First of all, I am in a very small fraction of adults who make the switch from being a Protestant to a Roman Catholic. In fact, Pew research has shown that only about two percent of the adult population does that. Protestants and Catholics worship the same God, but the principles of their faith are different. Over 500 years since the the Reformation began, there are still divisions between Protestants and Catholics.
So, now I am in Full Communion with The Roman Catholic Church. My faith has grown and matured over the years -- from the time I became a Baptist on May 1, 1977 at age 12 until the time I was confirmed in the Catholic church on June 28, 2020 at age 55. So much transpired in my life during those 43 years. Those who have only known me as a Protestant are still trying to wrap their minds and hearts around my being a Catholic. I understand that. I really do, and I can only pray that they will accept it. No, I don't expect them to agree with everything that I believe in my faith, but I do hope that they will respect my choosing to believe what I believe.
Protestantism is the largest grouping of Christians in the United States with its combined denominations collectively accounting for about 43 percent of the country's population. Catholics account for about 22 percent of the U.S. population.
Getting back to the statement "I'm happy you're happy" -- when someone says this I believe they mean that they are truly happy for a another person's happiness, even if they don't have something to gain from what is making that person happy. Essentially, the person making the statement recognizes that the situation the other person finds themselves in is bringing them joy and they are acknowledging that person's experience. There have been some who have added, "... although I would never become Catholic!" They could have decided to place the period after "I'm happy you're happy" and leave it at that, but apparently felt the need to make their Protestant position known.
From fellow Catholics I've received many kind words, such as: "Welcome home!" and "Glad you've joined our church family." I've been deeply touched and blessed by Catholics who have been so welcoming to me.
Research suggests that people who come into contact with happy people tend to be happier. This research came from Harvard and U.C. San Diego which polled 4,700 individuals over the course of 20 years. The results suggest that simply knowing someone who is happy can boost the likelihood that you will be happy by 15 percent.
I am happy to be Catholic, and I hope that somehow boosts the happiness of those who know me!
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
-- Pictures and Videos on Instagram: Run_Bike_Cross
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
