I'm thinking of converting to Catholicism

[LacunaCobra]

Ten years ago I lost my faith in the church, an Assemblies of God church to be exact. I started showing signs of being bipolar when I was 15. From then til I was 17 I found several youth leaders to confide in that I trusted with all my heart. As my symptoms got worse and worse my behavior became somewhat erratic and rumours got started and parents began to gossip about me and eventually everyone that I loved and trusted turned their backs on me. It completely shattered my faith. It still haunts me to this day. Everytime I walk into an Assemblies of God church all those memories come flooding back and I feel like I'm 17 again. I feel like everyone is looking at me and judging me and that I'm not good enough to be there. From what I know of the Catholic church, they are accepting of just about every walk of life and faith. I'm looking for a faith that I can belong to and still be able to practice the several aspects of wicca that I do, mainly working with stones and crystals. I know they accept unique spirituality and believe in the supernatural and paranormal like I do. I'm just wondering if I should just take a leap of faith and join the Catholic church. I need to have that spirituality back in my life. I believe in God and I love Jesus. I've just fallen away mainly because of what happened to me in the past. I even found the patron saint for people with mental illness - Saint Dymphna. I want to be able to confide in someone and not have them say "Well, you're just not praying hard enough," or "You're life isn't right with God" like I did at that Assemblies of God church. There was nothing wrong with me. I was suffering from the beginning stages of bipolar disorder and was told that my walk with Jesus wasn't good enough. How could that not destroy someone's faith? I reached out for help and was treated like I was a disease. I want to belong to a church where I am loved and accepted for who I am, mental illness and all. I want to be able to talk to a priest about my problems and transgressions and not be judged. I think the Catholic church would be that haven that I'm seeking. What do you guys think about this?

[Caitlin.ann]

I'd say don't do it at all but thats also because I have had bad experiences with the Church and Christians...especially lately. Its hard for me to see Catholocism and open mindedness in the same paragraph. I do come from both a Catholic family (mom's side) and an assemblies of got family (dad's side) so I know what you mean there. Really I say do what you feel in your heart to be right which seems to be joining the Catholic church. Just don't be surprised if they're not really as open minded as you hope they'll be. My family sure isn't.

[Tigerlily]

Unfortunately, I do not believe the Catholic church is very open about crystals and other forms of mysticism.

Start going to church services and start participating in church events before you decide to convert.

[synopa]

I did it, and love it! I just keep my pagan worship/practice private. I simply dont think they contradict each other. I love the catholic church because it is so ver ritualistic. yet main stream so you can have the traditional trappings of our culture as well as your own personal beliefs. Thats me, it works for me, the only way you will know is if you look into it further. To become catholic you have to take classes. I thought the classes were fun and informative. The way I looked at it was, I am learning to be catholic, not I am learning right from wrong, or even truth or anything, just, this is what it is to be catholic. If at anytime you decided during the classes that it isnt for you, just dont do it. no big deal!

hope you find what you are seeking!

[LacunaCobra]

I did it, and love it! I just keep my pagan worship/practice private. I simply dont think they contradict each other. I love the catholic church because it is so ver ritualistic. yet main stream so you can have the traditional trappings of our culture as well as your own personal beliefs. Thats me, it works for me, the only way you will know is if you look into it further. To become catholic you have to take classes. I thought the classes were fun and informative. The way I looked at it was, I am learning to be catholic, not I am learning right from wrong, or even truth or anything, just, this is what it is to be catholic. If at anytime you decided during the classes that it isnt for you, just dont do it. no big deal!

hope you find what you are seeking!

This is exactly what I want! I want to belong to a church where I can openly practice my Christian and Pagan beliefs and I know the Catholic church, maybe not all of them, is accepting of certain aspects of Paganism. I'll just have to try a few on for size and then decide where I will make my home. :smile:

[aluokaloo]

hey whatever feels right for you and good luck. :hugz:

[LacunaCobra]

hey whatever feels right for you and good luck. :hugz:

Thank you! :hugz:

[Crysiira]

I have no problem with mixing two faiths together. I've known a few people who mix aspects of Paganism with aspects of Catholicism.

However...

If you want to be completely open and honest with your priest, Catholicism is not the way to go. They may seem more open to Paganism with thier emphasis on Mary the Mother and all thier patron saints acting almost as lesser gods... but as soon as you start saying that out loud, they frown upon it. You definitely can't tell a person at church that you have an altar to St. Dymphna in your home. They will question who exactly you're worshipping, God or St. Dymphna. Lighting candles in prayer is encouraged, but any form of divination such as tarot cards is very frowned upon.

