Re: Joan, what attracts me to Catholicism...... -- Catholic Friends Forum

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Date Posted: 11:13:30 08/11/07 Sat
Author: Joan
Author Host/IP: ip68-0-253-131.ri.ri.cox.net / 68.0.253.131
Subject: Re: Joan, what attracts me to Catholicism......
In reply to: Neysa 's message, "Joan, what attracts me to Catholicism......" on 10:16:58 08/11/07 Sat

Have you studied the doctrines that you disagree with? I used to disagree w/ a few things, but after studying them, I see the wisdom of the teaching.

I'm sorry that you felt insulted by my question. It wasn't meant to challenge your cathlocity.

Is there something other than the Mass that attracts you to the faith? (I realize that that is the center.)

The time I spent in the Methodist church was socially great, but the Methodist church lacked a lot of what I believed. First, and most important, they don't have a Mass--transubstantaion of the bread and wine. Their service doesn't compare, theologically, to the Catholic liturgy.

But I also missed the communion of saints. Without the authority of apostolic succession, how was I supposed to accept the M's teachings. So I accepted what matched the CC and questioned the rest.

There were other Catholic things I missed, but you get the idea. Once I found a parish that had a "nice" priest, I was much happier.

But that's the kind of thing I was asking you about--what you are drawn to about the CC. I asked because you don't believe in many of the teachings that have been brought up here.

And I asked about your leaving the church for another denomination, because that's what many "cafeteria catholics" do after a while. They find a church that doens't teach the doctrines that are hard for them to accept.

I'm really sorry that you took it as an attack (I think it came across that way. ) I added the :-) to indicate that the statement wasn't to be taken literally or seriously, but obvioulsy I should have phrased it differently.

I know that many Catholics don't accept some of the doctrines, so I was wondering what draws you to the faith. As adults, we constantly reaffirm our faith. We're not here because our parents brought us to church as children. We're here because we choose to be here. We were confirmed as young adults, and we renew every Easter at Mass. We recite the creed every week at Mass. We have the Eucharist at Mass, saying "Amen". So that's why I asked what draws (continues to draw) you to the faith. I don't think any adult is a Catholic simply out of habit.

Joan

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[> [> [> Joan,................... -- Neysa, 12:37:59 08/11/07 Sat [1] (user-38lciiq.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.74.90)

I guess I am an adult who is Catholic simply out of habit. I know a lot of other people who are that way as well.

Deep down when I really think about it, I was brought up that you are Catholic...you MUST remain a Catholic.

When I was in 4th or 5th grade. I had a friend who was Baptist, who moved into my neighborhood, which was very Catholic. One day at recess I said to a classmate, that I was going to turn Baptist. I didn't see the nun, standing near us. Sister, heard what I said. I never saw anyone become so enraged. She looked like she could spit fire. She came up into my face, and said you are Catholic and Catholic you are to remain. She even was going to send me over to the priest.

I never questioned doctrine and said well I believe this and I don't believe that. Well, there is more that I don't believe in so I'll leave the Catholic Church. Those nuns still have a hold on my psyche. I would feel so guilty if I left the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is like a magnet it has its hold on me. As I said I attended Protestant services. I didn't feel the presence of God and the warm peaceful feeling I get from the Mass.

Even though I attended Protestant services, and was brought up to respect other religions. I am going to be very honest here. My parents would have disowned me if I left the Catholic Church!

As I mentioned my mom is Eastern Catholic, and my dad ( deceased) Western (Latin rite) Catholic. Although it was wonderful being brought up in both. It also presented a problem. You cannot belong to both. Meaning, I could not belong to a Latin Rite and an Eastern Rite Church, it is not allowed. I had to choose. Having two different rites within my Catholic upbrining at times was confusing enough.

I know I didn't answer your question. That is simply because I cannot. I never delved deeply into doctines, etc... For me it is simply I believe what I believe in Catholicism even without studying it in depth. Baptism made me a Catholic, and Catholic I remain. I know that is a very poor;vague statement. I almost sound like my uneducated great grandparents when I make such a statement. It is also fear and even perhaps superstition that holds me so tightly to the Catholic Church. It really holds me. The superstition part....I can still see my second grade teacher Sister Theodora, standing in front of the class saying : "children you were given the greatest gift, you were baptized Catholic. To leave the Catholic Church is a mortal sin. Children we all know that if you die with a mortal sin you are going to hell."

As an educated person, I do not believe in this statement. However, the part about leaving the Catholic Church, makes me tremble. That second grade nun and all the nuns that I had in my twelve years who preached the same statement, planted it into my mind. Even, if I would study the doctrines in depth and still come out not in agreement with them. I still would remain a Catholic.

Lastly, I didn't know that :-) meant not to be taken literally or seriously.

Neysa

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[> [> [> [> Re: Joan,................... -- Joan, 03:41:11 08/12/07 Sun [1] (ip68-0-253-131.ri.ri.cox.net/68.0.253.131)

"Lastly, I didn't know that :-) meant not to be taken literally or seriously."

I use it that way, but I'm beginning to think that no one else sees it that way. And since we can't hear each other speaking, so you can't hear that I'm not serious, I'll have to change the way I write.

Joan

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