Being a young Catholic in Ireland today

Keaton

I think it is quite difficult to be a young Catholic today because it is often a lonely experience. Obviously, God is with you, so whilst you might be lonely, you are not actually alone, but it is very good to have friends who are walking with you in Christ.

Now, it is not true to say that there are no young Catholics in the Church; there are. But in my own experience, the young Catholics who still go to Church are divided into two groups: one, the cultural Catholics who don't really believe what the Church teaches and who are the greater number, and a very small group of young Catholics who do believe and have a living faith. Call me judgemental but that is how it seems to me.

I find it lonely because in my own town, I have no young Catholic friends. I have Catholic friends, but they are all much older than I am. Great people that they are, they are not young adults. My young Catholic friends are scattered across Ireland and Britain and I seldom see them except at retreats and things.

I was wondering what the other young Catholics here do about this, especially if you live away from the cities where there does seem to be more happening for young Catholics.

I sometimes think that I would befriend non-Catholic Christians so as to find friendship and fellowship, but I had bad experiences with that in the past, from a lingering suspicion and mistrust, stemming from (what I think were) doubts that Catholics are even Christians, to outright hostility towards the Church and mockery of core Catholic beliefs.

So, what to do?

DjFlin

Keaton wrote: »

I sometimes think that I would befriend non-Catholic Christians so as to find friendship and fellowship, but I had bad experiences with that in the past, from a lingering suspicion and mistrust, stemming from (what I think were) doubts that Catholics are even Christians, to outright hostility towards the Church and mockery of core Catholic beliefs.

I'm an Atheist, but I've got Catholic friends, dedicated ones and not so dedicated ones, and we get on fine. I couldn't care less what religion my friends are, to each his own as they say. I'm sure you could find some non-Catholic friends with the same attitude. As long as you've something in common, religion need not enter the picture.

gozunda

Keaton wrote: »

...I was wondering what the other young Catholics here do about this, especially if you live away from the cities where there does seem to be more happening for young Catholics.

I sometimes think that I would befriend non-Catholic Christians so as to find friendship and fellowship, but I had bad experiences with that in the past, from a lingering suspicion and mistrust, stemming from (what I think were) doubts that Catholics are even Christians, to outright hostility towards the Church and mockery of core Catholic beliefs.

So, what to do?

Convert perhaps?

soterpisc

There were about a thousand young people from Ireland in Madrid last month. Did you manage to go?

Going up the reek last July I was surprises to see who many young people were doing it and actually praying. So there are lots about.

If you like I will PM you some groups if you are interested.

Keaton

soterpisc wrote: »

There were about a thousand young people from Ireland in Madrid last month. Did you manage to go?

Going up the reek last July I was surprises to see who many young people were doing it and actually praying. So there are lots about.

If you like I will PM you some groups if you are interested.

No I couldn't afford it!

Yeah please it would be interesting to read of these groups.

DjFlin wrote: »

I'm an Atheist, but I've got Catholic friends, dedicated ones and not so dedicated ones, and we get on fine. I couldn't care less what religion my friends are, to each his own as they say. I'm sure you could find some non-Catholic friends with the same attitude. As long as you've something in common, religion need not enter the picture.

To be honest, I find that I have nothing in common with those who are not on fire for Jesus Christ! It's just the same old story - a good time for them is getting drunk and suchlike at the weekends. That doesn't interest me at all.

PatricaMcKay2

Keaton wrote: »

I sometimes think that I would befriend non-Catholic Christians so as to find friendship and fellowship, but I had bad experiences with that in the past, from a lingering suspicion and mistrust, stemming from (what I think were) doubts that Catholics are even Christians, to outright hostility towards the Church and mockery of core Catholic beliefs.

So, what to do?

The only member of the Church of Ireland who I have met that regarded Roman Catholics as not Christians who a psycho bigot from the north. Maybe Philologos can comment on this.

philologos

PatricaMcKay2 wrote: »

The only member of the Church of Ireland who I have met that regarded Roman Catholics as not Christians who a psycho bigot from the north. Maybe Philologos can comment on this.

I don't believe that people are Christians on the basis of what church they go to. People are Christians on the basis of the sincerity of their faith in Christ irrespective of which church they go to.

I've also heard of people in the Anglican church who unfortunately hold the view that Roman Catholics can't be Christian. It's the view of some evangelical congregations, not to say that this is by any means a majority as I would consider myself in this camp also.

antiskeptic

PatricaMcKay2 wrote: »

The only member of the Church of Ireland who I have met that regarded Roman Catholics as not Christians who a psycho bigot from the north.

