Wherefore, my dearly beloved, (as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more now in my absence,) with fear and trembling work out your salvation. Philippians 2:12
I am newly baptised and confirmed on the same day, as of 15th April 2024 and I am already struggling with praying fervently and reading the scriptures diligently daily. I also struggle with keeping the Lord in my mind throughout the day while tending to procrastinate spending time with him in prayer. All too often, the past couple of days I find myself having doubts eg., "See? There is no special incidents after baptism and I am making my life harder now than before, and for what?"2 things.
At other times, I worry about the things that I may need to confess. Not sure if I am being overly scrupulous at all either. While it may not seem a big deal to some, the beginning couple days of my new journey has not been entirely easy and I ask for any prayers that could come my way since I am not sure what I should request for.
I have unsubscribe most of the channels on Youtube and left those that can help in my journey. If there are any advice or channels that the members here can point me to, that would be greatly appreciated too.
Thank you all kind souls in advance!
I have unsubscribe most of the channels on Youtube and left those that can help in my journey. If there are any advice or channels that the members here can point me to, that would be greatly appreciated too.Might be you need to nourish your faith, which comes from hearing as St. Paul tells us. His channel has many great sermons:
Thank you all kind souls in advance!
I am newly baptised and confirmed on the same day, as of 15th April 2024 and I am already struggling with praying fervently and reading the scriptures diligently daily. I also struggle with keeping the Lord in my mind throughout the day while tending to procrastinate spending time with him in prayer. All too often, the past couple of days I find myself having doubts eg., "See? There is no special incidents after baptism and I am making my life harder now than before, and for what?"Welcome to the Faith!
At other times, I worry about the things that I may need to confess. Not sure if I am being overly scrupulous at all either. While it may not seem a big deal to some, the beginning couple days of my new journey has not been entirely easy and I ask for any prayers that could come my way since I am not sure what I should request for.
I have unsubscribe most of the channels on Youtube and left those that can help in my journey. If there are any advice or channels that the members here can point me to, that would be greatly appreciated too.
Thank you all kind souls in advance!
"Rome was not built in a day""In your patience you shall possess your souls." - Luke 21:19
So set a modest/minimum routine or habit of prayer, and do not deviate from it, regardless of how hard it might see or how dry you might get, realizing that the dryness does not make you farther from God but is actually working to bring you closer to Him.You're not alone, StrivingCatholic. The above quotes are crucial, and I am also doing my best to power through my dryness. Hang in there, pray the rosary, and I'll pray for you too!
I am newly baptised and confirmed on the same day, as of 15th April 2024 and I am already struggling with praying fervently and reading the scriptures diligently daily. I also struggle with keeping the Lord in my mind throughout the day while tending to procrastinate spending time with him in prayer. All too often, the past couple of days I find myself having doubts eg., "See? There is no special incidents after baptism and I am making my life harder now than before, and for what?"Welcome to fight! You are now in a war with the enemies of Our Lord. Like others have stated, love is in your will, it is not a feeling. Keep doing what you know is God's will for you no matter how dark and dry you feel. Put yourself everyday into Our Lady care, trust her to lead you everyday and pray the rosary.
At other times, I worry about the things that I may need to confess. Not sure if I am being overly scrupulous at all either. While it may not seem a big deal to some, the beginning couple days of my new journey has not been entirely easy and I ask for any prayers that could come my way since I am not sure what I should request for.
I have unsubscribe most of the channels on Youtube and left those that can help in my journey. If there are any advice or channels that the members here can point me to, that would be greatly appreciated too.
Thank you all kind souls in advance!
I am newly baptised and confirmed on the same day, as of 15th April 2024 and I am already struggling with praying fervently and reading the scriptures diligently daily. I also struggle with keeping the Lord in my mind throughout the day while tending to procrastinate spending time with him in prayer. All too often, the past couple of days I find myself having doubts eg., "See? There is no special incidents after baptism and I am making my life harder now than before, and for what?"ANY struggle you have, you can be certain many other Catholics have the same struggles even if they have been in the faith for many years.
At other times, I worry about the things that I may need to confess. Not sure if I am being overly scrupulous at all either. While it may not seem a big deal to some, the beginning couple days of my new journey has not been entirely easy and I ask for any prayers that could come my way since I am not sure what I should request for.
I have unsubscribe most of the channels on Youtube and left those that can help in my journey. If there are any advice or channels that the members here can point me to, that would be greatly appreciated too.
Thank you all kind souls in advance!
I am newly baptised and confirmed on the same day, as of 15th April 2024 and I am already struggling with praying fervently and reading the scriptures diligently daily. I also struggle with keeping the Lord in my mind throughout the day while tending to procrastinate spending time with him in prayer. All too often, the past couple of days I find myself having doubts eg., "See? There is no special incidents after baptism and I am making my life harder now than before, and for what?"
At other times, I worry about the things that I may need to confess. Not sure if I am being overly scrupulous at all either. While it may not seem a big deal to some, the beginning couple days of my new journey has not been entirely easy and I ask for any prayers that could come my way since I am not sure what I should request for.
I have unsubscribe most of the channels on Youtube and left those that can help in my journey. If there are any advice or channels that the members here can point me to, that would be greatly appreciated too.
Thank you all kind souls in advance!
Might be you need to nourish your faith, which comes from hearing as St. Paul tells us. His channel has many great sermons:Thanks for the resources! I will definitely subscribe and explore them.
https://youtu.be/4v82F5A-9Mw
Here is (https://rumble.com/c/c-1723735) another good one.
Welcome to the Faith!Thanks for the recommendation, AMDGJMJ! :smirk:
Try not to give yourself too hard of a time. "Rome was not built in a day". Perfection takes time.
I highly recommend the book "Patience" by Father Lasance:
https://truerestoration.org/press/patience/
(https://truerestoration.org/press/patience/)
Congratulations on your Baptism.Thank you Ladislaus. This is both enlightening and comforting at the same time, to know that what I am going through helps me to make progress in the spiritual life. I will need to remember that.
It is possible to take on too much too quickly. If I want to train for a marathon after having been a couch potato for years, I'm not going to get up one day and run the 26 miles or even the 13.
So just start with relatively modest goals, the minimum being, IMO, a Morning Offering followed by 5-10 minutes of mental prayer or meditation, evening examination of conscience and Act of Contrition, the 3 Haily Marys (morning and evening), and the Holy Rosary. I strongly recommend 15 decades, the entire Rosary, each day. I like to break it up to 5 decades 3 different times of the day. Just stick to these practices no matter how "dry" you feel. Dryness is actually one of the first steps toward progress in the spiritual life, and it can often develop into a "Dark Night of the Senses". At the end of the day, love of God is in the will (informed by the intellect), not in the senses or the emotions, so God will sometimes withdraw the consolations of the senses in order to strengthen the will and the intellect, the higher faculties. But fight through it and stick with those minimums you've set for yourself. Once you get into a solid habit of the above, then you could gradually, little by little, introduce more, say 15 minutes of spiritual reading, 15 minutes of reading Sacred Scripture (or go back and forth), additional mental prayer, etc.
So set a modest/minimum routine or habit of prayer, and do not deviate from it, regardless of how hard it might see or how dry you might get, realizing that the dryness does not make you farther from God but is actually working to bring you closer to Him.
