Sometimes I envy converts to Catholicism. I grew up in the church, and while I attended CCD and then Parochial school, I basically stood in line as far as my faith life goes. I wasn’t challenged to explore my faith, so it wasn’t the “Come to Jesus” on fire-ness that converts get when they are asked about their new found faith.
This resulted in quite a few times in my adult life that I’ve drifted away from Catholicism. I’ve always come back, but something just seemed missing. I’ve been to megachurches where everyone is your best friend, they serve some awesome coffee concoctions, and Biblical knowledge rolled off my peers’ tongues. I went to Episcopalian services that were eerily close to my Catholic home. But when I sat back and thought where I truly, TRULY felt God and His Loving presence, it was right where I started- Catholicism.
So with that, I needed to arm myself and really study what I believe. I came back (this time) with the attitude that I need to have the hunger for knowledge my converted fellow Catholics seem to have gained so easily.
Along the way, I’ve found some really awesome resources:
1. Catholic Answers: This is a vast jem of information, especially in apologetics. Almost every answer I’ve ever had (or had been asked) can be found here. True to most Online Forums, people can get snarky with their answers, even uncharitable, but over all it’s what I go to if I have a question.
2. Rome Sweet Home/ Scott Hahn. I live in the Bible Belt. Protestantism is king here, and to hear about a Presbyterian minister that became one of the most prolific apologists is amazing; it’s usually the other way around! I only just finished this book, but it was so good I’m going into it again with my highlighter.
3. Conversion Diary (Jennifer Fulwiler). This blog is so invaluable. Mrs. Fulwiler was raised an athiest, but came to Christ. Not that any atheist coming to Jesus isn’t cause for celebration and thanksgiving, but for her to jump right into Catholicism… that’s nothing but God! One of her statements has stuck with me- denominations keep splintering, but the Catholic Church, in 2000 years, has never done that, regardless of scandal. (paraphrased)
4. EWTN. Only since moving back to my hometown are we able to get EWTN on tv, their website is just as useful. There is shopping, prayers for every need, and even a forum, which isn’t as vast as Catholic Answers, it may have something else you’re looking for the answer to.
5. Fulton Sheen. Gone home to Christ a few months after I was born, Archbishop Sheen brought it down to the laity so anyone can grasp this beautiful faith tradition. His insight and expression is lyrical, his TV persona a little magician meets Vincent Price, but he knew the faith, and he presented it well.
6. Introduction to the Devout Life. This might be a bit much for new Catholics to handle. But it’s very much about how to balance faith and your life outside the church doors. Everyone can be a devout monk/nun while in church, but what happens when you’re at work? Or in line at the grocery store? One of the best books I’ve read about deepening your faith life thus far.
My journey isn’t done yet. I don’t think it ever is for someone trying to foster a living (“practicing”) faith life. And it’s a good thing- it keeps perspective to the richness of our Catholic faith.
What are some of your favorite resources?
Erin Phillips is a multi-tasking mom of 2 school aged children, a freelance photographer, Martha Stewart wannabe and a Roller Derby Girl. She writes about her faith, crafts and all things derby at her blog Gentle and Quiet Spirit.
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Thank you so much for those links!
As a convert, I feel a lot of the ways you describe. My husband coming from a big Catholic family and never questioning his faith, didn’t/doesn’t seem to have the thirst for Catholicism that I do. Many times I have wished I could light a fire under him about Catholicism.
But there is something to be said too about that kind of Faith. The way I see it (coming from no specific religion before Catholicism) it is like a comfort you get from your parents and family. Always there for you. Ultimately you know God has the answers and you trust that. It just comes naturally.
I used to think my husband was lazy in his Faith. That was until I realized he’s not lazy, just satisfied. And believe it or not I rub off on him every once in a while and he will step outside of his comfort zone and learn something about his Faith he has either forgotten or never knew at all.
Thanks for posting, definately got me thinking!
Great post, Erin! I am also a cradle Catholic who just took our faith for granted. Or maybe I was just comfortable with it, like Practical stated. But sometimes it is good to question “Why do we Catholics do this?” and then investigate it a bit. I think the Holy Mass is like that. There is so much happening there on the altar, from the depth of the Bible readings, to the gestures the priest makes, to the ultimate miracle of bread and wine turned into the Body and Blood of our Saviour. But I think we don’t always realize all the symbolism that is happening during Mass. At least, I didn’t, so I started researching it. It was like a new world opened to me! What a joy to attend Mass and fully understand the miracle that occurs every time. It makes me want to cry; we are so blessed!
I’m also a cradle Catholic who drifted away as I approached adulthood. I was drawn back when my husband and I began having children and have been steady since.
One resource we use that you don’t have listed is “The Catholic Home” by Meredith Gould. She is a convert to Catholicism from Judaism. Her book is a wonderful trip through the liturgical year that lists Catholic traditions from around the world that can be incorporated into your domestic Church.
My mother was Methodist, although she attended Mass with all of us. Consequently, we didn’t do a lot of Catholic stuff at home, mainly because she just didn’t know about it. This book is definitely helping me to raise my own children surrounded by our faith.