Converting Religions

[belle&sebastiansmom]

The Catholic church believes that the bread and wine DO physically change into the body and blood of Christ. It's called Transubstantiation. Here's a passage I copied . . .

Question: "What is transubstantiation?"

Answer: Transubstantiation is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines this doctrine in section 1376:

"The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: 'Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation."

In other words, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that once an ordained priest blesses the bread of the Lord's Supper, it is transformed into the actual flesh of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of bread); and when he blesses the wine, it is transformed into the actual blood of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of wine). Is such a concept Biblical? There are some Scriptures that if interpreted strictly literally would lead to the “real presence” of Christ in the bread and wine. Examples are John 6:32-58; Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:17-23; and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. The passage pointed to most frequently is John 6:32-58 and especially verses 53-57, “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life … For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him … so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.’”


Now I personally believe it to be symbolic. I've asked priests about how it is transformed into the true body and blood, but then they preach that cannibalism is sinful. I always got muddy responses.

As far as Mary in heaven, I asked my DH and he thought that Mary never actually died, that she ascended into heaven body and soul, like Jesus after he rose from the dead, but that she never had to go through the death process like Jesus. He said this is why Catholics worship Mary, as the Virgin Mother and as the only human to ascend to heaven without death. All according to my husband!

Actually, I don't really remember being taught a whole lot about what happens to Mary after she gives birth, so I liked your question. And as far as I know, the Catholics do believe that there will never be more added to the bible. I'm sure someone has more informed information on this.

 

[MariDisney]

I was raised in a very devout Roman Catholic family, and I attended 13 years of Catholic school. Sometime in college I started questioning some of the tenets of the faith. A big thing for me was that I didn't want to be a "cafeteria Catholic" picking and choosing which things I believed or which rules I followed. If I coudn't buy the whole religion then it wasn't for me. For me, I felt dishonest if, for example, I used birth control or supported gay marriage and then professed to be a Catholic. (again, this is my personal feeling...if something else works for you that's great)

When I met my 1st husband, he was a member of the Reformed Church in America. I began attending services with him and loved certain aspects of it...I loved reading the bible. As a Catholic, I was discouraged from doing so. I loved praying "in my own words" vs. saying the rote prayers I knew. I also loved that the church was like a family. If you weren't there for a week or two, someone would call and see if you were OK. I have found that you can walk into any Catholic church at any time and it's all the same. It doesn't matter which mass you show up for or where. I know some find comfort in that and that the church feels it SHOULD be that way. For me, though, that made it feel even more like going through the motions. I can still go to a mass and do the whole thing by heart and without even thinking. It's the without even thinking part that I don't like. The last thing that did it for me was that I felt very strongly that any children I had would be raised by parents who share the same faith.

Fast forward several years and I decided to leave the RCA, mostly because of issues at my local church not because of the denomination as a whole. I ended up becoming a member of the United Church of Christ. Here, I have found a place that really allows me to flourish spiritually and personally.

I will say the conversion was very very difficult for my parents (I was 25 when I converted and am almost 40 now). I think it still stings for them, but they've come to accept the idea. The do NOT like attending my church when they visit. It's too foreign to them.

 

[smfritz03]

The Catholic church believes that the bread and wine DO physically change into the body and blood of Christ. It's called Transubstantiation. Here's a passage I copied . . .

Question: "What is transubstantiation?"

Answer: Transubstantiation is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines this doctrine in section 1376:

"The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: 'Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation."

In other words, the Roman Catholic Church teaches that once an ordained priest blesses the bread of the Lord's Supper, it is transformed into the actual flesh of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of bread); and when he blesses the wine, it is transformed into the actual blood of Christ (though it retains the appearance, odor, and taste of wine). Is such a concept Biblical? There are some Scriptures that if interpreted strictly literally would lead to the “real presence” of Christ in the bread and wine. Examples are John 6:32-58; Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:17-23; and 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. The passage pointed to most frequently is John 6:32-58 and especially verses 53-57, “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life … For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him … so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.’”