You may want to read from Fr. Garrigou Lagrange's Three Ages of the Interior Life, which discusses how one progresses to holiness, through the "dark nights".
https://tinyurl.com/4s899vzh
Baptism does not completely eliminate the consequnces of Original Sin, conscupiscence, a tendency toward sloth/laziness, gluttony, irascibility, etc.
If you like Three Ages, here's a link to Volume 2.
https://tinyurl.com/yfaneksr
Here's a similar book by Fr. Tanquerey, The Spiritual Life, which is a bit more compact / concise / terse. We used this text at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary as the textbook for the introductory class in "Ascetical and Mystical Theology".
https://dn790009.ca.archive.org/0/items/MN41530ucmf_5/MN41530ucmf_5.pdf
Welcome to fight! You are now in a war with the enemies of Our Lord. Like others have stated, love is in your will, it is not a feeling. Keep doing what you know is God's will for you no matter how dark and dry you feel. Put yourself everyday into Our Lady care, trust her to lead you everyday and pray the rosary."Love is in your will, it is not a feeling."
I have added these prayers among my list of My Prayer in my Laudate app. Thank you, RosaryTrad!PETITIONS OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOMTWELVE PRAYERS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY
- O Lord, do not deprive me of Thy heavenly blessing.
- O Lord, deliver me from eternal torment.
- O Lord, if I sinned in thought, word, or deed, forgive me.
- O Lord, free me from all ignorance, the pettiness of soul, and hardness of heart.
- O Lord, save me from all temptation.
- O Lord, enlighten my heart darkened by evil desires.
- O Lord, because I am a human being, I am a sinner; because Thou art the Lord God, forgive me in Thy love, for Thou knowest that my soul is weak.
- O Lord, send Thy grace to aid me so that I may glorify Thy Holy Name.
- O Lord Jesus Christ, inscribe me, Thy faithful servant, in the Book of Life, and give me a good end.
- O Lord my God, although I have not done any good before Thee, nevertheless, grant me, with the help of Thy grace, to be able to begin to do so.
- O Lord, freshen my heart with Thy grace.
- O Lord of Heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful servant, impure and cold of heart, in Thy Kingdom.
TWELVE PRAYERS AT THE END OF THE DAY
- O Lord, accept my repentance.
- O Lord, do not forsake me.
- O Lord, save me from temptation.
- O Lord, grant me pure thoughts.
- O Lord, grant me tears of repentance, the remembrance of death, and a healthy sense of my guilt.
- O Lord, grant me humility, charity, and obedience.
- O Lord, grant me the confession of my sins.
- O Lord, grant me tolerance, kindness, and gentleness.
- O Lord, place in me the source of all blessings: the fear of Thee in my heart.
- O Lord, grant that I may love Thee with all my heart and all my soul, and that I may always obey Thy will.
- O Lord, defend me from certain people and also from the demons and all errors.
- O Lord, Thou knowest that there always exists agreement between Thee and Thy Will; may such also exist between us, for Thou art blessed forever and ever. Amen.
ANY struggle you have, you can be certain many other Catholics have the same struggles even if they have been in the faith for many years.I appreciate this. I kept assuming that there is something wrong with me or that I did not put myself in a proper state of mind before baptism and expected something splendous to happen. You just reminded me when we as catechumens were taught during RCIA that even after baptism, we were not excused from spiritual struggles and hardships, and it only intensifies if we intend to really carry the cross. Ugh...I see the immaturity in my expectations now. :facepalm:
Remember these basic ordinary daily struggles are your cross. All you have to do is carry it. Even Jesus needed help carrying his cross, so heavy was the burden of our sins. It wouldn't be quite so difficult if Catholics would help each other carry their cross, but we are too spread out and careless to do that, or we won't accept help from others. "Bear one another's burdens, everyone shall carry his own burden." "No greater love does a man have than to lay down his life for his friends." That doesn't mean we have to take a bullet for them, but give up what you want to do with your life, even if it's just a part of the day or week you would rather be doing something else for yourself, to help someone else carry their burden. You don't make a campfire with 1 piece of wood, it takes a few to share the heat between them so they burn all the hotter in this cold world.
Were you baptized using the Traditional Rite of Baptism or the New Rite? Was the minister a validly-ordained priest using the Traditional Rite or someone else?Let me find out from my godparent from RCIA and get back to you on this. I really have no idea :laugh1:
The reason I ask is that the New Rite of Baptism removes certain exorcisms and anointings that St. Thomas Aquinas says are critical to remove the obstacles to divine grace:
https://aquinas.cc/la/en/~ST.III.Q71.A3
If you were not baptized using the Traditional Rite, you can have a traditional priest provide the "Supplying Ceremonies of Baptism" The process takes approximately 15 minutes.
3 O'clock Divine Mercy ChapletThe Divine Mercy is a false devotion. Change this to the Rosary.
The Divine Mercy is a false devotion. Change this to the Rosary.These days, I try not to brush aside anything that the Church approves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It would be terrible if the Holy Spirit abandons the Church when she is making such important acts of discernment, we would be lost then. :(
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB9wsq--mkdPdufUaUCaQPZAGyfp1OixJ
Let me find out from my godparent from RCIA and get back to you on this. I really have no idea :laugh1:This post tells us that you were baptised in the New Order (abbrev NO here) and not according to the traditional way.
These days, I try not to brush aside anything that the Church approves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It would be terrible if the Holy Spirit abandons the Church when she is making such important acts of discernment, we would be lost then. :(The Divine mercy was condemned by the Church. Also it contradicts Church teaches meaning it is false.
Thanks for the recommendation, AMDGJMJ! :smirk:You are most welcome! :cowboy:
Can I ask, what kind of community are you in, in order to stay close and tightly-knitted within the Catholic circle? Or what advice can you provide me if I am looking for one? I ask this because apart from the Sunday Mass, there isn't really much contact (at least from my observations based on my own experiences).My best advice, SC, is to seek out a Traditional Catholic community and attend the traditional Latin Mass and whatever other devotions and instructions you can, and strive with all your might (as only a Striving Catholic can!) to attend a five day traditional Ignatian Retreat (the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius). It will change your life and you will sing your praises and gratitude to God for the rest of your days, and please God for all eternity, if you are ever so blessed as to do one.
I am newly baptised and confirmed on the same day, as of 15th April 2024 and I am already struggling with praying fervently and reading the scriptures diligently daily. I also struggle with keeping the Lord in my mind throughout the day while tending to procrastinate spending time with him in prayer. All too often, the past couple of days I find myself having doubts eg., "See? There is no special incidents after baptism and I am making my life harder now than before, and for what?""When thou enterest into the service of the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation" - Eccles. 2:1
These days, I try not to brush aside anything that the Church approves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It would be terrible if the Holy Spirit abandons the Church when she is making such important acts of discernment, we would be lost then. :(
My best advice, SC, is to seek out a Traditional Catholic community and attend the traditional Latin Mass and whatever other devotions and instructions you can, and strive with all your might (as only a Striving Catholic can!) to attend a five day traditional Ignatian Retreat (the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius). It will change your life and you will sing your praises and gratitude to God for the rest of your days, and please God for all eternity, if you are ever so blessed as to do one.
