Author Topic: Action or Prayer Ive got only 5 years left???? (Read 1319 times)

copticruiser · « **on:** October 30, 2011, 04:28:51 PM »

So what is a mother to do? When you have a large family with high expectations of marrying real traditional practising Catholics? There are many I know in my boat. Most of us Homeschool, there are many of us in rural parts of the country, but the vast majority of Catholics are NO's, my kids might as well date Mennonites at least the ones around here arnt Charismatic and believe marriage is for life!!

When I see the beauty and richness of our catholic faith I get sooo excited meeting a new family whose values and understanding is the same as our own. Where does one find it?

Shall I simply pray and wait for Gods timing?
Shall I search high and low for those tradtional catholics in hiding?
Do both in moderation?

Currently we know lots of NO's
A few traditional NO's
One traditional small family
Five sincere like minded, homeschooled, protestant families who are a joy to talk to and resemble our family in many ways but again have 2 out of 7 sacraments.

Not to be sarcastic but I may be forced to become an American and move to Kansas. I see there seems to be a HUGE concentration of traditional catholics but too bad I know NONE of them. I am presuming that tradtional catholics are ALL on the same page with faith and morals. I also presume that traditional catholics pick up on all the deceit and lies we are being fed on a daily basis and do much to counteract it through their lifestyle and choices?

I got a little jealous here the other day. I found out my protestant friends attend this once a year NON DENOMINATIONAL homeschool summer camp. They meet the most phenonminal people.

Well do Catholics (Trads) ever do these sorts of things on a med to big scale? It may be just me but I feel there is a need for like minded Catholics to get together as families. Real catholics who are passionate about the faith and about families and wholesome living are truly a BREATH of FRESH AIR.

My thoughts, Annie

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2011, 05:28:22 PM »

That's a good question.

There's the natural order (rural life, self-sufficiency, classical education, your family's values -- not to be confused with morals -- culture/ethnicity, etc) and those things are good in themselves, and each is worthy of putting in a certain degree of effort to pass on, as much as possible.

But, of course, none of them are important enough to give up the Faith for.

It's also true, though, that having a sane life on the NATURAL order (rural living, for example) is more conducive to piety and virtue than, say, living outside Washington DC and commuting to work in heavy traffic everyday, in order to push paperwork in a big office all day. Being surrounded by skyscrapers (even smaller buildings) all day every day makes you emphasize MAN and MAN's WORKS in your thinking.

When you're in the country, you are more affected by the weather (rain, shine, drought, flood, etc.) and you realize how much you're at God's mercy. It puts you in a more proper position of creature in relation to the Creator.

I'm sure there are a few good big-city Catholics out there, who play sermons in their car during their daily commute, etc. but I can't help but think that in going against the grain they have to be the exception.

What to do?

Yes, I'd probably put in a small effort to find like-minded families. I'd emphasize to your children how important the Faith is above all else. You don't want them getting the wrong priorities and dating men because they're more attractive, have certain natural virtues, etc. even though they're not solid Catholics (and Catholicism is inherently Traditional, so I guess I'd have to say Traditional Catholic)

Is the SSPX still hosting that Young Adults Gathering? I've never been to it, but I've heard of it. It used to take place in Colorado. It's supposed to be a way for Catholic singles to have good clean fun together and -- you never know, maybe meet their future spouse. I know of other trads who have gone "spouse hunting" in places like Post Falls, ID or St. Marys, KS.

Of course, finding a spouse is only 1/2 the battle. For men, you have to find a place in the world (a way to earn a living) as well -- that's at least AS hard as finding that spouse.

It behooves Catholic children today to waste no time -- get a solid foundation in virtue, especially hard work, and develop some skills as children, rather than wasting so many years in the late teens "having fun" instead of being serious about life.

MrsZ · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2011, 02:40:20 PM »

I am a Catholic convert, came late to Tradition, and am now observing with trepidation as my oldest begins to make his way in the world. I thought that we just had to move to some Trad Catholic enclave, but God saw fit to not answer that prayer ... and allow us to continue to live in basically no-trad-cath-land ... a small town filled with CINO's and New Agers.

But I see now that it's a very, very small percentage of people that can or would do well in moving away from everyone and everything. We have to be salt and light to the rest of the world in darkness. Those dark evil filled zombie like people are trying to steal our children's souls .. to do the work of their god, the devil. I see it more than ever. My son is "out there" and my daughter soon will be as well. I tried to do what I could to shelter and protect them ... and the ugliness of our modern culture is pervasive nonetheless. Modern music, movies, Facebook and cell phones .. it is harder than ever before to raise children and have them avoid all this indefinitely.

My kids have yet to meet ONE PERSON in real life that takes their Christian faith SERIOUSLY. They sure don't have it in their relatives, and they don't have it in the people they interact with .. including the church youth group ...

God has willed or allowed us to be in this situation against what I would prefer and I have to accept the reality that He apparently means for us to hold fast to the barque of St. Peter in the midst of an incredible storm. "and to that rock I'm clinging" .... :sad: :cry: :cry: :sad:It's really, really hard and I just want to tell you that sometimes you have to stay where you are and fight and pray and trust in God completely.