Now I personally believe it to be symbolic. I've asked priests about how it is transformed into the true body and blood, but then they preach that cannibalism is sinful. I always got muddy responses.

As far as Mary in heaven, I asked my DH and he thought that Mary never actually died, that she ascended into heaven body and soul, like Jesus after he rose from the dead, but that she never had to go through the death process like Jesus. He said this is why Catholics worship Mary, as the Virgin Mother and as the only human to ascend to heaven without death. All according to my husband!

Actually, I don't really remember being taught a whole lot about what happens to Mary after she gives birth, so I liked your question. And as far as I know, the Catholics do believe that there will never be more added to the bible. I'm sure someone has more informed information on this.

Ok, what confuses me is, why would you worship Mary though? I was always taught that worshipping anyone besides God was a sin and God didn't like that. So to worship Mary is taking away from worship to God??

 

[MariDisney]

My wife converted to being a Catholic many years ago...but wonders about these two things maybe you can help.

1. The bread and wine being turned into the body and blood of Christ. She says that Jesus talked in symbolism and parables and the Church is misunderstanding it.

2. The ascension of Mary into heaven. It never speaks of it in the bible and it is sinful to add to the bible.

# 2 is something that I really struggled with when I was a Catholic. The church uses a combination of biblical principle and church tradition. So, to them the ascension is a tradition. There are many many many ideas the church has that are not in the bible. When I really started studying the bible I felt more and more strongly that adding to it is not something we should be doing.

I am not sure I answered your question, but I wanted to let you know I felt the same way.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

Ok, what confuses me is, why would you worship Mary though? I was always taught that worshipping anyone besides God was a sin and God didn't like that. So to worship Mary is taking away from worship to God??

One of the many questions that I've had in my Catholic faith that have never been clearly answered!!

Like MariDisney said, we often are discouraged from reading the Bible, we're simply told when we asked questions that is the way it is and that is the way it's always been and always will be. Accept it. At least in my experiences. Until Mike asked the question about Mary, I honestly don't think I ever learned what happened to her in her life post-baby. We say our Hail Mary's, really worship her come Christmas time, but after that I never learned much about her.

And Mari, you hit the nail on the head for me when you said that you basically got tired of simply going through the motions and rituals without even thinking. That's so true. I unfortunately haven't been spiritually going to mass in a long, long time. I go so I don't feel guilty, but don't get much out of it. So essentially, what's the point. Since we've been going to the Methodist church service, my husband and I leave with so many great things to discuss and talk about, and so much answered in our own minds. Their beliefs seem to just mesh better with ours. The God that I'd like to worship will be "happy" that I'm going to church and enjoying it, won't condemn me because I'm not choosing the Catholic faith at this point.

 

[rie'smom]

A little OT, but I'm not converting, but my daughter is going to be baptised as a Protestant in 2 weeks. I'm catholic. My DH is protestant. I don't agree with alot of the catholic church. Why do u have to confess your sins to a priest?? I hated doing that when I was younger. I felt like the priest was looking at me funny if I didn't tell him my usual "I fight with my sister" I'm mean to my parents" etc etc... I told him this every Christmas and Easter like a good little catholic girl. I felt it was all BS. Then I have to say 3 hail mary's and my sins are gone?? hmmm Doesn't sound right.

Confession is good for the soul is the saying. In reality, going to confession,
in the Catholic faith, absolves you of your sin. Your slate is wiped clean.

Praying the penance just means you're sorry. Also, I've read where it's good for a person psychologically because you're not holding onto things that eat at you,eg, lying,cheating,adultery,etc.

As far as Mary in heaven, I asked my DH and he thought that Mary never actually died, that she ascended into heaven body and soul, like Jesus after he rose from the dead, but that she never had to go through the death process like Jesus. He said this is why Catholics worship Mary, as the Virgin Mother and as the only human to ascend to heaven without death. All according to my husband!

Actually, I don't really remember being taught a whole lot about what happens to Mary after she gives birth, so I liked your question. And as far as I know, the Catholics do believe that there will never be more added to the bible. I'm sure someone has more informed information on this.

