A Tale of Two Churches

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Hey friends!

So if you’ve been listening to my podcast, Oh What a Beautiful Morning!, then this is old news to you, but I’m in Denver, Colorado right now!

I’m out here for a shoot, and in my downtime, I’m just enjoying the mountain air in the Mile High City!

Well, this weekend, I had some much appreciated time to myself.

So what did I do?

I went to church…twice.

Now, I know – seems kind of a bit…much. But here’s the deal. I have heard so many amazing things about Red Rocks Church. I was at this nonprofit event on Thursday in NYC and had an incredible conversation with one of the organization’s founders about Red Rocks in Denver, and how I should check it out when I was there this week.

So I did.

Here’s the catch.

Being a dutiful Catholic, I didn’t want to miss Mass either. SO on Saturday evening, I went to mass at Holy Ghost Church, and then Red Rocks on Sunday.

And honestly, I could not have had two more different, and yet equally moving experiences in my life.

I mean, wow.

Spoiler alert, I ended both experiences in tears.

First of all, walking into Holy Ghost, I knew that I was going to be having a meaningful date with Jesus, as right when I walked in, I was greeted by a huge image of the Divine Mercy. And you know my affinity for that, and its “Jesus I Trust in You” message. So already I knew I was in the right place.

It wasn’t anything flashy. Humble in fact, as one of the oldest Catholic churches in Denver, founded in 1905. A sparse – mostly older – Saturday 4pm crowd was attended to by a lovely priest who gave a homily about mortification – aka the spiritual discipline of putting the flesh to death. Not exactly a sparkling, feel good topic.

And as I was about to tune out, he began to describe the process of pruning and blooming.

And quite honestly, at first my ears only perked up because of the mention of my book’s name sake: Bloom.

But he began talking about how a gardener has to prune the flowers and the branches in order for the plant to grow and produce even more blooms and shoots. That, although hard to do, it is necessary for a healthy and vibrant plant. And in fact, the pruning is done by a loving and caring gardener, wanting the best for his plants.

And it was in that moment that I fully appreciated how my past, and everything I went through with my anorexia and ulcerative colitis, and my mom’s stroke – those were all pruning seasons. And that I need to let go of the, admittedly anger – I can sometimes feel about those seasons of my life. Because God knew what He was doing. That pruning, was actually done in love, so that I could become fully the person I am, blooming with full capacity.

So walking out of mass, I felt completely revived. Having gained a new perspective.

Little did I know what was waiting for me in the morning.

Friends. I’m not going to lie. Amongst “diehard Catholics,” there is a bit of a stigma about the “Big Box” non-denominational Christian churches. The trendy sermon themes, and the coffee-touting patrons, ready to be entertained in cushy chairs by a too-hip pastor with Justin Bieber-hair, that shops at Zara, or Hollister. Catholics love to snark on it. We really do, and admittedly, I have partaken in many a conversation about just that. Zingers included.

So when I showed up to Red Rocks, with the free specialty coffee and donuts, and the concert-style worship music from a man with a perfectly groomed handlebar mustache, a pastor in ripped jeans that were tighter than mine, and a graffiti background/skateboarding-vibe sermon series called “Freestyle” – I could feel my snarky inner Catholic checking off every stereotype box there was.

But after about 30 seconds inside the building, I realized just how dead wrong those stereotypes were. (Surprise, surprise.) And how — real talk — Catholics really have a lot to learn.

I mean, wow. The Spirit was SO ALIVE inside that Vietnamese-grocery-store-turned-church.

I loved it so much I almost stayed for a second service.

I walked in, and the first thing I noticed was that not only was everyone super attractive, but I would say that 70-80% of the congregation was my age. Mid twenties to mid thirties. And they all wanted to be there! 

And within 5 minutes of me being there, I was warmly greeted by – no kidding – six different “staff” greeters, many my age – all genuinely glad to see me, and welcomed to their community.

