Karen from Oregon had a heavy question weighing on her heart: If someone leaves the Catholic Church to become Protestant, is it a sin? 💭 She turned to Fr. Richard Simon for some clarity, and honestly, this is a question a lot of people wrestle with. So, let’s talk.

Karen’s Story

Karen’s journey is super relatable. Raised Protestant, she became Catholic in 1965 but always felt a bit out of sync. She struggled with the idea of being in a “constant state of grace”, and over time, she drifted back to the familiar hymns and beliefs of her childhood Protestant faith.

But then came the warnings: “Leaving the Catholic Church could jeopardize your salvation.” Yikes. Talk about something that can keep you up at night. 😟

What Did Fr. Simon Say?

Fr. Simon didn’t sugarcoat things, but he also wasn’t out to guilt-trip Karen. He explained that the Catholic approach to salvation isn’t about feelings or personal preferences: it’s about covenant and relationship with God. 🙏

Assurance vs. Reality: Protestantism might offer a sense of “assurance” when it comes to salvation, but Fr. Simon pointed out that this could be false or misleading. Catholicism, on the other hand, offers real peace through the sacraments, especially confession and absolution.

Mass Isn’t About Entertainment: Karen missed the familiar music and vibes of her Protestant roots, but Fr. Simon reminded her that Mass isn’t about what feels good: it’s about what God desires. Mass is worship, pure and simple. It’s the way we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and respond to God’s love.

What Should You Do If You’re Struggling?

If you’re wrestling with doubts, here’s what Fr. Simon suggests:

Seek God’s Will First

Faith isn’t about personal satisfaction: it’s about aligning yourself with what God wants for you. This might mean stepping out of your comfort zone.

Make a Good Confession

Feeling far from God? Fr. Simon says confession is the ultimate reset button. It’s about laying your heart bare and letting God fill you with peace and mercy.

Pray for Clarity

Ask God to show you the path He’s calling you to walk. Faith is a journey, not a one-time decision.

Thinking About Coming Home?

If you’ve been away from the Catholic Church, consider this your sign to come back. You don’t need to have everything figured out: God meets usexactly where we are. He’s waiting with open arms, ready to welcome you home. 🏡

Faith journeys are messy, but you’re not alone in this. Take it one step at a time, and trust that God’s got you, even when the path feels unclear.

What do you think? Have you ever wrestled with a similar question? Let’s talk. ❤️

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