Almost ready to say I wnt to convert, but

[BillTheSlink]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

#1. Obviously I need to go put in my first appearance, but will it be looked on as odd that I have come in advent? I mean I have always been Christian, but other people don’t know that. I always hated it when I came year round and was forced to be jammed in because of “Christians” who thought they were doing God some big favor by showing up on Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Should I just wait until after the first of the year?

#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him?

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?

Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

 

[ChrisCrop]

your best bet is to go to Latin mass.

 

[zab]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

#1. Obviously I need to go put in my first appearance, but will it be looked on as odd that I have come in advent? I mean I have always been Christian, but other people don’t know that. I always hated it when I came year round and was forced to be jammed in because of “Christians” who thought they were doing God some big favor by showing up on Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Should I just wait until after the first of the year?
Come as soon as you can. There are people who attend Mass at our church every week that I do not know, since I usually go to the same Mass every week. I wouldn’t know if you had never been to our church or not. And even if I did attend all of the Sunday Masses and knew all of our parishioners and recognized you as a stranger, I would welcome you there and I would assume that most people would welcome you as well.
#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him? Sounds like a good idea. You could introduce yourself to the priest after Mass. At our parish, our priest stands outside or in the vestibule after Mass greeting the people as they leave Mass every morning. Some priests greet the people only on Sunday. You could also call the parish office and explain to them that you would like to become a Catholic and they would inform you of what to do.

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?
You may get an impression of what the parish is like when you attend Mass at the parish. If the parish has a website, that may be of help, too, in giving you some idea of what the parish is like.
Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

You’re welcome. And welcome home!

 

[Thyme]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

…

Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

I’m really happy to read this post. Thank you for cheering up my morning

It won’t look at all if you go to Mass at advent. For all the parishoners know, you’re new to the area, or you usually go to another church but missed the services. The time when people who don’t usually go to Mass go is at Christmas or Easter, not Advent. Advent is the beginning of the Church’s new year. It seems like a very relevant time to begin

#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him?

I’m not sure if you mean Sunday mornings, but if not, Saturday night is best. I’m not sure if it’s the case with every parish, but my parish does a Sunday mass on Saturday evening (I think it’s to do with the Hebrew calender).

Regarding talking to the Priest, they are really easy to speak to. If you arrive early, he will be outside greeting everyone and when Mass has ended, he will be outside again, saying good bye. This is usually when people stop to ask him something. Just say, “Hello, Father, I was wondering if I could arrange some time to talk to you. I’m considering converting.”

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?

Don’t worry, no Catholic church will be liberalistic and all will have to teach the official teachings otherwise the Bishop will receive many complaints! A Catholic church must be in full communion with Rome in order to be Catholic, which means that all teachings will be the same. The only reason for preferring one church over another would be times of Masses and preference of Priest.

It makes me really happy that you will be joining the Church. I suggest you have a good look around on this forum and ask many questions. I’ve been Catholic all my life and never realised how much knowledge I was lacking until I came here

 

[Like]

Bill, I agree with all here. I’m 70 yr.old Cradle Catholic who just quit going to church for 35 years & only returned about 6 years ago. and some what had the same worries as you in that what would the priest & parishioners think about me, but to my surprise there was not 1 single person who didn’t welcome me.

My suggestion would be to Google for the Diocese website for where you live and see what Churches would be in your area & also get a feel for what your diocese and Bishop are about. All Latin Rite Catholic Churches should be in union with Rome.

You probably will need to register & attend RCIA & if you were to that soon you might be able to the join in the present classes. Attending RCIA should give you an idea of what that parish would like. If you find that particular parish is to liberal for you, you can check out other parishes. RCIA is not a commitment to convert. Also, check for parishes in your area that has the Traditional Latin Mass! But do speak with a priest soon.

WELCOME HOME!

 

[Angels_Eyes]

I agree with ‘Thyme’. Advent would be a wonderful time to embrace the Catholic religion.

I was half way there this year in Lent, but became unsure. Now I have fully accepted God back into my life after about 20 years. I am very much looking forward to Advent to be able to celebrate the wonders of this season as a proud Christian woman once again.