Ian Paisley in his heyday?

very

Dont be such a bigot OP. Just because they arent Catholic doesnt mean they arent worthy to be your friend.

Doctor DooM

Keaton wrote: »

To be honest, I find that I have nothing in common with those who are not on fire for Jesus Christ! It's just the same old story - a good time for them is getting drunk and suchlike at the weekends. That doesn't interest me at all.

I had a very good Catholic friend when I was in school.

You know, there are young people out there who aren't Catholic AND don't drink, right? I'm amazed how many times I read the two connected in this forum.

lottpaul

antiskeptic wrote: »

Ian Paisley in his heyday?

Big Ian was never a member - or even remotely a fan - of the Church of Ireland. C of I bishops and clergy (and other mainstream Protestant ministers) felt the lash of his tongue down the years for their efforts at ecumenism with the RCC.

Asry

I'm a young(ish) Catholic. Well. 26. Is that still young? I've never been to a retreat and in the end I couldn't afford to go to WYD last month.

Honestly I don't really feel like I belong in the Church. I don't feel included and I don't know any other Catholics who try to have a living faith and don't just go to mass at Christmas etc.

Having doubts as the Vatican hierarchy don't seem to really have much relevant to say about me.

Keaton

Asry wrote: »

I'm a young(ish) Catholic. Well. 26. Is that still young? I've never been to a retreat and in the end I couldn't afford to go to WYD last month.

Honestly I don't really feel like I belong in the Church. I don't feel included and I don't know any other Catholics who try to have a living faith and don't just go to mass at Christmas etc.

Having doubts as the Vatican hierarchy don't seem to really have much relevant to say about me.

I find the Pope is speaking very well to the universal Church. Try Zenit - you can read his Wednesday audience which is always good.

Jesus was lonely too at times so we are in good company if we are lonely!

georgieporgy

Keaton wrote: »

I think it is quite difficult to be a young Catholic today because it is often a lonely experience. Obviously, God is with you, so whilst you might be lonely, you are not actually alone, but it is very good to have friends who are walking with you in Christ.

Now, it is not true to say that there are no young Catholics in the Church; there are. But in my own experience, the young Catholics who still go to Church are divided into two groups: one, the cultural Catholics who don't really believe what the Church teaches and who are the greater number, and a very small group of young Catholics who do believe and have a living faith. Call me judgemental but that is how it seems to me.

I find it lonely because in my own town, I have no young Catholic friends. I have Catholic friends, but they are all much older than I am. Great people that they are, they are not young adults. My young Catholic friends are scattered across Ireland and Britain and I seldom see them except at retreats and things.

I was wondering what the other young Catholics here do about this, especially if you live away from the cities where there does seem to be more happening for young Catholics.

I sometimes think that I would befriend non-Catholic Christians so as to find friendship and fellowship, but I had bad experiences with that in the past, from a lingering suspicion and mistrust, stemming from (what I think were) doubts that Catholics are even Christians, to outright hostility towards the Church and mockery of core Catholic beliefs.

So, what to do?

What you describe is not unusual. It was the same when I was young (pushing 60 now). 'real' catholics are generally thin on the ground and it can be a lonely experience. Are you familiar with Youth 2000?
http://www.youth2000.ie/ You might find friends in your neighbourhood among them so it's a good place to start.

PatricaMcKay2

antiskeptic wrote: »

Ian Paisley in his heyday?

LOL, nope! Im not sure how heart felt Paisley's bigotry ever was, I think he used it as a battering ram against big house Unionism, though Mc Crea and Foster are a whole different story. Paisley's bigotry disappeared over night once he gotten what he wanted. "Non-conformists" in the north often have a large bark but underneath that they are usually pretty decent as people while as C of I types in the north can often be much more genuinely sinster. At least thats how I have come to see things.

Onesimus

very wrote: »

Dont be such a bigot OP. Just because they arent Catholic doesnt mean they arent worthy to be your friend.

Oh but it does!!!

There are people in my life I do not befriend because idle talk with strangers pulls me away from the Lord and many temptations are involved. It does not mean I dont love them, just dont wanna hang around with them too much if I can help it.

He is Catholic and should hang out with his fellow peers as scripture advises in the book of Ben Sirach. I think also the op should read this part of the scriptures to get the Lords advice on friends.

Op if you want my rubbish advice its this: The man who needs people and human company is far from God. I am also working on taking my own advice mind you.