Ok, what confuses me is, why would you worship Mary though? I was always taught that worshipping anyone besides God was a sin and God didn't like that. So to worship Mary is taking away from worship to God??

Mary did die. When we say she was assumed into Heaven body and soul, we mean that her body,incorrupt went to Heaven.

We do not worship Mary. We honor her and we love her as the mother of Christ.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

Worship and honor seem to be interchangeable. Heard both terms used by priests many times over the years.

I'm still confused (and probably will always be) about the beliefs about Mary. You're saying that she did physically die on earth? Then was lifted to heaven?

Thanks!

 

[rie'smom]

Worship and honor seem to be interchangeable. Heard both terms used by priests many times over the years.

I'm still confused (and probably will always be) about the beliefs about Mary. You're saying that she did physically die on earth? Then was lifted to heaven?

Thanks!

Mary is not worshiped. We honor her for saying yes to being the mother of Jesus. She intercedes for us.

Yes, Mary physically died and she was lifted (assumed) to Heaven.

 

[Camicar]

This is a simplified version of my religious life/thoughts, but FWIW:
I was nominally raised Catholic, but NEVER felt like it was the right fit for me. The religious ed nuns were always calling my (non-Catholic) mother and telling her I was a troublemaker because I was always asking "WHY?" questions. I did my confirmation in 4th grade and we were told that as we went up to the bishop, that girls were not allowed to step on a certain stair. So I asked, "WHY?" I was told that girls were dirty and that the step had to stay clean. Needless to say, I stepped on that stair. The bishop glared at me and told me that I should not have done that. I shrugged. The next year, my little sister was in 1st grade and the nuns were lecturing them about ************. When my mother called to complain that my sister was now afraid to go to the bathroom bec the nuns had told them that if they touched themselves 'down there', the devil would reach up thru the toilet and drag them down the sewers and into hell, she was told to shut up or they would start spreading rumors that she was molesting her own children. And so it went...

As an adult, I did not agree with the church's teachings on sexuality and the role of women (which I thnk are inextricably intertwined). I also simply did not believe some of their teachings such as immaculate conception (a concept which was only codified in the 19th century, btw) or transubstantiation. Then the furor over the widespread and systemic practice of shipping off pedophile priests came to light and the bishop in our area who was the defendant in a law suit refused to provide documents under subpeona because, "I am a biship of the Catholic Church. YOUR laws do not apply to me." That was the final straw.

We then church shopped and found a good home for many years in the Episcopal Church.

The Methodists only do Communion on occasion (for what reason, I haven't asked yet)

It is a hold over from the days when they didn't have enough pastors. Pastors rode a 'circuit' (the pastors' magazine is still called Circuit Rider) and therefore were not available at every church every weekend. Hence, communion only occurred on those weekends -- usually once per month -- when the pastor was available. This necessity turned into a tradition.

 

[KCmike]

Good information being posted.

 

[rie'smom]

This is a simplified version of my religious life/thoughts, but FWIW:
I was nominally raised Catholic, but NEVER felt like it was the right fit for me. The religious ed nuns were always calling my (non-Catholic) mother and telling her I was a troublemaker because I was always asking "WHY?" questions. I did my confirmation in 4th grade and we were told that as we went up to the bishop, that girls were not allowed to step on a certain stair. So I asked, "WHY?" I was told that girls were dirty and that the step had to stay clean. Needless to say, I stepped on that stair. The bishop glared at me and told me that I should not have done that. I shrugged. The next year, my little sister was in 1st grade and the nuns were lecturing them about ************. When my mother called to complain that my sister was now afraid to go to the bathroom bec the nuns had told them that if they touched themselves 'down there', the devil would reach up thru the toilet and drag them down the sewers and into hell, she was told to shut up or they would start spreading rumors that she was molesting her own children. And so it went...

