Any advice on converting to Catholicism?

[origin68]

I am 37 years old. My mother is from the south and considers herself Baptist. My father is from the north and was raised Catholic, yet never attended church. Growing up, my family were members of the Salvation Army, but we left the state and stopped going to church.

Now that I am an adult, married and have children (my wife was raised as a Methodist), I’ve attended non-denominational “Christian” churches and have raised my children with a good sense of spirituality and to seek a personal relationship with God. We do not currently attend any church and haven’t for quite some time.

I am considering coverting to Catholicism. My wife isn’t opposed to it. In fact, recently she’s been voluteering at St. Paul’s Catholic Church - their soup kitchen, and really loves the people there. We’ve been thinking about attending church there, and converting. My two daughters are fine with it - I believe.

I’ve been questioning myself lately. Why do I want to covert? What is wrong with the churches I’ve been attending - on and off over the years? What makes the Catholic religion so “pragmatic”?

I want to make sure I am converting for the right reasons. I feel comfortable converting, although I must admit I have no idea where to begin. I am going to seek advice from the nearest Catholic church.

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

J.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear J,

Just jump in. Go to a nearby Catholic Church and ask about joining the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Taking the course does not oblige you to become a Catholic. If you have any problems with this, let me know.

There is a fine book on line that gives a good over-view of the Catholic Faith: “The Spirit of Catholicism” by Karl Adam. Also you can check out the Original Catholic Encyclopedia online.

As for not knowing why you seem drawn to Catholicism, this will become clear as you learn more about it. I’m not sure what is making you think of the Catholic Church as being “so pragmatic.” The heart of Catholicism is what we call the “Paschal (or Passover) Mystery.” It is the mystery of the Incarnate God suffering and dieing for the benefit of the human race. Such mystery reduces one to silent adoration and gratitude. Nothing pragmatic here—just a love that cannot be fully comprehended by the human mind.

It is from this that has issued the long and rich history of mysticism in the Catholic Church. It is so wonderful. It’ll knock your socks off! Catholicism is a spiritual wonderland. You are most welcome to come in and set a spell. You are also in my prayers. Feel free to write again.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.