4Real Forums: fallen away catholics

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Topic: fallen away catholics

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mary
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Joined: Feb 17 2005
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Posted: Aug 27 2005 at 12:44pm \| IP Logged

I have a friend who has been an all or none catholic for many years. since she didn't agree with everything, she practices none of it, her kids are not baptised, etc. She has recently decided to baptise the kids (and her oldest will likely receive the sacraments of confession and communion this year), but she still disagrees with lots of church doctrine. She has no interest in changing her views and believes that she is a perfectly acceptable catholic. in fact, she thinks pple who follow doctrine are idiots. she often critizes the church, claiming that anyone who believes everything or follows all of the teachings is a hypocrite. how would you respond to someone like this?

Victoria in AZ
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Joined: Feb 16 2005
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Posted: Aug 27 2005 at 7:21pm \| IP Logged

Alleluia! The Holy Spirit has inspired your friend to baptize her children. I would respond with rejoicing and genuine happiness for her and her family. Be sure to give her special cards and if possible, small gifts.

A saint said that the Church is a hospital for sinners. Your friend is right where she needs to be. I would treat her like any other ill person, with tender loving care. Our Lord will take care of her criticisms. When the Holy Spirit brings her around to understanding the wisdom of the Church, in humility she will remember you as someone who showed her the uptmost kindness. Also, humor is better than defensiveness, though defensiveness is understandable when she is disrespecting the Church. You could talk until you are blue in the face, but it is your life and your example of faith that will speak the loudest. And pray!!

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Victoria in AZ
dh Mike 24 yrs; ds Kyle 18; dd Katie 12; and one funny pug

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Taffy
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Posted: Aug 28 2005 at 9:25am \| IP Logged

What a beautiful response Victoria! I know you meant it for Mary but I'm going to be taking to heart too!

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Susan
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mary
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Posted: Aug 28 2005 at 12:01pm \| IP Logged

Victoria, how wise you are. That is JUST what I needed to hear. Thank you so much - I have really been struggling with this issue and making it more difficult by getting caught up in defending the Church when you are right, I should be celebrating her faith journey.

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