The only idea I had of what a Catholic church is supposed to be like, is the one I got from Chimanmanda Ngozi Adichie's ‘Purple Hibiscus', where the main character's father was a religious fanatic and sneered at the new Igbo catechist that gave a sermon about giving and cements. Apparently, that wasn't ‘real' Catholic preaching by Eugene's standards. This Sunday however, I got the opportunity to witness it all for myself when I followed my mum to a thanksgiving/ harvest service at st Ambrose Catholic Church, Ekpan (Delta state).
Being a Pentecostal, we have this normal trend of criticizing other domains of Christianity, the Jehovah's witness topping the list, followed by the celestial Church of Christ (popularly known as cele), Catholics and even other fellow Pentecostals. Yeah, we are just so comfortable and good at judging other churches.
Moving on. The first thing I noticed about the Catholic church was their interior decorations. It was no where nearly as fancy as my own church, but being a MAJOR lover of all things aesthetic, the statues of Jesus and Mary and the portraits of different Bible verses hung all over the place fascinated me more than anyone could ever imagine. I was ushered into the second pew from the front so I had a real good fantastic view of the altar. It was all rugged. Cool.
The main catechist ( aka Father, don't know if I'm getting it right here) sat on a big throne like chair at the right of the altar, flanked on both sides by two other similar but considerably smaller chairs which were occupied by two guys. I figured they must be ‘fathers' in the making or something like that. It dawned on me that they were going to be celibate all their lives. Too bad. Such handsomeness plus God fearing character is what spinsters are searching for all over the place.
By the left to the altar was where the altar boys sat. Three of them in number, one big teenage guy and two little preteen boys. These were also cute and I fell in love with the teenage guy's sneaks, like seriously.
Then to the pews where I was sitting. While walking in, I noticed the sign “please do not stand on the kneeler" attached to the pews. I kept wondering what the kneeler was and why we weren't allowed to stand on it. Then the prayer time came and we had to go down on our knees for each and every one of the prayers which by the way, were all recited! And the kneelers were brought out. Turns out the kneelers are soft cushioned stands attached to the back of every pew, so you get to kneel on them while praying and not hurt your knee. I had to admit, this was extra nice and thoughtful of them. Pentecostal churches could do us all a favour and take a feather from the hat of Catholic churches on this one.
When it came to giving- the Catholics give with capital G-I-V-E! And the various departments in the church do special thanksgiving during the harvest. And what more? Oh. You get sprayed with holy water or anointed water, I really didn't get what it was. I didn't like getting sprayed at all so I didn't bother going out after the first time.
And there was the holy communion. Yum. You get fed by the main catechist himself, with this white-stop sign shaped-flat bread that looks both crunchy and fluffy. And one of the ‘fathers in making', along with the altar boys were always there to put a tray under your chin to prevent crumbs falling to the floor. All the while, you'll be kneeling at the iron bars surrounding the altar (yes there were kneelers there too).  Then there was this incense they burned INSIDE the church and let the smoke waft into the whole congregation. My hand instinctively dived into my clutch and held on to my ventolin inhaler even as I felt my lungs getting filled up with the smoke. I was practically choking on it.
And finally, they said the ‘grace'- my favourite part of any church service.
The Catholics are actually very organized and orderly people, unlike most of our Pentecostal churches. They do this love stuff at the end of every service, the women hug themselves, so do the men, then they shake hands with the opposite sex. They are willing givers also. Their fashion sense is moderate and impeccable and apart from the incense burning charade, I really enjoyed my service there.
Notwithstanding, I think my next stop will be at a kingdom hall. I can't wait to see how Jehovah's witnesses conduct their own services.
Don't be a hater, catch up with you guys later. Tchao.

I am none of the above.. I am a lover of God.
Believes in Christ.. His birth, death and resurrection
I am not religious.. I am a Christian.


So personally, I don't know the ignoramuses that coined the word "pentecostals" for d modern Christianity..

If u happend to be born on September 11, 2001 does that automatically make u a terrorist?

So how does the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost make us pentecostals?

If most of us were asked to envision God.. I am sure 90 percent would assign him a Caucasian color.. White long beards in a white sparkling gown and golden strapped sandals?
The delusion of symbolism..

I need a thumb up button

kilokeys:
I am none of the above.. I am a lover of God.
Believes in Christ.. His birth, death and resurrection
I am not religious.. I am a Christian.

You don't belong to any place of worship?

op! well done....It's well with you.......

ammyluv2002:
You don't belong to any place of worship?