And it’s not like it was a small little gathering where I stuck out as an obvious “newbie” — although my “Sunday best” Lilly Pulitzer attire kinda stood out among the “come-as-you-are” athleisure wearing counterparts

The church was literally packed. It was standing room only. Probably 3 or 4 thousand people. The worship music was truly radio-quality — playing current worship songs that are on the radio. And I know I knocked on the handlebar mustache man, but boy could strum a six-string, lemme tell ya! The crowd was so into it. And so was I.

But here’s the thing that really was what made it truly special.

And maybe this says more about where I am in my life, but the sermon was so personal. So life applicable. And so moving.

You walked away from that hour and a half heart-fest feeling so incredibly loved. SO loved by our Father. SO welcomed by a community of imperfect people just like me. And SO on fire for Jesus.

By the end of the sermon, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Then they brought in the band – people continued crying like babies, and singing their hearts out to Jesus.

That God-high stuck with me for the rest of the day. I can only imagine what that would be like to go back to the well like that, week after week.

My two church experiences could not have been more different. And yet, both brought me close to the heart of Jesus. And it revealed a gross prejudice I had been harboring, that frankly I need to put in check.

As far as I’m concerned, God is God. And no one form of worship is better than the other.

And frankly, -let’s call it what it is – the judgement from both sides of the “worship line” are doing nothing but create walls instead of bridges.

Because both sides are guilty. The Catholics think the “Big Box” churches are too “entertainment based” faith-periences and the “Big Box” churches think Catholics worship wafers and are too rigidly stuck in tradition, lacking a personal relationship with Jesus.

And you know what – both are wrong.

And in fact, I’d like to submit that both have something to learn from the other. IF we could stop speaking past each other, and constructively come together to talk about one another’s strengths and areas of improvement.

Catholics are reeling, feeling the threat of parishioners being “poached” by the Big Box, but how about we all come together, and compare notes? Because clearly, they’re doing something right.

Does this mean I’m going to abandon Catholicism and jump ship to Hillsong NYC or something else where young people abound (and I could probably meet a husband)? Absolutely not. I love the beauty in the history and tradition of our faith, and the meaning behind it, (namely the Eucharistic miracle and the sacraments) which make it so truly special and sacred.

But, I am going to try to build more bridges between the two. Because at the end of the day, we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we’ve all got the same goal and the same God.

OK – that’s all for tonight – See you tomorrow for my Bachelorette Breakdown w/ BBB Podcast!

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305 thoughts on “A Tale of Two Churches”

  1. Caralyn you did it again. I swear to you with each post it’s like I’m truly peering inside your heart and it’s a beautiful place. If I get nothing else from this whole “blog thing” I’m trying my hand at I’ll say this. I have truly enjoyed every letter I have read of your blog. It is good to know there are still some genuinely good Christian women out there who aren’t afraid to pour out their soul to people. Most being strangers. I applaud you ma’am and if I am ever out NY way, I simply MUST have a coffee with you. I can imagine the stories you have to tell. Sorry for the long comment but you truly are a special soul! Be blessed girl!

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    1. Thank you Paul. Oh my gosh you’re too kind. I really appreciate you saying that. Thank you for reading!! Haha yes! Coffee for sure! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Hugs and love right back to you girl. I’m not too kind I am just honest. I’ve never met you and I feel like I have known you for years. You truly have a gift sweetheart. You really do.

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  3. Really nice article and your writing style was engaging enough to keep me reading till the very end, although I’m heading to the shower to get ready for bedtime.

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  4. What a blessing it is to read about a successful, twenty-something woman who spends a portion of her “down time” going to church and writing engaging blog posts about her experiences as well.

    Praise the Lord! ✝️ Keep on writing and loving Jesus, and trust that He will take care of the rest. 💛

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  5. I was in Denver last weekend. Hm. Not my side of town though.

    I have been to both also and others. It’s hard to say. Pride might be helpful to determine a definite winner. If there even needs to be one.

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      1. A book is not a movie. Similar functions and different measures. I see that when I see the commentary on what worship is in different sub cultures. The brain’s amygdala, controls our emotional response but it is interesting that without it we are fully engaged and empathetic. I believe we’ve kept it because it is fear of things that have kept us alive up to this moment. Our brain weighs three pounds and our amygdala is the size and weight of an almond. It’s actually the word almond in Greek. So. Sundays, become a way to bypass our fear responses and restore faith in humanity. I am bookish, so the performance based worship (big box, your word) leaves me, bored. Even, at times when I’ve sat in my friend’s Anglican churches on Sundays, it’s felt slow. Can song and dance overcome deeply set boundaries with integrity and respect in tact? I don’t think so but it is better than going to all out war or silent revolt through micro aggressive behaviors leading to our current day prejudices.