I say go for it and don’t look back, there is so much I love about being back in the Church again. The Catholic religion has so much to give us all.

God Bless you and good luck on your spiritual journey.

 

[Kindness]

How exciting Bill and as a convert myself since 1986 a very warm welcome to you! I would just say that whoever you approach and talk to remember they are just one of millions of Catholics and will not always have all the answers that you are seeking immediately. I would recommend you get a copy of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults and start using it as a study and prayer guide along with a Catholic bible.

May you continue to be blessed on your journey to Truth.

 

[JRKH]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

Welcome home.
You say that youhaven’t been to a Catholic Schurch since second grade. Were wyou Baptized Catholic? had you made your first confession and communion?
If so, then returning could be as simple as a good confession. Then you should seek classes to be confirmed.

#1. Obviously I need to go put in my first appearance, but will it be looked on as odd that I have come in advent? I mean I have always been Christian, but other people don’t know that. I always hated it when I came year round and was forced to be jammed in because of “Christians” who thought they were doing God some big favor by showing up on Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Should I just wait until after the first of the year?

Don’t wait. The C&E Catholics won’t be a problem except on Christmas eve/day. No one will look eskance at you. In fact, given how many Catholic parishes are, probably no one will give it a second thought.

#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him?

If you can attend daily mass this is absolutely wonderful. As for approaching the priest, depending on whether you’ve had first confession or not, you could simply call the parish office and make an appointment to talk to him and have him hear your confession. You might even be able to approach him right after morning mass.

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?

Frankly, I wouldn’t approach the priest on this. My suggestion would be to simply start going at your local parish. Odds are that you will be fine. If the parish does seem “too liberal” then you can always look elsewhere or you could, by active participation in ministry, work to bring the parish back to a more orthodox view.
Since Priests are moved periodically a parish that is liberal now might not be in five years or vice-versa.

Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

You are weLcome and
WELCOME HOME

Peace
James

 

[PAboy57]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

#1. Obviously I need to go put in my first appearance, but will it be looked on as odd that I have come in advent? I mean I have always been Christian, but other people don’t know that. I always hated it when I came year round and was forced to be jammed in because of “Christians” who thought they were doing God some big favor by showing up on Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Should I just wait until after the first of the year?

#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him?

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?

Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

Welcome and I am so happy for you. Welcome home.

1. Attend now, don’t wait and Advent is a great time to open yourself and celebrate the birth of our Savior. Go early and say the Rosary. I cannot recommend enough about praying the Rosary daily on your journey. Our Blessed Mother will bring you closer to Jesus. It is the most powerful prayer after the Mass. Developing a deep prayer life is essential to uniting your heart to God. That is your goal.
2. Approach immediately after Mass and ask to call and schedule an appointment to discuss RCIA. He can provide you with many answers and details. Attend Mass as often as your heart desires and your work schedule permits. Each Mass gives you sactifying grace to help you on your journey in seeking the truth.
3. Do some website reviews and pick one. God will guide you. If I was just starting I would tend to go to a Church that offers a Latin Mass. I still believe it is the most beautiful experience.

Go with your heart and pray. Our Blessed Mother’s mission is to bring you to Jesus.

God Bless.

 

[Denise1957]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

#1. Obviously I need to go put in my first appearance, but will it be looked on as odd that I have come in advent? I mean I have always been Christian, but other people don’t know that. I always hated it when I came year round and was forced to be jammed in because of “Christians” who thought they were doing God some big favor by showing up on Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Should I just wait until after the first of the year?

#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him?

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?

Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

Hi Bill,

There’s already so much good advice offered on this thread, but I’d just like to add a few things based on my own experience as a convert, since I, too, was trying to find a solidly Catholic parish for my instruction.

As has already been mentioned, no one will mind if you attend mass at Advent. I attended mass for two years before I finally decided to convert. I went to several different parish churches, in order to find one that I thought was suitable.