I have added these prayers among my list of My Prayer in my Laudate app. Thank you, RosaryTrad!You are most welcome. My priest gave me these prayers when I was first in catechism, and they continue to serve me well. These are great to pray throughout the day whenever you need them. Here's another good one to have handy:
These days, I try not to brush aside anything that the Church approves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It would be terrible if the Holy Spirit abandons the Church when she is making such important acts of discernment, we would be lost then. :(If anything, the Popes abandoned the Holy Spirit during the second Vatican Council and did the work of men. It's a very interesting subject to study, in which you will find that the Holy Spirit was still there preserving the church, and that all of the errors of Vatican II were already condemned. Strangely the Popes did nothing after Vat II when things were getting worse in the church even after drawing a connection to the council. Have confidence and much peace. Don't let anything agitate you or take your peace. This is just another trial the church is going through like so many before, such as the Arian heresy, but this time it's more like the church is on the cross than just scourged, because we are dealing with the synthesis of all heresies. Pray the Rosary, if possible 15 mysteries per day, pray for a holy Pope, Bishops, and Priests. And get a Douay Rheims Bible with the Haydock compiled Commentary.
If anything, the Popes abandoned the Holy Spirit during the second Vatican Council and did the work of men. It's a very interesting subject to study, in which you will find that the Holy Spirit was still there preserving the church, and that all of the errors of Vatican II were already condemned. Strangely the Popes did nothing after Vat II when things were getting worse in the church even after drawing a connection to the council. Have confidence and much peace. Don't let anything agitate you or take your peace. This is just another trial the church is going through like so many before, such as the Arian heresy, but this time it's more like the church is on the cross than just scourged, because we are dealing with the synthesis of all heresies. Pray the Rosary, if possible 15 mysteries per day, pray for a holy Pope, Bishops, and Priests. And get a Douay Rheims Bible with the Haydock compiled Commentary.My apologies if it took me awhile to respond to your post and others like it, simply because I do not know yet how to respond during this period and that I am kinda in shock due to the immaturity of my journey, before I came to a realisation that I am in a Traditional Catholic forum :laugh2:. Shocked, not because I have not heard of 'Traditional' vs 'Progressive' Catholics on the media, but rather shocked that the 'divide' includes the Divine Mercy as well.
My apologies if it took me awhile to respond to your post and others like it, simply because I do not know yet how to respond during this period and that I am kinda in shock due to the immaturity of my journey, before I came to a realisation that I am in a Traditional Catholic forum :laugh2:. Shocked, not because I have not heard of 'Traditional' vs 'Progressive' Catholics on the media, but rather shocked that the 'divide' includes the Divine Mercy as well.I sincerely recommend you watch this video on the "Divine Mercy devotion":
Can we safely assume that despite the 'divide', that saying the Divine Mercy at 3pm is harmless while we continue with the Rosary in the evenings? Truth be told, I don't think I am ready to take on any sides or study the trials going on within the Church yet. :facepalm:
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Traditional Catholics eg. we should be kneeling and receiving communion on the tongue, etc. As a matter of fact, I think that is the most beautiful way of expressing reverence for the Body of Christ. However, our priest in RCIA did kinda express a slight disdain for that form of reception due to 'hygiene' reasons because of Covid. I think he did mention that if we must have that kind of reception of the Holy Communion, we should be the last in line, in consideration of those who wishes to receive in the hand. I couldn't seem to bring myself to receive on my knees and on the tongue, truth be told...I am kinda shy since everyone is receiving in the hand :laugh1:
This is horrible. This 'priest' does not understand the respect we must show to the Lord's most sacred Body. Even the priest has to wash his fingers with Holy Water before he can touch it... How can a layperson then do so? And what about hygiene towards our Lord?
. However, our priest in RCIA did kinda express a slight disdain for that form of reception due to 'hygiene' reasons because of Covid.
I sincerely recommend you watch this video on the "Divine Mercy devotion":I did a little research and found some good information around. I think it is actually allowed as a special permission based on the Roman Archdiocese of Singapore, but on the tongue is still considered the norm.
https://youtu.be/quQb-vyM9Cw?feature=shared
Touching the Body of Christ with unconsecrated hands is sacrilegious and isn't allowed in Catholic Masses.
This is a great video about the Novus Ordo fake Mass full of irreverence: https://youtu.be/WWo-7uVR8yI?feature=shared
This information might shock you, but remember to pray the rosary daily for the light of Truth and trust in God.
God bless.
Dear Striving Catholic,Well it's actually a very long story, for those who can keep their eyes open.:laugh2:
Would you like to tell us a bit about your conversion? Approx how old are you; and how did you come to RCIA and the decision about the Catholic Church? Did you come in alone, or with others, like family or friends?
Thank you,
In Christ
Hang in there, StrivingCatholic. The devil always attacks. Be strong and grow in the true faith. You are in my prayers. :pray:Thank you so much, Kephapaulos! :pray:
Remember 1 Peter 5:8-9: "Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith..."
Well it's actually a very long story, for those who can keep their eyes open.:laugh2:What a story! Keep fighting and as Nadir said, if you can experience the Traditional Mass and a good traditional priest to be your confessor, you may find the peace you are lacking. I will be praying for you. :pray:
I am actually 45 now. The seed was planted by my aunt more than 20 years ago while I was still a drug user since I was a teen. During that time, I joined gangs and always gotten high from drugs and whatnot in my teenage years, before I joined the National Service in Singapore (a mandatory 2-year military training for those aged 18). Even during the period where I was in the military for those couple of years, I was extremely rebellious and continued with drugs and AWOLed multiple times, landed myself into prison and detention barracks. I had no dreams, no future... all I wanted was the next high. My late mother did not even know how to help me anymore and sort of gave up.
However, during the period where I AWOLed for the last time (I think), I was hiding out in my home then, my aunt gave me a call to talk to me about praying to God for deliverance and help. She gave me my first 1 decade rosary, crucifix and miraculous medal, and slowly mentored me day-after-day in my prayer life while I was on AWOL. Never once did she mention I should surrender to the authorities but she tell me to keep praying. In my desperation, I felt a close affinity to the Virgin Mary then and seem to love to spend time with her. There was serenity and courage during that period of time when I was reciting the rosary. Bear in mind, I was young and could only do 5 decades each time and even then it took me over 40 mins because I was very careful to meditate on each mystery for 5 mins before praying the Hail Mary fervently, instead of just chanting it.Over time, I contemplated on baptism one day but I know if I do not surrender to the authorities, I will still be stuck in that situation and cannot attend RCIA for a year to get baptised. Finally, I made the decision to surrender and stood infront of the detention barracks, which they were caught by surprised because no one actually goes there to surrender. :laugh1: But the entire time, there was no fear but only consolation that I wasn't alone at all but our Mother was with me. They did not ill-treat me or spoke harshly to me either (which was common to those waiting to be charged here).
