There are several "creeds" that can be recited in the Catholic Church. There is the Apostle's Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Anthanasian Creed. The word creed comes from the Latin Credo, which simply means "I believe." The creeds were the result of a group (such as the Nicene Creed finalized by the Council of Constantinople in 381) and their effort to overcome some type of heresy attacking the Catholic Church.
For me, these creeds help me to identify how God is active in our world. From time to time I will slowly read and pray these creeds to strengthen my faith and to better understand our Church. After all, I returned to this Church and I really do want to understand how to become a better Catholic. The better you can understand something the closer you can feel to it. And for me this is how I have come to love our rich Catholic heritage.
In the next few blogs, I wanted to look into the simplicity of the Apostle's Creed as a prayerful exercise for those of us who have returned, or are considering returning to the Church. Perhaps this meditation of the Creed will stimulate some thoughts and help us all to better understand our Church.
I believe in God the Father Almighty.
The words "I believe" are not just some pipe dream, or some fantastic thought of what might be one day. Rather, belief is the living out of your faith. It is hope in a reality that is promised to us by One who delivers on promises. Saint Paul puts this much better and more poetically when he says in Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the realization of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen" (NABRE). Those two words alone, "I believe," took me on along journey away from and back to the Catholic Church. I left the Church mainly because I was not really well catechized as a child. Oh sure, I memorized the necessities of the old Baltimore Catechism in the early 1960's, but there is more to forming a child's faith than memorizing abstract thoughts and words. I had lots of questions and I actually had a decent prayer life as a young child, but the direction was not very strong for me in the early days.
It was what came after the "I believe" that took me a long time to rediscover. For almost 25 years after I left the Church I wanted to have something to trust and believe in. I found my way into Eastern thought and New Age philosophies. Some of them did tickle my fancy! They all played on my eagerness to analyze philosophies. I was a young man in search of something to stimulate my mind and not necessarily my heart and soul. By the way...there is plenty of things out there to trap you into thinking you are a magnificent genius and intellectual. On each of the roads, I found some relatiely short satisfaction, but ultimately I was left empty inside.
One day in late Spring of 2005, I was invited by a dear friend to attend a daily Mass. I agreed to go, and then I was immediately struck by the very real tug on my heart as I entered the chapel on a warm Friday morning. I had been away for nearly 25 years and I had actually become a Protestant pastor along the way. But when Mass began, I felt the presence of God the Father Almighty. It was a real and very clear presence. It WAS REAL! God the Father Almighty is real. I could say with certainty "I believe in God the Father Almighty. And in the days after that Mass the Father Almighty proved why we call him Almighty.
Within only a couple of months I felt led to resign my 5 year pastorate in my Protestant church and go to Confession and accept the divine mercy of God who can move mountains and hear prayers of the many people who wanted me back in the Catholic Church. God can work in and through so many people and events to complete His Will. And His Will included my return to the Catholic Church.
In my next installment I will continue to the next few sentences in the Apostle's Creed.
Peace and Blessings,
Jim
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Getting Into It
When I returned to the Church I wanted to be involved in some way in the life of the Church. When I left the Church I was on the fray and not at all involved. Then again, I didn't bother to see what the Church had to offer. Hindsight is great! There was and still is so much to do to become an active member and feel a sense of being a member of the body.
At the parish level there are lots of ways to keep involved in the church. Just read the Sunday church bulletin. Ask for a list of parish groups to see what piques your interest. On a wider level there are other organizations that need support and your help. I joined the Knights of Columbus to help out the community.
If you feel called to form your spiritual life with a bit more structure, there are many secular third orders and associations that meet and form their members in a path to seek God and follow Him. Some of the more popular secular orders are the Secular Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Oblates of St. Benedict and the Dominican Third Order. There are Formal Catholic associations that follow rules of life. The one I belong to is The Brothers and Sisters of Penance of Sy. Francis. We strive to follow the first Rule set forth by St. Francis for his secular followers. This rule of life is known as the Rule of 1221.
Depending upon where you are at in life and where you feel you are being led will certainly contribute to what group or organization you will become involved with. But I cannot stress this next thing enough... before you choose a place to involve yourself, pray first! Prayer is our "go to" source of advice and help. God will guide us to just the right place for you and for me. Realize, too, that there each pathway and organization has some limitations and each has areas where you may struggle a bit. But if you seek the right path through prayer, God will go e you the necessary grace to stay with it.
One final note on this, remembered to keep your eyes on Our Lord, Jesus Christ I whatever direction you go!
At the parish level there are lots of ways to keep involved in the church. Just read the Sunday church bulletin. Ask for a list of parish groups to see what piques your interest. On a wider level there are other organizations that need support and your help. I joined the Knights of Columbus to help out the community.