There is no reason for you not to be able to love God and Jesus and still be a Pagan. That's my opinion, anyway. I do believe, however, that a Unitarian Universalist Church would be much more open to your blending of faiths.

http://www.uua.org/index.shtml

ETA: Perhaps it's my own stifled Catholic background that causes me to say some of the things I do. If it comes across that way, I'm sorry.

[Against The Tide]

I Say take the plunge and go for it - if it disagrees with you you can always back out my dear. RC'rs are a pretty decent, tollerant bunch but there are always those that spoil it for everyone - be very careful what you say and do infront of your congregation until you have settled in and trust them.

[LacunaCobra]

I have no problem with mixing two faiths together. I've known a few people who mix aspects of Paganism with aspects of Catholicism.

However...

If you want to be completely open and honest with your priest, Catholicism is not the way to go. They may seem more open to Paganism with thier emphasis on Mary the Mother and all thier patron saints acting almost as lesser gods... but as soon as you start saying that out loud, they frown upon it. You definitely can't tell a person at church that you have an altar to St. Dymphna in your home. They will question who exactly you're worshipping, God or St. Dymphna. Lighting candles in prayer is encouraged, but any form of divination such as tarot cards is very frowned upon.

There is no reason for you not to be able to love God and Jesus and still be a Pagan. That's my opinion, anyway. I do believe, however, that a Unitarian Universalist Church would be much more open to your blending of faiths.

http://www.uua.org/index.shtml

ETA: Perhaps it's my own stifled Catholic background that causes me to say some of the things I do. If it comes across that way, I'm sorry.

It didn't come across that way! Don't worry! We've all had church horror stories! I'll check out that link you gave me. There's a Unitarian church 20min from my house! Go figure!


I Say take the plunge and go for it - if it disagrees with you you can always back out my dear. RC'rs are a pretty decent, tollerant bunch but there are always those that spoil it for everyone - be very careful what you say and do infront of your congregation until you have settled in and trust them.

Yes, I will tread very lightly at first. I think I'll try a few on for size before I settle for one.

[LacunaCobra]

Crysiira, I looked at that link. I do not think I would fit in with that church. It's not quite what I'm looking for but thank you all the same!

[LostSheep]

As I've often said, i think Catholicism has more similarities with paganism than people might think at first glance. I don't know if there's any specific advice i can offer, but I'll just say, if you feel that it's right, then good luck to you.

:hugz:

[Solya]

Catholicism is pretty open-minded overall, and I have always loved the path it offered even though I do not totally walk it myself. I still go to church sometimes, and even go to confession, but for me my heart lies in the rituals I can conduct on my own. Going to the services and any classes they have to offer sounds like a very good idea, because only through experiencing it will you understand the religion as it is.

With that being said... most Catholics are not at home in the mystic teachings of their own faith and might frown upon some of the pagan things you do. That is okay. There are some things in the pagan ways that cannot be reconciliated with Catholicism that easily. However, crystals are accepted as a healing method (largely due to the work of Hildegard von Bingen) and some mystic books like "The Interior Castle" by Teresa of Avila reminded me very strongly of my own bond with God. Perhaps you can read up on some of these works and see if these teachings are to your liking.

Wishing you well, whichever path you take! :hugz:

[LostSheep]

Of course, that's the thing about Catholicism. Although it may look as if it's a very top-down religion, where everyone has to follow the word of the Pope and don't ask questions, don't forget that another definition of catholic is broad or wide-ranging in tastes, interests, or the like; having sympathies with all; broad-minded; liberal. It's remarkable flexible when you look at it.

[synopa]

ok, for me...........any pagan practices I have, are very personal. I dont feel the need at this time to broadcast any rituals I am doing, or spells I am working on, or gods/godesses I am honoring. Even on here, I am careful. Perhaps I am just of a cautious nature. But even to the priest I dont discuss everything in my life. He knows of the details that pertain to my catholic faith. He knows a little of my history, and thats about it. I havent felt the need to overwhelm him with every feeling and thought I have!
I only know a few people at church. I'm the new person after all. I go to the services and I leave. I love it. In fact its so paganesque for me, it almost takes the place of many of my needs. I only feel I need to do a few things in my daily life.

And I have a place/tradition for marriage. A christening for my children, a first communion, a last rites for my death. All tidied up!!!

