Started going back to Church...BUT....

United States
October 13, 2012 7:34pm CST
Recently I volunteered at the local parish for our annual festival. Mass was going to begin, there was nary a soul around since it was still early so I went in search of Fr. for confession. What he said to me blew me away! I have been attending since. I used to belong to a different parish and was involved in many activities. Unfortunately, the good people left and the ones that stayed, at least the ones in charge of ministries, well they are kind of mean. I was used to people praying about almost everything, and being kind and gentle, even if they needed to reprove. The people involved in the ministries after my role models left were a bit opposite. Basically, they chewed me up and spit me out and I developed agoraphobia and a wicked condition known as IBS or Irritable Bowl Syndrome from the stress. I was coming to mass late because of these issues, and there was yet another person at church who would see me come in late and demand I come talk to her. See, because i was late and was in distress physically and emotionally, I wanted to pray and 'catch up' with the readings. This woman would make all kinds of noise calling to me across the church so I went, and she would tell me how it bugs her that I'm late. After a few times, I finally explained to her what was going on--I am panicking before I leave the house, I have a stomach condition that prevents me from going about my business, etc. Please pray for me. Next time, same thing happened--this woman, like a few others there, had no mercy or compassion it seemed. I quit going because of the hassle. over the years, I did go back a few times, only to be called up--can you imagine--after not being around for a few YEARS this woman, instead of saying anything nice said the same thing! It bugs me you are late. I gave up, where once I felt so loved and needed, I felt like an unwanted beggar, so undesirable and quite an unnecessary burden. After many years of only attending mass for weddings and funerals, I am now coming back regularly and intend to continue. yes, I am late sometimes. Can you believe my utter surprise and astonishment to hear her husband in the pew? Lord, no it can't be! Yes, they are attending MY church! I am a bit beside myself. After all, there were some very good people at the old parish who were not involved in ministry, if they had come I would have been sooo happy to see them. Instead, this woman is there, and they are going to begin a Charismatic choir. This Sunday, they brought some people along with them from the old music ministry from the other parish. I have no problem with these people, yet to see them sitting with her--i have no words. I was crushed, and began to panic just like before. I can't just not go, satan must not have his way over me any longer. I have a bit of confidence this priest will be able to see what is going on and perhaps somehow put a stop to it should problems again arise. The other priest had ADHD and would agree with whomever was in front of him at the moment, and if I had not spoke with him the day before about the harassment from some of the others, he nailed me on it. It does make sense in a way I imagine-- there are at least 5 people or so who do not like me or how I do things, and I'm all alone. Who would you believe after all? the one, or the many? there are sooo many things that happened at the old church, a prophet would follow me around to tell me God says you are going to be at the bottom, another called me anywhere from 5-30x a day--I kid you not, this is true she would fill my answering machine up every day just to tell me to be on time. Every day! Except on Saturday when she was at home and had to pay her own phone bill. I do not want to quit going to church, I like this new priest. I swear he is a saint, and will be canonized. I have great ideas to get people motivated, to learn their faith, to evangelize and bring others to Christ through the Catholic Church. I want so badly to serve God and His people, and on His terms, His way. Even as I write this, I am beginning to shake and in distress. I just don't want to deal with that woman! What would you do if you were in my position? I did already speak to the secretary this week, I've known her a long time from youth group. We both did youth group at the same time at the different parishes and worked with each other some times. I'm certain she is aware of the troubles I had with the youth group leader because that woman was a bit nuts and gave everyone in her world trouble, so I do think she believes me about being harassed. I have a spiritual direction/counseling appointment set up with Fr. for Wednesday. I don't really want to 'tattle' on them, point the finger and make them look bad, when after all it is my sin that has kept me from going to church, my anger, my fears. I wanted to go because he has a degree in psychology and he is a saintly man, who can really help me so I can overcome what has been keeping me back. Then a strong part of me wants to throw in the towel and just forget about it, but see I have been miserable without God and a loving, witnessing congregation. I miss my holy friends, how we would talk to each other and pray a lot, learn our faith together, instruct one another. I so want that back! I want it so bad as to make it happen here at this new church, but that woman--and what if the others come? It is going to be Charismatic--the others will come. Eventually. God willing, they stay where they are, but I don't want their evil in MY church! What would you do? What should I do, besides of course pray and try to mind the business of my own soul? May I ask you to pray for me, that God will guide me?
1 response
@Muelitz (1592)
• Canada
17 Oct 12
It made me sad to read about what has happened to you in the church that you attended before. I was not aware that a member of the church or an elder perhaps have the authority to scold you if you are late for a service or did not attend one. It is nice that you were able to find a new church that you felt you belong and where you are comfortable with. I understand that the persons you have avoided in the previous church you attend is doing charismatic works in the church you now belong. We do not know yet if they will be joining there too. I will include you in my prayers that God will guide and protect you so you will be able to overcome this trial. However, We do not know what God has in store for you. No matter what happens please keep in mind that the Lord is who we should please and not the people areound us. For each of the problems that we encounter, there is an answer in the bible. There are prayers and passages that can help you get through this kinds of situation. Always read the bible because only from it you can find salvation and the truth. I would like to end this message with a verse that might help you “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7). Always remember that God Listens! Take Care!
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Nov 12
Thank you very much for your kind words. :) The people are attending the church now, they have joined the choir and they are bringing in people from the former parish. Some are nice, in fact the ones that were at mass the last time are good people but--there are some not very nice people they know too and I am worried they will begin to come and the worst--they will hurt some of the members and those members will leave the church. I haven't been back to church. I want to go, but I wake up too late to attend the mass. I wish I could get up earlier, even if I set my alarm I still sleep in.