#catholic reference

[rikkalorelei]

Hi! I've recently reached a point in my life where I'm moving out of my Protestant household and starting my own life. I've developed an interest in Catholicism, but I'm slightly intimidated by it because I was raised in a much less traditional church setting. I plan on attending Mass sometime soon, so any advice on attending Mass for the first time? Or getting to know your priest? Or any advice concerning eventual conversion? Thanks!

Yay! First, let me apologize in my delay in answering. Illness takes a lot out of me.

Wear something you can move in. Not everyone thinks of this with all the kneeling, sitting, and standing that goes on. Take advantage of the Missal book (either in the pews or in the entry) that is basically a program of that day’s readings, structure, etc. Also grab a response card (usually in the pew) that will help you follow along with the verbal responses the congregation says. When everyone goes up for communion, stay in the pew until you’ve talked with the priest about going up for a blessing without receiving the Eucharist.

Most parishes will have a welcome table/sign up sheet/person for newcomers or interested visitors. You can also call the parish office ahead of time and they usually will put you in contact with an outreach person who may even invite you to go to Mass with them.

On getting to know the priest, say hello to the priest as you leave. Go to social functions at the church and make sure to introduce yourself. Email is also nice. You can also set up a meeting with the priest.

Mention that you are interested in learning more because you’ve felt the draw to conversion. You will be put in touch with the religious education director and given the information you need to start attending more things. It is most likely too late to start RCIA to be confirmed this year, though.

I hope my rambling helps!

[rikkalorelei]

Hi I'm sorry to bother and I'm not demanding and you said we could ask for help so... Could you possibly give me some advice on how to pray the rosary?

I love that you came to me to ask this! The rosary is such an important thing in my life.

There is a lovely jpg available over at howtopraytherosary.net for you to print to help you in the formula. Click here for it!

I suggest people try to pick a specific time of day or after a certain thing in their schedule to pray the rosary that way it is easier to become a habit.

When we pray the prayers, we are asking Mary to pray for us. Think of the ultimate warm, loving maternal figure who wants nothing than the best for you. Think of sitting next to her, you can feel her warmth, her love. She wants the best for you and is willing to ask her Son to aid you.

Think deeply about each mystery. What would you have done, felt in each moment?

Consider finding a scriptural rosary guide. Typically these add a line of scripture to each bead in the decade that relates to the mystery.

If I awake before our child, I typically pray the rosary in the morning. If not, I will try to do so before bed. I find I am more prepared for the stresses of the day if I pray it in the morning, but I sleep so well when I pray it before bed. Sometimes I wind up doing both! If I am going to do a scriptural rosary, I will have the guide laid out before me and will typically light a candle to Mary before I start.

I hope this helps! I get a little rambling first thing in the morning.

[rikkalorelei]

I have a question concerning the chapel veil. What do you think of the tradition, do you participate in this tradition, and if you do wear one, when do you wear it. I personally never did except at my first communion and then my confirmation. I just hated it, it was always falling off my head. But now I feel like I NEED to wear it, like this invisible hand of some grandmother I never met is smacking the back of my head when ever I'm in church.

I find ladies who chose to veil so lovely and inspiring! Doing such a thing out of reverence for one’s god is a big commitment. From the ladies I’ve talked to, the general consensus is to wear it whenever God is present, so during a Mass with the Eucharist, Adoration, etc. There are lovely lace ones with ties and many ways to affix a veil with bobby pins, hair clips, or combs, any of which might be sewn to the veil itself.

I have been very attracted to the practice, read on it, followed blogs that advocate… I’ve even went so far as to almost buy one. I just cannot commit at this point. In the parishes I regularly attend, no one wears a veil. I do not know if I could do so without being uncomfortable at being judged. (The irony is not missed on me.) Plus add a toddler to the mix and I’m not sure I could manage to keep it in place. 

I have this page bookmarked and refer to it every time I get the urge to veil shop. http://www.lauramcalister.com/2013/12/11/50-simple-steps-start-wearing-veil-mantilla/ We all need a little humor in this.

I am so thankful not to have the dead ancestor guilt as Catholicism runs back my male lineage and none of my grandmothers were raised in the faith. I recall my great aunts telling how they were so happy not to be required to wear one any longer. I bet at least a few would find it humorous I’m considering it.