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  7. Sounds like an amazing experience!! I’ve grown up with very traditional masses and churches (Irish family, and big-box churches aren’t very common in England), but I just searched some up and found one in London and from the sound of this I will definitely check it out!

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  9. Wow, this has to be one of my favorite post of the year so far. I’ve always struggled with how there can be so many different types of churches and worship, how can we possible know what one is the ‘right’ one. But yeah, God is God and he isn’t stopped by a different type of building or worship. Thank you so much!

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  10. Beautifully said and I agree Caralyn we all gain a lot from going on regular church excursions to break down the walls between denominations. It’s like visiting other people’s homes in other countries. It takes away stereotypes because we actually engage with the spirit of the house and share a meal. We get to know and observe the people who live there in their own context. I remember going on a work trip to Queensland once and walking the streets to find a church. The one I ended up in had 14 parishioners and 8 of them were one family. The music was a CD. The Pastor was not very eloquent, in fact he droned but the Holy Spirit spoke to me in that place. They were so thrilled I had come to deify them, and I was so thrilled that they could edify me. I realised there that church is Christs body and the different churches are different parts of that body (not just the individual people). One church is the mouth, another the feet and one is a freckle but all are part of the body of Christ and cannot do without the other. If the mouth does not stop talking to eat, or the feet don’t walk to stop hogging the light then the freckle may well turn cancerous and if the freckle turns cancerous the whole body may die. etc We are all responsible to love the whole body and look after each other. It is so important that we are unified to give strength to all of the body of Christ. Thanks for the discussion. L

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    1. Thank you so much Lauren. I love this beautiful reflection! Yes! Let’s break down those walls! Wow that sounds like an incredible experience. The Holy Spirit will always break through 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  11. I love this post so much. I’m on the opposite spectrum where I was raised in a non-denominational “mega” church, and had a prejudice against traditional church services (not just Catholic churches either – the church I came from has an extreme superiority complex). A few years ago I visited a Presbyterian church and was initially put-off by their modernized Eucharist. I immediately recoiled in my mind thinking they couldn’t possibly be a “good” church if they’re reciting the Apostles Creed because that’s legalistic! But I enjoyed the people and the message so much that I went a few more times and even brought my parents to see what they thought. My dad pointed out that the traditions that made me uncomfortable are not wrong, they’re just different from what I was raised with and that as long as the pastor and the congregation have hearts on fire for Jesus, the rest is just cultural preference. So I joined that church and am still actively involved 2 years later.

    I agree that there needs to be less judgement between the churches – how can we show the love of Jesus to strangers if we can’t even show it to fellow Christians?

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    1. Aw, thank you so much! I’m so glad you had that experience! You’re right – less judgement and more unity! Hugs and love xox

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  12. I love spirit-filled non-denom churches. We live too far out of the city, though 😦 Here in MN there’s a lot of lutheran churches. I just can’t bring myself to go. If the Spirit isn’t there, not much point in going, IMO.

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    1. Thank you for sharing that, Sierra! Yeah, location can definitely be tough to overcome. Have you checked out podcasts!? Nearly every church – and many Catholic churches – Father Mike Schmitz is AMAZING – have really powerful material that they release weekly! Hugs and love xox

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  13. This reminds me of the Catholic-flavored “big box” experience I had as a teen. I went to one of the youth conferences in Steubenville, Ohio, and let me tell you – the ENERGY of 1500 other people at Mass who all want to be there, too … it’s just indescribably awesome.

    You have not lived until you are clapping to “Let the Fire Fall” as an entrance song to Mass under a tent!

    It’s frustrating to me how much that worship style gets poo-poo’d by probably 99.9% of Catholics I know. Why be so picky about how people encounter God? I can’t imagine God Himself is all that picky.

