Finding God
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@anonymous-114 said in Finding God:
Hi guys, so I grew up Catholic, went to a Catholic school the whole 9. I really lost my way with God but always knew that faith was important to me. I met people when i was about 18 or 19 that introduced me heavily into Buddhism and while I learned a great deal I am now 25 and recently (thankfully) found my way back to God. I am so happy in so many ways but I am also almost scared?? When say I really turned away from God and to the Buddhist religion I mean full blown. AND as I was ripe "of age" I also tattooed my body (not small ones either). Like I said before I learned a great deal from Buddhism and I think at its core it's a beautiful philosophy but I don't view it as faith anymore. I don't really want (nor do I have the money) to go remove the tattoos because I am not ashamed of my journey. But I am scared I won't be accepted back into the Catholic community and maybe that's stupid but it's the truth. I have been going to church and I make sure to cover them because I don't want to come off as disrespectful. I know at the end of the day it's really only God that matters when it comes to acceptance and forgiveness of me, but like I said I still value the community and do not want to come off as disrespectful..... ALSO (kind of all over the place but I have nobody to discuss all of this with as of now) I want to get my own bible. Does anyone have any knowledge on the Douay-Rheims Bible? I am not the most familiar with it. If not this then any reasons why? Or recommendations?
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While I would say don’t get more tattoos, I can’t imagine it would be an issue. I know several Latin mass very traditional Catholics that have tattoos. I think A LOT of people are returning to the faith and we all have stumbled along the way. Anyone with sincere faith won’t be bothered. It is more respectful to cover your shoulders in church. I think if your tattoos are very scary or sexual you should cover them in church, but I don’t think in general it’s an issue.
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I am of the understanding that confession will reconcile you to church without removing your tattoos. But I would recommend talking with priest about your concerns and worries. As for the Douay Rheims bible I think its a good version. Try not to worry about past, pray about everything for guidance. Worry never prevented anything, worry is a weapon of enemy, Pray and ask for discernment and a good guide from God and I believe God will present a good guide. I suggest studying the apostles creed and exploring and meditating the creed declarations. A good priest can guide you too. Peace and love and joy be with you. A personal relationship with God through Christ the king might help you find the peace in your spirit that you desire.
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Hi Katelyn, welcome home! The Douay-Rheims is a GREAT translation of the Bible. My husband and I love it and read from it very often. It’s the one that is recommended by all five of the priests at our parish. If we’re not reading from the DR then we sometimes read the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. It’s VERY good and can be helpful in understanding the scriptures. This translation has also been recommended by some of our priests. As for your tattoos… most people in the pews are very understanding of coverts and those who’ve had reversions and that they have a past. I attend a TLM parish with several parishioners who have tattoos. They cover them up but not for reasons of judgment but to be modest which all of us Christians should be doing. There’s a comedian who converted over a year ago who is completely covered in tattoos and came to Mass at our parish while on tour. Most didn’t know who he was and gave no side eye or disapproving looks. Most people are praying and not paying attention to others until outside. A couple of people recognized him and approached him in the bookstore but were fans. We have a couple of people who have made it known that they want to “correct people” about different things but if they do they are sternly reminded by the priests (and other parishioners) that doing so is not their place. I’ve lived in several different states and cities and used to travel for work and have found that there’s always a few of those folks everywhere. In both Novus Ordo and TLM. I think that sometimes we can get caught up in thinking that we are being judged that we distract ourselves from prayer and graces from the sacraments. And even potential friendships. I know that I have fallen into that several times, especially at Mass. As others have suggested, you may want to speak to a priest about your tattoos. Several exorcists say that some can be problematic so checking in with a priest would be a good idea. (I know a couple of TLM priests who are former military who have tattoos. Most wouldn’t know since they keep them covered.) You will be in my daily prayers.