However, upon release, I quickly forgot about God and strayed away once more. After I left the Army, I took on a couple of jobs before finally landing on a job which promoted me to a managerial role for a time-sharing company at the age of 22. To be honest, that is not a good age to become a manager, at least for me. Soon I was on 'higher-class drugs', rented a room in a private apartment, lavish money and gifts on people who would be my 'friends'. It wasn't long before I lost my job, income and got stuck again. Broke as I was, I was too proud to ask anyone for help. Until the very last few days where my money can still sustain me on simple food, in my desperation, I knelt and begged God to save me because I have nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to since those 'friends' kinda vanished. Few minutes later, my late mother called me on my phone which she rarely does and somehow in that conversation which I couldn't recall very well, she told me to return home.
Even with that loud and clear help from God, I still strayed and forgot about Him. I did manage to hold on to my jobs after that and became clean many years. Got married (civil marriage) because of a pregnancy, marriage did not last as the woman I married was an adulterer which tore our marriage apart and I left them for several years (I am no saint either). My heart broke, despair and suicidal thoughts were in my mind several times as I always find myself alot on the rooftops somewhere looking down, but never could bring myself to end it but at least it is silent and dark being alone on the rooftop. I have stopped loving her but its me who is afraid of change for some unknown reason. Then again one night, I begged God again, once more in my desperation to be released from this suffering, and anxiety... and take me, I remember I told Him I do not wish to go to Hell but to end all of my existence, mind, body and soul so I do not even exist anywhere. Silly I know but... :facepalm: I was desperate.
So finally a divorce took place, and surprisingly, things did not turn out as bad as I imagined it to be. I only need to pay for child support and I would have to buy over my ex-spouse's share of our house. There were still a lot of paperwork to be done after that for the house, so let's leave that aside for now. It wasn't long before I met another woman...this time, a Catholic woman who is very nurturing and loving. We fell in love. At that time, I suddenly recalled that I did ask God for a Catholic partner when I was probably still in my teenager years. And I can kinda guessed why He won't give me a Catholic partner then because I could never treasure whoever He gave me at that age. But He did answer my prayer after all, but at His own time.
Frankly, the timing He brought her to my life could never be better. She has nurtured me out of my trauma and pain, and even knows how to soothe my anger (I have anger issues due to constantly using anger to balm my hurts and pains so as not to feel it, which is a dangerous thing to do to oneself). She has even loaned me $15K to help pay off my ex-spouse's share of the house, and we rented the rooms out and all rent proceeds are used to pay for my debt to her. I knew at that time she was special because rarely would anyone be willing to fork out so much money to help someone they are not married to.
Ever since then, I trust her so much that I give her control and freedom over every dollar I own. I have not given anyone such power and control in my life, until now. And I can only give praise and thanks to God who answers my prayers in times of great desperation and humility, and to bring someone like her into my life, after everything that I have ever done to disobey Him.
I started my journey since July 2023 and baptism took place April 15th 2024.
The End.
(https://i.imgur.com/Lpq4Bsj.jpeg)
Got married (civil marriage) because of a pregnancy, marriage did not last as the woman I married was an adulterer which tore our marriage apart and I left them for several years (I am no saint either). My heart broke, despair and suicidal thoughts were in my mind several times as I always find myself alot on the rooftops somewhere looking down, but never could bring myself to end it but at least it is silent and dark being alone on the rooftop. I have stopped loving her but its me who is afraid of change for some unknown reason. Then again one night, I begged God again, once more in my desperation to be released from this suffering, and anxiety... and take me, I remember I told Him I do not wish to go to Hell but to end all of my existence, mind, body and soul so I do not even exist anywhere. Silly I know but... :facepalm: I was desperate.Hate to be the one to break it to you, but your civil marriage was valid since you were both non-Catholics. Thus to live with this other woman, however nice she is, would be adultery.
So finally a divorce took place, and surprisingly, things did not turn out as bad as I imagined it to be. I only need to pay for child support and I would have to buy over my ex-spouse's share of our house. There were still a lot of paperwork to be done after that for the house, so let's leave that aside for now. It wasn't long before I met another woman...this time, a Catholic woman who is very nurturing and loving. We fell in love. At that time, I suddenly recalled that I did ask God for a Catholic partner when I was probably still in my teenager years. And I can kinda guessed why He won't give me a Catholic partner then because I could never treasure whoever He gave me at that age. But He did answer my prayer after all, but at His own time.
Frankly, the timing He brought her to my life could never be better. She has nurtured me out of my trauma and pain, and even knows how to soothe my anger (I have anger issues due to constantly using anger to balm my hurts and pains so as not to feel it, which is a dangerous thing to do to oneself). She has even loaned me $15K to help pay off my ex-spouse's share of the house, and we rented the rooms out and all rent proceeds are used to pay for my debt to her. I knew at that time she was special because rarely would anyone be willing to fork out so much money to help someone they are not married to.
Ever since then, I trust her so much that I give her control and freedom over every dollar I own. I have not given anyone such power and control in my life, until now. And I can only give praise and thanks to God who answers my prayers in times of great desperation and humility, and to bring someone like her into my life, after everything that I have ever done to disobey Him.
I started my journey since July 2023 and baptism took place April 15th 2024.
I did a little research and found some good information around. I think it is actually allowed as a special permission based on the Roman Archdiocese of Singapore, but on the tongue is still considered the norm.
It does make sense though, as it would be extremely uncharitable and unloving towards those who have weaker immune systems or are more vulnerable in health, if one insists on sticking rigidly to a form or tradition due to our own pride and disobedience, especially when the current global situation deems it still unsafe. Pssst I used to be like that and still in danger of being that.
One can only pray that this Covid pandemic clear up quickly :pray:, so the Church can finally take away Communion in the hand and enforce it on the tongue? ::) Not sure how it all works.
I found other info on the topic of receiving communion with unconsecrate hands, and frankly I take comfort in this link, knowing Catholics have been receiving on the hands for the first 800 years of Christianity, before switching to the tongue: Eucharist on the Hand or on the Tongue? - Ask a Marian (https://youtu.be/oKjozUfaGGM)
Hate to be the one to break it to you, but your civil marriage was valid since you were both non-Catholics. Thus to live with this other woman, however nice she is, would be adultery.I could be wrong, but wouldn't his baptism wash away all sin even any that would come from adultery from a previous marriage? He's reborn as a son of God now.
I could be wrong, but wouldn't his baptism wash away all sin even any that would come from adultery from a previous marriage? He's reborn as a son of God now.I don't quite understand the point. Yes, all sins were forgiven him in baptism, but that doesn't make his marriage invalid or allow him to be intimate with another woman which I understood to be his present, post-baptismal, and unfortunate condition.
ugh...this is so...disappointing... first I was slammed by things that contradicts with what I have learnt and thought I knew...then to find out the Church is so divided and I cannot trust anything... and now this part about my past marriage...:'(Yes, things are very serious unfortunately. The times are such that many of us had to break off relationships and be persecuted for the faith.
ugh...this is so...disappointing... first I was slammed by things that contradicts with what I have learnt and thought I knew...then to find out the Church is so divided and I cannot trust anything... and now this part about my past marriage...:'(
Hate to be the one to break it to you, but your civil marriage was valid since you were both non-Catholics. Thus to live with this other woman, however nice she is, would be adultery.
