eustace scrubb Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 Here's what happened yesterday; I don't want to have to retype all of it. Read that first, it explains how badly things went with my mother when I broke the news to her. [url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=103964&pid=2081933&st=0&#entry2081933"]http://www.phatmass....0&#entry2081933[/url] Today I went to my first mass (by choice). I didn't take my medication last night, because I was so upset about things (bad decision), so I was more nervous than usual and had trouble focusing. The mass went well, but the first priest that I came in contact with (I got there thirty minutes early, as I live only three blocks away) was clearly gay and it creeped me out because of past experiences. Thankfully I did not come in contact with him again. I had trouble following what I was supposed to do and didn't take the Eucharist for obvious reasons. I got a lot out of the homily, despite the priest coming off as, well... fake and prideful... which was very disappointing. As a Charismatic, I looked to see if anything was going on. I saw a lot of angelic activity and felt that the Holy Spirit's presence was very strong. So while I was uncomfortable being around a lot of people I didn't know and didn't even talk to me, I felt like I had "come home." Thank you all for your support. I'll be putting up information about myself now that I have reason to hide my identity anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thy Geekdom Come Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 [quote name='eustace scrubb' date='28 March 2010 - 01:09 PM' timestamp='1269796174' post='2081997'] Here's what happened yesterday; I don't want to have to retype all of it. Read that first, it explains how badly things went with my mother when I broke the news to her. [url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=103964&pid=2081933&st=0&#entry2081933"]http://www.phatmass....0&#entry2081933[/url] Today I went to my first mass (by choice). I didn't take my medication last night, because I was so upset about things (bad decision), so I was more nervous than usual and had trouble focusing. The mass went well, but the first priest that I came in contact with (I got there thirty minutes early, as I live only three blocks away) was clearly gay and it creeped me out because of past experiences. Thankfully I did not come in contact with him again. I had trouble following what I was supposed to do and didn't take the Eucharist for obvious reasons. I got a lot out of the homily, despite the priest coming off as, well... fake and prideful... which was very disappointing. As a Charismatic, I looked to see if anything was going on. I saw a lot of angelic activity and felt that the Holy Spirit's presence was very strong. So while I was uncomfortable being around a lot of people I didn't know and didn't even talk to me, I felt like I had "come home." Thank you all for your support. I'll be putting up information about myself now that I have reason to hide my identity anymore. [/quote] You're a charismatic and you live in Ohio? You realize the charismatic capitol of the USA is in your state, right? Steubenville, OH, right next to West Virginia. It's a bit of a drive from Cincinnati, but you could probably get some good conversation on your conversion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 Wait, it's the capital of Charismatic Catholicism?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thy Geekdom Come Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 [quote name='eustace scrubb' date='28 March 2010 - 01:41 PM' timestamp='1269798101' post='2082014'] Wait, it's the capital of Charismatic Catholicism?? [/quote] lol, not really in any official way. Franciscan University of Steubenville is probably the best known charismatic place in the country, though. A number of PMers went to college there, myself included. I'm not charismatic, but the school is...and is also very orthodox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie-Therese Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 I feel your pain, as a convert. My family is evangelical Southern Baptist with some Pentecostal leanings. The only advice I can give is just to place your trust in the Lord. He will put you where you need to be. I know what you mean about coming home, too. I feel as though being Catholic is the most natural thing in the world. I can't even fathom that I was once Protestant. I feel like I was born Catholic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouisvilleFan Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 (edited) There are a number of Charismatic Catholics around Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky too. I've been involved with a couple of Life in the Spirit retreats, one sponsored by the Covington diocese. I'm sure if you check your diocese newspaper or web site, you'd probably find some prayer meetings or retreats. As with anything, be sure they're faithful to Church teaching. While I've had nothing but good experiences with Life in the Spirit, one time I attended a charismatic prayer meeting in Louisville and they were teaching that all sins are forgiven every time you pray the Fundamentalist "Invite Jesus Into Your Heart" Prayer. Funny thing is, the lady got so much flack for saying nothing about Confession that she added a bit about how Catholics should then seek Confession... almost like it's an "extra" thing. It was messed up, so I didn't go back. Anyway, my one weird experience aside, I'm sure you can find good groups around Cincy. Edited March 28, 2010 by LouisvilleFan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 [quote name='LouisvilleFan' date='28 March 2010 - 08:40 PM' timestamp='1269819620' post='2082259'] There are a number of Charismatic Catholics around Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky too. I've been involved with a couple of Life in the Spirit retreats, one sponsored by the Covington diocese. I'm sure if you check your diocese newspaper or web site, you'd probably find some prayer meetings or