uh boy, was I ever brainwashed in that cult.  
I grew up in an area that did not have a TLM for hundreds of miles.  No one at the n.o. churches ever spoke of it, so I was completely oblivious.  I yearned for the holy at Mass and knew a lot was missing, but I thought it was ME.  
So I threw myself into research and private devotions (only post V2 info available at the parish bookstores and libraries) - that, and volunteering at the parish, thinking if I was closer to helping the priests, etc., it would rub off or something, and the yearning would stop.  
So, at a very young age I began "lectoring" and other assistance...  after a few years, I was really pressured to join the eucharistic minister gang, to visit people at home and in the hospital.
I resisted.  I didn't know why I didn't want to obey, but I didn't  (thank you Holy Ghost).  After enough pressure - again, thinking it was ME and I was being disobedient - I went to their classes, even bought a pyx.  The Holy Ghost finally triumphed over my confounded state and I backed out, and after that never went to a E.M. for Holy Communion at Mass.  It was a good 10 years later that I found the TLM.  Surprise!  A real Mass and sacraments and all the holiness I was yearning for!
Through those good priests and ardent study I discovered all the travesties of the new rite.  I was wracked with guilt, but when I described the confection of the host to my priest, he alleviated my conscience - one of the parishioners at that n.o. parish baked the hosts herself and used yeast and sweetened the hosts w/ brown sugar!
You can't make this stuff up.

Michaela and Cheryl, for what it's worth, I have a "docuмent" prepared (you can keep copies at home, car and wallet perhaps?) that I can give to a visiting E.M. at home or hospital, specifying that I am a traditional Catholic, and with a short explanation why I only accept sacraments/Holy Communion from a priest, and a traditional priest at that.  
I have a few quotes too, i.e.,  from St. Thomas:

"Secondly, because the priest is the appointed intermediary between God and the people, hence as it belongs to him to offer the people's gifts to God, so it belongs to him to deliver the consecrated gifts to the people. Thirdly, because out of reverence towards this sacrament [the Blessed Sacrament], nothing touches it but what is consecrated, hence the corporal and the chalice are consecrated, and likewise the priest's hands, for touching this sacrament. Hence it is not lawful for anyone to touch it, except from necessity, for instance if it were to fall upon the ground, or else in some other case of urgency" (SummaTheologica, III, Q. 82, Art. 13).

and have a reference Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei.
 
It sounds like it may be long and convoluted, but not - just short and sweet. I do not want to get into an argument at a time like that, so I figure handing them some instruction is more efficient all the way around.
Fortunately, wherever we've moved, we've arranged to live close to a TLM parish and the priest is on speed dial for just this type of situation, but I like to be prepared.

Yep, agreed, when I was still going through RCIA and going to the Vatican II Masses (don't ask) I used to "look up" to the Eucharistic Ministers, the altar girls, the lectors, etc. although there was something inside of me telling me not to "look up" to these people. Thank goodness I got out of that literal "devil's house" and came to Tradition where I can go to a real Mass and receive the Eucharist and the readings of the day from the priest himself. A Vatican II Mass looks like it was made for weak Catholics who are uncertain about their Faith, while the Traditional Latin Mass looks like it is made for God's servants and a little glimpse of Heaven itself.

 :rahrah:

I knew that I could count on the people here at CathInfo!
Thank you so much for your responses so far and your stories...maybe one day we could have a thread (if there is not one already) about how we all came to Tradition. We are so fortunate, it is really up to us to "disseminate knowledge without envy" while we are in the world!

It really is a vulnerable situation, if you have ever had any kind of lengthy stay in the hospital, you know the challenges that have to be faced.

One thing that I like to do is bring small images of Our Lord and Our Mommy Mary, and put them where I can see them. Usually people are really nice and open up about their faith, be it Catholic or otherwise. It is also a good idea to keep extra Rosaries on hand as gifts.  

Sometimes when I am approached by a minister, and I tell them my preference l, they ask if I am in Opus Dei.  
One time a priest actually told me that he feared for my soul, because I would not let a minister bring me My Jesus. Thank goodness my Guardian Angel was with me, and the Holy Ghost helped, because it was then a 30 minute fencing match with me holding my position and the poor priest trying to dissuade me! :shocked:

Thank you again for your posts... I am about to go in for surgery again next week, and it is so wonderful to find like-minded people out there! One thing about being Traditional nowadays is that you feel kind of isolated, especially if you are not near a Traditional parish.
I send you all hugs, I am so glad that I "took the plunge" and joined this forum.  :dancing:
It has lifted my spirits greatly!

Love,
michaela +

surgery "again" next week?  Sounds like you need some intercession, my friend.  I notice all on the forum rally well for that.

I send you all hugs, I am so glad that I "took the plunge" and joined this forum.

You have a very disarming, innocent style of writing and I enjoy reading your comments, so I'm happy you joined also.  He brings us all together, to sustain each other.

Keep us "posted" (get it?!) on your progress, friend.

Know this:  whether they be a rabbi, or protestant,or New Order, they are being told to take special classes to do any ritual.  For example:  If you the catholic are admitted in a hospital, whoever is on duty, let's say a rabbi, he is to  come to you and be able to give you catholic blessings, rosary,you name it, they are supposed to do all.  So, if a Jєω is admitted and a catholic minister is on duty, he puts on the cap and is to perform any Jєωιѕн service.  I read this in a newspaper for the area of Phoenix and Sun City, 2 years ago.

Thank you, Songbird!
Hey, if it is possible to transfer it to you, would you like my avatar? It really matches you!

 :roll-laugh2:

Now if only I could make that face.... :roll-laugh1: