Basic help, please

[Just_wondering]

I was baptized Catholic as a baby, but my parents left the Church shortly afterwards, and I was never raised with a faith. Now I’m feeling a calling to learn more about the Church. My boyfriend is Catholic, and that is playing into my decision, but mostly I’m interested in the Church because he and his Catholic friends are really good people who work hard and live happily, unlike my atheist friends who seem selfish and unhappy in comparison.

Unfortunately, my boyfriend is Filipino, and he goes to mass in a Filipino church, and the mass is conducted in Filipino. I don’t speak Filipino. Most Catholic churches in Korea conduct mass in Korean, naturally, and although I could find an English-speaking Catholic church, I’m not really comfortable going alone when I know so little about the faith, and I won’t know anybody there. Also, I believe the English-speaking church is about an hour away from me. Mostly, though, I’m intimidated at the idea of walking into a church I don’t know, full of people I don’t know, to learn about a faith I don’t know.

So what are the basic things I need to know? I’ve read a lot in these forums over the past months about Church teachings and beliefs, but the very basic stuff is assumed. I don’t know anything about those things. I know there are some things I want to learn more about.

Can I be Catholic if I was baptized but know nothing about the faith?
How do I say the rosary? Can I say it if I’m not really Catholic yet?
Is there an established way to pray? So far, I’ve just been silently thinking of people I want to pray for. I ask Mary for help for them, because it seems to me that as a woman, she has been through some experiences that would help me understand her better. Is it wrong of me to think that Jesus and God don’t have as much in common with me as Mary does?
What are some basic prayers that I need to know?
Can I go to my boyfriend’s church, even if I don’t understand the language? If I can, can I receive the Eucharist? If I don’t go to mass, can I still light a candle there? What am I supposed to be doing as I’m lighting the candle?
I’d like to ask my boyfriend all these questions, but I’m embarrassed at my ignorance.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

You are technically Catholic because you are baptised, but your best chance is probably to talk to a priest… or someone else on this forum, I can’t tell you much. You probably shouldn’t recieve the Eucharist, but you can certainly pray the Rosary. As far as I know.

 

[scylla]

Can I be Catholic if I was baptized but know nothing about the faith?
Yes, you are baptized and a Catholic, you just need to keep on the path to Christ.
How do I say the rosary? Can I say it if I’m not really Catholic yet?
**You can say the rosary online, it is maybe more practical to go to a Church and just pick up a booklet guide, they usually give them away for free. Just go to the office and ask for a guide to pray the rosary and they should give you one, unless you have some mean old secretary. (usually they are nice old ladies) **
Is there an established way to pray? So far, I’ve just been silently thinking of people I want to pray for. I ask Mary for help for them, because it seems to me that as a woman, she has been through some experiences that would help me understand her better. Is it wrong of me to think that Jesus and God don’t have as much in common with me as Mary does?
No it is not wrong to to contemplate on things like that. Mary is the model for women to emulate.
What are some basic prayers that I need to know?
The Our Father,(the Prayer Jesus taught us in Matthew Chapter 6)
The Hail Mary(Gospel of Luke), The Glory Be (prayer to the Trinity)
Can I go to my boyfriend’s church, even if I don’t understand the language? (Yes)
If I can, can I receive the Eucharist? (I wouldn’t until you go to confession and get permission) It might take a little more than confession to be ready, some classes to learn a bit more about the faith. (for some it might take a bit of time)
If I don’t go to mass, can I still light a candle there? What am I supposed to be doing as I’m lighting the candle?
Go ahead light a candle, that is one of the great things about being Catholic, we can touch, smell, and live our faith. Say a prayer for someone, even yourself
Being Catholic is great, it is total freedom and obedience at the same time.
To learn more, just download MP3’s of Catholic Answers there are hundreds of shows to listen to all for free.
Unless you like to read. there are hundreds of books available.

God Bless
Scylla

 

[grandpa_Jim]

First and foremost, go to confession. Ask the priest all the questions that you have written here in this post.

Like most Filipinos here in Canada we are more comfortable going to an English Mass than Filipino Mass. Thus invite your boyfriend to go with you to an English Mass. You yourselves communicate in English anyway.

 

[puzzleannie]

yes you are Catholic by virtue of your baptism. try to locate your baptismal certificate, or ask someone in the family to assist you in contacting the parish where you were baptized for a new copy. You will need this because you are going to the pastor of your new parish and ask help in preparing for first communion (including first confession) and confirmation.

This will probably entail about a year of weekly classes, covering Church beliefs and practices. Some in your class will be in your situation, some may be non-Catholics who are converting, some may be Catholic adults who do have a good knowledge of the faith, but also need confirmation. If you don’t know anyone Catholic, you will be given a sponsor to guide you through the process, as well as your teacher (catechist) and the pastor. This will be a great way to meet new people, and shortly you will feel part of a group, not alone. And you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get answers.

welcome home

here Filipinos worship in English, although some do have prayer groups or private devotions in homes in their language. In any parish with a sizable Filipino population, the choir is usually great. There is not yet a large Korean population in this diocese or a Korean Mass, but there are in other SoTex cities. Koreans here worship in English at their regular parish. Classes will most likely be conducted in English as well.

go to the pastor of your friend’s church and ask him to put you in contact with a parish where you can worship and take classes in your own language or in English, he will be the best place to get that information. don’t be embarrassed to ask your friend, he would probably love to help you, and it will be a challenge to him and he will probably start to learn more and grow in his faith along with you.

if you want to buy one book to start with, get Catholicism for Dummies at your large chain bookstore, or on-line at ewtn.com, by Frs. Trigilio and Brighenti (the yellow one, do NOT get the "Idiot’s guide). Great, easy, accurate way to answer your questions and a real fun read.

 

[Just_wondering]

Thanks a lot to everyone who replied. Scylla, your response was particularly helpful - I liked being able to click on the online rosary, rather than waiting until I have time to go to church to pick up a booklet. Obviously, it would be better to have a physical booklet and a rosary of my own, but it’s a nice idea to have a temporary substitute. The nearest Catholic church I know is an hour away, so I haven’t had a chance to go down there yet. It’s high on my list of things to do.

Just goes to show how nice all you (we?) Catholics are.