Comments on: They Know I’m Catholic, Right?

By: Randy Hain

Randy Hain — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:35:16 +0000

Victoria-thank you for sharing this “real time” response! I pray you do get the opportunity you seek and I admire your courage for being unafraid to share your faith in such a setting. I find my Protestant friends to mainly be curious, not antagonistic. Thanks for your witness and example!

God bless-

Randy

By: VictoriaW

VictoriaW — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:23:45 +0000

Randy,

I had reason to recall this article, yesterday, and was again grateful to you for having written it.

As part of my work with Alpha USA, I am running a resource table at the international conference being held by the Protestant Denomination in which my late husband and I held ministerial responsibilities during the last 13 years of his life. I went there knowing full well that the chances of meeting former ministry-peers was better than 50%…and that for the most part, they would not have been aware of my conversion to Catholicism, three years ago.

On the way there to set up, yesterday, my mind was reeling with all of the “What if…’s” trying to formulate how to practice my Catholic faith and perhaps even share it in what (I anticipated) could be a hostile setting. Finally, I just surrendered my worries to our Lord and asked for the peace and guidance of the Holy Spirit to simply allow me to be God-honoring and faithful to my Catholic faith in whatever situation(s) I might encounter.

So far I have only encountered two pastor-friends, one of which asked, “So what church are you part of, here?” Not having been aware of my move to Georgia.

My response, “I’m actively involved in two parishes: Corpus Christi, and Holy Cross Catholic Church.” was met with a bright eyed curious response, “Really! That is too cool.” Followed by an immediate subject change.

I was surprised to feel a sense of disappointment. In that moment I realized that I really wanted to share my journey to Catholicism. But, the conference is still young. Perhaps there will yet be an opportunity.

Excitedly Catholic,
Victoria Walters

By: Randy Hain

Randy Hain — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:58:07 +0000

Carol/Katie-thank you for your kind comments. It was an interesting and faith-filled learning experience for me. I am hopeful it will inspire others to engage with our brothers and sisters in Christ about what we share in common regarding faith.

God bless-

Randy

By: Katie Peterson

Katie Peterson — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:33:40 +0000

Randy, thank you for your example of courage, faith, and ecumenism! This is a helpful reminder to all of us that we find common ground in our belief in Christ. Catholicism, after all, is wholly Christocentric. This reality makes the gap between us and our Protestand brothers and sisters in faith not nearly as large as we often think it is!

By: Carol Bush

Carol Bush — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:59:16 +0000

Good article, Randy. Although I haven’t yet been asked to speak to a Protestant group, my progeny would qualify as one (3 children, 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and counting). Since I’m a convert, I’m the only Catholic………….ever. (Did I mention brothers, nieces and nephews, cousins?) I really appreciate your relating how you moved from fear, to faith, to confidence and peace. This is helpful.