Onesimus

irishh_bob

lottpaul wrote: »

Big Ian was never a member - or even remotely a fan - of the Church of Ireland. C of I bishops and clergy (and other mainstream Protestant ministers) felt the lash of his tongue down the years for their efforts at ecumenism with the RCC.

indeed, thier are very few church of ireland members in northern ireland , the unionist community are predomenantly presbyterian which as most people know is a lot more hardline and staunch than anglicanism

Richard

irishh_bob wrote: »

indeed, thier are very few church of ireland members in northern ireland , the unionist community are predomenantly presbyterian which as most people know is a lot more hardline and staunch than anglicanism

http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/ni/religion.htm#ni-rel-01

I don't think 257,000 is very few. As for being more staunch - possibly, but that doesn't mean individual Presbyterians are more hardline than Anglicans, or that many of either denomination are particularly hardline.

PatricaMcKay2

Richard wrote: »

http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/ni/religion.htm#ni-rel-01

I don't think 257,000 is very few. As for being more staunch - possibly, but that doesn't mean individual Presbyterians are more hardline than Anglicans, or that many of either denomination are particularly hardline.

They are hardline in a different way, Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more and tend to be more niosey, but basically they are Ulster nationalists, C of I types are actually much more pro the Crown and believe themselves much more superior to everyone else however they present themselves in a much more polite fashion.

PatricaMcKay2

lottpaul wrote: »

Big Ian was never a member - or even remotely a fan - of the Church of Ireland. C of I bishops and clergy (and other mainstream Protestant ministers) felt the lash of his tongue down the years for their efforts at ecumenism with the RCC.

Big Ian certainly is opposed to ecumenism, but he doesnt hate individual Roman Catholics and so I wouldnt call him a bigot. While others actually hate (at least Irish) Roman Catholics. Its an important difference.

soterpisc

@ Keaton. Can I suggest you contact Fr. Walter Macken (Son of the writer of the same name) He will be able to point you in the right direction if you are looking for like minded Catholics in Ireland.

Richard

PatricaMcKay2 wrote: »

They are hardline in a different way, Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more and tend to be more niosey, but basically they are Ulster nationalists, C of I types are actually much more pro the Crown and believe themselves much more superior to everyone else however they present themselves in a much more polite fashion.

That is so pejorative! You have got no evidence for the statement "Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more". Some may, but you are implying that all do. And if you were thinking of Paisley when you were talking about shouting, don't forget he is a Free Presbyterian, which is a different denomination.

Similarly your statement about CoI "types" believing themselves to be superior - that is a sweeping generalization, don't you think?

Keaton

Onesimus wrote: »

Oh but it does!!!

There are people in my life I do not befriend because idle talk with strangers pulls me away from the Lord and many temptations are involved. It does not mean I dont love them, just dont wanna hang around with them too much if I can help it.

He is Catholic and should hang out with his fellow peers as scripture advises in the book of Ben Sirach. I think also the op should read this part of the scriptures to get the Lords advice on friends.

Op if you want my rubbish advice its this: The man who needs people and human company is far from God. I am also working on taking my own advice mind you.

Onesimus

Yeah I agree totally and particularly with the bits in bold. I find that non/lax/cultural-Catholics so often pull me away from God and lead me into sin, so they are best avoided.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

PatricaMcKay2

Richard wrote: »

That is so pejorative! You have got no evidence for the statement "Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more". Some may, but you are implying that all do. And if you were thinking of Paisley when you were talking about shouting, don't forget he is a Free Presbyterian, which is a different denomination.

Similarly your statement about CoI "types" believing themselves to be superior - that is a sweeping generalization, don't you think?

Obviously they are generalizations, but generalizations are based usually on fact to certain extent....I know what DUP rallies, etc were like and I know that what the non-conformists in general who were my neighbours and supported the DUP were like, I also know what big house C of I Unionists were like.

homer911

Richard wrote: »

That is so pejorative! You have got no evidence for the statement "Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more". Some may, but you are implying that all do. And if you were thinking of Paisley when you were talking about shouting, don't forget he is a Free Presbyterian, which is a different denomination.

Similarly your statement about CoI "types" believing themselves to be superior - that is a sweeping generalization, don't you think?

As a CofI person (and regular attender) up the age of 18, an Evangelical Church member up to the age of 28, and currently a Presbyterian Church member, I can confirm that the generalisation is reasonable!

irishh_bob

PatricaMcKay2 wrote: »

They are hardline in a different way, Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more and tend to be more niosey, but basically they are Ulster nationalists, C of I types are actually much more pro the Crown and believe themselves much more superior to everyone else however they present themselves in a much more polite fashion.

anglicans are much more urbane and subtle in thier arrogance where as presbyterians are merley harsh tongued and openly overbearing

irishh_bob

Richard wrote: »

That is so pejorative! You have got no evidence for the statement "Presbyterians certainly shout a lot more". Some may, but you are implying that all do. And if you were thinking of Paisley when you were talking about shouting, don't forget he is a Free Presbyterian, which is a different denomination.