If you feel called to form your spiritual life with a bit more structure, there are many secular third orders and associations that meet and form their members in a path to seek God and follow Him. Some of the more popular secular orders are the Secular Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Oblates of St. Benedict and the Dominican Third Order. There are Formal Catholic associations that follow rules of life. The one I belong to is The Brothers and Sisters of Penance of Sy. Francis. We strive to follow the first Rule set forth by St. Francis for his secular followers. This rule of life is known as the Rule of 1221.
Depending upon where you are at in life and where you feel you are being led will certainly contribute to what group or organization you will become involved with. But I cannot stress this next thing enough... before you choose a place to involve yourself, pray first! Prayer is our "go to" source of advice and help. God will guide us to just the right place for you and for me. Realize, too, that there each pathway and organization has some limitations and each has areas where you may struggle a bit. But if you seek the right path through prayer, God will go e you the necessary grace to stay with it.
One final note on this, remembered to keep your eyes on Our Lord, Jesus Christ I whatever direction you go!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Whether you have returned back home to the Catholic Church, or you are thinking about that possibility, or you are somewhere in between you have a story to tell. I am sure of that, because I have spoken to many Catholics who have left the Church, some who wanted to return and those who have returned. I am one of those returning Catholics myself. I have my own story, too!
When I have spoken to people who have come back to the church I discovered a common thread. Everyone said that when they were away from the Church, they said the Church never really left them. One of the most common factors that brought most people back was a great desire to receive the Eucharist. From my own story I can tell you that was the biggest reason I wanted to come home to the Catholic Church.
When I came back, I had a desire to become more involved in the Church and to get a better foundation of my faith--a better understanding. If you are someone who has just returned or is considering returning to the Catholic Church, I can assure you that there are many resources, communities and ways to get a much better understanding of the Catholic faith!
We all know first hand how difficult life can be! We need a strong faith life to see us through the trials and tribulations of this earthly life. We need a glimpse of the life to come. It is my hope that this blog along with your input will help us all to grow in our Catholic faith and ever closer to God through Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Mysticism is Not Scary
When you hear the word "mysticism," what does that conjure up in your hear? Unfortunately, for many there is a dark picture with rolling fog and frightening chanting and a foreboding. In reality, mysticism is something that is quite the opposite and very much needed in the Church today. As the 500th anniversary of the birth of one of the Catholic Church's greatest mystics approaches, it is a good time to discuss mysticism.
St. Teresa was fortunate enough to develop a very close relationship with God in Christ. The relationship became a friendship and this friendship allowed Teresa to experience the knowledge that God was within her and she was within God. And there is the basis for mysticism--that ability to know that God is within us and we are within God. Can you imagine a real and true friendship with God. I am not talking about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get after a particualrly good homily or when you did something nice for someone (although, these are wonderful feelings). I mean the feeling to know that you know that God is your friend. The closeness that St. Teresa felt is something we may all want to aspire to!
But, there is more to mysticism than feeling good. Mysticism allows us to come close to God and make a difference in our own lives and the lives of everyone in the world. I grew up with the impression that mystics were hermit-like creatures who were "in it for themselves." I had that feeling for years growing up. For me this whole idea of mysticism seemed very selfish. But, to the contrary! The mystic is impelled by the very closeness of God to seek God's Will for the world! The mystic is responsibile for praying for the world and for peace and justice in all corners of the world. Mystics are needed to introduce the One, True God to a hurting world in need of healing!
Mystics are not scary, they are in demand!
St. Teresa was fortunate enough to develop a very close relationship with God in Christ. The relationship became a friendship and this friendship allowed Teresa to experience the knowledge that God was within her and she was within God. And there is the basis for mysticism--that ability to know that God is within us and we are within God. Can you imagine a real and true friendship with God. I am not talking about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get after a particualrly good homily or when you did something nice for someone (although, these are wonderful feelings). I mean the feeling to know that you know that God is your friend. The closeness that St. Teresa felt is something we may all want to aspire to!
But, there is more to mysticism than feeling good. Mysticism allows us to come close to God and make a difference in our own lives and the lives of everyone in the world. I grew up with the impression that mystics were hermit-like creatures who were "in it for themselves." I had that feeling for years growing up. For me this whole idea of mysticism seemed very selfish. But, to the contrary! The mystic is impelled by the very closeness of God to seek God's Will for the world! The mystic is responsibile for praying for the world and for peace and justice in all corners of the world. Mystics are needed to introduce the One, True God to a hurting world in need of healing!
Mystics are not scary, they are in demand!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Let's Stay Focused!
One thousand apologies to my readers. I have been away from blogging for too long again. It seems between summer vacation, a new dog that required much of my attention (she is a beautiful golden retriever that we rescued) and taking a class at the local university to stay current with my job... I have let the blog slip! Oh my, yes! I have many, many excuses. And that is all they are, EXCUSES!
