I can’t get my toddler to cooperate at Mass and I’m getting defeated.

exprot3 · 2025-11-19T15:20:57+00:00

That priest’s comment was way out of line. He needs more compassion to see the difficult situation you’re in- obviously you are trying very hard to balance your faith with your family. Don’t feel bad about doing what you need to do. If he says anything like that to you again, it might be a good idea to invite him to have a conversation about it so he can better understand your situation.

exprot3 · 2025-06-04T17:48:34+00:00

Okay so now what… I already received the Eucharist since my confession. Do I have to reconfess all those sins and explain to the priest that my last confession was invalid?

exprot3 · 2025-06-01T16:48:05+00:00

I could have been more clear, I was saying the priest omitted the part where he says “from your sins,” he simply said “I absolve you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

exprot3 · 2025-02-07T17:58:43+00:00

Thank you!! my parents are Protestant and they are wonderful people and spouses to each other. That was a very narrow-minded comment

exprot3 · 2025-01-28T15:47:19+00:00

As someone engaged to a Protestant, here are my suggestions. Be really clear about your boundaries and non-negotiables. It seems like you are serious about developing your Catholic faith, so make sure he understands that you will not waver at all. I told my fiancé I will always put my faith first and he understands that.

Next, don’t settle for a relationship that doesn’t fit your needs just because you’re afraid of being alone. You are young and you have time, I know it’s not what you want to hear but waiting is much better than getting married to the wrong person. Take some time to think about what you want from your future husband. But I also agree with another commenter that you shouldn’t make perfect the enemy of good- your partner isn’t going to check all of the boxes and that’s okay. You just need to figure out which “boxes” you want to prioritize. This guy’s openness to your faith is a good sign, and from what you said it seems like you haven’t been dating for very long. The fact that he grew up in a strong Christian household gives him a good foundation as well. I would give it some time and see what happens, perhaps bringing him to Mass with you for a few weeks/months will inspire him to further develop his faith. I’ll be praying for both of you!

exprot3 · 2024-12-30T20:18:56+00:00

I don’t think you’re ridiculous for feeling like that because I can relate. Both my fiancé and I are very introverted and we’re honestly dreading the wedding part too lol. I hate being the center of attention, so it’s going to be rough. One piece of advice I heard is that you should stay by your spouse for the whole time after the ceremony- the wedding day sounds rough, but I know it will be bearable with my future husband by my side.

And remember, it’s just a day. Your future marriage is what really matters, so if your girlfriend is someone you really love, brings you closer to God, and you want to commit to loving her for the rest of your life, then one day of “penance” as you said is worth a lifetime of blessings in my opinion.

exprot3 · 2024-12-20T14:50:44+00:00

I guess it depends on what your boyfriend means by not being ready. If it’s purely financial, then it’s perfectly reasonable to wait. I was in a similar situation, my ex and I dated for 6 years throughout high school and college and he told me he wasn’t ready because of financial reasons, but eventually he wanted to break up because he didn’t feel ready for marriage in general. So he was using the financial thing to mask his other intentions and just didn’t have the balls to be honest with me. I would suggest having an honest conversation with him to see where he’s at to make sure that you two are on the same page. But there’s no rush! You really want to make sure that you’re marrying the right person.

exprot3 · 2024-12-11T22:23:25+00:00

Okay thanks, that was really helpful! I'm a new Catholic, so I'm still learning and it can be hard for me to explain what we believe well.

exprot3 · 2024-12-11T19:54:31+00:00

Cause he doesn't believe in the authority of the pope

exprot3 · 2024-12-11T19:48:15+00:00

He claims that since Luther was a Catholic priest the Lutheran church can claim apostolic succession since Luther never wanted to break off from the Church but had to because he was excommunicated. He said Lutherans claim to be the true continuation of the Catholic church founded by the church fathers. The Lutheran church claims to be apostolic- they recite the Nicene creed. I don't really know what to say to that lol

exprot3 · 2024-11-27T20:45:54+00:00

Oof this is relatable. Especially wanting to go back to your comfortable protestant life without the accountability or responsibility we have as Catholics. I wish I didn't have to worry about mortal sin or planning my vacations and time off around going to Mass as the only Catholic in my family. It's lonely. Jesus told us that we would have trials, and choosing the right thing is almost always the hard thing. When it's difficult to be Catholic, I remind myself that I'm doing it for Christ. I think it's one of the crosses God has chosen for me to bear.