Since you want a parish that does not have liberal tendencies, there are two things that I would recommend: 1) look at the parish website. If they offer things such as Eucharistic Adoration, an active pro-life ministry, praying of the rosary (often before or after Mass), then chances are that they have a sound catechesis. 2) Go to mass and listen to the sermons. Since you probably already know a lot from listening to EWTN, you can tell a lot about a priests’ orthodoxy from the sermons on Sunday. The weekday masses, which are low masses, don’t usually include a sermon.

As has already been mentioned, I think, if you go to a diocesan-approved Latin mass, you will definately recieve a sound catechesis there. You will likely meet one-on-one with the priest for instruction, rather than attend an RCIA class. I don’t want to turn you away from the Latin mass (which is what I attend, and I love it), but it may be a bit much to take in at one time…trying to figure out the Latin missel, and take instruction as well. But, if you’re a fast learner (unlike myself) you can probably do it.

Best wishes, and welcome!

 

[Neil_Anthony]

The thing is I haven’t been in a Roman Catholic Church since I was in 2nd grade. I was raised Baptist, and after a period of total apostasy became Lutheran (Missouri Synod. Very Traditional and conservative). I have been watching countless hours of EWTN and reading and am now almost 100% convinced you guys have it right. I just have some questions.

#1. Obviously I need to go put in my first appearance, but will it be looked on as odd that I have come in advent? I mean I have always been Christian, but other people don’t know that. I always hated it when I came year round and was forced to be jammed in because of “Christians” who thought they were doing God some big favor by showing up on Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. Should I just wait until after the first of the year?

#2. I would just like to attend mornings and Saturday night while I explore this. After I have come a few times (and how many times do you think that should be) how do I approach the Priest and ask for time to talk to him?

#3. I would want to join a real Catholic church that teaches the real, official teachings of the church and not get involved with a church who has drifted off into Liberalism. What is the best way to say this, without sounding brash to the Priest when I talk to him?

Thanks for yourcomments in advance.

Don’t wait until after Christmas… the churches are only over-filled on christmas eve and christmas, there’ll be room during advent.

Look at the parish website to see what it’s like. Or better yet let us know what city you’re in and we’ll help you find the best parish there. I don’t think it’ll be easy to just ask the priest if his parish is overrun by wacko liberals, since a liberal priest might not even be aware of such a problem. Take a look at the art in the church, and see what the bulletin says the parish is involved with.

 

[Adeodatus]

your best bet is to go to Latin mass.

This. Find a parish that does Mass in the “Extraordinary Form” (also called the TLM or Tridentine Latin Mass). No nonsense, no irreverence, no Liberals.

Welcome home.

 

[BillTheSlink]

@JRKH

No, I wasn’t Baptised Catholic. My Mother wanted me to be Cathlic, but my Father had been a Jehovah’s Witness and was anti-religion and particularly anti-Catholic. The compromise was to send me to Catholic school but abstain from being officially Catholic, but that only lasted two years as I wanted to be Catholic, my Father wouldn’t hear of it, and I was somewhat ostracised by the other kids for not being Catholic, so my Mother thought it best to move me to public schools and forget about the matter.

I had my own anti-Catholic streak for a long time both because I believed Catholics believed stuff they didn’t and there was stuff I thought had no Biblical basis, such as the assumption of The Virgin without death, that I found out through watching re-runs of Mother Angelica and of course, my favorite, Father John Corapi, really did. Really I have to say God has brought me a long way. Had it not been for a short stint with the Methodists and then these years with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod I wouldn’t even be ready to accept a liturgical service. You have to remember as a backwoods Baptist we were waiting for the Catholic Church to be revealed as the Whore of Babylon of Revelation and then us be snatched away. Ahh the misspent youth.

 

[zab]

This. Find a parish that does Mass in the “Extraordinary Form” (also called the TLM or Tridentine Latin Mass). No nonsense, no irreverence, no Liberals.

Welcome home.

Not quite true. We have the TLM at our parish and we do have some parishioners who are liberals. They voice their opinions on bumper stickers and sometimes when meeting with a small group such as on school fundraising projects but they are not in control here.

 

[catholic-rcia]

Bill, I agree with all here. I’m 70 yr.old Cradle Catholic who just quit going to church for 35 years & only returned about 6 years ago. and some what had the same worries as you in that what would the priest & parishioners think about me, but to my surprise there was not 1 single person who didn’t welcome me.

