March 21, 2008 4:25 PM
Evangelical to Catholic #21 - Tripp's story
[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.]
As I have been documenting my return to my Catholic roots, many have asked me what was going on with Tripp. I wish I could have shared what I was seeing: my husband buried in the Bible and catechism, excited by what he was learning and always eager to learn more. "Barbara, listen to this. . . . " was the constant refrain in our house. But I was waiting for Tripp to decide when and how to share his own journey. This is what he sent today:
Dear Friends and Family,I hope that this Good Friday is bringing all of you closer to our Lord as we remember what he did for each of us on this day. We are a Resurrection people who can only get there through the Cross of Calvary.
As you know I have been investigating the roots of my faith to see if it led to the Catholic church. I really think that I have been on this quest for many years, but felt moved in earnest last Fall. After much study and even more prayer, I know that my home is rooted in the Catholic tradition. I found that most of my concerns were from being misinformed and the more I investigated the more I realized that the Church fathers were right. I am not pushing this on any of you, but if you do want to talk about it, I'm available as I always am.
"I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long: but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory! 1 Timothy 3:14-16Tomorrow I will be giving my first confession in 54 years of living. I will be entering into the Church at our parish St. Francis de Sales during the Easter Vigil tomorrow night and will receive my first communion. If any would like to come to the Easter Vigil you of course are welcome.
I look forward to seeing my family on Easter and continuing to have fellowship with all of you as we all grow closer to Our Heavenly Father!
Pax vobiscum!
Papa Tripp
It certainly was not my intention to "make" my husband convert to Catholicism. And all the more edifying to know he approached the matter somewhat skeptically - but with an open mind - and that his academic approach yielded surprising results. Plus, now he knows much more than I do :) What a guy!
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I have borrowed the logo from the Coming Home Network, which states its purpose thus:
Are you a non-Catholic pastor or layman with interest in the Catholic Church?The purpose of The Coming Home Network International (CHNetwork) is to provide fellowship, encouragement and support for pastors and laymen of other traditions (Protestant, Orthodox, etc..) who are somewhere along the journey or have already converted to the Catholic Church. The CHNetwork is committed to assisting and standing beside all inquirers, serving as a friend and an advocate.
As far as my story, you can read more about it by scrolling to the bottom here and reading forward.
Posted in Evangelical to Catholic | Permalink
Comments
Welcome, Tripp. What a perfect season for you to join the Catholic Church.
My husband was Protestant when I met him, and like Barbara, I did not TRY to make him Catholic. He came to the church by personal, academic study, as you did. (How delighted I was that we could receive Communion together on our wedding day!)
Best wishes on your journey.
Posted by: Marisa | March 21, 2008 7:04 PM
Tripp,
Welcome Home!
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Posted by: Maggie | March 21, 2008 8:27 PM
Congratulations and welcome home to you both! What an awesome night for you Tripp! My husband entered the church 8 years ago and it's been wonderful!!!
Posted by: Margaret | March 21, 2008 11:06 PM
Welcome Home Tripp!
We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers. What a great day!
Love,
Liz in D.C.
Posted by: Liz in D.C. | March 22, 2008 12:02 PM
Welcome home! May God continue to shower you with His rich blessings as you come into the Catholic church. This Easter marks 19 years since I converted from Protestant to Catholic, and each year I find more to discover in the depth of the Catholic church.
Posted by: melissa | March 22, 2008 12:08 PM
Barbara, my grandfather joined my grandmother in the Catholic church 24 years after their wedding. They spent the last 25 of their years joined in the Catholic faith.
I will be praying for both you and Tripp tonight at the Easter Vigil!
Posted by: Elena | March 22, 2008 12:34 PM
Happy Easter and big warm welcome to your husband Tripp!!!!
Prayers for you and your family thru JMJ!
Lord, may they be welcomed with joy and thanksgivings
into the folds of Your Holy Catholic Church.
Be their Light in times of trial and darkness;
their guide in a new life of Truth.
Provide for them, holy men and women
to support the growth of their faith.
Grant that their gifts be shared to
produce abundant fruits for Your Glory.
Amen.
Posted by: mm | March 23, 2008 3:26 PM
Tripp, I am reading this on Easter Monday and I pray you are still AGLOW with Jesus Christ present in the Sacraments you received at the Easter Vigil Mass! Congratulations! I highly recommend going to an hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each week (or more if possible!). Spending time with Jesus in silent prayer opens your heart, mind and soul to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is awesome! May God Bless you ABUNDANTLY! Julie Klekas
Posted by: Julie Klekas | March 24, 2008 11:24 AM
Reading conversion stories often caused me to tears. Welcome home and God+bless us all!
Posted by: Paul Adorable | February 11, 2012 4:17 AM