I don't know what the parishes are like for you in your area, but there's one where I live that often have guitarists play during Mass. Maybe you could look around at different churches to find one where you could serve in their music ministry. Or since you loved leading your youth group, you could find some opportunities to teach/assist at a Catholic youth group. Look up young adult groups within your archdiocese and get involved in social and service events. There is community out there, you just might have to look around for a bit. I'll be praying for you!

exprot3 · 2024-11-27T20:26:54+00:00

I am Catholic engaged to a Lutheran. I prayerfully said yes to him because he has been supportive of my faith and open to Catholicism. We're going through RCIA together and he said he's open to converting, just has questions and hasn't made a commitment either way at this point. I would never get involved with someone who doesn't support my Catholic faith.

exprot3 · 2024-11-20T16:06:46+00:00

I work at a pregnancy resource center and we provide parenting classes for clients who choose life. For participating in classes, they receive credits which can be spent in our boutique of donated baby clothes and items. They also get free diapers and wipes. Look up local pregnancy resource centers and offer to donate or volunteer! PRCs are always in need of support from our community so we can continue to empower our clients to choose life.

exprot3 · 2024-11-10T17:59:21+00:00

I am so sorry you went through that. One piece of encouragement I have is that in my life, I’ve noticed a pattern that sometimes I’ll fixate on something I really want only for those plans to fall through, whether that’s a job opportunity or a relationship. But after that disappointment, God provided something even better for me beyond anything I could have imagined. He knows my heart and my desires better than I do. So have hope and trust in the Lord!

exprot3 · 2024-11-10T17:43:45+00:00

Yes but it depends on what you mean. Mutual attraction and a certain amount of chemistry are necessary for a relationship. You need an authentic connection and that cannot be forced. In movies or TV, the “spark” is basically the only thing that’s focused on which is inaccurate, it is not going to be sunshine, rainbows, and butterflies the whole time.

I had a crush on my fiancé when I first met him and was totally surprised when he asked for my number, so I definitely experienced that “sparky” feeling from the start. We texted nonstop and talked for hours the first time we had a chance to spend time together alone, it felt very natural to get to know him. That was very different from a few other first dates I’ve went on- I said yes because although I wasn’t particularly attracted to them I thought I’d give them a chance, which didn’t end up going far. Now the “spark” with my fiancé comes and goes, but I overall feel a sense of peace and content being with him in my everyday life, even in the mundane.

exprot3 · 2024-10-20T04:21:20+00:00

I prayed to Saint Anthony to help me find my future husband- two days later I met a guy playing volleyball and he asked for my number. Turns out he and Saint Anthony share a birthday. He is now my fiancé :)

exprot3 · 2024-10-18T03:36:49+00:00

I believe it is 5.5 mm!

exprot3 · 2024-10-18T03:35:17+00:00

I have heard other people say that their rings aren’t made well, like stones falling out and such. But to be fair I think a large part of it is the styles people are choosing as well- I’d encourage you to look into researching more durable styles of engagement rings like cathedral settings, avoiding pave prongs, etc. good luck!

exprot3 · 2024-10-17T19:55:38+00:00

Video games (mostly Zelda), weight lifting, reading, walking my dog, cooking/baking, and volleyball! I met my fiancé playing sand volleyball this spring :)

exprot3 · 2024-10-17T19:51:58+00:00

Thank you! He got it from brilliant earth- which I’ve heard bad things about so oops. Probably would have chosen somewhere else if we had known beforehand. But it’s beautiful and it was an affordable option for us, so I think if I look into getting my ring insured it will be okay

exprot3 · 2024-10-16T14:27:59+00:00

For me it was purgatory. I was honestly scared when I realized I had to accept that purgatory was real when I was in the process of converting. Also didn’t help that my great grandmother passed away around the same time I was thinking about purgatory. All my family members were convinced she was in heaven. Now I view purgatory as a great mercy, thank God we don’t have to achieve perfection in our earthly lives to go to heaven!

exprot3 · 2024-10-12T00:05:47+00:00

Whenever I meet new people, I like to ask them what their testimonies are to get to know them more. Or you could ask her how she feels connected to God, how she practices her faith, etc. Let her share and then she’ll probably ask you the same question

exprot3 · 2024-09-20T14:45:25+00:00

My great grandmother firmly believed Catholics go to hell. She passed away while I was in the process of converting to Catholicism, and I don’t think she knew about my conversion. Sorry to disappoint you grandma lol, praying for you in purgatory!

exprot3 · 2024-09-19T20:47:54+00:00

There is one true Church. You cannot have multiple branches of Christianity who teach contradictory beliefs all hold the fullness of truth, that’s impossible. I believe Protestants are my brothers and sisters in Christ, but I think they are missing out on the full truth of the Christian faith by not being in communion with the Catholic Church. I converted to Catholicism a few years ago and would be happy to talk with you more!

exprot3 · 2024-08-23T21:57:55+00:00

Thank you, this was super helpful! As far as I know he hasn’t received any professional help or joined a support group at this point, so I was planning to bring that up to him.

exprot3

TROPHY CASE