On Rejecting the Catholic Church

“...I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.” Do I? Do I believe in the holy Catholic Church?

I fell away from the Catholic Church at a pivotal point in my life and erroneously believed that I was better off without Mass, Sacraments, and discipline that the Church offers. I thought I could be Christian on my own. I figured I could pray to Christ without having the protection of the Body of Christ. I didn’t stop going to Church, I simply changed churches to what superficially appeared as a more spiritual option - I was wrong. I was born Catholic and everything about me: my birth, my baptism, communion with Christ, and Confirmation were all preordained and assigned to Catholicism alone - unfortunately, at the time I did not know this. 

This other form of Christianity created so much turmoil within me that I was finally left without faith. Years went by blinded by an anger towards God I did not understand. I felt lost and abandoned. Other forms of Christianity offer the same crucified and resurrected Christ - the striking difference, however, is that as Catholics we’re woven into a unique Body that cannot be replaced by any other religion. Abandoning your Catholic faith is like leaving your sword and shield behind where a war between good and evil is raging. You are protected by the Catholic Church and without her you’re left to suffer the consequences of spiritual warfare. The confusion within me was a war raging in my soul. A type of unrest that would not let me be at peace no matter how much I prayed.

Many years later a nagging desire to speak to a priest caused me to finally make an appointment to return to Catholicism. I spoke to a priest, I recanted my rejection of the Catholic Church, I confessed, we prayed, and I was welcomed back home where I belong. If my long suffering during my time away from the Catholic Church is to help anyone, let me just say that the offer for a “more personal emotional experience with Christ” that other churches may offer is tempting, but not necessarily true. It’s certainly your choice, but having personally been there - if you’re having difficulty relating to Christ as a Catholic, talk to a priest. Never leave behind the one thing that can neither deceive or be deceived, which is the certainty of Christ in our Catholic Church. There is long standing strength in Catholicism. I firmly believe this is the Church Christ built. I don’t deny the validity of other Christian churches, BUT AS A CATHOLIC, this is the only Church for me, and probably for you too. 

When I pray the Apostle’s Creed at the end: “...I believe in the holy Catholic Church...” I wholeheartedly mean it. I’ve been tested and tried in a way I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Save yourself the angst and believe that you are specifically chosen to be Catholic for a reason. A reason that might be unknown for now, but definitely with Godly purpose.