Dear Striving Catholic,A priest's opinion doesn't give you certainty as you suggest, only the Church can give you certainty with a declaration of nullity, which is at present, unfortunately, unavailable. The SSPV is so indifferentist that it doesn't even require general confessions for people converting from the Novus Ordo. It's useless to gamble on the opinion of some priest and then if one doesn't like that priest's opinion he can go in search of another fallible opinion.
Thank you for sharing your story. It took a lot of courage, I'm sure.
I was going to reply with some information relating to your original post, but I can imagine that the replies to your story have thrown you into anguish and turmoil.
My advice to you now is to immediately seek the counsel of a traditional Roman Catholic priest. Let him examine your case, and tell you for certain if your previous marriage is valid.
I suggest contacting Immaculate Heart Seminary in Round Top, NY.
Send them a message via email. I find these priests very charitable.
Just Google it, and the website will come up.
Hate to be the one to break it to you, but your civil marriage was valid since you were both non-Catholics. Thus to live with this other woman, however nice she is, would be adultery.Isn't there the Pauline/Petrine privelege for marriage, where if a person converts to the Faith and his unbaptized spouse won't convert, they can remarry a Catholic and receive the full sacrament? It's a rare case, but it may apply to this thread.
Isn't there the Pauline/Petrine privelege for marriage, where if a person converts to the Faith and his unbaptized spouse won't convert, they can remarry a Catholic and receive the full sacrament? It's a rare case, but it may apply to this thread.The matter is dealt with in the 1917 Code of Canon law in Chapter 10, Article 1. However, it seems evident that one cannot just dissolve his own marriage without a competent authority, which is currently unavailable, and would thus not apply to the present situation.
Isn't there the Pauline/Petrine privelege for marriage, where if a person converts to the Faith and his unbaptized spouse won't convert, they can remarry a Catholic and receive the full sacrament? It's a rare case, but it may apply to this thread.Lay people can't apply the Pauline/Petrine privilege to their own situation. Only a Tribunal or the Rota can issue an declaration. And there is no traditional authority to do so. The OP must separate from the new "wife".
The matter is dealt with in the 1917 Code of Canon law in Chapter 10, Article 1. However, it seems evident that one cannot just dissolve his own marriage without a competent authority, which is currently unavailable, and would thus not apply to the present situation.The issue is, if both he and his first wife were unbaptized, then their marriage was civil/natural only.
The issue is, if both he and his first wife were unbaptized, then their marriage was civil/natural only.If I remember correctly, it can be handled at the diocesan level, however, again, one cannot just decide this for himself, UNLESS we can find that it is explicitly allowed to do so. So, a Canon Law commentary on these canons should clearly state that a layman can, when lacking a priest or bishop with ordinary jurisdiction or a marriage tribunal, presume his non-sacramental marriage dissolved.
If he becomes baptized and joins the Church, he could marry *again* (technically it wouldn't be a second marriage, but be his first SACRAMENTAL marriage) to a practicing catholic. This assumes the original spouse does not want to join the Faith.
A civil/natural marriage can be "upgraded" to a sacrament in this specific circuмstance, as St Paul explains. Since the purpose of marriage is to get to heaven, a civil/natural marriage in which a spouse is hostile to the Faith can be "dissolved" (not sure if that's the correct word) so that a sacramental union can take place.
Would this need the approval of a marriage tribunal? A catholic marriage tribunal wouldn't waste their time on non-sacramental marriages, as it's clear in Canon Law that these aren't catholic marriages. I've heard these cases handled by Trad priests many times. A parish priest may have the power to decide, but I'm unsure.
If I remember correctly, it can be handled at the diocesan level, however, again, one cannot just decide this for himself, UNLESS we can find that it is explicitly allowed to do so. So, a Canon Law commentary on these canons should clearly state that a layman can, when lacking a priest or bishop with ordinary jurisdiction or a marriage tribunal, presume his non-sacramental marriage dissolved.Yes, i'm not suggesting a layman can make any decisions related to canon law. I'm suggesting (and i've known examples) where Trad priests investigated the matter and the person converted to the Faith and was "re-married" to a Trad. But the priest made the call.
I'd be extremely surprised if that was the case. Why? Because the marriage has to be dissolved, that's an act that has to take place, so, it's not that the marriage automatically dissolves once someone converts and would like the issue to go away, but it has to be dissolved by a competent authority, which is not present.
ugh...this is so...disappointing... first I was slammed by things that contradicts with what I have learnt and thought I knew...then to find out the Church is so divided and I cannot trust anything... and now this part about my past marriage...:'(Don't lose hope. It's only another trial. All is worth it for an eternity with the infinite God. I have to say, I'm baffled by this recent development. Something just doesn't seem right. Surely there's some resolution in this current crisis in the church. Perhaps some sort of supplied jurisdiction for the case of this marriage to be judged if the authority of the apostates in Rome can't be trusted.
Yes, i'm not suggesting a layman can make any decisions related to canon law. I'm suggesting (and i've known examples) where Trad priests investigated the matter and the person converted to the Faith and was "re-married" to a Trad. But the priest made the call.I'm not sure whether a Trad priest would have the authority to do so. It's the question of whether supplied jurisdiction extends to governance. If we granted that, a trad bishop could have the power to excommunicate, which no one admits.
A priest's opinion doesn't give you certainty as you suggest, only the Church can give you certainty with a declaration of nullity, which is at present, unfortunately, unavailable. The SSPV is so indifferentist that it doesn't even require general confessions for people converting from the Novus Ordo. It's useless to gamble on the opinion of some priest and then if one doesn't like that priest's opinion he can go in search of another fallible opinion.And your opinion carries more weight than a priest's?
Catholic principles in this case are clear-cut and anyone can apply them for himself - unbaptized non-Catholics marry validly when they seek a civil marriage, that's certain, the question is only if that's what happened and StrivingCatholic knows that for himself. In any case, to go seek another marriage a declaration of nullity would be required, which he cannot get, since there is no competent authority to provide it at present.
In short, one can and should seek advice from knowledgeable priests or laymen, however, one can't go seek certainty from a priest's opinion.
P.S. The marriage is assumed valid until proven otherwise beyond any doubt, not the other way around.
And your opinion carries more weight than a priest's?
Heck, even in an organization like the SSPX, you couldn't just "go to a priest". Even they have some priests who are a bit more highly trained in the subject who might opine on the matter, and it would not be left up to the priest at your local chapel.One of the greatest acts of hubris that I encounter amongst some SSPX and sede priests is to refer to themselves as "pastors" and to the chapels at which minister as "parishes".
And your opinion carries more weight than a priest's?No more, no less!
Don't lose hope. It's only another trial. All is worth it for an eternity with the infinite God. I have to say, I'm baffled by this recent development. Something just doesn't seem right. Surely there's some resolution in this current crisis in the church. Perhaps some sort of supplied jurisdiction for the case of this marriage to be judged if the authority of the apostates in Rome can't be trusted.The news of the church being so divided when Jesus promised that no gates of Hell will prevail against it, being told that there is no leadership or power in the Church that can lead the laity or deal with my annulment, or we can't even trust priests....all these show me (a novice Catholic) that the fruits produced pertaining to these are strife, confusion and dissent, that or Jesus lied when he said no gates of Hell will prevail against the Church.
