I was raised catholic; catholic church, catholic school, my uncle was the parish priest. I've been divorced twice so the catholic church will not accept me as a parishner any longer.
I would like to go to church but I don't know where to begin. All I know is catholicism.
2007-10-22 03:16:22 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html
Maybe another church would fit you better...try the survey.
Look within.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-10-22 03:37:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was *raised* Catholic also, and was taught by THE CHURCH the true faith of the Church founded by Christ, but it is my current belief that the 'visible' Church is not the 'true church' as it is presently manifesting itself, and so I do not attend Mass at this time, which may or may not be a sin...but all things considered, and due to my research I believe that that which 'appears' to be the modern Catholic Church is a 'visible' institution that has been taken over, and is no longer representing the purity and TRUTH of Christ's FOUNDATION. It is presently torn assunder by those seeking to change and destroy it. That does not mean that God has abandoned us because God has a direct relationship to each soul that He has created. A soul in prayer, a soul seeking the TRUTH which sets you free is a soul liberating itself to be grounded in Divine Love. You do not need a 'physical' church to be a member of Christ's TRUE Church. The Catholic Church is the Church which Christ founded.....but it may be invisible and intangible and OF THE SPIRIT at this point in human history. The Church can be in our heart that LOVES GOD and in our soul that desires to Be Good and Do HIS will the best we can. The HOLY SPIRIT is at work in the *places* of giving and loving, and you can feel it there. It doesn't have to be in a Church, but it 'can be', but just because a place is a 'church' does not mean the Holy Spirit is acting there to a great degree......What I notice is in some Catholic churches there is something terribly wrong spiritually, while in 'special places' you can actually feel the LOVE OF GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT. It is more in places of love and TRUE *giving* where we can feel the spirit.......less in places where people just gather together for human fellowship....God is Love and so God is experienced where Love is at Work. Sola
2007-10-22 03:34:26 · answer #2 · answered by Angela 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello!
I go to church each Sunday, as I too am Catholic. But what I was going to tell you is that you do not have to pray and seek God through church! There is nothing wrong with praying at home or at work when you find time to do so. Get the bible out and start reading some scriptures. If you seek god, he will be more then happy to show himself!
2007-10-22 03:21:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
step 1) read you bible - start a program where you read a little each day
step 2) pray - pray for guidance each day
step 3) find a church that will accept you. There is literally a church on every corner. You may have to visit many of them before you find one that you like. I'm not sure what you mean when you say they won't accept you as a parishioner, but maybe you need to become a protestant. Some denominations arent much different that Catholicism.
2007-10-22 03:23:56 · answer #4 · answered by TiredofWorking 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Im Catholic, and I do not agree with your premise that you can no longer go to a Catholic Church. As someone else said, we are all sinners. Sometimes we lose our way and need someone to guide us back to where we once were. This may be a time for you to rejoin the Church. It is an option for you. Please consult a priest for your specific situation, but most of all, pray and trust in God to lead you.
2007-10-22 04:07:25 · answer #5 · answered by Judy W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I’m sorry you’ve had such difficulty with the Catholic Church. It’s difficult when churches, and church leaders, fail to understand that if all the sinners were kicked out, then church buildings would be empty – so instead, they focus on SOME of the sinners.
To that end, you may want to find a church that understands that EVERYONE is a sinner, and that not just divorced or gay, or drunk people are sinners.
Look around at work, find someone who seems particularly spiritual or happy, and ask them if they go to church. If your work is like most places, tell a few people you want to go to church, and you may find all sorts of invitations coming your way. It’s sometimes easier to go to a church the first time when you know someone.
Also, look for signs in front of local churches – promoting a harvest festival, or a Wednesday night dinner or special event – they want and expect new people at those events, that’s why they have them.
I’m a member of the Christian Church, the Disciples of Christ. We have communion with every service – and it’s open to all believers in Christ, not just special members. You may want to look for one of our congregations.
http://www.disciples.org/congregations/locate/
I think we’re born hard-wired with a need for God. That’s why we spend so much time searching, or even fighting against that need by living in a way that pulls us away from God. It’s good you’re responding to that need, and wanting to return to a church.
Try to remember, that even if you’re not in church, Christ is with you, always.
Godspeed you on your journey.
2007-10-22 03:35:15 · answer #6 · answered by jimmeisnerjr 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First off, seaking God has nothing to do with going to church. Church is a tool to help you seek God. And an importent tool. I would say to try a nondenominational church. They usually don't let organized realigion get in the way of worshipping God. Kind of like what Jesus tought, and the Saducies, and the Pharisies didn't like. I would like for you to look up the story of the woman at the well, Jesus forgave her and she had 5 husbands and was living out of wedlock with anather man, but Jesus forgave her.
2007-10-22 03:30:12 · answer #7 · answered by bill s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that by asking this question, you've already begun to seek God. Keep looking. God is everywhere and in everything, you don't need a building or an organization in order to find God. I suggest taking some time to read about other religions. You may or may not decide to follow any particular one. But you will see that all of them took ideas from the religions that existed before them. But all have a God figure, by a variety of names. So to me, God is always present but religions may come and go.
2007-10-22 03:28:08 · answer #8 · answered by turnabout 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Calvary Chapel. If you have one by you. I was in the same situation sans the divorces.But I knew Catholicism wasn't the way.Calvary Chapel have always been solid Bible teaching churches.They were started in the 60s to attract the "Surfer,Hippy" types that the mainstreams would look down on.They are good people and believe in the forgiveness of God.
2007-10-22 03:23:04 · answer #9 · answered by AngelsFan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up with several friends that were Catholic.
I am 60 tomorrow and none of those people are Catholic today. I honestly do not think they are going to hell when they die because the decided to go with a different religion.
Go to the church on the corner. You just might see that you believe as they do.
2007-10-22 03:22:55 · answer #10 · answered by dellet2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a church of God and you will see the difference....keep in mind that this kind of church will be alot different.....catholic churches are way too ritualistic and way too old fashioned.....keep an open mind when looking for a new one.....try watching Joel Osteen on sunday morning.....that would be a great start.....he has just surpassed Roberts and Schuler as the biggest guy on tv but he is in no way like them.....check him out....he can help lead you down the RIGHT path.....God Bless
2007-10-22 03:22:03 · answer #11 · answered by flatfootfred 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