Becoming catholic- some questions

[paperwight]

Hey, I’m glad you’re considering becoming Catholic. RCIA was only difficult for me in the sense of social anxiety and overcoming vices. Pray to the Holy Spirit that he will guide you to the parish he Wills. My first confession felt like the weight of the world was lifted off of my shoulders. My guess is when the priest said “convert and believe in the gospel” he means convert from the error or sin ( anything that contradicts Holy Mother Church). God Bless!

Yes I think you are right. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the wording ‘Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel’.

 

[Saturninia]

In the Magnificat, on Ash Wednesday, it states the priest has the option of saying either ‘Repent and believe the Gospel’ or ‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return’ .

I’m registered at my closest church, where I was confirmed. But I frequently attend Mass and volunteer in a different parish because they specialize in a certain ministry that I’m gifted for. I go to confession at different places, depending on how serious my confession is and how much counsel I need. The Catholic Church is just so wonderful in its offerings.

If you don’t have one already, keep a confession journal. Then you can read right from it when you go to the priest. Afterwards you rip up the pages you confessed. This keeps you from forgetting or rambling if you get nervous.

 

[tafan2]

how did you know you found the right parish?

Parishes are territorial entities (think counties or precincts). Technically you will be a member of the parish you live in. So go to the closest parish first, that way you will more likely be going to your parish.

If you have a major problem with that parish, go to a different one. Perhaps you come from a Protestant background where “church shopping” is somewhat common. Parish shopping in the Catholic Church should not really be done, but one can always attend any mass said anywhere. Same with confession. Indeed, many people often happen upon a priest in confession they like and always go to that priest, even though he his in a parish they hardly ever attend.

 

[Bekind2]

That’s some really good advice thank you!