Read up on Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, his letters, speeches, sermons, and also Bishop Antonio de Castro Meyer. It's incredible they persevered against the Pope and their colleagues, but they knew they were thoroughly backed by the truth of Tradition.
God has brought you this far, even to this forum, don't stop now.
"But yet the Son of man, when he cometh, shall he find, think you, faith on earth?"
The news of the church being so divided when Jesus promised that no gates of Hell will prevail against it, being told that there is no leadership or power in the Church that can lead the laity or deal with my annulment, or we can't even trust priests....all these show me (a novice Catholic) that the fruits produced pertaining to these are strife, confusion and dissent, that or Jesus lied when he said no gates of Hell will prevail against the Church.Precisely because the gates of hell cannot prevail do we have to conclude that these impostors are not the hierarchy.
All these confusion, anguish and turmoil I face now that I am at the position that I either have faith in what He promised, or if I am not careful, I fear I might just abandon it all together again. Somehow I find it hard to believe that despite the politics, the trials of the Church and the human errors within the Church, that God would leave the leadership unmanned. The damage cause by the divisions among the laity and the Church is very devastating, and souls get lost due to such fruits.
That would not be love and mercy at all if the Chair of St Peter is redundant now, and letting the laity float around lost in confusion, while having to deal with their own afflictions in their daily lives. This whole thing opened a whole new can of worms, so yes something is definitely not right here, unfortunately. :'(
The news of the church being so divided when Jesus promised that no gates of Hell will prevail against it, being told that there is no leadership or power in the Church that can lead the laity or deal with my annulment, or we can't even trust priests....all these show me (a novice Catholic) that the fruits produced pertaining to these are strife, confusion and dissent, that or Jesus lied when he said no gates of Hell will prevail against the Church.Try to not be too discouraged. We do live in dark times, but there is still hope.
All these confusion, anguish and turmoil I face now that I am at the position that I either have faith in what He promised, or if I am not careful, I fear I might just abandon it all together again. Somehow I find it hard to believe that despite the politics, the trials of the Church and the human errors within the Church, that God would leave the leadership unmanned. The damage cause by the divisions among the laity and the Church is very devastating, and souls get lost due to such fruits.
That would not be love and mercy at all if the Chair of St Peter is redundant now, and letting the laity float around lost in confusion, while having to deal with their own afflictions in their daily lives. This whole thing opened a whole new can of worms, so yes something is definitely not right here, unfortunately. :'(
The news of the church being so divided when Jesus promised that no gates of Hell will prevail against it, being told that there is no leadership or power in the Church that can lead the laity or deal with my annulment, or we can't even trust priests....all these show me (a novice Catholic) that the fruits produced pertaining to these are strife, confusion and dissent, that or Jesus lied when he said no gates of Hell will prevail against the Church.
That would not be love and mercy at all if the Chair of St Peter is redundant now, and letting the laity float around lost in confusion, while having to deal with their own afflictions in their daily lives. This whole thing opened a whole new can of worms, so yes something is definitely not right here, unfortunately. :'(
Thank you Ladislaus. This is both enlightening and comforting at the same time, to know that what I am going through helps me to make progress in the spiritual life. I will need to remember that.The Rosary is a powerful weapon per Padre Pio. The Rosary and stations of the Cross are the way for a Catholic. The divine mercy chaplet should never replace the Holy Rosary (with 3 mysteries), Stations of the Cross and Douay Rheims Bible reading. The Holy Bible is God’s word and will help you in your life.
Currently, I am saying the Morning Offering, 3 O'clock Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Evening Offering as my starting point. The Rosary might prove too much for me at the moment and I fear I will give it up halfway again.
Thank you for the links! I will bookmark this, so I can get back to it.
Currently, I am saying the Morning Offering, 3 O'clock Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Evening Offering as my starting point. The Rosary might prove too much for me at the moment and I fear I will give it up halfway again.I am just finding this thread, StrivingCatholic. I want to read it more thoroughly before responding as I see there is A LOT going on here! In the meantime, I will include you in my Rosary prayers today.
I see a number of people are referring to this new woman as "wife", but I don't see where you said you married her. Have you?Actually no, we are not married at all. We are planning for it.
Precisely because the gates of hell cannot prevail do we have to conclude that these impostors are not the hierarchy.Unfortunately, in Singapore, the only Tridentine Mass exists in just one church and at only 1 time slot on a Sunday afternoon, and that will also depends on whether the priests are in Singapore. Right now, the priests are not in Singapore and thus the Tridentine Mass will resume in June.
You've used the term 'gates of Hell', but do you know what it means?
The gates fo Hell are defined as the "death-dealing tongues of heretics" or "the disputations of heretics".
If the Church were led by the notorious heretics leading the fake Novus Ordo Church, then that would mean the gates of Hell have prevailed.
But since that's impossible, the only possible conclusion is that they're not true popes and bishops of the Catholic Church.
With regard to the confusion, it's in line with the maxim "strike the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered". It's just more evidence of the shepherd being missing.
Regarding your idea that God wouldn't allow this to happen, that's just your feeling, and as they say, facts don't care about your feelings.
Father Edmund James O'Reilly, The Relations of the Church to Society - Theological Essays, 1882, Page 287-288: "The great schism of the West suggests to me a reflection which I take the liberty of expressing here. If this schism had not occurred, the hypothesis of such a thing happening would appear to many chimerical. They would say it could not be; God would not permit the Church to come into so unhappy a situation.Heresies might spring up and spread and last painfully long, through the fault and to the perdition of their authors and abettors, to the great distress too of the faithful, increased by actual persecution in many places where the heretics were dominant. But that Catholics should be divided on the question of who was Pontiff, that the true Church should remain between thirty and forty years without a thoroughly ascertained Head, and representative of Christ on earth, this would not be. Yet it has been and we have no guarantee that it will not be again, though we may fervently hope other wise. What I would infer is, that we must not be too ready to pronounce on what God may permit. We know with absolute certainty that He will fulfil His promises; that He will not allow anything to occur at variance with them; that He will sustain His Church and enable her to triumph over all enemies and difficulties ; [...] But we, or our successors in future generations of Christians, shall perhaps see stranger evils than have yet been experienced, even before the immediate approach of that great winding up of all things on earth that will precede the day of judgment. I am not setting up for a prophet, nor pretending to see unhappy wonders, of which I have no knowledge whatever. All I mean to convey is that contingencies regarding the Church, not excluded by the Divine promises, cannot be regarded as practically impossible, because they would be terrible and distressing in a very high degree."