[Lady Shalymar]

Maybe it's just me but I've never understood the blending of Pagan and Christian, atleast not in the modern world we live in. I will accept in the past that the lines weren't always clear, but I don't see it now.

I guess to me it's all the passages in the bible that speak against divination, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. I'm a black and white person, either you believe in the bible (all of it) or you don't.

Granted my personal practice might seem a contradiction to this, however as I've said before.. while I'm here I don't claim to be pagan.

Can I ask what you think the RC church can give to you? What are you looking for that you hope to find their? Even if you don't want to answer them here I would hope you think about them an answer for yourself.

You seem very nice I'd hate to see your study and practice stiffled in a judgemental environment.

[bellamandu]

isnt there a form of spanish catholicism that combines catholic and pagan beliefs? i dont know much about it but i remember watching something about it on the history channel.

also, most of the psychics and tarot readers are openly catholic and very much in love with it. i remember specifically one guy i used to go to, an older man, he was a very strict catholic, and his church new that he ran a tarot reading business out of his own home. his reasoning was that tarot wasnt evil, it was simply a way that god spoke to him.

[Gwyddyon]

With that being said... most Catholics are not at home in the mystic teachings of their own faith and might frown upon some of the pagan things you do. That is okay. There are some things in the pagan ways that cannot be reconciliated with Catholicism that easily. However, crystals are accepted as a healing method (largely due to the work of Hildegard von Bingen) and some mystic books like "The Interior Castle" by Teresa of Avila reminded me very strongly of my own bond with God. Perhaps you can read up on some of these works and see if these teachings are to your liking.


Unfortunately, this is the world of Vatican II. I'm not sure how many Catholics even know who Teresa of Avila is (much less Hildegard), and I suspect that even priests are increasingly less familiar with her, especially outside of Spain, despite her position as (I believe) a Doctor of the Church.

[Solya]

Yes, I am aware of it. It is why I chose to talk about them in my post... I turned away from Catholicism because it didn't have the answers I was looking for, and I'd hate for that to happen to anyone else because there was just a simple lack of information. A priest acquainted me with the work of these two women last year and I felt very strongly that these were the kinds of works which ultimately describe the mystical experiences within Catholicism as such. I know they helped me on my path, so I'm hoping they might be valuable to anyone seeking something within Catholicism as well.

It's a pity the Vatican attaches little to no value to these teachings anymore. I don't know why barely anyone mentions them nowadays, but I do believe that maybe people would come to new understandings within this faith if the teachings were available on a larger scale than they are now.

[Brightshores]

You also may be interested in the writings of the 15th century St Julian of Norwich. She was a mystic and a recluse, who wrote a lot about God as Father and Christ as Mother. Interesting stuff. :)

[EponaCapaill]

This is exactly what I want! I want to belong to a church where I can openly practice my Christian and Pagan beliefs and I know the Catholic church, maybe not all of them, is accepting of certain aspects of Paganism. I'll just have to try a few on for size and then decide where I will make my home. :smile:

Actually the Catholic Church is not accepting of any aspect of Paganism that I am aware of. Some aspects of Catholicism are mystical, especially when it comes to the Eucarist (the part where you receive communion) and the intercession of the Saints, so it makes it appear that they would be accepting of Paganism, but they really aren't.

I do think that of the Christian religions, Catholicism is the easiest to mix with Paganism. Maybe Episcopal too. But you very likely would not be able to practice the Pagan aspects of your path openly with out reproach.

I think your best bet would be the Unitarians. My understanding is that they incorperate teachings from many religions, not just Christianity. Some even have , (not coming up with the right word here) sections (for lack of a better word) specifically for Pagans.

Good Luck with whatever you decide!:)

[LadyCelt]

prayer and meditation on this might help. I won't dish out other advice since it is your choice for your path, but I truly believe in the power of prayer.

[LacunaCobra]

You guys are NOT going to believe this! I was searching on wikipedia about St. Teresa of Avila and found that she was one of only three females to be awarded the honor of being named Doctor of the Church and one of the others was St. Catherine of Siena. There is a church, St. Catherine's of Siena, right up the street from my house and it was the one I was considering joining! Talk about confirmation! WOW!

[zionwood]

I have no problem with mixing two faiths together. You definitely can't tell a person at church that you have an altar to St. Dymphna in your home. They will question who exactly you're worshipping, God or St. Dymphna.

I'm not so sure about that. At the Catholic basilica in my town, there's an altar to Mary and another to St. Joseph.

btw, Lacuna, that's amazing! whatever happens, i hope you find what you need!