    Anyway – glad you got to experience this!

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    1. Thank you Athena! OH MY GOSH I LOVE STEUBENVILLE!!!!!! I have been to several of their conferences. I wish there was more of that! I completely agree. I think we can keep the reverence and sanctity of the Mass while peppering in some more modern music, and worship-type experiences. Loved this comment. Yay Steubey! Hugs and love xox

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  14. Yes…the Spirit is definitely alive and well. I have found amazing experiences of the Spirit in many different religions…which is quite beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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  15. Another great post! I admire your ability to open yourself to new experiences. Perhaps that is one of your blooms as a result of the pruning moments you mentioned. 🙂

    One of my favorite quotes from the Mormon prophet and leader, Brigham Young:

    “It is our duty and calling, as ministers of the same salvation and Gospel, to gather every item of truth and reject every error. Whether a truth be found with professed infidels, or with the Universalists, or the Church of Rome, or the Methodists, the Church of England, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, the Quakers, the Shakers, or any other of the various and numerous different sects and parties, all of whom have more or less truth, it is the business of the Elders of this Church (Jesus, their Elder Brother, being at their head) to gather up all the truths in the world pertaining to life and salvation, to the Gospel we preach, … to the sciences, and to philosophy, wherever it may be found in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and bring it to Zion.”

    Hey, and if you have a chance and are up to it, visit and LDS church sometime :). God bless!

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  16. I appreciate this post so much! Half of my family is Catholic – including a nun, the other half Protestant and all of us land all over the spectrum on liturgy and actual faith. Personally I’m somewhere in the middle between Catholic and “Big Box” liturgy, and I’ve heard most of those snarky remarks too! Big Box churches aren’t all the same, some do inspire said remarks! However, in my opinion, you came to the right conclusion, that its not about walls, or liturgy, or musical stylings, its about Jesus, knowing him and sharing him with others.

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  17. Well, you’re in my neighborhood, it seems (Sort of. I work in Aurora, but commute from Colorado Springs). We used to live in Lakewood, though. If you’re up for amazing European Bakery goodness, check out Taste of Denmark on the corner of Jewell and Kipling (1901 S. Kipling St Lakewood CO 80227).

    When the “inter-service rivalry” between church factions isn’t about matters of doctrine, then the arguing is pointless and petty. The infighting among differing factions IN THE SAME CHURCH was enough for me to pull the plug on my last serious effort at being part of a church community.

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    1. Oh awesome! I’ve been to Denmark and their food was amazing 🙂 Aw, I’m sorry to hear that Matt. Yeah church politics are ugly and can be incredibly disheartening. Hugs and love xox

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  18. Yay for you! Being protestant I was brought up that Catholics were just wafer-stuck. When I moved years ago to a small community that was basically 90% Catholic I was lost without my own church. I did find a small protestant church but also joined a small prayer group of Catholics that met each week for sharing of songs and prayer. There was no priest involved but there were brothers from the local Catholic seminary. Being surrounded by Catholics I soon made many friends. One friend and I made an agreement. I would visit her church and then she would visit mine not to try to convert one another but to understand each other’s faith. In doing that, we both remained firmly Catholic and protestant, but we gained a real appreciation for the other’s faith and came to realize that God is God. We may give ourselves labels, but to Him if we trust in Jesus as our savior, we are all His children. I think if we look at what we agree on, it is more than what we disagree on. Satan loves to keep us divided – but God died for us all. I’m thankful you met God in both places.

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    1. Thank you so much Barbara! Yeah, sadly, that is a stereotype that is far too easily stuck on Catholics. What a beautiful thing you and your friend did! yes! God is God! And i think you’re so right – the divide is a foothold that Satan uses for sure. Hugs and love xox

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  20. I echo others – I think this post is one of my absolute favorites so far this year. What an incredible experience you must have had!

    Being raised United Methodist, I grew up with both the praise and worship aspect, as well as the traditional aspect with the hymns, organ music, etc. I’m on the media team at the church where I was raised since the age of 4 (different name, same building), and I run the computer and projectors for both services once a month, and occasionally sub when needed. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that I’m drawn closer and enjoy the praise and worship service much more than the traditional service. Partially because I grew up in the late 1990s and through the 2000s, when a lot of the modern worship singers and bands were very popular. I love MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman, and a handful of others. Our youth retreats always had loud, rock-like bands that set us on fire during the mountaintop experiences. However, I also see the appeal of being traditional and holding on to certain traditions, sacraments, and routines. I have several favorite hymns that spark memories of family, friends, and other church experiences. I deeply appreciate Communion. I went through Confirmation in 2001. I’ve done it all.

    I’m thankful that several friends and family friends are of different denominations and religions – Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Baptist, Jewish, and non-denominational. I’ve been fortunate to have attend multiple worship services in a variety of places and states throughout my life. I’ve gained knowledge from every single one. My heart will always follow Methodism, but I consider myself an open person, willing to worship anywhere with anyone.

    Thank you for another thought-provoking post!

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    1. “I’m divine in, I’m goin deep, in over my head, i wanna be, caught in the rush” — sorry – just reminiscing my love for SCC! Gosh, I think I literally wore that CD out growing up! hahaha That’s so awesome, Laura Beth. I love your perspective on things. You’re so right – we have so me we can learn from every single one! Hugs and love xox

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      2. haha i can still remember jumping up and down to it in the rec room at camp 🙂 ahh memories

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  21. I left the Lutheran church when Pastor Kevin left (you just read my blog about the baptism). I ended up at a big box church. Well it wasn’t then only 50 people now greater than 3000 getting ready to open a second campus. Our Pastor always says go where you feel the most connected and get the most out of it. He never says negative things about any other church because if it is meeting the needs of the people and bringing them to Jesus than it is doing its job! I’m really glad you enjoyed both services! It’s all about connection.

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  23. When I began exploring churches, the Catholic Church (my childhood home) was the last place I went to. What shook me when I entered the congregation was the powerful heart connection.

    Big Box churches create a powerful emotional experience for their community, but the point is not whether you remember the words to the music or the sermon. It’s whether you hear the Holy Spirit speaking into your heart. Big Box experiences tend to blow that door open. Catholic Church tends to invite you out into the meadow.

    But for several reasons, I’d encourage you to alternate weekends at church. First, Big Box churches are a great way for a young person to meet other young people – including potential spouses. Secondly, I’d be interested in your conclusions as a religious anthropologist. The priesthood doesn’t have a financial stake in their community – pastors at Big Box churches do, and I’ve discovered that it colors their teaching.

    “No man can serve two masters…You cannot love both God and money.”

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    1. Thanks Brian. 🙂 What an interesting perspective. Yeah, I definitely won’t be deviating from my Catholicism. I have never missed a Sunday Mass in my entire life on this earth, and I don’t plan on now haha, but I may pepper in a big box service every once in a while in addition to my weekend mass 🙂 hehe Yeah, the priesthood is one of the other truly awe-inspiring and beautiful aspects of the Catholic faith. These men give up everything to serve God. Same with those in religious orders. They willing choose a life of celibacy and give up their right to marry and have children and a family, all so that they can serve God and His Church. It brings me almost to tears to think about. I have had the blessing of have such amazing priests in my life. Sure, there are the handful of “fallen priests” that have done truly horrible things that the media and society and other churches like to spotlight, and let it color their entire view on Catholicism and the priesthood, but the fact is, ALL churches have some corruption in leadership. Why? Because this is not Heaven and we are a fallen people. And none of us are God. We are man. With original sin. And the lineage of the Papacy traces all the way back to Peter. And the institution of the Eucharist all the way back to the Last Supper. I mean, I could go on and on about my love for the Catholic church and its beauty 🙂 hehe but that’s all for now 🙂 hehe Thanks for stopping by, Brian! Hugs and love xox

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      1. My aunt, who is a nun, makes the point that the temptation for the priest is the power and authority of the institution.

        But the funniest joke I ever heard was told by a priest at an all-faith gathering. He had been given word that a rabbi had criticized the priesthood with a joke about ham and celibacy. His punch line: “I have 200 wives – and they all finish my sentences for me.”