As an adult, I did not agree with the church's teachings on sexuality and the role of women (which I thnk are inextricably intertwined). I also simply did not believe some of their teachings such as immaculate conception (a concept which was only codified in the 19th century, btw) or transubstantiation. Then the furor over the widespread and systemic practice of shipping off pedophile priests came to light and the bishop in our area who was the defendant in a law suit refused to provide documents under subpeona because, "I am a biship of the Catholic Church. YOUR laws do not apply to me." That was the final straw.

We then church shopped and found a good home for many years in the Episcopal Church.

It is a hold over from the days when they didn't have enough pastors. Pastors rode a 'circuit' (the pastors' magazine is still called Circuit Rider) and therefore were not available at every church every weekend. Hence, communion only occurred on those weekends -- usually once per month -- when the pastor was available. This necessity turned into a tradition.

The sexual crimes by the priests was dead wrong. I don't judge all Catholic priests by the actions of a few. Nor do I judge them by the stupid actions of some bishops moving the priests around.

If I did, it would be the same as judging every North Korean citizen by Kim's actions or every Iraqi by Saddam's past actions.

We would be naive and dishonest were we to say this is a Roman Catholic problem and has nothing to do with us because we have married and female priests in our church. Sin and abusive behavior know no ecclesiastical or other boundaries." Rt. Rev. William Persell, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago

In the authoritative work by Penn State professor Philip Jenkins, Pedophiles and Priests, it was determined that between .2 and 1.7 percent of priests are pedophiles. The figure among the Protestant clergy ranges between 2 and 3 percent. Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaefer is a professor of law and ethics at Loyola Marymount University. It is his belief that sexual abuse among rabbis approximates that found among the Protestant clergy.

Teachers molest more children than either priests,ministers,or rabbis.Moving molesting teachers from school district to school district is a common phenomenon. And in only 1 percent of the cases do superintendents notify the new school district.[xxxiv] According to Diana Jean Schemo, the term “passing the trash” is the preferred jargon among educators.[xxxv]


Maybe everyone should home school except that family is responsible for more incidents of sexual abuse than any other category.

My point is that, unfortunately, abuse exists across the spectrum and yes, it is hidden across the spectrum.

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

I agree, rie'smom, don't judge the whole religion based on the bad actions of the few.

But as an educator, I totally disagree with your quote about "passing the trash" and moving teachers who molest from district to district. I'm not saying this hasn't happened, but I do not think this is by any means a frequent occurance or something that is taken lightly in any school district. From what I've witnessed and read in districts I've worked in and in nearby districts, teachers are removed (and hopefully prosecuted).

Also, you quote about how there are only .2 to 1.7% pedophile priests out there, but remember, if this figure is anywhere near correct (and I'm not going to debate it) that is only the number who have been caught, as all pedophile statistics out there.

Now, let's not bash Catholicism or priests and hopefully we can still keep this thread pretty friendly!!

Camicar, what is it about the Episcopal Church that drew you to it as a former Catholic?

 

[stacyp9]

Would anyone like to share your experiences converting religions?

Specifically, Catholic converting to another Christian religion?

What made you convert? What was it about the new religion that "spoke" to you? Biggest differences between the religions?


Thanks.

I was raised in organized religion (type unimportant). I did not convert to another religion, though I did explore several during my spiritual journey. I left organized religion when I became disillusioned with the hypocrisy, intolerance and hate that I seemed to see in so many. I also have a deep love of science and had a hard time reconciling scientifiic findings and religious teaching.

I consider myself agnostic now and am happier than I have ever been before. I guess what speaks to me is that what I believe just feels right; be humane, take care of the earth, be moral. This planet and it's residents are amazing. I have not ruled out the existence of a higher power and sometimes smile to the heavens with appreciation. I have just decided that I do not trust organized religion and the humans running it to tell me what is the acceptable way to live.

 

[juligrl]

belle&sebastiansmom,

I'm curious how the methodist service differs from a catholic mass? Are there readings and a gospel from the bible? Did you feel comfortable with the flow of the service? I've never been to a methodist service, but I've been curious about it.