retreats. As with anything, be sure they're faithful to Church teaching. While in my experience it hasn't been an issue, Charismatics have a reputation for straying off path. Of course, many are as firmly orthodox as you can get, so look for the orthodox groups [/quote] yeah, on the westside of the city there's some prayer groups and even a healing mass (whatever that is...). and BELIEVE ME, i know full well how easily Charismatics can stray from the path... the most well-known and respected Protestant Charismatic magazine, Charisma, has, in every issue (as far back as I know), had to list AT LEAST ONE group of Protestant Charismatics who have become a cult... btw totally agreed on getting an Orthodox one, haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 [quote name='LouisvilleFan' date='28 March 2010 - 08:40 PM' timestamp='1269819620' post='2082259'] As with anything, be sure they're faithful to Church teaching. While I've had nothing but good experiences with Life in the Spirit, one time I attended a charismatic prayer meeting in Louisville and they were teaching that all sins are forgiven every time you pray the Fundamentalist "Invite Jesus Into Your Heart" Prayer. Funny thing is, the lady got so much flack for saying nothing about Confession that she added a bit about how Catholics should then seek Confession... almost like it's an "extra" thing. It was messed up, so I didn't go back. Anyway, my one weird experience aside, I'm sure you can find good groups around Cincy. [/quote] i'm extremely surprised that that's the only weird experience you've had... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouisvilleFan Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 [quote name='eustace scrubb' date='28 March 2010 - 08:48 PM' timestamp='1269820085' post='2082268'] yeah, on the westside of the city there's some prayer groups and even a healing mass (whatever that is...). and BELIEVE ME, i know full well how easily Charismatics can stray from the path... the most well-known and respected Protestant Charismatic magazine, Charisma, has, in every issue (as far back as I know), had to list AT LEAST ONE group of Protestant Charismatics who have become a cult... btw totally agreed on getting an Orthodox one, haha [/quote] Healing Mass is basically a typical Mass with some time available following reception of Communion for people to have hands laid on for prayer. This is usually where you'd see being "slain in the Spirit" or praying in tongues, but I've been to some that were pretty low key. [quote name='eustace scrubb' date='28 March 2010 - 08:49 PM' timestamp='1269820178' post='2082269'] i'm extremely surprised that that's the only weird experience you've had... [/quote] I haven't spent a lot of time around Charismatics... mostly through my cousin, who was a youth group minister and faithful to the Church, so he wasn't messin' around with speculative stuff. I wouldn't really call myself Charismatic, but the movement does serve a genuine need. I certainly needed it at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 that's cool. thanks for the info on that, i appreciate it. update: i just got an email from my mom. she's flipping out even more and said that she's devastated by what i've done and disappointed in me. there's other things in it, but i mean... whatever... i'm just gonna go do some contemplative prayer now. this is a situation that i need to trust God with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 It could be that she's reacting so strongly because she's not as secure in her Protestantism as she wants to be. Over-compensating, you know? It's a possibility, at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest adorationabbey Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 [quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='29 March 2010 - 12:01 AM' timestamp='1269838919' post='2082426'] It could be that she's reacting so strongly because she's not as secure in her Protestantism as she wants to be. Over-compensating, you know? It's a possibility, at least. [/quote] [font="Georgia"]Maybe your mother doesn't believe in god at all, and is sad that you picked a different one.[/font] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 [quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='29 March 2010 - 02:01 AM' timestamp='1269838919' post='2082426'] It could be that she's reacting so strongly because she's not as secure in her Protestantism as she wants to be. Over-compensating, you know? It's a possibility, at least. [/quote] i know her grasp of doctrine is extremely weak (she's convinced that Catholicism = salvation via works), but what it all boils down to is a lifetime of bad experiences with Catholicism and, after converting to Protestantism, a lot of crazy family strife over it. most of it was on the part of her Catholic family and i witnessed some of it, myself. but she's incredibly bitter about it and needs to repent of that. no amount of logic would change her mind, so i'm just going to turn the other cheek and love her back in spite of her treatment of me. on a positive note, i've been able to build up my support network of Catholic friends around here and am going to start going to RCIA 3 blocks away from me on the 8th of next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 [quote name='adorationabbey' date='29 March 2010 - 05:48 AM' timestamp='1269852502' post='2082490'] [font="Georgia"]Maybe your mother doesn't believe in god at all, and is sad that you picked a different one.[/font] [/quote] no, she has a very deep faith in the existence of God. her reaction is that i'm being idolatrous and trying to work my way into heaven. i'd say that it's a theological issue, but like i stated before, it's more a matter of bitterness and baggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eustace scrubb Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 Meeting with my Dad today in a couple hours. Please pray about this. Further information in the prayer forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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