Hi frens...I’ve been an active poster over in PW since the Donald days...but I feel like this post is more suited for the GaW crowd....I wonder if there are any other Catholics that can empathize with how I’m feeling right now, and can maybe offer some guidance... I was born and raised Catholic, and still practice—in fact, have been incredibly involved with the music ministry in my church for over a decade...it’s something that gives me great joy and peace to share with my parish family. But each day, I see more and more diocese announcing vax mandates with NO religious exemptions, and my heart just breaks. I find myself thinking that I might leave the only church I ever knew over this—and it’s really the only constant thing that I’ve had in my 41 years of life, so it’s a terrifying thought. But, how can entire dioceses turn their backs on, and abandon a central tenant of our faith SO easily, and so callously? If they can, it just doesn’t seem like it’s the right faith for me. For other Christian anons out there—maybe even some ex-Catholics—did you find a new faith home in a certain denomination, or did you feel most comfortable in a non-denominational setting? I’m not sure where to even begin to look. 😢
Thanks for reading, my friends ❤️
I understand that. I’m what you would consider a tad bit ‘indoctrinated’ by an organized religion, though, and it will take a complete and total re-programming of my faith-life to not ‘belong’ to a parish. So, maybe baby steps for now. ☺️
Just remember one thing, the Catholic church is based on a single mis-translation of 'young woman'.
Look for Him inside your heart and the world will be your church :)
You are wrong. Not a catholic but the Bible makes it clear that Mary was a virgin. The narrative in the gospels make that clear. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, bore our sins on the cross, died and on the third day arose from the grave. Jesus is Lord. Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved.
a good majority of my brothers and sisters in Christ who God has surrounded me with had came from catholicism... A beauty of sanctification as a believer is that we will always be being "re-programmed", as you say... A lot of the times this leads to a believer being led to a new church, one which hopefully they are being fed and that teaches that salvation does not come by any means of works.
We will never be perfect, but God is faithful and He will, as He has promised, keep conforming us to the image of His Son throughout the rest of our time on earth.