I do.. But i might be called a pentecostal cos of where I worship.. But i am nt

JustTara:
The only idea I had of what a Catholic church is supposed to be like, is the one I got from Chimanmanda Ngozi Adichie's ‘Purple Hibiscus', where the main character's father was a religious fanatic and sneered at the new Igbo catechist that gave a sermon about giving and cements. Apparently, that wasn't ‘real' Catholic preaching by Eugene's standards. This Sunday however, I got the opportunity to witness it all for myself when I followed my mum to a thanksgiving/ harvest service at st Ambrose Catholic Church, Ekpan (Delta state).
Being a Pentecostal, we have this normal trend of criticizing other domains of Christianity, the Jehovah's witness topping the list, followed by the celestial Church of Christ (popularly known as cele), Catholics and even other fellow Pentecostals. Yeah, we are just so comfortable and good at judging other churches.

Yea! And you never saw Catholics and the rest judging and condemning Pentecostals ba?


You love the statues of Jesus and Mary in a church and yet you're Pentecostal. E don tey wey you read exudos 20:4.


Anyway not my business.... whatever rocks your boat.

kilokeys:


I do.. But i might be called a pentecostal cos of where I worship.. But i am nt

*Confused*

ammyluv2002:
*Confused*

I am a Christian.. Guided by the word of God written in his holy book...
I hate religion.. Despise segregation. Don't see how that helps the body of Christ..

So i might be attending a "pentecostal" church and nt be religious or pentecostal

invisibility:


Yea! And you never saw Catholics and the rest judging and condemning Pentecostals ba?


You love the statues of Jesus and Mary in a church and yet you're Pentecostal. E don tey wey you read exudos 20:4.


Anyway not my business.... whatever rocks your boat.

While I believe that different people read and interpret the Bible in different ways, hence the different domains. I also believe I made no mention of Catholics being excluded from the group of ‘people' making antagonizing comments about the different domains of Christianity other than theirs. Nevertheless, you are entitled to your own opinion dearie, so whatever makes you sleep at night.

intresting

invisibility:


Yea! And you never saw Catholics and the rest judging and condemning Pentecostals ba?


You love the statues of Jesus and Mary in a church and yet you're Pentecostal. E don tey wey you read exudos 20:4.


Anyway not my business.... whatever rocks your boat.

E don they wey you read Joshua 7:6 where Joshua and all Israelites prostrated before images with God's approval.

You only choose to read the parts of the Bible you can misinterpret.

invisibility:


Yea! And you never saw Catholics and the rest judging and condemning Pentecostals ba?


You love the statues of Jesus and Mary in a church and yet you're Pentecostal. E don tey wey you read exudos 20:4.


Anyway not my business.... whatever rocks your boat.

E don they wey you read Joshua 7:6 where Joshua and all Israelites prostrated before images with God's approval.

You only choose to read the parts of the Bible you can misinterpret, Mr 'pentecostal.'

JustTara:

While I believe that different people read and interpret the Bible in different ways, hence the different domains. I also believe I made no mention of Catholics being excluded from the group of ‘people' making antagonizing comments about the different domains of Christianity other than theirs. Nevertheless, you are entitled to your own opinion dearie, so whatever makes you sleep at night.

how was the music?

kolawaxxy:


how was the music?

Oh yeah....they do both hymnals and praise. Like the real deal stuff... but they don't dance much though.

