From Pastor to Parishioner: My Love for Christ Led Me Home

Ariel -- don't you mean 2 Thes 2:14? Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle

Thank you, Cronos.

What does Lent have to do with reading the Bible? You don’t need a special occasion to read and understand the Bible? This is what I’ve been talking about. lol

Ephesians can be read in less than 30 minutes.

As Cronos says, some of us benighted Catholics read the Bible daily and study it almost daily. We do not presume to think that 30 minutes is enough to hear all that God is saying in a particular text. Do you?

Do you know what we mean by lectio divina? You might want to look into it.

In what I thought was a gentle response to your gratuitous advice to read what I have read many times (though certainly not 'enough'), I pledged (and I still pledge) to live with Galatians for 40 days, not for 30 minutes. (I was thinking of doing Proverbs, since I think I'm weak in the "wisdom" books and other of the kethubim. But I don't mind putting that off.) I am not sure what you think this is an example of.

I don't know how your time is committed, but I do have a sense of how my time is committed, and of the demands on it. I probably spend too much here and on FaceBook, but most of my days, including prayer, scripture reading, scripture and other studying, are quite full. And not being paid (in cash -- but I am rewarded greatly) for this, I have things like getting in enough wood to heat us during the threatened bad weather to worry about and getting the roof repaired. (I don't do roof clambering any more. Never did much.) I don't think I do enough, but I'm working on it, with the grace and help of God.

For many Catholics, Lent (and Advent) are times for a kind of a "sprint," a pace of prayer and study that we simply could not maintain throughout the year. During that time we support one another in prayer, and we understand that we are all trying to cut back on distractions and other commitments and to pay more than usual attention to explicitly "spiritual" matters.

It's a shame when hostility prevents courtesy and blocks understanding. I took your suggestion extremely seriously. I guess this is an instance of those who cannot take 'yes' for an answer.

The thing is we all learn as we grow, kingpin -- when I was a teenager I was practically a bibliphage -- and I read through the Bible, but did I really understand it? No. I understood the words but not the meanings. The more I read it, the more I see the divine hand behind every word and the more I realise I don't know anything!

Sorry I disappeared for a couple days - been training dogs again.

I'm just relying on my general knowledge of Victorian Britain (read a lot of Anthony Trollope) to make an edumakated guess that the fellow in the white trousers is a supervisor: he's got a full beard while working class men tended to be clean shaven; he's wearing a frock coat and a bowler hat, both marks of the middle class (note that the guys doing the actual shovelling are wearing cloth caps or wool hats; the upper class wore top hats); and he's wearing white trousers (which were fashionable at the time and are hard to keep clean). He's probably the contractor or engineer in charge of the demolition.

I'm not as educated on the niceties of dress as a Victorian would be, but they say that you could tell the exact social position of a man or woman by their dress, hair, hat, accent, etc. They were more concerned about social class than modern Brits, and a LOT more concerned about it than any American now or then.

St. Giles is just outside the old Wall of the City -- it appears from maps of the fire that the old wall acted as a firebreak to some extent, since the fire follows the outline of the Wall. Or that may just be where the city fathers decided to demolish some houses to stop the progress of the fire.

One of the surprises after the Blitz (it's an ill wind that blows no good) was all the Roman and even prehistoric remains that turned up during the rebuilding. A huge piece of the old Wall is preserved right behind St. Giles -

You should recognize the really ugly building in the background as it's also in the background of the photo of St. Giles - part of the modern Barbican development.

P.S. . . . when I was referring to "the XXXIX" I meant the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. They've been relegated to the status of "Historical Documents" in the back of the Book of Common Prayer, but back in the old days if you got ordained or even if you became a student at one of the universities you had to affirm the XXXIX. They are a bit on the 'low church' end of things, and most Anglo-Catholics simply ignored them, especially Articles XXII, XXV, and XXVIII.

Wonderful uplifting story of a journey letting nothing stand in the way of Christ. God Bless them.

And if we work too hard on humility, are we being proud of being humble? And should we be more humble about that?

< / sudden attack of scrupulosity >

As my husband the ex-Methodist occasionally remarks, "You were born to be Catholic 'cause you really like the rules!"

And that's my besetting sin!

I’m laughing here . . . . I don’t speak a word of Welsh, but I can actually read that because in Scots Gaelic it would be Bliadhna Math Ur . . .

P Celtic vs Q Celtic languages. Common roots, but a Goidelic vs Brythonic branch. Breton looks like an odd cross of Welsh and French. I can wade through it.

The form of Merry Christmas in Welsh is Nadolig Llawen. The Irish Gaelic form is "Nollaig shona duit". Scots Gaelic is "Nollaig chridheil".