[rikkalorelei]

Oddball question, but can you burn a novena candle for any significant reason (ie. a memorial or a spell) without doing the novena, or is that divorcing the candle from it's proper intent and purpose?

Keep in mind this is only my way of doing things and you need to follow God & your gut in your own practices.

If it was a novena candle and had artwork related to God (in any aspect), Mary, a Saint or an Angel OR was given to you for doing the novena, I would be reluctant to use it without doing the associated or expected novena.

If it is a plain candle or one with artwork without an expected novena, I would use it for a significant reason without doing a novena.

Whenever I light a candle, even one whose sole purpose is to make my home smell lovely, I have intent and say a little wish for my home when lighting it and then say a little thanksgiving prayer when I snuff it.

What can I say? I like candle work.

Let me apologize for this languishing in my inbox so long. Unfortunately, mobile tumblr is not allowing me to respond to anons later. I’ve heard I’m not the only one with this issue.

[rikkalorelei]

Thoughts on God

I get the best, most through provoking questions sometimes. Occasionally, I am asked to respond privately, but feel that others would benefit from reading my ramblings. So here’s a little bit of the ramblings I’ve been sending out the last few days.

Why Wouldn’t God Take Care of Things:  If God wants the poor taken care of, why doesn't He take care of them? If God doesn't want people to be hungry, why doesn't He feed everyone? He provides some of us with the gifts to take care of others to better ourselves and the world. Without these opportunities to care for others and do things for ourselves, we would not have the chance to become Saints nor to exercise free will. Maybe we are the means God will use to create change? Something to think on.

[rikkalorelei]

Thoughts on Doubt

I get the best, most through provoking questions sometimes. Occasionally, I am asked to respond privately, but feel that others would benefit from reading my ramblings. So here’s a little bit of the ramblings I’ve been sending out the last few days.

On Doubt: Doubt is an important part of any Christian's life, because without doubt, we wouldn't have the chance to exercise free will.  Whenever you have doubt, step back, look at your choices, PRAY! and follow your gut.

It sounds like you are afraid of what to do, not because of what God is telling you, but what others are influencing you with. Hold tight to your faith. Pray, talk to God. Pour out your heart to Him. Welcome Him to show you the way. I am positive you will find your path, whatever it may be. Some of the greatest Saints are such because they shunned what the world was telling them to do and followed God's plan, no matter how unconventional or outrageous. 

[rikkalorelei]

In Catholicism, is it the priest who forgives your sin? That's what I've heard and I just want to double check with a practicing Catholic because I don't really trust a lot of what I've heard or read. Sorry if this is offensive, I don't mean it to be. I'd rather get answers about Catholicism from a practicing member than the Internet. x___x

I love good questions like this! Excuse me while I ramble a bit. 

Christ, and therefore, God are the true forgivers of sin, but part of seeking forgiveness is to confess it openly and aloud to one’s community. In the Bible, God gives the power to forgive to the Son of man and then on to designated men. This is so we have someone in the community to confess to without judgment from others. This also allows us the opportunity to be given a penance to perform to help heal ourselves and others from the sin. It would be hard for everyone to receive penance instructions from God. 

My personal confession routine is to pray about my sin that night. Then write about what happened, the why, how to be better, and burn it. If it is still bothering me, I make a bee line to confession. If it is something embarrassing, I will go to a nearby parish versus my normal ones as it is sometimes easier to be candid there. I really enjoy confession when the priest directs me to certain verses or stories of a Saint who struggled with something similar. It’s great to know I’m not alone in my struggle. 

Here is a pretty decent website that addresses this issue as well.

[rikkalorelei]

Do you confess prayers that didn't come to fruition?

I confess wanting things that clearly are not meant for me, or not in His plan for me at this point. 

I confessed praying, begging for a child when I was having the first miscarriages. I confessed the anger for not being able to do what God designed me to be able to do. I confessed the envy of others having children, especially when I judged them to be a less able parent. I confessed the sloth that came from giving up. 

So yes, one should truly examine their prayers that do not come to fruition and turn to introspection of their desires. Sometimes that is where one’s sins truly live and thrive, avoiding the pruning shears.