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  24. I don’t remember how much of this you know; I’ve probably mentioned it on my blog, but I don’t expect you to have read every post.

    I grew up Catholic. I didn’t have the appreciation for everything behind the traditions that you do, though… that wasn’t communicated to me very well, ever, and my mom’s church seems more like the type where people identify as Catholic because they are Mexican or Italian or Filipino rather than because they love Jesus. I got involved in a nondenominational Christian student group in college, and eventually stopped going to Mass and started going to the church that many of my friends from that group went to (this was the old church that I went back to once last month because they had a reception for the youth pastor who was leaving, I mentioned that on my blog).

    As an adult I’ve had mixed experiences with the stereotypical big box churches. I’ve had mixed experiences just about everywhere, for a variety of reasons, and I’m still not sure I’ve found a permanent solution. I guess I just need to focus on what God is saying to me at the moment. I thought I had something important to say, but now I feel like I’m just rambling… I’m glad you had a great experience this weekend. Take care.

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    1. Thank you for sharing that. Yeah, i think, especially in college, friends can have a lot of influence. I will definitely keep you in my prayers. Just a thought, take it or leave it – a lot of times, coming back to something from childhood as an adult brings with it a new perspective and appreciation 🙂 hugs to you xo

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  25. So glad you just wrote an informative rather than persuasive post this time. I think you’ve just stumbled upon something. You may be so near the root of what religion really is…just hiding under a rock around the corner, I’m sure.

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  26. Thank you for being open about your Sunday morning experience, alnog with the adventure and the courage it took to lay down any bias at the door. Please, do this again elsewhere. Each assembly will be different in their style and ministry. So glad you did this. God’s grip, Beauty.

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  27. Glad you were able to appreciate Denver! I find it funny I haven’t been to many churches outside Colorado but our religious leaders here seem to love gardening analogies!

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    1. haha yes! must be a location! I can promise you that you won’t find a preacher in NYC discussing gardening! hahaha Not in the concrete jungle! the subway — most definitely. outdoorsy stuff, not so much! haha

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  29. I’ve been to both…grew up Catholic, then attended a large nondenominational church after age 20. Although I don’t care to go back to the Catholic Church much, it did have a sense of reverence that the larger more lively church was missing. We now attend a church that’s somewhere in the middle of the two. You do have a good point: both ends of the spectrum have their opinions on the other. But God made us all unique, so naturally that means we won’t all prefer the same style of worship and church atmosphere. Just as long as the message stays true to the Gospel. 😊

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  30. This reflects much on my discovery of your blog, actually. And following along opened my eyes both to my own attitudes, and to a glimpse through your eyes of beauty in a tradition not personally owned or understood by me.

    And I’m right there with you; I don’t really sit in either seat, either fundamentalist (on either side of the fence) or in the ‘beiber-hair’ crowd. There is something to be said of people who know how to lead a great pep rally for Jesus and who can energize an immense crowd–I would honestly love to have that kind of energy–but that kind of thing has personally failed me more times than not. But more importantly Jesus has been teaching me to find him in the low levels of excitement, in the mundane, in the quiet. In not only my free time but the time I am busy at work or with other people.

    And it’s there that I see the Bride emerging a close-knit family actually doing life together almost moment to moment with one vision, one heart. That could happen anywhere, but I believe the trends away from both circles is the grass roots of that coming together that we are so eager for (:

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    1. Thank you so much Carson, I appreciate your thoughts on this. Wow, that is so awesome that you’re feeling His teaching! Hugs and love xox

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  31. Great post. I’ve always believed that any delivery of the message that brings you closer to God is worthwhile. Our relationship with Him is so personal that you have to follow what resonates. He can be experienced through the tradition and ritual of mass as well as more “modern” worship styles. I think it’s great!

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    1. Thank you Paul:) I think you’re right – worship comes in all shapes and sizes! Hugs and love xox

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  32. Amongst other things in my life, you have been inspiring me lately to keep writing. I just wanted to say thank you and I look forward to your next blog!! God bless you BBB. Cheers, Mike x

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  33. Great word (as usual). You have hit on something so essential… Christians are often way too busy “putting down” other churches and we miss the whole point of the fact that we are ALL Family. There is beauty and grace in every “style” of church because God is immense in beauty and grace — we just have to be willing to see it! We are so ingrained to “compare and contrast” that we can often miss God in the process. Thanks for sharing your experience and reminding us of the fact that the Label above the door doesn’t matter as long as God is truly worshiped and adored inside. M. A.

