December 14, 2007 8:15 AM
Evangelical to Catholic: my journey #11
[Note: this is part of a continuing series chronicling my journey from evangelicalism to Catholicism. This series is not meant to cause division, but to reveal division already there - and to spark honest discussion. As an evangelical I've heard and continue to hear lots of criticism of the Catholic church but little self-examination on the Protestant side. So if my comments seem more directed towards questioning nonCatholic believers, that is why. Please, if you are new to this discussion, realize that a lot of ground has already been covered in the comments and read through those on previous entries before rehashing old news. I am receiving a lot of feedback that this has been an eye-opening and thought-provoking series for many believers on either side. If that is the case, then I consider my call as a writer fulfilled. I can only hope that each of us is examining his/her conscience for areas of stubbornness, presumption and pride.]
I haven't had time to write much lately about my personal journey. I have been attending Mass on Sunday and often during the week. Though I am unable to receive the sacraments right now due to some entanglements I'll discuss when I have more time - just being in the presence, hearing the Gospel and participating in the remembrance Jesus asked of us feeds me like the Bread of Life Jesus promised.
Yesterday I had Daniel with me. Because of problems with his school, his teacher and the staff I have asked for outside intervention and removed him until his education plan is in order and the school willing to carry it out. That's a whole other story.
But for now, Daniel is my sidekick all day. Going to Mass during the week s different as there are fewer people there and probably the most truly committed. With fewer and more serious people, the quiet and contemplative nature of the Mass is more apparent. Daniel was very responsive to the feeling of awe and mystery. I found they have an ongoing Catechism class for special needs kids on Monday after school, so I am going to sign the Downzers (our family's affectionate, non-PC name for our four kids with Down syndrome) up for it.
Anyway, I have so much to say - I hope I get to it this weekend but I'm on my way out the door. I've been blessed to find that people still want me to write and speak in the same venues I've worked in before. When I let my publishers know, they often tell me of some other author who writes for them - or someone on staff - who has converted in the last few years. I recognize the names and feel affirmed that I am not alone in my journey.
People ask about Tripp. I cannot speak for him but when he is ready he will speak for himself. I will say that I am blessed with a husband who loves to read and study and find the answers himself. He is not content to accept dogma without understanding and agreeing spiritually - on either the evangelical or the Catholic side. He has attended Mass with and without me. What is important is that he has an open mind. Remember, we both shared the brief experience in 1990 of attending a Pentacostal church which used scripture to back up their belief that only those who spoke in tongues were full-fledged Christians (I never spoke in tongues, btw). We've also seen a documentary about Appalachian sects who use scripture to back their proactice of snake handling.
Anyone with any breadth of vision can see that people who bring a certain template to Scripture can make it do anything they want it to do. Which is why Sola Scriptura has led to the complete - and I think ridiculous - fragmentation of the church. Which has made us all more ineffective.
Letitia sent me a clip of her church's celebration of Our Lade of Guadalupe and I was curious enough to do some research to find out more about this visitation by Mary. Evangelicals misunderstand this whole concept. Just as she did on earth - at the marriage feast of Cana, for instance - Mary points us to Jesus. You can read a brief description here.
Lest any of my readers scoff, I invite you to put aside your presuppositions based on your American cultural prejudice. I have just read an account by two evangelical missionaries who were convicted about their patronizing attitude toward Hispanic Catholics and eventually converted to Catholicism themselves. When I have more time, I will share.
But for now, off to Mass with darlin' Daniel.
Posted in Evangelical to Catholic, My life | Permalink
Comments
Hey there, I just wanted to say thanks for writing so openly about this journey. I'm an evangelical but I've always been curious about the inner going ons of the Catholic Church. When I was in Europe at the age of 18, I just loved looking and going inside all the cathedrals and gazing at wonder of all the rich church history. Very interesting stuff.
Posted by: Jennifer K. | December 14, 2007 9:03 AM
Barbara,
You can still receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
Here is good, basic examination of conscience for adults:
http://www.catholic-pages.com/penance/examine.asp
Posted by: Milehimama | December 14, 2007 9:19 AM
Your journey back to Catholicism has been a reintroduction of the joys and comforts of my Faith. Thank you. What program is your church offering for special needs? Our church does not presently offer a catechesis program for special needs children.
Posted by: Lisa G. | December 14, 2007 10:07 AM
Hi!
I've been looking forward to these posts since you started. Even though I'm just a plain 'ol christian, you've showed me that I have some misconceptions about the catholic church...and now I'm actually looking forward to attending mass with my husband's family when we visit at Christmas. Thanks for being so willing to share your journey!
Posted by: Sandy | December 14, 2007 10:28 AM
Barbara,
I have such fond memories of attending daily mass with my mom when all my older brothers and sisters were in school. My mom would also stay after mass and pray. I would walk around the church and sit in front of the tabernacle and admire the beauty all around me. Sometimes, I'd just sit still beside my mom and close my eyes, and absorb the peace and quiet(maybe she was too:) I'm sure Daniel is enjoying this special time with you as much as you are with him. The our Lady of Guadalupe clip is great... what a beautiful devotion.
It's true, go to Mary and you will find Jesus. The Blessed mother is Jesus' mother... of course we would honor her. Don't we honor our own (earthly) mothers?
Blessings to you and your famiy this Christmas.
Love,
Liz in D.C.
Posted by: Liz in D.C. | December 14, 2007 10:44 AM
Barbara, I discovered the richness of Latino Catholic culture while teaching a local Catholic Church, where I taught English and my students taught me Spanish. I love their devotion to Our Lady and Our Saviour, and their colorful way of expressing their affection.
We are blessed in the Catholic Church by our universality, so many beautiful ways of expressing devotion to God, Jennifer, I'm happy you noticed that, especially in Europe where the Faith is suffering from secularism.
Posted by: Leticia Velasquez | December 14, 2007 3:10 PM
I love Our Lady of Guadalupe! She shows such tenderness to St. Juan Diego - reminding him (and all of us), "am I not your Mother?" She has each one of us enfolded in her mantle and she watches over us, drawing us ever closer to her Son. The children in my catechism class could not believe that the tilma with the image is still available for viewing in Mexico City. The thought that a cloak made of vegetable material is still around after 500 years is awesome, and we didn't even get into the mysteries within the mystery - such as how analysis of the pupil of Our Lady revealed the reflection of those present when the roses were presented. Awesome. God bless you on your journey.
Posted by: Anne | December 14, 2007 3:44 PM
Milehimama, I believe that the only way a person who is remarried without an annulment can receive the sacrament of reconciliation is explained here :
"If the divorced are remarried civilly, they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God's law. Consequently, they cannot receive Eucharistic communion as long as this situation persists. For the same reason, they cannot exercise certain ecclesial responsibilities. Reconciliation through the sacrament of Penance can be granted only to those who have repented for having violated the sign of the covenant and of fidelity to Christ, and who are committed to living in complete continence."
In other words, they must abstain from the marriage act.
Posted by: aine | December 15, 2007 10:03 PM