The Breton form is "Nedeleg laouen ha bloavezh mat" for Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Very close to the Welsh form (Nadolig Llawen a blwydden newydd da). The Cornish form is "Nadelik Lowen ha Blydhen Nowydh Da".

The other Goidelic language, Manx, expresses the phrase as (Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa).

THe best response when I catch myself in scrupulous mode is to laugh at the devil and myself. “You can’t catch me that way! I’m HIS!”

I must be missing something.
I thought that selling cars was a good job, because one is providing others with something tangible and needed.

Especially when one has previously been deliberately (although ignorantly) been leading others astray.

Becoming Catholic and selling cars sounds like a great improvement!
God called and God provided!

From Pastor to Parishioner: My Love for Christ Led Me Home [Drake and Crystal McCalister]
(why am I Catholic?) Because I Awoke from a Long, Bad Dream [Webster Bull]
From the Ark to the Barque (Hadley Arkes Speaks about His Reception Into the Catholic Church)

Because of the Divine Beauty of the Mass [Tom and Terry Fenwick]
Anglican Priest Comes Home! [Tim Gahles and his wife Vanessa and family]
The Conversion of Alphonse Ratisbonne
The Journey Home: June 7 - Michael Cumbie - Former Charismatic Episcopal clergyman
Former Colombian model shares conversion story [Amada Rosa Pérez ]
The Leadership of Jesus - SF Master Sergeant Mike Cutone (Conversion Story/Book Review/Interview)
Former Mormon looks forward to baptism at Easter vigil [Melissa Reeves]
From Lesbian Atheist to Stay-at-Home Mother of Six: Quebec Journalist Tells Her Story [Brigitte Bedard]
New Catholics a sign of Easter blessing for church (in Oregon)
Protestant Organist Finds Musical Home in the Catholic Church [Gary Marks]

Record number confirmed in Baltimore, despite recent media attacks on Church
An inspiring story of one man’s journey to becoming Catholic[Jeremy Feldbusch]
Can It Be? (Testimony of a former Jehovah's Witness)
Why I am a Catholic[CAROLYN E. DAVIS ]
Man Who "Died" 5 Times Is Becoming Catholic [Jeremy Feldbusch] (Thousands to Enter Church at Easter)
EWTN - The Journey Home - Monday March 22 - Fr. Donald Calloway
Mystery, Meditation, Media: An Interview with Matt Swaim - (Former Presbyterian)
The Reasons for G.K. Chesterton's Conversion
Fr. John Corapi's Conversion story - March 6 at 10pm on EWTN
Responding to the Pope’s Anglican Invitation (priest relates journey from Pentecostalism) [Father Douglas Grandon ]

In the Breaking of the Bread (conversion story of Tim Drake)
Australia's Traditional Anglicans Vote to Convert to Catholicism
Church of England Bishop Converts to Rome [Bishop Paul Richardson}
From Krishna to Christ: The Conversion Testimony of Father Jay Kythe
Ex-Protestant at home in Byzantine Catholic Church {Father James Barrand]
In Iraq, soldier finds a new faith (Muslim converts to Catholic faith)
Why I Left Anglicanism [Fr. Longenecker]
EWTN - The Journey Home - Oct. 26, 2009 - David Twellman, former United Methodist
Senior Anglican bishop reveals he is ready to convert to Roman Catholicism, Rev John Hind
Book: "You Have Not Chosen Me, But I Have Chosen You..." (23 Surprised Converts)

Newt Gingrich on Catholicism and JPII
Mickey Rourke thanks God and Catholic faith for 'second chance'
Catholic convert and political commentator Robert Novak passes away
Why Newt Gingrich Converted to Catholicism
Reading Into the Church [Deal W. Hudson]
Gnarly: from abuse victim, to prostitute, to surfer, to minister [Mary Setterholm]
Cathedral rector’s priestly journey began with early conversion [ Fr. Bob Clements]
The Great Philosopher Who Became Catholic [Mortimer J. Adler]
The Greater Blessings [David Mills]

EWTN - Journey Home - June 22, 2009 at 8pm - Dr. Jay Budziszewski - former Episcopalian
Cardinal says Catholics humbled by Anglicans' decision to join church
Catholic convert from Oregon coast becomes a priest (former Evangelical)
EWTN - The Journey Home - June 15, 2009 - Marcus interviews a Muslim convert [Talat Strokirk]
(All Saints) Sisters Doing It For Themselves (Anglican House converting en masse)
Journey Home to the Catholic Church: I Have Jumped into the Tiber to Swim Across (UK minister, Fr. Jeffrey Steel )
EWTN - Journey Home - June 8, 2009 at 8pm - Fr. Jay Toborowsky, Jewish convert
EWTN - Monday 8pm - Journey Home - Jerry & Yolanda Cleffi (former Assembly of God)
Exclusive: Newt Gingrich Opens Up on Catholic Conversion and Embracing 'Overt Christianity'
Mom’s Gift From Pope [Heidi Sierras]

