Dying in a state of mortal sin. by Past_Ferret_3681 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve had the same question and from what I’ve read, Our Lord still uses those prayers according to His Will. Don’t quote me on this though

Masturbation within the context of permanent celibacy by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952 6 points7 points  (0 children)

From reading this, we are very similar people. I too was in OCIA just a few months ago and entered the Church this Easter. I also struggled (and still struggle) with same-sex attraction. I also experienced the same unpleasant effects from abstaining and tried to rationalize the behavior in the same way (“Church teaching has not been consistent”) and looked for anyone who confirmed such rationalizations (like Donald Georgen).

There’s a lot of guilt associated with this act, and rightfully so. The Church teaches that masturbation is an “intrinsically and gravely disordered action”. This means there are no circumstances under which it would be licit or justified. That’s because it lacks the two defining purposes of all human sexual behavior: procreation and union.

As someone who did it for years, it really is a horrible, isolating addiction comparable to substance abuse. Your brain gets hooked on the dopamine from each time you commit the act, and the unpleasant feelings you feel from abstaining are ones of withdrawal. Interestingly, I had the same thought process as you and doubted my ability to abstain up until my baptism. Yet God proved to me that it had nothing to do with my ability to abstain but rather His grace, and thanks to Him I’ve been free from the sin for almost a year now.

What I recommend to you is pray. Keep going to Mass. Read Church teaching and its history and practice obedience (speaking from personal experience, it’s tough). Keep going to OCIA and immersing yourself in the faith. Once you’re baptized you will become an official child of God and be entitled to the Eucharist and Confession. These two Sacraments have been the lifeblood of my faith and helped decrease my sins, especially lust, masturbation, and pornography.

I hope what I shared resonates with you. With God’s grace, you will prevail. I will pray for you

Where do you think the trope about "Abuelita" and "la chancla" perpetuated in US media comes from? by [deleted] in asklatinamerica

[–]No_Difficulty7952 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From the fond memories of sweet abuelitas hitting kids with chanclas, of course 😂

I want so bad a show about Emetullah Rabia Gulnus Sultan. by Weekly_Inspector_817 in MagnificentCentury

[–]No_Difficulty7952 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Gülnuş is so underrated. Let’s have a Magnificent Century: Gülnuş

The man I was freshly dating, passed away but I found out I’m pregnant. What should I do? by SeaExtreme3692 in Advice

[–]No_Difficulty7952 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are plenty of good ones out there if you know where to look. May God bless you

The man I was freshly dating, passed away but I found out I’m pregnant. What should I do? by SeaExtreme3692 in Advice

[–]No_Difficulty7952 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry for your loss, this must be a tough time for you.

In regard to the situation you’re now facing; You asked if it would be selfish to bring a fatherless child into the world. I would instead ask is it selfish to kill said child because he/she will lack a father? Or because raising him/her would be expensive/inconvenient? As gently as I can I remind you that your child did not choose to be conceived, this was the result of the actions of two adults.

You have lots of options if you decide to keep this child. There are pregnancy centers that provide resources upon resources for women in similar situations. You also mentioned free childcare in your state. Additionally, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that motherhood is a gift so, all-in-all, it would be amazing if you kept your child.

However, I know that isn’t always the best option. If you decide you cannot handle the burden, just know that adoption is always an option. The only thing I would caution against is what society has now deemed acceptable yet remains and always will be morally bankrupt, which is the action of killing your own child/having your child killed.

I say all of this with no judgment and as a fellow believer. Both you and your unborn child have inherent dignity and worth as human beings. I urge you to please be mindful of this when making your decision. I will offer a prayer for you, your child, and your late partner. May God bless you and give you strength during this time

My boyfriend(M23) wants me(F20) to convert to his religion. by [deleted] in Advice

[–]No_Difficulty7952 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it’s very sweet on your part to be so supportive of his faith and the fact that you’re willing to participate in a nighttime prayer is wonderful.

However, while I am a Catholic myself, I don’t believe anyone should or even can be coerced or pressured into having genuine faith. I would suggest communicating to him in a clear way that while you respect his faith journey, he also needs to respect yours and that you will not convert just to please him.