JustTara:
The only idea I had of what a Catholic church is supposed to be like, is the one I got from Chimanmanda Ngozi Adichie's ‘Purple Hibiscus', where the main character's father was a religious fanatic and sneered at the new Igbo catechist that gave a sermon about giving and cements. Apparently, that wasn't ‘real' Catholic preaching by Eugene's standards. This Sunday however, I got the opportunity to witness it all for myself when I followed my mum to a thanksgiving/ harvest service at st Ambrose Catholic Church, Ekpan (Delta state).
Being a Pentecostal, we have this normal trend of criticizing other domains of Christianity, the Jehovah's witness topping the list, followed by the celestial Church of Christ (popularly known as cele), Catholics and even other fellow Pentecostals. Yeah, we are just so comfortable and good at judging other churches.
Moving on. The first thing I noticed about the Catholic church was their interior decorations. It was no where nearly as fancy as my own church, but being a MAJOR lover of all things aesthetic, the statues of Jesus and Mary and the portraits of different Bible verses hung all over the place fascinated me more than anyone could ever imagine. I was ushered into the second pew from the front so I had a real good fantastic view of the altar. It was all rugged. Cool.
The main catechist ( aka Father, don't know if I'm getting it right here) sat on a big throne like chair at the right of the altar, flanked on both sides by two other similar but considerably smaller chairs which were occupied by two guys. I figured they must be ‘fathers' in the making or something like that. It dawned on me that they were going to be celibate all their lives. Too bad. Such handsomeness plus God fearing character is what spinsters are searching for all over the place.
By the left to the altar was where the altar boys sat. Three of them in number, one big teenage guy and two little preteen boys. These were also cute and I fell in love with the teenage guy's sneaks, like seriously.
Then to the pews where I was sitting. While walking in, I noticed the sign “please do not stand on the kneeler" attached to the pews. I kept wondering what the kneeler was and why we weren't allowed to stand on it. Then the prayer time came and we had to go down on our knees for each and every one of the prayers which by the way, were all recited! And the kneelers were brought out. Turns out the kneelers are soft cushioned stands attached to the back of every pew, so you get to kneel on them while praying and not hurt your knee. I had to admit, this was extra nice and thoughtful of them. Pentecostal churches could do us all a favour and take a feather from the hat of Catholic churches on this one.
When it came to giving- the Catholics give with capital G-I-V-E! And the various departments in the church do special thanksgiving during the harvest. And what more? Oh. You get sprayed with holy water or anointed water, I really didn't get what it was. I didn't like getting sprayed at all so I didn't bother going out after the first time.
And there was the holy communion. Yum. You get fed by the main catechist himself, with this white-stop sign shaped-flat bread that looks both crunchy and fluffy. And one of the ‘fathers in making', along with the altar boys were always there to put a tray under your chin to prevent crumbs falling to the floor. All the while, you'll be kneeling at the iron bars surrounding the altar (yes there were kneelers there too).  Then there was this incense they burned INSIDE the church and let the smoke waft into the whole congregation. My hand instinctively dived into my clutch and held on to my ventolin inhaler even as I felt my lungs getting filled up with the smoke. I was practically choking on it.
And finally, they said the ‘grace'- my favourite part of any church service.
The Catholics are actually very organized and orderly people, unlike most of our Pentecostal churches. They do this love stuff at the end of every service, the women hug themselves, so do the men, then they shake hands with the opposite sex. They are willing givers also. Their fashion sense is moderate and impeccable and apart from the incense burning charade, I really enjoyed my service there.
Notwithstanding, I think my next stop will be at a kingdom hall. I can't wait to see how Jehovah's witnesses conduct their own services.
Don't be a hater, catch up with you guys later. Tchao.

JustTara:
The only idea I had of what a Catholic church is supposed to be like, is the one I got from Chimanmanda Ngozi Adichie's ‘Purple Hibiscus', where the main character's father was a religious fanatic and sneered at the new Igbo catechist that gave a sermon about giving and cements. Apparently, that wasn't ‘real' Catholic preaching by Eugene's standards. This Sunday however, I got the opportunity to witness it all for myself when I followed my mum to a thanksgiving/ harvest service at st Ambrose Catholic Church, Ekpan (Delta state).
Being a Pentecostal, we have this normal trend of criticizing other domains of Christianity, the Jehovah's witness topping the list, followed by the celestial Church of Christ (popularly known as cele), Catholics and even other fellow Pentecostals. Yeah, we are just so comfortable and good at judging other churches.
Moving on. The first thing I noticed about the Catholic church was their interior decorations. It was no where nearly as fancy as my own church, but being a MAJOR lover of all things aesthetic, the statues of Jesus and Mary and the portraits of different Bible verses hung all over the place fascinated me more than anyone could ever imagine. I was ushered into the second pew from the front so I had a real good fantastic view of the altar. It was all rugged. Cool.
The main catechist ( aka Father, don't know if I'm getting it right here) sat on a big throne like chair at the right of the altar, flanked on both sides by two other similar but considerably smaller chairs which were occupied by two guys. I figured they must be ‘fathers' in the making or something like that. It dawned on me that they were going to be celibate all their lives. Too bad. Such handsomeness plus God fearing character is what spinsters are searching for all over the place.
By the left to the altar was where the altar boys sat. Three of them in number, one big teenage guy and two little preteen boys. These were also cute and I fell in love with the teenage guy's sneaks, like seriously.
Then to the pews where I was sitting. While walking in, I noticed the sign “please do not stand on the kneeler" attached to the pews. I kept wondering what the kneeler was and why we weren't allowed to stand on it. Then the prayer time came and we had to go down on our knees for each and every one of the prayers which by the way, were all recited! And the kneelers were brought out. Turns out the kneelers are soft cushioned stands attached to the back of every pew, so you get to kneel on them while praying and not hurt your knee. I had to admit, this was extra nice and thoughtful of them. Pentecostal churches could do us all a favour and take a feather from the hat of Catholic churches on this one.
When it came to giving- the Catholics give with capital G-I-V-E! And the various departments in the church do special thanksgiving during the harvest. And what more? Oh. You get sprayed with holy water or anointed water, I really didn't get what it was. I didn't like getting sprayed at all so I didn't bother going out after the first time.
And there was the holy communion. Yum. You get fed by the main catechist himself, with this white-stop sign shaped-flat bread that looks both crunchy and fluffy. And one of the ‘fathers in making', along with the altar boys were always there to put a tray under your chin to prevent crumbs falling to the floor..

