April 10, 2008 9:01 AM
Another high-profile Evangelical becomes Catholic
Just heard that Paul McCusker, the creator/writer of Focus on the Family's Odyssey series has become Catholic. Anyone have any information on this? I haven't been able to find a blog or website for him.
I find this news very affirming. As I've found the news that a very well-respected author of parenting/teaching books - Vicki Caruana - has always been Catholic but came "out of the closet" several years ago. I met Vicki at the Mount Hermon Writers' Conference - we were both on staff there as Holy Week began - and found her to be a deeply faith-filled and biblical believer.
You all know how disturbing I find this prejudice within the Protestant/Evangelical church. It really is time to get over it. I have met many, many wonderful families who have converted from Evangelicalism to Catholicism - they do not take their decision lightly and most paid a high price to follow where God led them.
No one could have told me this time last year that I would become Catholic. My son Josh has reminded me that I made my first mention of the possibility at Mother's Day Dinner. Before that I was doing my very best to "rescue" people from the Catholic Church. Don't be so sure God will never call you :)
I know another ultra-high profile Evangelical who has returned to the Catholic Church, but will have to wait to announce it when she feels the time is right. Please pray for those that face misunderstanding and persecution because of their obedience.
Posted in Catholicism | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://mommylife.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2584
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Another high-profile Evangelical becomes Catholic:
Comments
Barbara:
All I know is that a couple of weeks ago, Sherry Weddell, who runs a Catholic apostolate called the Catherine of Siena Institute posted a notice about an event in which she and two others would be sharing their conversion stories, and one of the others was Paul McCusker.
Posted by: Amy | April 10, 2008 9:26 AM
He's not high profile, at least in the Protestant circles, but Scott Hahn was an Evangelical pastor who converted. His book Home Sweet Rome (or is it Rome Sweet Home?) tells his story. Great read!
I've also *heard* from someone who knew him personally, that Rich Mullins was in the process of converting to Catholicism when he died. Has anyone else heard this? I heard this years ago, but have never been able to know for certain. the person that told me knew him personally in college and kept in touch throughout their lives.
Posted by: mary | April 10, 2008 12:55 PM
Here's the event on a Colorado Catholic calendar.
Posted by: The Sheepcat | April 10, 2008 2:11 PM
Barbara,
Wow - this is great!!!!
I know of some others who are curious as well - e-mail me and I'll let ya know!!
Ruben
Posted by: Ruben | April 10, 2008 3:19 PM
Barbara,
I love your line: Don't be so sure God will never call YOU.
As with many of us, to disobey His call is to deny His presence in our lives. We can do nothing but obey.
Posted by: Lady of the Lake | April 10, 2008 3:35 PM
I'm sure that it goes both ways - there are no doubt plenty of people leaving the Catholic Church for the Protestant church.
Posted by: Wilm | April 10, 2008 3:38 PM
Oh, I love news like this. There are so many sad things, so many controversies. This IS affirming, even for us cradle Catholics. Bless him, if it's true and if it isn't. (Bless you, too ~ Very pleasing to have found your blog.)
Posted by: Lisa | April 10, 2008 4:38 PM
With respect, Barbara, while there are, no doubt, some who are truly prejudice against Catholics, many, many more Protestants have genuine and valid concerns about the Catholic Church. Some are former Catholics, some have formerly-Catholic friends, and some are good just good researchers.
Personally, I have always believed that all churches have flaws, and that many of the flaws Protestants point out about the Catholic Church can also be found in many Protestant churches. This doesn't mean they aren't valid flaws, though.
None of us is perfect, and what church we go to often doesn't say a lot about our walk with Christ.
Posted by: Kristina | April 10, 2008 5:49 PM
Dear Wilm -
you wrote: I'm sure that it goes both ways - there are no doubt plenty of people leaving the Catholic Church for the Protestant church.
As I pointed out before, the curious thing is that those leaving the Catholic Church for Protestantism/Evangelicalism usually find a "born-again" relationship with God that for some reason they did not find within the Catholic Church.
Those Evangelicals I've met going into the Catholic Church do already have a "born-again" relationship and a vibrant relationship/faith.
That says something to me.
Posted by: barbara | April 10, 2008 7:21 PM
The more the merrier. Come one, come all - if you happen to be in the Colorado Springs area on April 20th.
There are an increasing number of EBC's (Evangelical Background Catholics) in significant roles here in traditionally evangelical ministries here in the Springs. Focus isn't the only one. The Navigators and Youth With a Mission, are developing whole branches filled with Catholics or those who work with Catholics.
Posted by: Sherry Weddell | April 10, 2008 7:23 PM
Hi Barbara!
Mary wrote:
This story is true. When he died, I interviewed the priest who was in the process of helping him enter the Church. I think he would have entered the Church less than a week before he died.
The article, which ran in the Catholic paper Our Sunday Visitor, can be found on my website here:
http://www.reginadoman.com/main.cfm?ID=45&level=3&r1=1.00&r2=1.00&r3=3.00&r4=0.00
Posted by: regina doman | April 25, 2008 9:11 PM