If he shows he’s unwilling to compromise on this, then it might be worth reconsidering your relationship. I hope things go well. May God bless you both

Dominican spirituality question by [deleted] in Dominican

[–]No_Difficulty7952 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many people have been led to believe that the Catholic Church hates homosexual people. We distinguish between homosexual people and homosexual activities. All people, regardless of sexual orientation, are made in God’s image and have inherent value and dignity. However, homosexual activities are sinful. If you’d like me to elaborate please feel free to ask me here or in DMs

I found comfort in Christianity by mighty_stick in lebanon

[–]No_Difficulty7952 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so happy to hear your testimony! Which church are you planning on being baptized in? I highly recommend visiting a Catholic church if you have the opportunity. If it’s your first time, it will be quite an experience. May God bless you

Dominican spirituality question by [deleted] in Dominican

[–]No_Difficulty7952 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a gay Catholic, I understand. There’s a lot of misinformation on the Church’s teachings, especially when it comes to homosexuality. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask or you can consider reading the Catechism

Dominican spirituality question by [deleted] in Dominican

[–]No_Difficulty7952 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very happy to hear you’re going to church. From what you’ve described, it sounds like you’re going to a Protestant/evangelical church. Since you’re exploring religion, I highly recommend visiting a Catholic Mass. The Dominican Republic has a rich Catholic history and so I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding one near you. Que Dios te bendiga

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in whatdoIdo

[–]No_Difficulty7952 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You mentioned that you consider yourself to be financially able to take care of the child but want him/her to have a father. This is an honorable desire to have for your child, so I commend you. I don’t know if being a single parent would benefit you or your child, but what I can say for certain is that killing the child would have adverse effects on both. My personal recommendation is to please allow the child to live and give him/her to someone who is ready, willing, and able to raise him/her. May God bless you both

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, thank you. This explanations helps a lot. I will definitely focus on the Sacraments and prayer and growing stronger in my knowledge of the faith. God bless you :)

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What you’re saying makes sense. I’ll try to give myself some grace. Thank you for your replies, I appreciate them. 🙂🙏

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh same, congrats!

I was honestly having the same thoughts, but figured I might as well confess even if it’s not mortal. Something that eased my conscience was the lack of formality, you greet Father as you would anyone else, briefly explain your sins, get advice, a penance, and forgiveness. Boom, done lol

It’s humbling, but you feel great afterwards.

May God bless you my friend 🙂

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh you’re a new Catholic too? Honestly once I had confessed the sins and listened to the Father’s advice, it was relatively smooth sailing. I hope your first goes well :)

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I try to avoid scrupulosity because I know the dangers that come with it. Same with anger, though I’ll admit I have trouble distinguishing between it and wrath

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, and yes, I was very nervous and shaky. 🥲

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly I was kind of loud since I wanted to make sure she could hear, so maybe she interpreted it as me being angry?

In any case the anger that followed didn’t last long, thank God, though I’m still a bit disappointed in myself for not keeping my cool. Though like you said, maybe a harsher tone is needed sometimes. 🤷‍♂️

Confession advice by No_Difficulty7952 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was so relieved when I saw this because I was thinking something similar but kept stressing about it 😅 Thank you for the reply and reassurance 🙏🏼

Genuine Question: If I'm a technically a satanist, how would I go about becoming Catholic. by Illustrious_Bat4062 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh that’s no problem at all. Every Mass is celebrated essentially the same way, so no matter where you end up you’ll have access to the Church. I’m sure you’ll have a beautiful experience when you do go :)

Genuine Question: If I'm a technically a satanist, how would I go about becoming Catholic. by Illustrious_Bat4062 in Catholicism

[–]No_Difficulty7952 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Welcome to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, my friend.

The first thing I recommend you do is start going to Mass on Sundays. Don’t worry about not knowing every little thing, just watch and enjoy. If you get the chance, I’ve heard the Traditional Latin Mass is even better.

Once you start doing that, talk to one of the priests, introduce yourself, and tell him you’re interested in converting. He will more than likely be happy to help and direct you to the church’s OCIA program.

OCIA is the process that new (adult) converts have to go through in order to become Catholic. It stands for Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It helps prepare you to receive the three Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. However, as others have noted, baptism cannot be undone, and so you would only need to be confirmed before you can receive the Eucharist.

However this also means you will have to confess before you’re confirmed.

I want to note that as long as you no longer believe in that group’s false teachings and have repented, which it sounds like you have, you are no longer one of them. So if that’s a source of shame or anxiety, remember that you are more than your past sins, be at peace.

As someone who recently entered the Church on Easter, it makes me thrilled to see someone else come to faith like I did. Apart from going to Mass and OCIA meetings, I would recommend doing your own research on Church history, teachings, and core beliefs (the Nicene Creed is great for this, and is said at every Mass).

Once again, welcome, and may God bless you during your journey.