I am not sure why, but excuses seem to make us feel better about failing to do what we set out to do. Perhaps it is best to have a list of excuses in our pockets before we begin a project so that we are ready when we don't live up to our goals. The fact of the matter is, I just let the blog go fallow like a field that just had finished a crop of corn.
Here's the deal... I began this blog with the intention of reaching out to anyone who was returning to the Catholic Church and needed some encouragement, or someone who wanted to reach out to someone who was thinking of returning to the Catholic Church. I am also finding a great joy in my faith while exploring the great wealth of spirituality within this grand Church! In doing that, I sometimes can go off on a tangent and find all new blogs to start.
Now, I return (yes, a returning Returning Catholic). But with the return to this blog, I have discovered so many rich possibilities for anyone wishing to return to their Catholic roots--be you a person who physically left the Church or be you someone who wants to return to the excitement and joy that made your faith alive and exciting!
And so, here is my alteration to this blog--- This is for Returning Catholics in the broadest sense of the word. I am inviting anyone who wants to return to the Catholic Church with its many spiritual growth opportunities. And that is what I want to explore with all of you! So, in the motto of my own Benedictine yearnings: "Let us begin again!"
I am not sure why, but excuses seem to make us feel better about failing to do what we set out to do. Perhaps it is best to have a list of excuses in our pockets before we begin a project so that we are ready when we don't live up to our goals. The fact of the matter is, I just let the blog go fallow like a field that just had finished a crop of corn.
Here's the deal... I began this blog with the intention of reaching out to anyone who was returning to the Catholic Church and needed some encouragement, or someone who wanted to reach out to someone who was thinking of returning to the Catholic Church. I am also finding a great joy in my faith while exploring the great wealth of spirituality within this grand Church! In doing that, I sometimes can go off on a tangent and find all new blogs to start.
Now, I return (yes, a returning Returning Catholic). But with the return to this blog, I have discovered so many rich possibilities for anyone wishing to return to their Catholic roots--be you a person who physically left the Church or be you someone who wants to return to the excitement and joy that made your faith alive and exciting!
And so, here is my alteration to this blog--- This is for Returning Catholics in the broadest sense of the word. I am inviting anyone who wants to return to the Catholic Church with its many spiritual growth opportunities. And that is what I want to explore with all of you! So, in the motto of my own Benedictine yearnings: "Let us begin again!"
Monday, August 31, 2009
Pro-Life and a View on the Kennedy Funeral
I have heard many comments since the burial of Sen. Ted Kennedy and the blessing given by the pope in light of Kennedy's record on abortion. I think those who are Roman Catholic politicians ought to sit up and take notice exactly of what happened in the exchange of those letters between Pope Benedict XVI and Sen. Kennedy.
Senator Kennedy wrote to ask for a special blessing from the pontiff with the consideration that he was gravely ill. In the portion of the letter that was revealed, we see a man who pleads his case and admitsfailing, even though he has tried to follow Church teachings. Now, we can never know Senator kennedy's confession, but we can hope that he repented of his stances on abortion and other stances that were contrary to Catholic teaching.
The fact is that Pope Benedict XVI did give his apostolic blessing. This is a significant blessing, indeed. I do not think that he would offer such a blessing unless he felt there was a genuine understanding of the sins commited and the repentence necessary.
If this is the case, then I think it would be important for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters involved in politics to sit up and take notice. If Sen. Kennedy sought and apostolic blessing, he must have come to the realization that he was out of line in that area of Catholic teaching. And like so many of us, he, too, sought to be made whole again in the Church.
Speaking from the perspective of a returning Catholic, I can admit that I did not follow many of the teaching of the Catholic Church, but when I returned, I also came to the clear realization that some of my stances were not in line with the teachings of the Church. I was fortunate to realize this while still healthy. I could repent of these failings and come to the Sacrament of Penance. I hope it was the case, too, with Senator Kennedy. Now I would pray that all of those who currently support the Pro-Choice agenda would re-consider their position in light of this.
Senator Kennedy wrote to ask for a special blessing from the pontiff with the consideration that he was gravely ill. In the portion of the letter that was revealed, we see a man who pleads his case and admitsfailing, even though he has tried to follow Church teachings. Now, we can never know Senator kennedy's confession, but we can hope that he repented of his stances on abortion and other stances that were contrary to Catholic teaching.
The fact is that Pope Benedict XVI did give his apostolic blessing. This is a significant blessing, indeed. I do not think that he would offer such a blessing unless he felt there was a genuine understanding of the sins commited and the repentence necessary.
