks who never post but read the Q & A's and will measure our responses accordingly.

Yes, we have to answer the same questions time and time again - but that is OK, I am still asking questions and I converted 6 years ago. Let us be patient and merciful to ALL who post here.

 

[Christy4Christ]

I'm sorry if I have behaved badly in any of the threads that I have participated in. I feel exactly like what you've described, an infant searching for answers and I am becoming frightened and confused. I would talk to a priest about this but somehow I always feel bad posing questions to a priest, like guilty if he thinks I doubt anything he says and that holds me back. I rely on you guys to help me understand certain things. Thats why I am here. Again if I have been overly defensive I am sorry

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

That's exactly what I mean, thank you for saying it better sir.

It alarms me to no end to get PM's from potential converts that are very upset from interaction on OUR forum. We need to nurture them, as KC said.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

I'm sorry if I have behaved badly in any of the threads that I have participated in. I feel exactly like what you've described, an infant searching for answers and I am becoming frightened and confused. I would talk to a priest about this but somehow I always feel bad posing questions to a priest, like guilty if he thinks I doubt anything he says and that holds me back. I rely on you guys to help me understand certain things. Thats why I am here. Again if I have been overly defensive I am sorry

It's all good Christy! Seek and you shall find! We are here for YOU.

 

[Christy4Christ]

I am actually close to tears because of how kind some of you are. All I can say is thank you for your patience. This isn't just some computer game for me, I take this stuff very seriously. Right now people like you are my life line. You are making the difference in my life. Well, ofcourse Jesus is number # on the list but through you He works, I believe that

 

[Miss Shelby]

Christy,

I can't return your pm til you make room for more.

Thanks,

Michelle

 

[Christy4Christ]

PMs :fixed:

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

I am actually close to tears because of how kind some of you are. All I can say is thank you for your patience. This isn't just some computer game for me, I take this stuff very seriously. Right now people like you are my life line. You are making the difference in my life. Well, ofcourse Jesus is number # on the list but through you He works, I believe that

Thats right...this is an example of what people are relying on us to do. Pay attention.

 

[faerieevaH]

Perhaps we could put together a series of practical sugestions for ourselves to help us along? Things we should do and things we should avoid when answering the questions of someone new?

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Yeah....hmmm, I think the main thing is to treat them very gently...but also not to get too deep in confusion issues. VOW was always awesome at explaining things in a simple way, but I haven't seen her on here in a long time.

 

[thereselittleflower]

I am actually close to tears because of how kind some of you are. All I can say is thank you for your patience. This isn't just some computer game for me, I take this stuff very seriously. Right now people like you are my life line. You are making the difference in my life. Well, ofcourse Jesus is number # on the list but through you He works, I believe that

Peace in Him!

 

[ej]

Excellent thread, thank you Christopher

Another facet of this issue, is of non-believers reaching toward the Faith.
They are not allowed to post in OBOB, and as KC points out, may be merely reading.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Oh yes...when Christianity is divided, it makes our truth claims look ridiculous. By bringing other Christians into the one fold, we strengthen the message and fufill Jesus' will in John 17.

 

[faerieevaH]

Yeah....hmmm, I think the main thing is to treat them very gently...but also not to get too deep in confusion issues. VOW was always awesome at explaining things in a simple way, but I haven't seen her on here in a long time.

I think both of those are great. Perhaps another is this: not to re - answer questions that have already been answered. Perhaps add a personal experience to it, yes. But when something is answered by one here with a good explenation and a quote of the catechism, to then send the people also to a papal bull, another explenation in our own words, etc, etc... might be confusing.
All of these things will in essence tell the same, but through different wording, confusing might grow. I know we all want to add and help, but we might 'add to the confusion' instead.

Adding your own experience is something different. It adds emotion to the theory so to speak.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Yeah true...heh, I think sending them to read a Papal Bull might be in the "meat" category, not the "milk" category!

 

[Woodsy]

I am actually close to tears because of how kind some of you are. All I can say is thank you for your patience. This isn't just some computer game for me, I take this stuff very seriously. Right now people like you are my life line. You are making the difference in my life. Well, ofcourse Jesus is number # on the list but through you He works, I believe that

Christy4 sums it up for me pretty well here, too. I don't have any non-Internet Catholic friends with whom to discuss this stuff, and so I appreciate the opportunity to learn from folks here.
I 'm also afraid that I sometimes come across as though I am criticising the Church when I ask certain questions, and I don't mean to offend anyone. Some of my questions and concerns are probably silly - but I usually only realize that in retrospect.

 

[Christy4Christ]

Christy4 sums it up for me pretty well here, too. I don't have any non-Internet Catholic friends with whom to discuss this stuff, and so I appreciate the opportunity to learn from folks here.
I 'm also afraid that I sometimes come across as though I am criticising the Church when I ask certain questions, and I don't mean to offend anyone. Some of my questions and concerns are probably silly - but I usually only realize that in retrospect.

I have always been taught that the only stupid question is one not asked

 

[Michelina]

Christy4 sums it up for me pretty well ....I sometimes come across as though I am criticising the Church when I ask certain questions, and I don't mean to offend anyone. Some of my questions and concerns are probably silly - but I usually only realize that in retrospect.

Just ask the question. Don't worry about being misunderstood, Tribe.

 

[Michelina]

I have always been taught that the only stupid question is one not asked

Amen, Christy.