A good UM church in your area: http://www.cor.org/

They do have video of an online sermon. As a lifelong Methodist who has only attended a Catholic Christmas Eve mass I can't comment on the differences as compared to a normal mass. Typically there is an old testament lesson and a new testament lesson and they somehow tie in with the service.
Communion is a monthly event at my church, but each congregation is different. As to why, I found this as a good (and fitting) explanation:

Answer
The reason why many United Methodist Churches do not receive Communion more frequently than once a month is rooted in the history of the formation and growth of the denomination. Early-on there were few ordained clergy -- most Methodist Churches were pastored by lay people supervised by "Presiding Elders" -- and, hence, few individuals were authorized the preside at the table. As a result, in many parts of the church the Eucharist was only celebrated on a quarterly basis. Over time, as the numbers of clergy grew, the ability to have communion on at least a monthly basis became the norm.

Since the early 1990s many United Methodist Churches have been discovering an increased desire, hunger, and thirst for a more frequent reception of the Sacrament. Indeed, the General Conference of the UMC has encouraged local congregations to celebrate Communion at least weekly in a principle worship service. Hence, is now true that one can find many United Methodist Churches with weekly communion. For example, over the past 10 years I have taken 3 different United Methodist Churches from having communion once a month to a weekly celebration of the Sacrament in at least one of their morning services. And, I am far from unusual in this practice. So, depending upon where you live, you may well be able to find a UMC where the Eucharist is offered on a weekly basis.

Some will claim that celebrating the Eucharist more frequently than once a month somehow diminishes the "specialness of the service." While I have heard it many times, I have never experienced such to be the case. Yes, sometimes some people are inattentive or impatient and, hence, fail to respond to the Grace which God is offering in the Sacrament ... in such cases it is not some flaw in the Eucharist but, rather, a flaw in the communicant. And, indeed, this happens in means of grace other than the Eucharist ... it happens in preaching, for example, where people quit paying attention. Just because some people don't pay attention doesn't mean that we should have preaching less-often in order to make it "more special."

If you're curious, by all means try it. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[Buckalew11]

As far as Mary in heaven, I asked my DH and he thought that Mary never actually died, that she ascended into heaven body and soul, like Jesus after he rose from the dead, but that she never had to go through the death process like Jesus.

I know rie'smom has cleared this up but when I read what your DH thought it made me think of Enoch. He never died. he was taken up by God.

 

[rie'smom]

I know rie'smom has cleared this up but when I read what your DH thought it made me think of Enoch. He never died. he was taken up by God.

Yes, this is the 4th Glorious Mystery of the Rosary:
The Fourth Glorious Mystery
THE ASSUMPTION


After the apostles have dispersed, the Blessed Mother goes to live with John, the beloved disciple.
Mary lives many years on earth after the death of Christ.
She is a source of comfort, consolation and strength to the apostles.
As she had nourished the infant Jesus, so she nourishes spiritually the infant Church.
Mary dies.
Her body as well as her soul is taken up into heaven.
After her burial the apostles go to the tomb and find only fragrant lilies.
Jesus does not permit the sinless body of His Mother to decay in the grave.
Corruption of the body is an effect of original sin from which Mary is totally exempted.
The bodies of all mankind, at the last judgment, will be brought back and united again to the soul.

 

[Rella Bella]

Interesting thread. I have enjoyed everyone's comments.

I think we all move through seasons of faith as we grow. For some moving inside one denomination satisfies, for others it's a new denomination or more than one.

My faith journey has been very diverse. I was raised Lutheran, attended a Methodist church with a friend in Jr High. Joined a Catholic & multi-denominational youth program called "Search" in High School.

In college, I was Baptized in an Assembly of God Church. Then for several years traveled with an inter-denominational youth mission organization called YWAM. I then attended a Pentecostal Bible School and after graduation joined an Evangelical congregation, followed by many years in a Four Square Church.

Then my husband became an Associate Pastor at a Non-Denominational church. We were with them 11 years. During that time the church went from Vineyard style worship, moving slowly toward orthodoxy & ended up joining an Anglican communion.