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    1. Thank you MA. As long as He is worshiped and adored. What a beautiful thought! Amen! ALL family! Hugs and love xox

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  34. Sometimes we tend to forget Jesus said He would be wherever there were two or three gathered in His name. He didn’t specify where, what they were wearing, or how they were worshipping in exact detail. He just said they should be there gathered in His name. I think it’s part of human imperfection to pre-judge, but it’s so refreshing to open one’s heart and see that ‘they’ are our brothers and sisters, too!

    All the best!

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    1. Thank you so much Miss Jay! I know! So true. That’s honestly one of the most comforting verses in the Bible 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  35. Great post!
    This is why I try to be part of the Church – not just one congregation, but there where God is working through His Spirit, no matter the denomination.
    Though, I have to admit, I haven’t actually attended a Catholic mass… 😉

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    1. Thank you friend! Oh I hope you can attend a Mass! It is truly a beautiful and reverent experience. I’m actually on my way to daily Mass right now! It just fills you up in ways you can’t explain 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  37. My dad’s side is catholic but when my parents got divorced I was raised mostly by my mom whose parents were southern baptist. We eventually found a non-denominational church where I put my roots. After years of youth ministry and now teaching the Bible at a private school to almost 200 different denominations I have changed a lot. You are right, there is a stigma both ways. The majority of my students misunderstand Catholicism and I get the chance to give them the history of the Church as a whole. We have Jesus in common always. Blessings to you as you love others and help them heal.

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  38. “Because at the end of the day, we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we’ve all got the same goal and the same God.” Nice touch, Caralyn, says this practicing Catholic. Ted

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    1. Thanks Ted 🙂 yay! Went to Daily Mass yesterday and was reminded again of the beauty of Catholicism and how incredibly lucky we are to share in His body and blood every day 💛 Consummation of the covenant baby! 🙌🏼 Hugs and love xox

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  39. Great thoughts, Caralyn. I think the same from my perspective. Which was why I really valued our time in an Anglican church plant which in the end didn’t make it. We started taking our grandkids to an evangelical mega church and now our daughter is taking them, and we found much the same thing there: quite solid, great ministry to children and in the teaching/application of the word and in music for worship. Not as flashy I suppose, but just as well done. I agree so much that the traditions of Christianity can learn much from each other. We are one in Christ. Thanks for sharing.

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  40. I like your open mindedness, and flexibility to explore different denominations, and communication of the gospel, and the love and mercy of God, in Jesus. In my reading I just look for writers who love and trust Jesus above all else, and seem merciful to others, whether Protestant or Catholic. You seem to be a peace maker, thanks.

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  42. Great post Carolyn.
    I had a somewhat similar experience when I lived in Lynchburg, Virginia and I had opportunities to attended a few Baptist services (working at a funeral home in a predominately Baptist town all but guaranteed that) and a few traditional Presbyterian services with a good friend of mine. I also became good friends with a Greek Orthodox priest.
    As a cradle Catholic, I had very little experience with other denominations so I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into in regards to these other Christian traditions and services. And while I never had as intense an experience as you describe, I did learn that all these people are, in a sense, like me and trying to stumble over the finish line as best they can. As such, it’s not my job to criticize them per se but to talk to them and dialogue with them, like I did with my good friend whom I mentioned above.
    Also, last year, I was able to read Peter Kreeft’s book, CATHOLICS AND PROTESTANTS: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM EACH OTHER. I can’t do the book justice in a short comment but one thing Kreeft said at the beginning has stuck with me. He said that Protestants, in many cases, have the fire (Jesus) but don’t have the fireplace (the structure, traditions, sacraments etc.); Catholics have the fireplace but not the fire in many cases. As such, we need each other to ultimately reunify the family, as it were.
    Have you read the book? Highly recommend it.