Unfortunately, in Singapore, the only Tridentine Mass exists in just one church and at only 1 time slot on a Sunday afternoon, and that will also depends on whether the priests are in Singapore. Right now, the priests are not in Singapore and thus the Tridentine Mass will resume in June.Unfortunately these days truth is hard to come by and discern. The proof is everywhere as we see so many people with very divided opinions, all thinking they have the truth and their way is right. If Athiests and Protestants were easy to convert to Christianity and Catholicism, there would hardly be any. Most people don't really try to seek the truth. They aren't on the same page on how to go about seeking the truth. Both sides deserve a fair shake. You have nothing to lose (except perhaps eternity, but God is the judge of that) but only truth to gain by investigating this matter honestly, thoroughly, and prayerfully. The SSPX's arguments as held by its deceased founder are quite solid, and the post conciliar church's arguments are relatively weak. Carefully test and prove the truth with prayer and much patience. I have had many reasons to lose the faith, but by first proving myself faithful and holding to the faith, with prayer and patience the clear answers eventually come. Some answers which are not strictly necessary still elude me, such as the validity of the Pope, but that is not important considering the circuмstances. It is prudent to consider him the true valid pope, but act accordingly if he teaches false doctrine. Don't let the odd opinions and frequent disagreements here on this forum turn you away. We have the answers here to the core issues.
I guess because of the 'fake Novus Ordo mass', all people here are in trouble huh. But nah, I am not interested in SSPX since they are not in communion with the Catholic Church. :laugh1:
(https://i.imgur.com/SdCvJmY.png)
Unfortunately these days truth is hard to come by and discern. The proof is everywhere as we see so many people with very divided opinions, all thinking they have the truth and their way is right. If Athiests and Protestants were easy to convert to Christianity and Catholicism, there would hardly be any. Most people don't really try to seek the truth. They aren't on the same page on how to go about seeking the truth. Both sides deserve a fair shake. You have nothing to lose (except perhaps eternity, but God is the judge of that) but only truth to gain by investigating this matter honestly, thoroughly, and prayerfully. The SSPX's arguments as held by its deceased founder are quite solid, and the post conciliar church's arguments are relatively weak. Carefully test and prove the truth with prayer and much patience. I have had many reasons to lose the faith, but by first proving myself faithful and holding to the faith, with prayer and patience the clear answers eventually come. Some answers which are not strictly necessary still elude me, such as the validity of the Pope, but that is not important considering the circuмstances. It is prudent to consider him the true valid pope, but act accordingly if he teaches false doctrine. Don't let the odd opinions and frequent disagreements here on this forum turn you away. We have the answers here to the core issues.My thoughts exactly. I too deem it prudent to accept him as the valid Pope, especially when he is speaking Ex-Cathedra (the last time was in the 1950s) but be discerning when he is not.
I just found this video a few minutes ago by chance. It seems somewhat relevant with regards to finding truth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKA4w2O61Xo
Actually no, we are not married at all. We are planning for it.That is odd especially after a year or more. I have to wonder whether the two of you are suited for marriage (even if your first marriage was invalid).
This 'new woman' has been living with me for over a year. Oddly, our attraction for each other is not sɛҳuąƖ at all. Even discussed this with a priest in confession and he mentioned it's not a sin if we do not commit any acts but we need to be careful as we are putting ourselves in the near occasion of sin.
I have contacted my parish, asking how to go about getting an annulment for the previous marriage.
That is odd especially after a year or more. I have to wonder whether the two of you are suited for marriage (even if your first marriage was invalid).Let's just say our sex drives are six feet under.:laugh1:
As for living with her (as long as you don't commit any acts), I'm pretty sure a traditional Catholic priest would tell you that you should move out. I think your NO priest did not give you good advice, but it's pretty typical of the Novus Ordo presbyters.
After learning more about what is going on in your situation, I suspect that your struggles after baptism is God warning you that you need to remove yourself from this living arrangement (at the very least). Although we should expect difficulties after our conversion/baptism, I think it's odd that it happened right out of the gate for you.
As for living with her (as long as you don't commit any acts), I'm pretty sure a traditional Catholic priest would tell you that you should move out. I think your NO priest did not give you good advice, but it's pretty typical of the Novus Ordo presbyters.It's not that a real priest would counsel against it, but that cohabitation is always a sin and a great scandal.
Let's just say our sex drives are six feet under.:laugh1:Fornication is no laughing matter.
Fornication is no laughing matter.What fornication?? There was no SEX involved so please yall...for goodness sake!
What fornication?? There was no SEX involved so please yall...for goodness sake!I understood what you were saying, but MF is correct in stating that your living situation is scandalous.
Q: If you aren't attracted "that way", then why do you want to marry anyway? Companionship? It seems to me that you two could remain close friends without marrying and without living together.Better act on reason than the lower passions. Such people should be capable of raising a holy family much more easily than those who have little self control and strong lust.
I understood what you were saying, but MF is correct in stating that your living situation is scandalous.There is an easy answer to that. We share a love that just makes us want to be answerable for each other and to spend all our lives together, eg. cooking together, doing groceries & chores together, attending mass & other church community activities together, praying together, being beside each other as we lay down to sleep/pillow talk, etc. And we cannot do some of that without the Sacrament of Marriage.
And I'm willing to bet that your struggles with prayer will end when you fix it.
Q: If you aren't attracted "that way", then why do you want to marry anyway? Companionship? It seems to me that you two could remain close friends without marrying and without living together.
There is an easy answer to that. We share a love that just makes us want to be answerable for each other and to spend all our lives together, eg. cooking together, doing groceries & chores together, attending mass & other church community activities together, praying together, being beside each other as we lay down to sleep/pillow talk, etc. And we cannot do some of that without the Sacrament of Marriage.I don't believe it has to be "about sex" either, however, isn't it something that the Church considers an essential part to a valid marriage? To be clear, I want to keep this conversation PG (please) and I do not mean to be disrespectful to you, but maybe others can chime in on this.
I do not believe an union between two persons have to be about sex. I used to think that way in my youth but now I am actually quite surprised by the kind of nurturing love that can be shared between two persons who did not put sex as a motivation. Love can be shown by other ways that lasts longer than an orgasm. :laugh1:
I don't believe it has to be "about sex" either, however, isn't it something that the Church considers an essential part to a valid marriage? To be clear, I want to keep this conversation PG (please) and I do not mean to be disrespectful to you, but maybe others can chime in on this.Yeah we have made an appointment to go down to the Ecclesiastical Tribunal next week, in order to begin the annulment process. Thank you all of pointing it out that our previous marriage still poses a problem.
Having said all of that, from what I'm reading, I suspect that you are already married. The reason why I brought the attraction issue up is because, assuming you are still married and cannot re-marry, then it sounds like it would still be possible (not exactly what you both WANT, but possible) for you to have this relationship with this person as a great friend without cohabitating. The fact that there is no physical attraction is a huge plus in this regard.
Struggling Catholic, the Sspx has never been out of communion with the Catholic Church. Whoever tells you that is deceiving you. It is the novel creation of Vatican 2 which has broken communion with the Church established by God and established on His apostles.Actually that statement came from the Roman Archdiocese of Singapore.
Here are the details for Singapore SSPX
St. Pius X Priory
286 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574402.
Tel: [65] 6497 2873 (http://tel:6497 2873)
www.facebook.com/sspx.sg/ (https://www.facebook.com/sspx.sg/)
Email (districtoffice@fsspx.asia)
Contact us by webform (https://fsspx.asia/node/5043)
View Priory on map (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc%3A1.355053%2C103.832490)
Mass: Sunday 8:00am (Low) & 10:00am (Sung), Monday to Saturday: 7:15am, 11.30am or 7.00pm (please check).
