St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church

Basically, I became a Catholic again after 30 years away because the New York Giants won the Super Bowl.

I have been a huge Giants fan since I was a kid (my father and all of his boys are) and last year they made an improbable run to the Super Bowl. Late in the game, the Giants were behind but they were making a final drive for the winning score. I found I was praying really hard to God to please, please let the Giants win. And then when they scored, I was praying even harder that the Patriots would not score. When that final pass fell short, I was so happy and so grateful to God that I was jumping up and down. I realized the next day that I do pray from time to time (mostly on lurching airplanes) and that I do believe in God. The following day was Ash Wednesday, so I went to church. It felt right to sit in the pew again and to kneel and pray. The next Saturday, I went to Reconciliation and did the best I could to confess my transgressions for the last several decades. And I have been going to church ever since. I realize this may not be the most inspirational story but as an Eagles fan I thought you should know that some good has come out of the Giants.

Tom

I was raised in no religion at all. When I was about 21 a friend invited me to her church which was Baptist. I was baptized and went there for years. I can vividly remember the preacher saying all Catholics were on their way to Hell and many other not so nice things about them. About 6 or 7 years ago I was at an antique show in Atlanta. I looked down an aisle and at the end was an antique home altar with the Mary holding Jesus in her arms when they took him from the cross. In that INSTANT, I knew that everything I had ever heard and even said myself about Mary and the Catholic Church was wrong. I had no doubt!! I began my research immediately and am proud to say, "I am Catholic!"

La Rue

My "a hah moment" came during the most difficult and depressing time of my life, as is the case with most people, I suspect. When I found out that I would be getting a divorce (and the reason for it) I became very depressed and sad. I was advised by several people to pray for help and focus on what plans God may have for me. I ignored this advice for several months. I even ceased attending Mass. After much thought and advice from a friend I realized that prayer and meditation may be helpful. So, I began praying and attending Mass for direction and guidance in how I may get through this most horrible time in my life. The result: the divorce was (1) the best thing to happen to me for my health (now) and (2) I am now closer to my children that I believe I would be otherwise. The "a hah moment" came when I realized that prayer helped me "see" the benefits of the most horrible experience of my life and how God works in INCREDIBLE ways!!

Stephen

To preface:

1. I am a voracious critical reader (everything except modern best sellers and light romances).

2. I am always searching for the author's meaning as it applies to God (though it might be sub-conscious).

I had a very pleasant "awakening" to a new way of thinking while reading a book by Gil Bailie* entitled Violence Unveiled. This happened about 4 years ago. In this book Mr. Bailie explores man's propensity toward violence - not simply physical but also economic, bigotry, hatred, and on and on. Suddenly it came to me that man is helpless! Not only are we violent but we are immersed in concupiscence, covetousness, and hopelessness EXCEPT FOR GOD'S GRACE! I suddenly realized that in spite of all the bad results of Adam and Eve's disobedience God has given hope and salvation through his son Jesus Christ.

Since then I have felt compelled to keep striving to know and love God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit better. I now feel a great joy in prayer, worship and discussion that I never felt before. I do not have the answers but I have the principal answer GOD!

Anonymous


Welcome to Saint Mary on the Hill Parish.
Parish Phone Numbers Mass Times Upcoming Events Parish Picnic - Sunday, August 23 at Mistletoe State Park Events Planning Form Lector Schedule Altar Server Schedule (Summer 2009) Eucharistic Ministers Schedule MDO & Nursery Senior Center Calendar Wednesday Night Supper Minutes from different meetings	*The Year of Saint Paul* Conversion Stories: Basically, I became a Catholic again after 30 years away because the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. I have been a huge Giants fan since I was a kid (my father and all of his boys are) and last year they made an improbable run to the Super Bowl. Late in the game, the Giants were behind but they were making a final drive for the winning score. I found I was praying really hard to God to please, please let the Giants win. And then when they scored, I was praying even harder that the Patriots would not score. When that final pass fell short, I was so happy and so grateful to God that I was jumping up and down. I realized the next day that I do pray from time to time (mostly on lurching airplanes) and that I do believe in God. The following day was Ash Wednesday, so I went to church. It felt right to sit in the pew again and to kneel and pray. The next Saturday, I went to Reconciliation and did the best I could to confess my transgressions for the last several decades. And I have been going to church ever since. I realize this may not be the most inspirational story but as an Eagles fan I thought you should know that some good has come out of the Giants. Tom I was raised in no religion at all. When I was about 21 a friend invited me to her church which was Baptist. I was baptized and went there for years. I can vividly remember the preacher saying all Catholics were on their way to Hell and many other not so nice things about them. About 6 or 7 years ago I was at an antique show in Atlanta. I looked down an aisle and at the end was an antique home altar with the Mary holding Jesus in her arms when they took him from the cross. In that INSTANT, I knew that everything I had ever heard and even said myself about Mary and the Catholic Church was wrong. I had no doubt!! I began my research immediately and am proud to say, "I am Catholic!" La Rue My "a hah moment" came during the most difficult and depressing time of my life, as is the case with most people, I suspect. When I found out that I would be getting a divorce (and the reason for it) I became very depressed and sad. I was advised by several people to pray for help and focus on what plans God may have for me. I ignored this advice for several months. I even ceased attending Mass. After much thought and advice from a friend I realized that prayer and meditation may be helpful. So, I began praying and attending Mass for direction and guidance in how I may get through this most horrible time in my life. The result: the divorce was (1) the best thing to happen to me for my health (now) and (2) I am now closer to my children that I believe I would be otherwise. The "a hah moment" came when I realized that prayer helped me "see" the benefits of the most horrible experience of my life and how God works in INCREDIBLE ways!! Stephen To preface: 1. I am a voracious critical reader (everything except modern best sellers and light romances). 2. I am always searching for the author's meaning as it applies to God (though it might be sub-conscious). I had a very pleasant "awakening" to a new way of thinking while reading a book by Gil Bailie* entitled Violence Unveiled. This happened about 4 years ago. In this book Mr. Bailie explores man's propensity toward violence - not simply physical but also economic, bigotry, hatred, and on and on. Suddenly it came to me that man is helpless! Not only are we violent but we are immersed in concupiscence, covetousness, and hopelessness EXCEPT FOR GOD'S GRACE! I suddenly realized that in spite of all the bad results of Adam and Eve's disobedience God has given hope and salvation through his son Jesus Christ. Since then I have felt compelled to keep striving to know and love God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit better. I now feel a great joy in prayer, worship and discussion that I never felt before. I do not have the answers but I have the principal answer GOD! Anonymous
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