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Mar 25th, 2025
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576
OrthoDixieBoy Member
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OrthoDixieBoy Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576 |
I don't like making requests about myself but I do need some help. I have always struggled with fear of crowds, particularly of people I don't know. But since I got divorced a few years ago the problem seems to have gotten worse. Periodically I have missed mass because of feeling overwhelmed with all the people. I am naturally a shy person and I dont make friends well. So on my part, I have not done much to make friends at my parish. However, I have been attending there for 4 years now and not one person has ever introduced themselves to me. This is really starting to wear on me. I look forward to Sundays with dread. Certainly not the way it should be!!!
Today I went to mass for the first time in over a month. I intended to stay for the entire mass but I literally found myself leaving during communion so I would avoid the crowd after church was over.
I have considered changing to another parish, but the nearest church to me besides where I attend is at least 45 minutes away. That doesnt make being involved in another parish very easy. I love going to the cathedral in Atlanta but it takes me an hour to get there.
Anyway, I know that the Lord is not pleased with my not attending mass (though I am sure he understands my reasons and is patient) and I want to rectify this asap. I would greatly appreciate your prayers that I can quickly find a resolution to this problem.
Jason
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,518
Catholic Gyoza Member
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Catholic Gyoza Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,518 |
Through the intercession of St. Dymphina, I pray that your anxiety will be lifted. Lord have mercy on your servant Jason!
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,440
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,440 |
Dear Jason,
I know Saint Dymphna helps in nervous conditions. I would also like to add to her intercessions, the intercessions of my own personal Saint Nektarios, who has helped those I love not only in physical pain and ailments, but in depression also.
My Dear Lord Jesus,
Through your beloved mother, our Theotokos, and through the prayers of Saint Dymphna and Saint Nektarios, please see to Jason's needs. Give him strength to overcome his own special problem, and help him acquire the love and friendship of all around him.
Zenovia
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576
OrthoDixieBoy Member
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OrthoDixieBoy Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576 |
Dear Doc and Zenovia,
Thank you for your prayers. I hope I did not indicate that I am friendless. Indeed I am not, I have a number of very close very good friends whom I see regularly. They are also aware of my current church situation and are praying for me.
Again, thank you. I am deeply grateful.
Jason
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 951 Likes: 1
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 951 Likes: 1 |
I understand you well, my dear friend Jason. Aloof be your heart!  May peace of Lord Jesus Christ rule and reign in your life and soul. Amen. Your far friend, in Risen Christ, Marian
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 512 Likes: 1
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 512 Likes: 1 |
Jason- You're in my prayers.  Markos
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21
Junior Member
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21 |
Jason,
you are in my prayers, my friend
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,225 Likes: 1
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,225 Likes: 1 |
Prayers for your affliction...
james
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,994 Likes: 10
Moderator Member
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Moderator Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,994 Likes: 10 |
Dearest Jason,
Prayers for your well being.
In Christ our Lord,
Alice
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,930
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,930 |
Y'all I gotz to tell you Jason is an awesome guy, he truly has the heart of a minster. Quick in responding to questions on Scripture and evangelization. Deacon Stan and I have been blessed to have come visit.
Jason you are in our prayers!
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen....
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 26,405 Likes: 38
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 26,405 Likes: 38 |
Dear Friend,
I used to be afraid of crowds and of being the centre of attention . . .
Suffice it to say that one can overdo it in the opposite direction . . .
When I served as an altar-server, I overcame my nervousness by picturing only God and the priest in the Church.
Everyone else just wasn't there.
Try it!
Prayers too!
Alex
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576
OrthoDixieBoy Member
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OrthoDixieBoy Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576 |
After speaking with my spiritual director and several good friends I have almost decided I need to move to another parish. I say "almost" because it's going to take some extra effort to do so and I'm not quite emotionally resigned to that. But im working on it! There are two parishes I will initially visit. One is a Roman mission close to my parents Baptist church. Going there would save on gas money because we could carpool. The other is a Ukrainian Catholic Church in Conyers, GA, Mother of God Church. Both are about 45 minutes away from home. Thak you all for your prayers and I ask that you would please continue as I decide which parish to call home. Many thanks, Jason
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,930
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Joined: Nov 2001
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