I'm right in the middle of this and the worry and fear that I'm struggling with hurts unbelievably while I stand on the sidelines and watch my son make his way in this cess pool we call the world.

Just know that there is no guarantee that your children will continue to follow the Faith upon exposure to the world. Some leave their insulated little communities on purpose to chase after the illusions that the world dangles before their eyes. Some come back and some don't. As long as you've done everything you can ... mostly prayers, sacrificing and almsgiving ... that's all you can do. They have free will and there's only so much a parent can do.

There is no Catholic utopia here on earth. This is not our home.
God Bless you and your family.
Oh, and please read the post in this section called "Solving the Crisis in Homeschooling" it's very, very good ... (it's long, but worth the time)

love alabama · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2011, 11:24:58 AM »

go to Post falls or Saint Marys. Lots of trads there

songbird · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2011, 06:34:48 PM »

We have 4 children. We are traditional and we home schooled 3 of the 4. One not home schooled married in Trad. church to non-catholic and they have 2 boys. They do not attend Mass! I reminded my daughter that she took a vow to raise them Catholic. They are ages 6 and 3. We shall see, but we know that marrying a non-catholic with a lukewarm catholic is not going anywhere and it hurts everyone! Second is a boy, man of 35. Never married. He tried dating and everyone he dated was just not good and Mom was right up front, warning and he finally wised up this 2nd time around. I remind all our children ages 37 to 24, when they were single, being happy and with God does not mean married so much. You can be happy serving God single as well. Our goal is to save our souls! One wrong choice can change your whole life. Mom and Dad and God want you to be happy, but define happy and save your soul, first. Daughter number 2 decided to take drugs and came off and had a daughter out of wedlock. She denies God and wants her daughter to do the same- age 7. But we the grand parents teach her and all the grandchildren catholicism. They know their prayers for now. Daughter 3 married a new order who was not practising and wanted Traditional. He is very open and practising and takes it seriously. My suggestions is to always remind yourself that happiness is being happy with God and pleasing Him! Tell your children the truth that any other faith can cause wars and does in the world as well as at home. You can love many people but it does not mean marriage. That is a business and consider it that and you will make better choices. You don't go into business with someone who does not believe as you do, or can not bring up children or in drugs or drinking. Advise, serve God first and happiness is there, BUT we need to teach suffering, tribulations because we are there. If God wants us married, He will see to it one way or another for nothing is impossible with God. Just teach and love your children and participate with them as Don Bosco was with his boys school. Take Our Lady with you. You be the example and always be open to your children and be firm in your confictions. songbird

copticruiser · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2011, 01:10:06 PM »

Thankyou very much for your prayers and insight. I will try just to enjoy whatever seasons God gives me. Like I said I live in a Mennonite community and family, friends, and dating is sooo easy for them. They all dress the same, believe the same and do all the same things. Im sure they have their problems but for the most part its like one big family.

I do look forward in taking a trip to Kansas one year. It would be nice if there was a place to stay for a week that didnt include hotel rooms. At my old church in Albert they built family rooms onto the church so that families travelling from overseas could stay and attend mass.

It gets a little more challenging as the family grows who knows maybe the idea of a travel trailer will work. Again I catch myself making all these plans but really our Lord is in charge of it all. Thankfully he knows our desires before we speak them so according to my heart I am very anxious to meet like minded catholics with large families who love the country life and simple living.

Until then I have alot of work passing on our catholic faith and living it myself. God bless.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2011, 01:44:13 PM »

Quote from: copticruiser

I am presuming that tradtional catholics are ALL on the same page with faith and morals.

Alas, this is not the case. The degree of worldliness varies widely and some Trads are rather worldly.

Quote

I also presume that traditional catholics pick up on all the deceit and lies we are being fed on a daily basis and do much to counteract it through their lifestyle and choices?

Some do; most (IMO) don't. Many are still almost-completely deceived. I know an intelligent, in-many-ways virtuous young woman (a neurologist) who voted for Obama, even making a notable donation to the cause!

While there are many Trads who take their faith seriously, there are also many who are far-too-influenced by the modern world. If you go anywhere, just remember that those in your new home are just men, having many good points as well as bad.

Knowing a little bit about your situation, I'd remain there unless something that screams "This is God's will!" comes along. Godspeed, Annie :)

copticruiser · « **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2011, 05:58:17 PM »

Really lovin it where we are. Really lovin reading and speaking to other Catholics and yes I know they all vary so do I in their catholic faith, virtues, and knowledge. God has been extremly gracious to our family. I know not many who live the back to basics lifestyle we do.

Your right Gladius Veritus when God calls you know it and we respond to it. Thats how we got this far in the first place.

Who would of known that Id be homeschooling 6 kids and canning moose meat and drinking goats milk???? Only God could accomplish that!!!

It can be exciting to wait upon the Lord and see where he takes us next whether physically or spiritually. Life is one heck of a journey and so many people and things to learn about. Just gotta be careful not to fall in those nasty pitholes.

My thoughts, Annie