After this we started a House church (within that Communion) & continued our study of the early church. Our adult Sunday School class decided to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church. After many months, nearly our whole congregation decided the next step was to join the Catholic Church. We spent 9 months in RCIA before joining at the Easter Vigil 7 years ago.

We have found good and God in all these places. We have grown, been challenged, worked through differences and never ever felt we had found 100% of all God had for us. So we kept following. From every stop on our journey we have grown, and learned. Sometimes the lessons were wonderful and sometimes they were HARD. But we can only keep following, day by day.

We have raised our son Catholic, but we are not especially strict in our following every Catholic premise. We know God and believe Jesus has reconciled us to him. The Saints are wonderful examples and prayer warriors we can call on to pray for us. Communion is acknowledging that the 'bread and wine' BOTH become the Body of Christ AND are given to The Body of Christ. We are His hands and feet, He is in us and we in Him.

Our parish has 2,500 families, faith within ranges everywhere from very conservative to very liberal. The caveat is we truly love each other, and know that although we might disagree on somethings, we agree on many more. I love the way everyone is accepted, wherever they are in their progress toward oneness with God.

By saying that I don't mean there is more than one way to God, but that Jesus made it possible for all to be reconciled to God, and that reconciliation is a process. One that sometimes takes your whole life.

By saying that, I don't mean exclusion or inclusion but only that God will meet each of us and draw us toward Himself in the way that God (knowing us as only our Creator could) knows is right for us.

God is the energy, the "life" of all living things. God has always been, cannot be destroyed, always was, always is and always will be. God is in - and has been in- everything that exists everywhere for all of time.

If you choose not to believe, or to call God by another word or name, God isn't threatened. Because love is the nature of God, love will always be there, loving and waiting, regardless of our response.

A response I believe will ebb and flow and grow and change as we do.

Grace and peace to you all.

 

[audrabolster]

I was raised Roman Catholic. I always felt it was too judging, too stiff, not my style. Especially with their views on gays. My wife was raised Episcopalian, which is refered to as "Diet Catholic" it's a lot of the same ideals, without all the guilt I love that it is family oriented, and accepting of gays. I didn't have a hard time converting at all, since they are so similar.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I was raised Christian but converted to Judaism It was a lot of studying but worth every second!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I converted from Southern Baptist to Catholic several years ago. My parents are not religious at all and allowed me to choose my own religion. I chose Southern Baptist because a friend invited me there. (I was in third grade). As I got older I realized that I did not fully believe the things they believed. While the church I went to was pretty good, so many were filled with hate.

When I started college I attended an all-girls' school in Viginia. Many of my friends were gay but would not tell me simply because I was Southern Baptist. This really bothered me. I got involved with an online intern faith forum where I became a moderator, and through continued discussion I realized that I no longer felt in line with the SBC beliefs. I became involved in a debate with a Catholic and all I knew was that Catholics were misguided. Just little snarky comments inserted during Sunday School. I got a book called "Once a Catholic" and the poster politely informed me that most of what that person was saying was bunk. He encouraged me to learn more about it.

That was the time I decided to leave the Southern Baptist Church. I picked up a large book called "The Unofficial Guide to Finding a Church." It states in an objective way what each denomination believes, how it is governed, what to expect from services, and member requirements. I started out with the Catholic church just to appease the person I was talking to with no intention of going there. I then went to a different church every Sunday. Every Sunday I went armed with a list of questions based on what I had read and would corner the pastor after the service.

The Priest would not answer my questions, instead he told me I would have to attend classes. I then went to a Catholic bookshop for answers and the man was very kind. He gave me a Scott Hahn tape to listen to in the car (for free) and pointed me in the direction of some good books. He also told me to go to the church down the road and ask to speak to Father J. I went to make an appointment and they told me he was there and to go on in. I hit the poor man with so many questions- from Medjugorje to Transubstantiation. He answered them all.

Throughout this process I prayed, and as I went to different services and researched different denominations, I realized that I was most in line with the Catholic beliefs. I went through RCIA, and officially joined the church at the Easter Vigil in 2004 during my first College Program with Disney. In fact, one of my roommate's even came since my family couldn't be there.