serious questions from a Baptist

[lb2525]

I was raised Baptist and believe everything the religion teaches. However, throughout my entire life Ive been drawn to Catholicism. Im not sure if its a "calling" to convert or just an interest. The most important fact to all this is that growing up a Protestant, I really dont think I believe Mary and the Saints are Holy. (Im sorry if I offend anyone here, but Im trying to get my questions answered appropriately).

I have 2 main questions: For the last 15 years Ive had some serious issues that no matter how much I pray and believe... they are not answered. I understand that sometimes God just says No. But the last few months Ive become interested in praying to Mary as well. Now, does this mean I believe She really is Holy?? Or am I just hoping that She is and therefore using a prayer to Her as a way to hopefully benefit myself by maybe having it answered? And thats why I havent done so because I dont want to pray to Her if thats the case. But Im not sure if it is or not. Ill also admit Im afraid of angering God since I am a Baptist.

I also want to know that if it IS ok for me to pray to Her based on what Ive said... how would I do so? Its almost like i dont want to offend Her either. Which does that then mean I do really believe? Cant answer that either.

The 2nd question is... Ive ALWAYS had the urge to cross my chest (dont know what its called) in certain situations. Again, is this something that is ok for a non-Catholic to do? I think your religion is pretty strict with things like that. But if it is ok.. how is that done appropriately? I used to do it as a child when I felt close to God or thankful and I would get in trouble. Ive had the urge so many times since, but dont because I feel it is a very spirtual act and wanted to understand it first.
Or maybe Im making a big deal of it?? That since Im not Catholic, it doesnt matter what I do????

Ive just had these questions for so long and really want to hear some opinions on this. Again, I hope I didnt offend anyone.
thank you!

 

[Scott1]

lb2525,

Hello and welcome. Thank you for your questions.

First and foremost, I thank God that you have faith in Jesus Christ!

On to your questions:

However, throughout my entire life Ive been drawn to Catholicism. Im not sure if its a "calling" to convert or just an interest.

I am a covert to the Catholic faith from a different Protestant church. I came home to the Church this past Easter Saturday.

The most important fact to all this is that growing up a Protestant, I really dont think I believe Mary and the Saints are Holy. (Im sorry if I offend anyone here, but Im trying to get my questions answered appropriately).

No offense taken... this was a difficult subject for me.... it is for most converts.

Now, does this mean I believe She really is Holy?? Or am I just hoping that She is and therefore using a prayer to Her as a way to hopefully benefit myself by maybe having it answered? And thats why I havent done so because I dont want to pray to Her if thats the case. But Im not sure if it is or not. Ill also admit Im afraid of angering God since I am a Baptist.

Mary does not answer my prayers, she brings them to her divine Son.
Mary and the Saints are not equals to Christ.
I

also want to know that if it IS ok for me to pray to Her based on what Ive said... how would I do so? Its almost like i dont want to offend Her either. Which does that then mean I do really believe? Cant answer that either.

Ask her to bring your prayers to her son....... no different than any other prayer. There is only one mediator between God and man, and that is Jesus Christ. Mary holds a special place in the heart of Jesus.... she was his mother!
If you would like to learn about the Holy Rosary, click here:
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2074

The 2nd question is...

The sign of the cross is not a "Catholic thing"........ it's a Christian thing.
We make the sign of the cross in the name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit.
First, touch a finger(index, middle, whatever) to your forehead (In the name of the Father) then to the middle of your chest (the Son) and then your left shoulder (and the Holy) then right shoulder(Spirit). The action should be one motion and is one of my favorite things!

Peace in Christ,
Scott

 

[anders]

Welcome, lb!

The 2nd question is... Ive ALWAYS had the urge to cross my chest (dont know what its called) in certain situations. Again, is this something that is ok for a non-Catholic to do?

It might interest you that I in my late teens and still a Christian (Church of Sweden = Evangelical-Lutheran) together with some friends used the sign of the cross. More often than not, when entering a church, we genuflected and made the sign. We often went to churches where we knew there were padded knee-rests, in order to make more comfortable use of the genuflection alternative during services, when most people bowed their heads. Rather unusual, especially in the more traditional congregations, but nobody took offence or even commented.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

As a new boy to these forums I hesitate to give dogmatic answers. But if you believe as I do that when we die we return to God. It would seem perfectly in order to pray to God through any Saint or soul who has returned. Like wise any symbolism that you are comfortable with, including signing must be OK before God, no matter who or what you profess to be.

Just be comfortable with your self and love God. Jesus expected no less.