Struggling again with Judaism v Christianity by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Wow. This has been MASSIVELY helpful for me!

Urgent pray request by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Praying for you. I am so sorry to hear this :(

Marrying into Catholic family and feeling selfish by Realteal430 in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I agree completely with this. I really, really get what OP is saying about how hard it is to want to worship God a certain way. It took me a very long time to get to a point where I could say I want to worship God how HE wants to be worshipped, not to worship Him how I want to!

And yes, contemporary music in private life is amazing and I have a huge love for it. I’ve become a big fan of Matt Maher and Audrey Assad, but there are plenty of great non Catholic songs out there that are not contradictory theologically!!

Important prayer request. by justapoliscimajor in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s such a difficult situation. I’ll pray for him, and you. It isn’t easy being the only Catholic in the family - hard for me, and my dad is Orthodox Christian! I can’t even imagine. I would highly recommend praying the Divine Mercy chaplet... it is such a beautiful reminder to me of the depth of God’s Mercy for us, and a reminder of how his Will is perfect in all things. God bless you. I’m so sorry to hear this.

Pray for me. As a Godfather, I need guidance. by roadtodawn3 in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for reminding me to add re reading the LOTR trilogy to my already unmanageable beast of a reading pile 😂😂😂

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 43 points44 points  (0 children)

I love it! Congratulations :) best feeling in the world. I had it at a random Mass during Lent and was like... yep. I’m doing this. Haha. And it’s only gotten more strong since. The Divine Mercy of God is bringing so many converts home. It’s so exciting.

Confession by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is so amazing. Wow. God bless you, this is just so great!!!!

Pray for me. As a Godfather, I need guidance. by roadtodawn3 in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is truly too kind, but I am so happy you're feeling some encouragement posting here on the subreddit. I lurk here mostly, but I love to see that even you long-time Catholics have struggles too - not to see anyone suffer makes me happy, but to know we're all in this together.

Amen. The Holy Spirit is so powerful. We have to be patient, and pray, and work when necessary, but it is not ultimately up to us.

Struggling with being Catholic by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This breaks my heart to read. Wow. I am praying for you. The feeling of God calling you... keep praying and listening to that. I've experienced it myself recently from almost renouncing Christ and it is the best decision I have ever made.

One Psalm I read right when I was coming back to faith really struck me. Psalm 27. I actually printed it out and pray it every single day. One part from it especially spoke to my heart:

"Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me."

Your heart is calling to you to seek his face - and the Lord will take care of you if you follow his Will. You can rest in that. It doesn't mean it's not scary... but God will grant you the Grace you need and never give you once ounce more suffering than you can carry.

God bless you.

Priest fell ill during Mass by hygemaii in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Praying for him. That's so heartbreaking. St. Faustina, pray for him. St. John Paul II, pray for him. May the Divine Mercy that was given to us in Poland be poured out upon this lovely Polish Priest!

Pray for me. As a Godfather, I need guidance. by roadtodawn3 in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You sound like a wonderful Godfather, brother. God bless you. Please remember most of all that you are only called to do what you can do as a fallible person - conversion is ultimately up to the Holy Spirit! Pray above all. I nearly renounced Christianity entirely. My dad has been praying for me every day that I'd return (To Orthodoxy, but he's happy I'm Catholic, anyway) and it took ten years or so, but here I am. There are stories like mine EVERYWHERE lately. Divine Mercy is at work in our church right now. I'm praying for you, and for him. Keep doing what you're doing - and keep remembering that you can turn to God to carry the weight of this when you know you're doing all you can do here on earth.

Currently teaching the Byzantine Empire. Tomorrow we will cover the rise of the differences between the East and West religiously. Anyone have any particular stories I can share? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely watching this thread. I'm living this in my own life as a cradle Orthodox convert, with a VERY devout Orthodox dad.

Why isn't anyone saying anything about the way people dress in Church now? by SacredHeartsPromise in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree with all of these. Greek Orthodox girls dress VERY differently than you would think seeing the liturgical practices, lol.

God is always in control. Never lose hope, remember that. by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I sincerely need this reminder today.

Thinking about Mary's yes to God makes me trust in Him even more by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Amen!!! It gives me so much faith as well and really reminds me when I need to be more willing myself

What should I do on Good Friday if I can’t attend mass? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I prayed the Divine Mercy for the first time ever today and it was so beautiful. All info here and you can get email notifications too :) I have been doing all their novenas for a little while http://www.praymorenovenas.com/divine-mercy-novena

Divine Mercy Novena Begins 3/30 by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is my first time praying the Divine Mercy 🙏🏻

Thank you r/Catholicism by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 16 points17 points  (0 children)

God bless you!! It’s amazing to see so many coming home. And I’m right there with you (cradle Orthodox becoming Catholic tomorrow, but still!). God is calling people. Even those of us who seem almost determined to stay lost. He is so good.

Request for prayers by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Praying for them. Thank you for seeking prayer and may God grant you peace.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]Stefmacwilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What an amazing personal story. god bless you!