The Journey Home - April 27 @ 8pm - Doug Grandon former Episcopal clergyman
EWTN - The Journey Home - April 20 - Msgr. Keith Barltrop, former Baptist
Journey Home - Monday April 6 - Kenneth Howell, Former Presbyterian minister
Newt Gingrich on his conversion to Catholicism
Gingrich Keeps Quiet on Catholic Conversion (received into Church over the past weekend)
Exclusive: Newt Gingrich conversion details; plans release of JP2 documentary
“150,000 new or returning Catholics”
Catholic Church prepares for tens of thousands of U.S. converts
Gingrich to Become Catholic During Easter Season
Faith Journey Leads United Methodist from Pastorate to Catholic Priesthood

From Atheist to Catholic (‘Unshakable’ Rationalist Blogged Her Way Into the Church) [Jennifer Fulwiler]
Former Episcopal bishop discusses his new life as Catholic priest [Father Jeffrey N. Steenson]
The Newt Evangelization: Gingrich to become Catholic
Conservative Episcopal bishop resigned to become Roman Catholic priest (New Mexico) Rev. Jeffrey Steenson
Converted Muslim Tells Story Behind Papal Baptism
EWTN - The Journey Home - December 1 - Dr. Steven C. Smith (former Willow Creek)
Former Socialist senator who converted to Catholicism calls for end to abortion [Mercedes Aroz]
Young New Yorker leaves police force to become priest [Nicholas Fernandez]
Interesting Deathbed Converts
Hollywood screenwriter returns to Cleveland, turns life over to God [Joe Eszterhas]

A Journey in Prayer {Randy Hain} [Ecumenical]
ECUMENIC] Our Conversion Experience (SDA to Catholic) [Brandon and Tara Ogden]
An open letter to Mr. Stephen A. Baldwin, Actor, and “born again” Christian [ Victor R. Claveau, MJ "
Sick person who suffered accident recounts conversion after traveling to Lourdes [Ecumenical] [Antonio Escobedo Garcia]
Welcome Home! Anglo-Catholic Sisters on the Road to Rome [Ecumenical]
Former Anglican Bishop, Catholic Convert, Jeffrey Steenson on Anglocatholicism [Ecumenical]
Jeffrey Steenson: Why I Became Catholic [Address to Anglican Use Conference]
Tony Snow Dead at 53, A Tribute to a Catholic Journalist [Tony Snow - Catholic Convert]
A Sexual Revolution (One woman's journey from pro-choice atheist to pro-life Catholic) [Jennifer Fulwiler]
C of E bishop will defect to Rome

Assyrian bishop explains his journey into communion with the Catholic Church
Virginia Tech tragedy leads bereaved mother on journey back to faith [Marian Hammaren]
Journey Home - EWTN at 8pm - Dr. William Bales, former Presbyterian Minister [Ecumenical]
First the Protestants, Now the Cults: Will We (the Catholic Church) Be Ready? [Open]
Six Million African Muslims Convert to Christianity Each Year [OPEN]
EWTN - The Journey Home - May 19 - Tom Cabeen, former Jehovah's Witness [Ecumenic]
A TRIUMPH AND A TRAGEDY [James Akin]
Alex Jones: the evangelical who became a Catholic deacon
Mary and the Problem of Christian Unity [Kenneth J. Howell, Ph. D.}
How the Saints Helped Lead Me Home [Chris Findley]

Who is Mary of Nazareth? [Kenneth J. Howell, Ph. D.}
A story of conversion at the Lamb of God Shrine
EWTN - Journey Home - 4/7/08 - Rosalind Moss - Former Jew & Evangelical Christian
Our Lady’s Gentle Call to Peace [Joan Tussing]
Coming Out of Sodom (Reversion Experience of Once-Active Homosexual) [Eric Hess]
Our Journey Home [Larry and Joetta Lewis]
Book on Mary turns runaway youngster immersed in drugs and crime into a priest
Dr. Robert C. Koons (former Lutheran) - Journey Home - Monday 3/31 - Conversion Story
The Story of a Convert from Islam – Baptized by the Pope at St. Peter's [Magdi Cristiano Allam]
How Do We Know It’s the True Church? - Twelve Things to Look For [Fr. Dwight Longenecker]

"Have you not read?" The Authority behind Biblical Interpretation [Robert Sungenis]
New Catholics ‘ on fire’ for faith
New faith pulls Hot Springs family together (Baptists join Catholic Church at Easter Vigil) [Danny Morrison and family
SciFi Writer, John C. Wright, Enters Catholic Church at Easter Vigil (conversion story)[John C. Wright]
"What is Truth?" An Examination of Sola Scriptura [Dwight Longenecker’family]
LOGIC AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF PROTESTANTISM [Fr. Brian Harrison]
Pope baptizes prominent Italian Muslim [Magdi Allam]
My Journey of Faith [Marco Fallon]
My (Imminent) Reception into the Roman Catholic Church [Robert Koons]
Thousands in U.S. to Join (Catholic) Church - Many Feel They Have Found a Home