Resident Priests:
Rev. Fr. Patrick Summers (District Superior)
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Novak
Rev. Fr. Etienne Demornex (District Bursar
It will cost you nothing to approach them and see what they have to say about your situation. You could also sit in on one of their Masses or even approach them for confession.
What have you to lose?
Actually that statement came from the Roman Archdiocese of Singapore.Your statements are very rash. Vatican 2 completely changed the mass and the sacraments. The new mass is not the same as the mass from the time of the apostles.
Nevertheless, I am somewhat traditional to a certain degree but I wouldn't go to that extent as to create a schism within the Church, where our own brethen either slander the Pope, or claiming the Novus Ordo is invalid and a fake mass, Vatican II is invalid, etc... as if the Church is fallen, thereby sowing seeds of confusion and erroneous views among the laity within the Church.
Having heard all that, it did SSPX no favors. To me, that's somewhere along the lines to what the Protestants did. And I do not wish to have any part of that.
(https://i.imgur.com/4UJgSA1.png)
Yeah we have made an appointment to go down to the Ecclesiastical Tribunal next week, in order to begin the annulment process. Thank you all of pointing it out that our previous marriage still poses a problem.The Novus Ordo sect hands out annulments like hot cakes, not that it even matters in the new religion, you can even receive communion while committing adultery per Amoris Laetitia.
P.S. I pointed out the issue you have with your first marriage, which is something of great importance to you, the least you could do in return would be to prayerfully contemplate the contents of the above video.I did watch those videos you sent. I have even seen worse accusations from Youtube too.
I did watch those videos you sent. I have even seen worse accusations from Youtube too.I pray for you and your journey. I am glad that some of the posts didn't make you completely drop the Faith. I am glad you are taking this marriage question seriously. May God bless you and keep you.
I have been in constant battles since the day my aunt planted the seed in me, constant turmoil and internal struggles with claims from the Adventists, Protestants, LDS... all of which tried to tell me that they are the one true Church. I have had my fair share of arguments and struggles in my youth, before I grew too weary of. All it does is drive me away. Even now I am sick and weary of the strife differing opinions can cause. I just CHOOSE to have faith.
In the end, I can only blame all these strife to be caused by 'shepherds misleading the sheep.' All that is needed is a well-edited Youtube video, or a well-written article by men that pulls things out of context to fit an agenda. I seen it all too many times and I will also see counter-arguments too, and that is why I stop letting all such claims take away my peace and lead me astray again. My eyes should remain on the Lord and that is all that matters, everything else is just noise.
But I am grateful for you pointing out that my previous marriage is still an issue, thus we are applying for an annulment. And no, I do not believe in the claims that render the Church as one powerless, unholy entity, where there is no hope for the laity when healing and aid is required WITHIN the Church.
I did my research on the grounds of an annulment, and mine does fall into that category that allows an annulment because I was threatened into marriage. Hot cakes or not, it is irrelevant for my case. I would rather place my faith in a good priest than allow a lay person to unknowingly rob me of my opportunity in being healed & restored, even though their intentions might be of kindness or compassion.
I shall hold fast to the Creed and in the Lord's promises. I do not believe that the Holy Spirit has abandoned the Church. Men may abandon Him, but He will never abandon His sheep.
I did watch those videos you sent. I have even seen worse accusations from Youtube too.
I have been in constant battles since the day my aunt planted the seed in me, constant turmoil and internal struggles with claims from the Adventists, Protestants, LDS... all of which tried to tell me that they are the one true Church. I have had my fair share of arguments and struggles in my youth, before I grew too weary of. All it does is drive me away. Even now I am sick and weary of the strife differing opinions can cause. I just CHOOSE to have faith.
Quote from: Marulus Fidelis (https://www.cathinfo.com/index.php?topic=73800.msg934763#msg934763) 4/24/2024, 3:32:18 PMThe priest I was in contact with was the one who led the RCIA. He had to inquire about my previous marriage and if I have remarried, to make sure it does not hinder my baptism in any way, shape or form. He did the same thing for the other catechumens who were divorced.
P. S. The fact that you have only now been made aware of your marital situation and that your "priest" hasn't told you anything about the matter should be an indication of who is of the Truth.
I can never understand how there can be an annulment between two Catholics if there are children with their marriage?Whether or not there are children involved doesn’t have anything to do with annulment.
What does the Bible say about divorce and remarried?
Actually that statement came from the Roman Archdiocese of Singapore.To be fair, you’ve come to this particular forum asking a question. Scroll down to the bottom of the webpage and read the description of the forum:
Nevertheless, I am somewhat traditional to a certain degree but I wouldn't go to that extent as to create a schism within the Church, where our own brethen either slander the Pope, or claiming the Novus Ordo is invalid and a fake mass, Vatican II is invalid, etc... as if the Church is fallen, thereby sowing seeds of confusion and erroneous views among the laity within the Church.
Having heard all that, it did SSPX no favors. To me, that's somewhere along the lines to what the Protestants did. And I do not wish to have any part of that.
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Striving Catholic, twice now you have intimated that we have slandered the pope. Nobody here has done any more than stated his public words and actions. Can you show any evidence that anyone one here has done any other but offer the information you have asked for and commented on your own poor knowledge of the Faith founded on the apostles, as opposed to Vatican II.You are absolutely right. I just looked back at the old posts and found no one actually slandering the pope, just coming dangerously close to questioning the papacy as well as the claims of an invalid Mass, etc. That got me really troubled and upset.
You have much to learn, being a neophyte of less than 3 weeks!
Are you praying the Rosary? Does your lady friend pray it? Do you pray together?
Know that God has only the best for you and for her, if only you will do His Will.
You are absolutely right. I just looked back at the old posts and found no one actually slandering the pope, just coming dangerously close to questioning the papacy as well as the claims of an invalid Mass, etc. That got me really troubled and upset.I can totally understand how this must have all hit you. However, I don't believe your coming here was a mistake. There was a reason for it. As St Giles said, come back when you are ready/need help.
Anyways, after some reflection, I think I am just in the wrong place at the wrong time, assuming this forum is a place for the everyday catholics but it's not. I was here with the intention to seek prayers and advice, not really looking to join another cause or have another conversion.
Thus for my rash words, I apologise to the Christian brethen here and seek everyone's forgiveness. I bid everyone farewell.
God Bless!
Whether or not there are children involved doesn’t have anything to do with annulment.
I was going to respond to the same comment when I saw this. You absolutely can have children in an adulterous relationship, or while fornicating, or in many scenarios outside of marriage, but the generation of children does not somehow create a marriage where there isn't one.How sad and selfish people can be.....
I think what she may have in mind is where a couple has no other legitimate reason not be considered "married" but then later come up with some nonsense about "psychological immaturity" at the time of marriage. I know of one case where not only were both the couple Catholics, but they were dedicated/involved NO Catholics in any case, with both of them volunteering to help the church and the wife a secretary at the rectory. They were married for 25 years and had 4-5 children, and then suddenly decided their marriage was null because of some sudden recall of memory that they were too immature at the time they married, which just so happened to coincide with the wife suddenly having coming across someone she developed a romantic interest in. Then she suddenly remembered that she was immature at the time of their wedding (not having recalled this or done anything about it for 25 years) and somehow felt "pressured" into marrying.