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Hi Katelyn - Have you thought about crowd sourcing funds to cover your tattoos? You could design a thank you card, perhaps with a picture and a story about your reversion and include a medal. The elderly faithful especially love that. Something else that's a nice gift for faithful catholics, especially for a young person who may still travel around -- is to create 3rd class relics during your travels. These blessed articles cannot be sold so it's something that must be gifted by someone. If there's a saint who led you home in particular, then that's a good candidate. But the AMM basically gives away Miraculous Medals and they are a very nice tangible thing to gift someone too. https://amm.org/
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If tattoos are lasered removed it can leech more of the heavy metal( lead, iron oxides) in the dyes, into the layers of cutaneous tissue. Research is inconclusive.
Faith asks our Father and we can know the loving answer will be given. Just stay with the litmus test for the answer. What wisdom is, God's words are living and the counselor, Holy Spirit guiding us to rhe truth.
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Dear girl, the most important conversation you need to have is with a TRADITIONAL Catholic Priest in the Confessional. Unfortunately, you can't just go to the "Catholic" Church around the corner anymore. Since Vatican II, (1960s) the church has been hijacked and is no longer recognizable, or valid. Douay-Rheims is the correct Bible to get. I can provide you with more information on any of this if you wish. I returned to the Catholic Faith 15 years ago, and I was a lot older than you are! God bless you.
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Welcome home, again. We have the Douay-Rheims and it was what we referenced for many years as it's from the Latin Vulgate. I personally like the Great Adventure Bible used for the Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. It's Revised Standard Version- Catholic Edition. I do recommend confession with a sound priest. As far as the tattoos, if they'd be considered vulgar, I would think you should keep them somewhat covered at mass. I've been in traditional circles and non-traditional circles and there are judgemental people in both circles, unfortunately, but I applaud you on your journey and desire to re-enter the Catholic faith. I'm cradle Catholic so my journey has always been within the Church, but my husband is a revert. He appreciated converts like Scott Hahn in his journey back. We attended TLM exclusively for years, but lifestyle, health, distance, and family size has made that extremely difficult and we've returned to our home parish. Though many Catholics don't speak well of it, The Chosen had a profound effect on our family and I recommend to at least watch the very first episode, of the first season. So powerful. We welcomed our 14th baby into the Church when she was about a month old, baptized on the feast of her patron saint, St. Mary Magdalene. Wishing you many blessings on your continued journey. Deus Vult!
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I’m so happy for you to have found your way back to Christ! I was Raised in the Mormon faith. It is a very demanding religion to put it mildly. My family goes back generations. But long story short one afternoon 4 years ago I met Christ. He came to me in a miraculous way showed me the truth and that all I needed was him. And all I can say is I was completely changed in that moment. My heart completely turned to him alone. He started showing me the corruption in the Mormon church and led me and my family out. He gave my husband a vision and woke him up a few months after my experience. Then as we started to look for another church to join he showed us how they have all become corrupt and to lean on him and scripture. We now attend a local church mostly for community with other Christians. But I no longer put my faith and salvation in the hands of man. My Lord baptized me with fire and I’ll never turn away from him again.
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D Rheims is a great bible to begin . Very traditional and true to Catholic teaching. I have also bought the Knox bible per r ecomendation of my great pastor. I now prefer the Knox bible -very eloquent and poetic in ways. Both are recomeded by my very traditional pastor.
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Honestly God will forgive you. There is no perfect Catholic or perfect Christian. The thing that matters is you found your way back to God. I was heavily swayed and influenced by witchcraft at one point. I didn’t really understand or think it was witchcraft I didn’t know what I was doing but when I found out God isn’t into crystals and all of that I stopped immediately. I also worry but God will forgive the worst of sinners if you ask
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Oh Katelyn! Don't beat yourself up! YOU ARE BACK and that is ALL THAT MATTERS! Welcome back! YAY YOU! The heavens are rejoicing! You are most welcome - not matter the size of your tattoos - it was part of your journey... AND>>> Just think of the lives you can help bring back or even bring into the faith that if you didn't have tattoos would never relate! May God continue to bless you on your journey! I'm so happy for you!
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Katelyn, your story is beautiful, welcome home! Knock and the door will be opened: seek ( first the Kingdom of God) and you shall find Truth. Consecrate yourself to the Blessed Mother and she will show you the way to Jesus. Oh and fear not, God is your loving father and remember all Heaven rejoices more over one repentant sinner then a 100 righteous . We are all sinners. God bless.