TURN ABOUT (Carl Olson, former Evangelical and Monday's guest on EWTN's Journey Home)
Former Southern Baptist Pastor Now a Traveling Crusader for the Catholic Church [Michael Cumbie]
All Roads Lead To Rome (A Southern Baptist's Journey into the Catholic Church)[John David Young]
Allen Hunt, Methodist Minister ...Journeys Home (Catholic, Re: Real Presence)/a>
The Challenges and Graces of Conversion [Chris Findley]
An Open Letter...from Bishop John Lipscomb [Another TEC Bishop Goes Papist]
Unlocking the Convert's Heart [Marcus Grodi]
His Open Arms Welcomed Me [ Paul Thigpen}
Why I'm Catholic (Sola Scriptura leads atheist to Catholic Church)
From Calvinist to Catholic (another powerful conversion story) Rodney Beason

Good-bye To All That (Another Episcopalian gets ready to swim the Tiber)
Bp. Steenson's Letter to his clergy on his conversion to the Catholic Church
Bishop Steenson’s Statement to the House [of Bishops: Episcopal (TEC) to Catholic]
Bp. Steenson's Letter to his clergy on his conversion to the Catholic Church
Bishop Steenson Will Become a Roman Catholic
Married man considers turn as Catholic priest
Pavarotti returns to the Catholic faith before dying
Searching For Authority (A Methodist minister finds himself surprised by Truth!)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part VI: The Biblical Reality (Al Kresta)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part V: The Catholics and the Pope(Al Kresta)

The Hail Mary of a Protestant (A true story)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part IV: Crucifix and Altar(Al Kresta)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part III: Tradition and Church (Al Kresta)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part II: Doubts (Al Kresta)
Conversion Story - Rusty Tisdale (former Pentecostal)
Why I Returned to the Catholic Church. Part I: Darkness(Al Kresta)
Conversion Story - Matt Enloe (former Baptist) [prepare to be amazed!]
THE ORTHODOX REVIVAL IN RUSSIA
Conversion Story - David Finkelstein (former Jew)
Conversion Story - John Weidner (former Evangelical)

Patty Bonds (former Baptist and sister of Dr. James White) to appear on The Journey Home - May 7
Pastor and Flock Become Catholics
Why Converts Choose Catholicism
From Calvinist to Catholic
The journey back - Dr. Beckwith explains his reasons for returning to the Catholic Church
Famous Homosexual Italian Author Returned to the Church Before Dying of AIDS
Dr. Francis Beckwith Returns To Full Communion With The Church
laetare (commentary on ordination of married Anglican convert to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles) Father Bill Lowe
Catholic Converts - Stephen K. Ray (former Evangelical)
Catholic Converts - Malcolm Muggeridge

Catholic Converts - Richard John Neuhaus
Catholic Converts - Avery Cardinal Dulles
Catholic Converts - Israel (Eugenio) Zolli - Chief Rabbi of Rome
Catholic Converts - Robert H. Bork , American Jurist (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Converts - Marcus Grodi
He Was an Evangelical Christian Until He Read Aquinas [Rob Evans]
The Scott Hahn Conversion Story
FORMER PENTECOSTAL RELATES MIRACLE THAT OCCURRED WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD
Interview with Roy Schoeman - A Jewish Convert
Church Is Still Attracting Converts [Jim Anderson]

Al — my apologies, I forgot that you were in Egypt. How are you? I hope you haven’t been affected by this. How are you and the family?

Open your mind before you open your mouth....you WILL be smarter AND WISER!!!!

OK...tell us which ones run counter to the Catholic Church.

GEESH....we don’t HAVE to carry a Bible to Church...our READINGS are ALL from the BIBLE!!!! What is a St. Pious (PIUS) X SECT??? do tell!!!

Do you have ANY idea what “Infallibility” means??? The Pope is NOT infallible....only DOGMA is INFALLIBLE!!!

OMG....your B-I-L is either yanking your chain or ......IGNORANT!!! The BELLS are NOT for telling is when to kneel!! OMG....you are embarrassing yourself with your wrong and limited info.

Our ENTIRE Mass and education is BIBLE BASED!!!!

What religious sect are you....and don’t tell me CHRISTIAN! If you do, that means you don’t even go to a Church!

GEESH!!! It’s what the Pope puts forward as DOGMA!!!! Not something stupid and mundane that he says. HUGE difference for anyone who really wants to know the difference!

GID BLESSED YOU!!!