My suggestion would be to Google for the Diocese website for where you live and see what Churches would be in your area & also get a feel for what your diocese and Bishop are about. All Latin Rite Catholic Churches should be in union with Rome.

You probably will need to register & attend RCIA & if you were to that soon you might be able to the join in the present classes. Attending RCIA should give you an idea of what that parish would like. If you find that particular parish is to liberal for you, you can check out other parishes. RCIA is not a commitment to convert. Also, check for parishes in your area that has the Traditional Latin Mass! But do speak with a priest soon.

WELCOME HOME!

Hey Bill “70” How did you ever make it!
Ok, not far behind

Good advice. RCIA is not a commitment to convert as you say. When I was on that journey we had a big green exit sign above the door. I remember looking at it often for a few minutes. Don’t think I ever looked at it again. But it was nice to have it there when I thought I needed it most.

I became Catholic 12 years ago in Logan Utah. I have helped with the RCIA for 12 years. I know many who just quit coming for whatever reason. But I do know this. When I see them back It’s like Christmas morning every time. It took me so many years to find what I have now in this faith. I don’t question why others leave. Hell I am supposed to be Catholic! Right!! Funny but the ones I have come to know who returned like you Bill seem to be very devout, they seem to really appreciate the return. One women who I got to see return after leaving the faith for about 30 years to become Mormon is one of the best RCIA leaders we have. the 30 years away really shaped her for today and what she does for Christ. I have a sense that you know what I am talking about.

One could leave for 35 years, but that one moment of returning makes up for all those years in a millisecond. As fast as it take the Priest to say the words of absolution. Someone has a problem with one leaving after one has returned has to much time on there hands. After being gone for so long and walking out of the confessional you have every rite to point them to the same room. Out of love of course.

And to you who wants to become Catholic
I want you to instant message me. I want to give you a Crucifx, a gift.
www.chooseyourcross.com
God bless this post!!!
www.utahmission.com

 

[ComeHome2Rome]

Can’t wait to have you back home!

#1. No time like the present. No need to wait until next year. Come to worship Jesus right now! He deserves it! Don’t put Him off any longer. Jesus has waited long enough for you to come back to Him. He’s missed you! Do not let yourself worry about the opinions of others. During the Our Father Prayer at Mass, you will hear the priest say something along the lines of “And free them (us) of all anxiety…” Come to Mass and be freed from all that!

#2. If you will go to Mass this coming Saturday night, then give the priest a call tonight or tomorrow and make an appointment with him asap to see if he will allow you to join the RCIA which would be about 1/2 way through already, but if you’re able to get into RCIA Class now you may be able to be fully received in the Catholic Church through Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation on Easter Vigil 2011. Meanwhile, you may also want to join a Catholics Come Home class the next time one is held at the parish closest to you.
On a side note: A positive side affect of these classes will be that you will meet other parishioners and be able to make connections and friends which is hard to do if you only attend Confession and Mass.

#3. A Catholic Church is the Catholic Church. If the priest has been ordained then whether or not he slants liberal or not, you will still receive from that priest the true Body, Blood, Soul and Divinty of Jesus in the Eucharist that priests celebrates and you will receive Forgiveness of your sins by going to Confession to him - once you have come into the Catholic Church through the Rite of Initiation of Adults (RCIA). If the homilies are lacking, then at home listen to great Catholic preachers on CD, like Fr. John Corapi, pray the Rosary, read the Bible and Catechism and you will be completely fulfilled spiritually!

Don’t let anything prevent you from coming back home asap! Jesus wants you back yesterday!

 

[JRKH]

@JRKH

No, I wasn’t Baptised Catholic. My Mother wanted me to be Cathlic, but my Father had been a Jehovah’s Witness and was anti-religion and particularly anti-Catholic. The compromise was to send me to Catholic school but abstain from being officially Catholic, but that only lasted two years as I wanted to be Catholic, my Father wouldn’t hear of it, and I was somewhat ostracised by the other kids for not being Catholic, so my Mother thought it best to move me to public schools and forget about the matter.