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    1. You’re the second person to recco that book! Thank you! Peter is a household name in our family 🙂 I’ll definitely have to read it! Hugs and love xox

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  43. Dear Beauty: Your experience has revealed to yourself the truth God is not a religion, God Is. Man has religion and often forgets we are All Children of the Divine.
    I hope you continue to grow in understanding, as your sharing is a tool to help people see we are a Human Family with Divine origins.
    Peace be with you

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  44. Awesome. It was funny to read what the Catholics think about us. I laughed as the descriptions do match the “look”. I’m happy that you spoke about the spiritual encounter you had. What I loved most about your post was that it helped me to understand more about the Catholic church, because I too have been viewing them from stereotypical view point. Thanks for the reminder that we are all one body.

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  45. Oh my gosh, yes!!!!! My late husband was Catholic. I went through RCIS so that I could go to Mass with him and understand Catholicism and why we were saying what we were saying. Since his passing, I have gone back to my non-denominational church, but I definitely still appreciate Catholicism and I do believe God is working there. I do miss the reverence for the Lord, the traditions, and the community…and I do occasionally drop in to a Catholic church to sit in a pew and pray and ponder. Thank you for this 🙂

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    1. Thank you for sharing that. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I’m glad you have found a home at that church 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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      1. Thanks, he passed suddenly nearly two years ago so it’s not fresh 🙂 I am so very thankful for my church family and I don’t believe I would be in such a good position spiritually if I didn’t go to church 🙂 xo xo xo

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  46. So first, welcome to Denver! I’m so glad you’re loving my home. It is an amazing place and clearly you felt the whole of God surround you both in church and outside of it. I love reminders like this which show us how much denominations don’t matter – God matters and He shows up every single time….often despite our efforts.

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  47. The eyes are so easily deceived and led astray. We dont walk by seeing, we walk by Faith and believing.

    I love visiting different Churches and learning from the individuals there. I dont see religion. I see people. I feel them. And I feel Gods spirit. Whether they are full of s#!% or whether they are geuine. Thats what is important. Not denomination. Not skin color. Not size of building. I can say from experience, it is not always so easy to discern between truth and lie. Many times because we lack knowledge, understanding, and discernment we mistakingly think it is the Holy Spirit when its not. It is easy to get emotional and therefore conclude the church is okay…but thats misleading. We, the members are the Church. It cannot exist without us. But yet we are full of failures, sins, etc. So it is no surprise people are always let down one way or another.

    Thank God , He doesnt let us down and He always comes through. I think the major growth ive seen wasnt in Church…it was wherever i may find myself alone reading Gods Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and when speaking to someone else about God. And lastly, when ive disobeyed God and continued sinning..in the midst of evil He shows up to save, to punish, and to turn his children around. Amen

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  48. A fascinating article BBB! I have had similar experiences, though not in the Catholic Church itself as I am a retired Baptist pastor. However, I had have two experiences in different church cultures that were extraordinary. One was when I was invited to preach at a traditional Black Baptist Church. It was a truly awesome experience! That church could not have been more accommodating to me as a guest speaker. The music was literally moving as everyone on the platform and in the pews were swaying with the choir as they danced into the sanctuary. I asked a common question,’How long should I preach?’ The answer was, “As long as you feel God moving!” Believe me, that was truly liberating. I preached for almost a solid hour, and the congregation was into it, hollering back “Amen!” regularly. The other was as a visitor in the pews at a Messianic Jewish congregation. It was the most participatory service I have ever been to. Everyone, adults and children in the pews included, had some part in the service from prayer to singing as well as all new visitors being prayed over under the cover of a “prayer shawl,” which was very moving. I recommend both of those experiences to you as well. Blessings as always,

    D.T. Osborn

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    1. Thanks DT! Wow that’s awesome. He is alive! All churches, all gatherings, the Spirit moves! Hugs and love xox

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  50. I LOVED your post! You’re so amazing! How inspiring to go travel and attend different churches. I like the way you honor both “religions”. We all worship the same God. Jesus is our savior and He doesn’t care for titles, but He wants us to be united. Keep sharing your wisdom! 💜🙏

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