Catholic cysters...

CelticSpirit · 10-11-2004, 12:17 AM

I have a question for all my Catholic cysters...

Does it ever feel like being Catholic is a target for angry remarks against our religion? I feel sometimes like our religion is "fair game" so to speak. It feels like it's open season on the Catholic religion. Why? I disagree with the way other Christian religions work, but I don't bash them...so why do those other Christians bash our religion?

And on the other hand, it seems like there's other Catholics out there looking to make a mockery of our beliefs by not following some of the biggest teachings... I don't get it...

Am I the only one who feels this way? Is there anyone else who's had similar experiences?

AND, if someone is reading this who isn't Catholic, please don't flame me...it's not meant as an insult nor is it an invitation for more insults...

bethers · 10-12-2004, 01:22 PM

I grew up in a very Catholic household but am not currently a practising Catholic - and by that I mean I only go to mass on Christmas even with my parents & family.
I don't notice a lot of Catholic bashing here.
I don't understand any kind of bashing, Catholic or otherwise.
However, perhaps it would be best to turn the other cheek? After all it is probably their ignorance/lack of education about Cathotholism (sp?) that causes them to act in such a manner.

CelticSpirit · 10-12-2004, 02:28 PM

I agree with turning the other cheek, but it's getting really frustrating...

some of those folks who bash out of ignorance won't even allow themselves to be educated about it...they just keep plugging away and don't seem to realize how it makes some of us feel, but they are also the same people who would rip apart anyone else who bashes THEIR beliefs...

I hope that made sense...

Not much bashing goes on around here, but little comments here and there do occur about certain teachings (and of course, the people doing the bashing don't understand the teachings and are just spreading misinformation!)

I don't get it...

Thanks for responding, by the way...I appreciate it...

Big hugs!

dachshundqueen · 10-12-2004, 02:35 PM

I spoke to my priest about this, particularly my father in law (who is a fallen away catholic) LOVES to bash catholicism.....he said just keep trying and always pray for people who act this way......so that's what I do. Try not to get discouraged......hugs.

Lizzie

CelticSpirit · 10-12-2004, 02:41 PM

Thanks Lizzie!

My MIL and BIL's are atheists, which is fine with me, but I don't appreciate all the bashing... Of course, it's not just them. It seems everywhere I turn there's another remark. KWIM?

But then, if my in-laws heard that my husband became a Catholic, it would be the beginning of the next World War!

dachshundqueen · 10-12-2004, 02:55 PM

If I want to be a real snot to someone who is aboslutely driving me crazy, sometimes I say, "It's okay, I understand what you're saying, but I'll pray for you." Ha ha ha. Man I am very naughty sometimes, and me a Sunday school teacher.

I would avoid telling the in-laws.......why start an unnecessary brew ha ha, my husband always tells me to pick my battles carefully (something I'm not always good at).

Lizzie

CelticSpirit · 10-12-2004, 03:12 PM

The in-laws will never hear it from MY mouth! It falls under the category of "cold day in hell" LOL!

My husband was never even baptised...well, all that changed on Easter Vigil this past year. He was baptised, confirmed and received the Eucharist for the first time in his life. I was so proud (I know...bad thing to be when you're Catholic) of him. But, he was ALWAYS different from them (I joke that he's a cabbage patch kid). He always had a belief in God, just no outlet to find out more. It was sad.

Becoming a fireman and an EMT just helped drive him closer to God. I think that he'd seen too many miracles to keep his back turned...When you see someone live when they've been injured so bad that all laws of nature and science dictate that someone should be dead, it's kind of hard to deny God...

bethers · 10-13-2004, 01:04 PM

I don't see a problem with being Catholic and being Proud. Why wouldn't you be able to be proud of someone else's achievments? Imagine if we weren't able to say "Way to go!" or "Great job!" I always thought that recognising when someone has done something good, and letting them know, was part of being a Christian.

Congrats to your DH. I am glad that he has found his place and finding spiritual fullfillment (sp?).

CelticSpirit · 10-13-2004, 01:13 PM

Thanks Beth!

My hubby feels much better now that he's found the Catholic religion. I think for so many years he felt lost because he believed in God, but was unable to express it around his family. I think that this has given him a sense of peace.

Of course, you still can't talk about miracles around my in-laws since they will just try to find some way around it, or start talking about how there's so much other garbage in the world...KWIM?