I had my own anti-Catholic streak for a long time both because I believed Catholics believed stuff they didn’t and there was stuff I thought had no Biblical basis, such as the assumption of The Virgin without death, that I found out through watching re-runs of Mother Angelica and of course, my favorite, Father John Corapi, really did. Really I have to say God has brought me a long way. Had it not been for a short stint with the Methodists and then these years with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod I wouldn’t even be ready to accept a liturgical service. You have to remember as a backwoods Baptist we were waiting for the Catholic Church to be revealed as the Whore of Babylon of Revelation and then us be snatched away. Ahh the misspent youth.

OK Bill, Thanks for that wonderful clarification. EWTN is such a godsend isn’t it?
In this case then the advise of the others is the correct way to go. Check on the RCIA classes, talk to the pastor and/or Director of Religious education (DRE) or whatever and go for it.
Keep in touch and let us know how things are progressing.

Peace
James

 

[Dymphna82]

I haven’t read all the posts here. I’m 28. I just started going back to church maybe this October. Last time I went before that, I was 13. I decided for my first time back, I’d lookup the most interesting looking churches and see how I like them. So, I’d go to St. Francis of Assisi in NYC and it’s a really marvelous place. Nobody knows me there and nobody looks at me funny. And the rector was kind enough to give me a rosary and medal as a welcome back gift.

I’m still likely going to go back to St. Francis but I’ve been going to my mom’s church. It’s only a few blocks from my home. I thought it’d feel odd because she knows so many people there and a few know me. But nobody was judgmental. I felt more like I was welcomed.

After a while, you just kind of feel like, whoever is going to focus on why you haven’t been to church and judge, well, they aren’t been charitable Catholics at all, and that’s for them to workout with God. You have more important things to do, like pray, maybe buy a missal, learn what pages each hymn is on, go to confession and all that stuff.

 

[JDee]

Dear Bill,

Welcome home!

Just a few thoughts - DON’T WAIT. Join us as we await the birth of our Saviour! Mass - being nourished with the Word of God - and when you are fully initiated (Confirmation and First Eucharist) you are also nurished by the Body of Christ, is not an activity that attendance is taken. Being present, singing with the angels and saints as we proclaim God’s glory is for all people and the most wonderful experience when you participate fully. I pray that the “Lily and Holly Catholics” will be open to attending more often - it is good that they come, better if they make it a lifestyle but everyone is on a personal journey and some take longer.

Sit and spend time with our Lord, listen, pray and if you can do it in an Adoration Chapel it is all the better. Talk to a Priest or two - attend Mass in a couple of different parishes and don’t let the extras - (choir, decor of the church, homily) keep you from what is the centre of Mass - EUCHARIST (which means - “thanks-giving”)

A young child told our Priest this - “I see the cruxifix and it may look like Him but I know that is not Him - I see the little bread and it does not look like Him, but I know that is Jesus.”

EWTN has some wonderful resources. I was born and raised Catholic but have never had the experience and understanding of the faith as the last few years. What an honour (unworthy as I am) to recieve the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ into my body that I may be like Him ( in action and worship, in thoughts and prayer to the best of my human ability )

RCIA is an excellent idea. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process and even if you are not able to be recieved this Easter, come anyway. You will learn so much and when you are ready you may be recieved. Some parishes run year round and others run a September to Easter - come anyway and explore the faith.

Last point - **when you have doubts **- ask yourself - “Who is planting them? Who does not want you to come to Christ? Who does not want you to arm yourself with His strength and love, forgiveness and grace?”

May God bless you on your journey Bill,

Janine

 

[beth40n2]

I have been a Catholic for 6 years and I can tell you to come to Mass as soon as possible. Advent is a perfect time. If you know someone who is Catholic, ask to go along. If not, step out on your own.

If you are in a big city, you will not be noticed. People go to all different Mass times and locations based on their schedule. Try to follow along. Stand, sit, kneel when others do.

You can go to your local church ahead of time and talk to a nun, priest or other church staff to get acquainted with the church.

I will be praying for you.