[Mesektet]

Ten years ago I lost my faith in the church, an Assemblies of God church to be exact. I started showing signs of being bipolar when I was 15. From then til I was 17 I found several youth leaders to confide in that I trusted with all my heart. As my symptoms got worse and worse my behavior became somewhat erratic and rumours got started and parents began to gossip about me and eventually everyone that I loved and trusted turned their backs on me. It completely shattered my faith. It still haunts me to this day. Everytime I walk into an Assemblies of God church all those memories come flooding back and I feel like I'm 17 again. I feel like everyone is looking at me and judging me and that I'm not good enough to be there. From what I know of the Catholic church, they are accepting of just about every walk of life and faith. I'm looking for a faith that I can belong to and still be able to practice the several aspects of wicca that I do, mainly working with stones and crystals. I know they accept unique spirituality and believe in the supernatural and paranormal like I do. I'm just wondering if I should just take a leap of faith and join the Catholic church. I need to have that spirituality back in my life. I believe in God and I love Jesus. I've just fallen away mainly because of what happened to me in the past. I even found the patron saint for people with mental illness - Saint Dymphna. I want to be able to confide in someone and not have them say "Well, you're just not praying hard enough," or "You're life isn't right with God" like I did at that Assemblies of God church. There was nothing wrong with me. I was suffering from the beginning stages of bipolar disorder and was told that my walk with Jesus wasn't good enough. How could that not destroy someone's faith? I reached out for help and was treated like I was a disease. I want to belong to a church where I am loved and accepted for who I am, mental illness and all. I want to be able to talk to a priest about my problems and transgressions and not be judged. I think the Catholic church would be that haven that I'm seeking. What do you guys think about this?

I say go for it! It can't hurt to try. And at least its the RCC we are talking about here. I would also recommend the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church as well. But regardless, Go For It!:thumbsup:

[Crysiira]

I'm not so sure about that. At the Catholic basilica in my town, there's an altar to Mary and another to St. Joseph.



I guess it really depends on the specific church, and the town, and all. As I said, maybe I'm just a bit bitter about my own experiences. I should remember not all people are as closed-minded as the ones I come across!

[Master Kodiak]

To each there own. You must find your own path. However the Catholic faith is very structured. If you go Catholic you need to go all the way. If you dont than you are conflicting beliefs. With any super structure of the religion not much of the beliefs can intertwine. I would maybe suggest to start communicating (praying) to the saints or J.C. himself but try to stay out of the super structure of the church. I believe saints and prophets can be very beneficial, however the restrictions that the church throughout years has imposed can be difficult ot swallow. There would be no harm in making a path of your own incoorporating these figures. Also this way you would need not hide your still pagan beliefs that you hold from any of your fellow church goers.

[LacunaCobra]

I'm very excited about it! I just got the most beautiful rosary I've ever seen! It feels so comforting to hold it. :smile:

[Fireheart]

Out of curiosity, are you thinking of converting (like officially, with the RCIA and all that) or just attending Mass?

I ask, because I love Mass but there were just some things I couldn't accept enough to officially convert and be Catholic. :)

[Teresa]

Take Your time making this decision there is no reason to rush in. Visit as much as you want to before you feel comfortable enough to decide whether to continue or not. You can start classes and learn during this period also. If you ever feel uncomfortable then you should take a second look at things. I know many people where I live that attend Mass and have occult practices. I have even gone to Mass on occasions with friends. This is your decision and you can take all the time you need to make sure it is a good one for yourself BOTTOM LINE!

Good Luck in Your Endeavor!

[MariThorn]

I would encourage you to get the Catechism of the Catholic Church before you make that final decision and read it through. If you can honestly say you agree with everything in it, then I don't think you will have problems with converting to Catholicism. (I will warn you that your relatives will not take kindly to this . . . none of mine accepted it.) As for practicing witchcraft and being Catholic . . . you are encouraged to have an altar in your home to pray at, some homes even have a small tabernacle with blessed sacrament in it, there are a lot of etiquettes involved in holy items etc . . . and yes while my circle and spellwork are secret, its no different than praying or having a mass said.

Most Roman Catholics are very laid back, and they are not nosy people in general. I have enjoyed becoming one, and I know I have tons to still learn. As with all religions, there are always cases of bad things happening, or people having bad tastes left in their mouths because of someone or something done. It is sad, but there you go . . . I wouldn't start to tell someone which path they should follow, but I would say that if everything seems to be pointing that way, and you feel good about it, then go for it. Good Luck!