Swingin' Cyster · 10-13-2004, 03:54 PM

Congratulations!!!
That's terrific for your husband, StacieD! I'm glad to hear it! Doesn't it make the marriage much easier as well? About being proud, being proud isn't a sin b/c it's always for someone else. Being prideful is a sin b/c it's selfish and condescending. I have lots of trouble with being prideful...
I totally agree that Catholic-hate seems to be the only acceptable prejudice allowed these days. I work for a Catholic radio station (which you can listen to online at www.avemariaradio.net) and we constantly have stories about the oppression of Catholics. And you are so right about the Catholics who do make the news being rather anti-Catholic like - and this isn't to offend but it is the truth - John Kerry who champions abortion.
O/T I was going to start a Catholic thread too! I think we need to find a patron saint for PCOS. I think the woman w/the hemorhage that touched Jesus's cloak would be a good one (b/c my problem was always constant bleeding). I call her Hermana which is Spanish for sister and it's ironic seeing how we're all "cysters" here!

My other patron saints are Cecilia (confirmation) and Patrick (birthday is 3/17). What are your patron saints?
Kara

CelticSpirit · 10-13-2004, 06:40 PM

Thanks Kara for making me feel better....

My favorite patron saints...

St. Patrick...Yes, I'm Irish...

I'm currently waiting for Mother Theresa because in my humble opinion...she's someone that we should ALL emulate! I can honestly say that she's a hero. I think that I'm so lucky to be of an age that I got to hear what she did and see the news reports of her activities when she was still alive. She was a truly beautiful and amazing woman who deserves the sainthood.

I also think that St. Albert the Great is a favorite...the patron saint of scientists. Science was always a passion for me and knowing that there was one who became a saint really helped me to believe in myself. I hope that makes sense.

Big hugs to all my Catholic cysters...

Swingin' Cyster · 10-14-2004, 11:20 AM

Those are great ones!! Mother Theresa will be a saint VERY soon, I'm sure...

One other saint favorite of mine is St. Norbert. I decided awhile ago to give my future spouse a name so when I pray for him it's more personable. (God bless Norbert sounds much better than God bless my future husband) I chose Norbert b/c my friend's dad was named that and I figured that my future husband most likely will not. Then I found out there was a St. Norbert and so now I have another intercessor!

Have you ever seen the pope smiley?
+</:-)

CelticSpirit · 10-14-2004, 12:47 PM

The Pope smiley is just too funny! I've never seen that...probably because I don't get to chat online with many Catholic folks...I don't get to chat much with many Catholic folks IRL either!

Although, I live in an area that seems to be very Catholic. All the masses are packed at my church (except the 7:30 AM one...guess everyone's a little tired?). We're lucky, we're building a new church soon! Yippee! It's going to be very big and we're all excited about it!

MrsBeavs · 10-29-2004, 04:55 PM

Hi Stacie

I totally understand where you are coming from. I found it very hard when I moved to England, a lot of people still seemed very anti-Catholic or just assumed it was open season on Catholics in their comedy routines/jokes etc. It was a real eye opener for me because I was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, almost everyone I knew was Catholic, I can't remember any negativity at all. Even at university I don't recall it being a strange thing. Then I moved to Portugal with my family, again, no probs, everyone is Catholic there!

In 1996 I moved to London and about 6 weeks after I had arrived, someone at law school freaked out when I told them I was Catholic...she went on and on about how wrong it was etc and I figured 'the weird person had to sit next to me'...I was really thinking there was something wrong with this person! But then it started happening again, not often but regular enough. Of course I was a bit of an ignoramus when it came to the history and conflict of the Catholic church here in Britain.

I found in situations like that, the best thing is to arm yourself with prayer and knowledge of our Church, its teachings and its grace.

I would never have a go at a protestant for not believing what I believe...and when they have a go at me I just say to myself 'they protesteth too much'...must be a reason

As for Catholics who don't follow the beliefs, I agree with you. We need to be setting more of an example. I am sure I fall into that category sometimes. St. Francis of Assissi said it perfectly:

Preach the Gospel constantly. If necessary use words.

Pretty wise words!

If you ever want to have a chat about the faith (which I love talking about and learning about), having husbands that are new to the faith etc, send me a PM and i'll email you, i'd really like that.

I feel so lucky and blessed that my husband has converted. If i'm honest it was never something I thought would happen but I prayed for it anyway. And i'm so happy for you as well. A happy marriage definitely starts with a spiritual unity.

Hugs,

Eloise

ps Kara, love the Pope smiley!!!