Similarly your statement about CoI "types" believing themselves to be superior - that is a sweeping generalization, don't you think?

thier is ample eveidence that both anglicans and presbyterians thought themselves to be superior to catholics , blacks or anyone else who wasnt a WASP

Amateurish

Regardless of what others here state, I assume that you feel you are Christian because you are Catholic. Forget about all the dusty old books written by men in/with bad habits, protestant or catholic, take the example from the Big Man himself, He didn't lock Himself away in the church with a load of others engaged in mutual back-patting - assuring themselves of their righteousness, also known as preaching to the converted, safety in numbers possibly. He met with tax collectors and prostitutes and all sorts of dodgy folk I believe. Some of them may have even drank or had sex on occasion. Get out and have normal friends.

PDN

irishh_bob wrote: »

anglicans are much more urbane and subtle in thier arrogance where as presbyterians are merley harsh tongued and openly overbearing

Inthread Moderator Warning
You are right on the edge of earning an infraction. In fact, if a Protestant poster made a similar statement about Catholics, they would be infracted.

Posters are free to discuss differences between church structures and doctrines, and it is perfectly in order to say that you disagree with the actions of a denominational hierarchy. But this kind of sectarianism, directed at any group, is unacceptable in this Forum.

Asry

Amateurish wrote: »

Regardless of what others here state, I assume that you feel you are Christian because you are Catholic. Forget about all the dusty old books written by men in/with bad habits, protestant or catholic, take the example from the Big Man himself, He didn't lock Himself away in the church with a load of others engaged in mutual back-patting - assuring themselves of their righteousness, also known as preaching to the converted, safety in numbers possibly. He met with tax collectors and prostitutes and all sorts of dodgy folk I believe. Some of them may have even drank or had sex on occasion. Get out and have normal friends.

Oh, I do have "normal" friends. I mean ones that are agnostic or atheist. Everyone I know is. I was just saying that I actually don't have any "pure" Christian friends at all.

[If that's a word to be used to describe it? I mean that in a kind of yep I believe in Jesus and God, kind of way, not in the Christians are pure and everyone else is rubbish, kind of way.]

PatricaMcKay2

homer911 wrote: »

As a CofI person (and regular attender) up the age of 18, an Evangelical Church member up to the age of 28, and currently a Presbyterian Church member, I can confirm that the generalisation is reasonable!

Im C of I though raised RC and I genuinely kinda like that about Presbyterians, as much as I disagree with Presbyterians about Baptism and Holy Communion you have a lot of very sweet wonderful people.

PatricaMcKay2

PDN wrote: »

Inthread Moderator Warning
You are right on the edge of earning an infraction. In fact, if a Protestant poster made a similar statement about Catholics, they would be infracted..

Look everyone knows that RCs thought themselves superior Protestants and they didnt hide the fact. Not that it was much better on the side. Both RCs and members of the Reformed Churches were unjust to each other, and also the C of I was unjust to non-conformists. And scars have been left. Maybe discussing it no matter how ugly is better than sweeping under the carpet of polite silence?

PDN

PatricaMcKay2 wrote: »

Look everyone knows that RCs thought themselves superior Protestants and they didnt hide the fact. Not that it was much better on the side. Both RCs and members of the Reformed Churches were unjust to each other, and also the C of I was unjust to non-conformists. And scars have been left. Maybe discussing it no matter how ugly is better than sweeping under the carpet of polite silence?

There are two separate issues here. One is how church hierarchies behaved. The other is stereotypical generalisations about groups of people.

Many churches, possibly most churches, have been guilty of talking and acting as if they have a better handle on the truth than anyone else.

And it is true that individuals, of many denominations have behaved arrogantly and badly, just as many individuals in the same denominations have demonstrated humility and tolerance.

Many of us have stories and experiences of discrimination etc. that we have experienced at the hands of those of other religious beliefs. Sharing those stories is certainly in order, and can help bring healing, providing they are relevant to the thread in question and do not assert that such actions were only perpretrated by one group.

But to tar everybody in a denomination with sweeping generalisations is unacceptable in this Forum, and plays into the hands of one or two individuals who would seek to pursue a sectarian agenda here.

If you want to discuss this moderating decision further then please do so by PM or in the Feedback Forum. We are not going to have a discussion about moderating policy inthread here.