Hope you didnt join in receiving d holy comunión??

raffyreuz:

Hope you didnt join in receiving d holy comunión??

Lmao....no oh. The catechist said it's for only those baptized in the Catholic church and are also in the right standing with God.

italo3:

E don they wey you read Joshua 7:6 where Joshua and all Israelites prostrated before images with God's approval.
You only choose to read the parts of the Bible you can misinterpret.

Did you say Joshua 7:6...where on earth has God ever approved people bowing down to images. Read your Bible please the truth is already revealing

chigozie1010:



Did you say Joshua 7:6...where on earth has God ever approved people bowing down to images. Read your Bible please the truth is already revealing

Yes, I said Joshua 7:6.

Now, don't be lazy. Read it to find out where God approved people prostrating before images...

...before you open your mouth.

Exodus 20:4
You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in HEAVEN above, or that is in the EARTH beneath, or that is in the water under the EARTH; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Joshua 7:6

Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ARK of the Lord until evening, he and the ELDERS of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.


This shows a sign of mourning, besides that, they were not bowing down to any image but to the ARK of the Lord.

I say no more. You are still a kid who carries pamphlets to church. There's no need arguing with you because if I do, am only subjecting myself to your level of understanding.

I'm catholic and its a beautiful place to worship..

chigozie1010:
I say no more. You are still a kid who carries pamphlets to church. There's no need arguing with you because if I do, am only subjecting myself to your level of understanding.

that was low, carrying a pamphlet to church doesn't make one less a christian. The early xtians didn't walk around with bibles either.

chigozie1010:
Joshua 7:6

Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ARK of the Lord until evening, he and the ELDERS of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.


This shows a sign of mourning, besides that, they were not bowing down to any image but to the ARK of the Lord.

The ark was an image of a house that contained images of angels...and God approved prostration before it.

Why can't Catholics do the same?

italo3:


The ark was an image of a house that contained images of angels...and God approved prostration before it.

Why can't Catholics do the same?

You can do that na, when you find And see the ark!.

JustTara:

While I believe that different people read and interpret the Bible in different ways, hence the different domains. I also believe I made no mention of Catholics being excluded from the group of ‘people' making antagonizing comments about the different domains of Christianity other than theirs. Nevertheless, you are entitled to your own opinion dearie, so whatever makes you sleep at night.

A very beautiful piece, strewn by a very observant mind. May you be blessed for just narrating what you saw. So many have never stepped foot into a Catholic Church nor witnessed Catholics worship, yet out of ignorance they speak, most times up in arms with downright lies against the Church. Just imagine what you've written above, an essay, a mere description of what you've witnessed, yet some people, who the Catholic church preached Christianity to their Pagan fathers, could only see something in their warped imagination; to judge you about your faith. Just keep your mind like that of a baby as you've done, for to those as such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Matt. 19:14. Remain blessed.

italo3:


The ark was an image of a house that contained images of angels...and God approved prostration before it.

Why can't Catholics do the same?

Isn't that what you get when the wind blows you about like chaff, when your foundation is not solid, when truth eludes you. Someone will condemn the Scapular worn by Catholics even without knowing what it was, only to put on a "Charmed apron" because G.O said it has powers. A few years back, someone I knew got married to a protestant lady who didn't like to see medals, he left the Catholic church for hers, fast forward to today; and you see these plastic bangles, from their religious organisation, on the wrist and ankles of every member of their family.

chigozie1010:
Exodus 20:4
You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in HEAVEN above, or that is in the EARTH beneath, or that is in the water under the EARTH; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Your God must be confused because it wasn't long before he order the making of a bronze serpent (an image of a likeness found on earth) and the making of the Ark with 2 cherubim (images of likeness found in heaven). And both were prostrated to with his approval. So what was he talking about here? Was he stoned? Or suffering dementia cos apparently he's forgotten his own rules.

dolphinheart:


You can do that na, when you find And see the ark!.

i always find u guys funny. My bible actually says d letter of d law killet, somewhere else it says what was written in d past was written for our instruction. The passage wasn't written so we will go about looking for an ancient ark, it was written so we will understand the divine principle behind it and put the principle into practice.

The principle here is simple, God is not against the religious use of images, he never has been! he is against the adoration of idols.
Learn and practice d principle and stop looking for an ancient artifact.

Ubenedictus:
i always find u guys funny. My bible actually says d letter of d law killet, somewhere else it says what was written in d past was written for our instruction. The passage wasn't written so we will go about looking for an ancient ark, it was written so we will understand the divine principle behind it and put the principle into practice.

The principle here is simple, God is not against the religious use of images, he never has been! he is against the adoration of idols.
Learn and practice d principle and stop looking for an ancient artifact.

Kk, give us examples of images that the isrealites bowed to, And let's see if those images are not made by direct instructions from god. Do not make for yourself , that was the instruction.