If this is the case, then I think it would be important for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters involved in politics to sit up and take notice. If Sen. Kennedy sought and apostolic blessing, he must have come to the realization that he was out of line in that area of Catholic teaching. And like so many of us, he, too, sought to be made whole again in the Church.
Speaking from the perspective of a returning Catholic, I can admit that I did not follow many of the teaching of the Catholic Church, but when I returned, I also came to the clear realization that some of my stances were not in line with the teachings of the Church. I was fortunate to realize this while still healthy. I could repent of these failings and come to the Sacrament of Penance. I hope it was the case, too, with Senator Kennedy. Now I would pray that all of those who currently support the Pro-Choice agenda would re-consider their position in light of this.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
RETURNING AFTER A (TOO LONG) HIATAS!
One Thousand Apologies! I have been away from blogging since April! So much has happened since I last wrote a blog--I moved into a house! Following my divorce, I lived in an apartment for a couple of years, and then--miracle of miracles a nice little house with a good-sized yard went up for sale. The house needs only some minor cosmetic work/updating, but for the most part, it is gorgeous!
So, now, the Returning Catholic returns to blog. Let me tell you, when I got very busy I also had a somewhat "desert experience" spiritually. I still felt God was in my life, but I began to question my own journey. Specifically, I have been struggling to find a spiritual connection with a third order. I have researched and prayed and read and prayed and talked to people and prayed. Well, I am amazed how God works... God does act in our lives... but wow... I wish God would work in my time! Serious, though, I have been learning patience in these few months that I have been away from the blog. But, God has taught me alot in that time.
My life has been turned upsidedown in the past four years and I think I was looking for a "group" to help me settle down. Since I first heard about Third Orders or Secular Orders I have felt drawn to the idea of strengthening my spiritual walk, while becoming part of a community.
It was through quiet prayer and settling myself down that I realized I have been rushing myself to acheive MY IDEA of what a spiritual life should look like. I have a work-life that doesn't lend itself well to monthly scheduled meetings, and I then felt I would not find a community.
I started and stopped with an online community (which is very reputable) called the Confraternity of Penitents. As I started the inquiry stge with them, I felt a live community would be more helpful, so I became restless and looked for Third Order Carmelites and Third Order Franciscans and Dominicans, etc.
Then I got tired of my restlessness and I was about to give up all hope of this idea of a spiritual community. But, I sat down with God and took a long hard look at my life. I was trying to intellectualize everything about the spiritual and religious life. I also must admit that I was becoming obscessed with me. I was selfish... not a good sign. What did God want me to do? That is when my heart-to-heart with God transformed my focus. The question, "What is your rush?" came to my mind.
I returned to the Confraternity of Penitents, because that is where I felt at home and I was simplifying my life, while at the same time learning how to look for God's Will.
So, now I have a new home, a peaceful yard and a new and improved outlook on life.
If you are know to my blog, welcome! If you are returning to see if I am still alive, I am and welcome back!
God Bless!
So, now, the Returning Catholic returns to blog. Let me tell you, when I got very busy I also had a somewhat "desert experience" spiritually. I still felt God was in my life, but I began to question my own journey. Specifically, I have been struggling to find a spiritual connection with a third order. I have researched and prayed and read and prayed and talked to people and prayed. Well, I am amazed how God works... God does act in our lives... but wow... I wish God would work in my time! Serious, though, I have been learning patience in these few months that I have been away from the blog. But, God has taught me alot in that time.
My life has been turned upsidedown in the past four years and I think I was looking for a "group" to help me settle down. Since I first heard about Third Orders or Secular Orders I have felt drawn to the idea of strengthening my spiritual walk, while becoming part of a community.
It was through quiet prayer and settling myself down that I realized I have been rushing myself to acheive MY IDEA of what a spiritual life should look like. I have a work-life that doesn't lend itself well to monthly scheduled meetings, and I then felt I would not find a community.
I started and stopped with an online community (which is very reputable) called the Confraternity of Penitents. As I started the inquiry stge with them, I felt a live community would be more helpful, so I became restless and looked for Third Order Carmelites and Third Order Franciscans and Dominicans, etc.
Then I got tired of my restlessness and I was about to give up all hope of this idea of a spiritual community. But, I sat down with God and took a long hard look at my life. I was trying to intellectualize everything about the spiritual and religious life. I also must admit that I was becoming obscessed with me. I was selfish... not a good sign. What did God want me to do? That is when my heart-to-heart with God transformed my focus. The question, "What is your rush?" came to my mind.
I returned to the Confraternity of Penitents, because that is where I felt at home and I was simplifying my life, while at the same time learning how to look for God's Will.
So, now I have a new home, a peaceful yard and a new and improved outlook on life.
If you are know to my blog, welcome! If you are returning to see if I am still alive, I am and welcome back!
God Bless!
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